Here I am pictured with each precious child! Do any of them look like me?
Small Town
3 years ago
Monday, May 11, 2009
Mother's Day -Part 2
Below is a picture of my table full of the most precious, beautiful, handmade cards that my children made me for Mother's Day. I look at my sofa table, with the cards made with love, flowers bought with care and other sweet gifts and feel blessed, oh so blessed to be a Momma. A Momma to four wonderful blessings.
Here I am pictured with each precious child! Do any of them look like me?
Here I am pictured with each precious child! Do any of them look like me?
Mother's Day 2009- Part 1
My Mother's Day officially started Saturday night. After Michael and I came home from putting an offer on a house. (I am not jumping for joy yet, because it is on a short sale.)The kids were waiting on the front porch all dressed up to take me out to dinner and the each had a flower in hand.
My oldest son not only bathed himself but bathed his little brother and dressed him in nice dinner attire. The funny thing was that they all matched me!! Did they plan that? I guess the theme was denim!
We went to Johnny Carino's and pigged out on delicious Italian food, I didn't hold back, and enjoyed every bite!! I even had leftovers the next day. The kids were so well behaved and it was a joy eating out with them. We don't go out to eat much so this was a huge treat, and, it wasn't McDonald's or pizza!
More Mother's Day fun coming in part 2.
I would like to thank blogging for helping me make MEMORIES!!
I am so glad for blogging because now I will be able to document the memories that are made. Whether it is day to day memories, thoughts that go through my head, the little things my kids do or big events like Mother's Day; I now have them documented! Can you give a shout out to blogging?! It has changed my life!!
Michael said just the other day that I am taking more pictures than I have ever taken. I was notorious for missing the moment because I didn't have my camera with me. Back in those days, I relied on my moms to take all the pics. Now the camera is usually with me wherever I go. I love capturing the moment and have enjoyed looking back at this last year. I started blogging a year ago and have captured so many great memories and thoughts.
I am hoping to get this first year put into a book. I have found a few different sites that will take my blog and put it into a memoir book. I have seen inexpensive all the way up to very expensive books. I just want something inexpensive that I can duplicate, one for each of my kids. I think this would be a wonderful gift to give them each year! Here are a couple of the sites that I have found. Blog 2 Print, bookemon, Lulu, Your Blog to a Book
Michael said just the other day that I am taking more pictures than I have ever taken. I was notorious for missing the moment because I didn't have my camera with me. Back in those days, I relied on my moms to take all the pics. Now the camera is usually with me wherever I go. I love capturing the moment and have enjoyed looking back at this last year. I started blogging a year ago and have captured so many great memories and thoughts.
I am hoping to get this first year put into a book. I have found a few different sites that will take my blog and put it into a memoir book. I have seen inexpensive all the way up to very expensive books. I just want something inexpensive that I can duplicate, one for each of my kids. I think this would be a wonderful gift to give them each year! Here are a couple of the sites that I have found. Blog 2 Print, bookemon, Lulu, Your Blog to a Book
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Breakfast in Bed Always Welcomed!!
I woke up this morning, walked downstairs and found Emma crying and carrying on. She was rather upset by the fact that she couldn't make me breakfast in bed because Jeff told her that I was on a diet and wouldn't eat the food she was going to make for me.
At moments like these I get all choked up by the thoughtfulness and love my children show or want to show to me.
I never want any diet to get in the way of my children's desire to do something special for me. Especially if it's breakfast in bed!! I will gladly accept any breakfast given to me in bed and won't turn it away. In fact, I will believe wholeheartedly that it is calorie free because little, sweet, loving hands prepared it for me.
I told Emma that I would love breakfast! And in fact eggs and sausage is exactly what is on my diet!! A smile crept across her face and she happily ran off to make me breakfast.
I found this cartoon this morning. I have been guilty of saying "no you can't make a mess in the kitchen because I just cleaned it the night before". How little ones interpret these sort of things. Just like my diet and breakfast in bed.
I really don't know a mom who would or should turn down breakfast in bed. It happens so rarely we should embrace it whenever it comes our way- even on a diet or if it means there is a huge mess in the kitchen to clean up afterward.
At moments like these I get all choked up by the thoughtfulness and love my children show or want to show to me.
I never want any diet to get in the way of my children's desire to do something special for me. Especially if it's breakfast in bed!! I will gladly accept any breakfast given to me in bed and won't turn it away. In fact, I will believe wholeheartedly that it is calorie free because little, sweet, loving hands prepared it for me.
I told Emma that I would love breakfast! And in fact eggs and sausage is exactly what is on my diet!! A smile crept across her face and she happily ran off to make me breakfast.
I found this cartoon this morning. I have been guilty of saying "no you can't make a mess in the kitchen because I just cleaned it the night before". How little ones interpret these sort of things. Just like my diet and breakfast in bed.
I really don't know a mom who would or should turn down breakfast in bed. It happens so rarely we should embrace it whenever it comes our way- even on a diet or if it means there is a huge mess in the kitchen to clean up afterward.
The M.O.M. Awards
by Nancy Kennedy
"Humor for a Women's Heart"
It's Mother's Day. You down cold coffee and soggy toast, ooh and aah over plaster hand prints, and stifle a smile at the homemade card that reads: "Roses are red, vilits are blue, moms are nice, and I am too. Happy Mudder's day moM."
Next you clean up the coffee spills and help your kids find clean socks. You empty the litter box and start a load of wash.
Now you're in church. You maneuver your kids into their seats, separating the kicker from the kickee and the bulletin grabbers from one another. It's time to recognize mothers of distinction. The pastor asks the oldest mother to stand. She gets a round of applause and a carnation. Next, the newest mother is asked to stand. She would if she could, but she's in the crying room...crying with her newborn. (Her carnation gets stuffed inside her diaper bag.) Finally, the mother with the most children is asked to rise. She gets a standing ovation.
Then there's everyone else, including you. You're not the oldest, newest or mostest. You've done nothing to earn recognition, and you wonder if anyone even knows you exist. For that reason the prestigious Mothers of Merit (M.O.M.) Award were created for all the ordinary moms like you and me.
At this year's M.O.M. Awards ceremony, in the "How Does She Do It?" category, the first Mommy goes to you moms who simultaneously nurse you babies, stir cake batter, talk on the phone, wipe up grape juice with you feet and monitor homework.
Nest is the "Only a Mother Would" category. This Mommy is for all of you who suck the salt off French fries before feeding them to your toddlers and consider a good day one in which you get to brush you hair and your teeth. You who regularly give the meatier pieces of the chicken to your husbands and kids- this Mommy's for you.
The Mommy for the dubious "I'm Turning Into My Mother" category is awarded to all of you who have ever said or done anything just like your mothers. This includes: 1.Saying, "I have a bone to pick with you"; 2. Tsk-tsking and finger wagging (preferable at the same time); or 3. Giving "the look."
The final Mommy in the "Is This All There Is to Life?" category goes to all of you who feel overwhelmed by the mundane tasks that make up your lives, who continually spill out your lives for your young ones, who willingly put your dreams on the shelf to serve your God by tying shoelaces and wiping backsides and runny noses. Along with this Mommy, you will receive strength for your tasks, purpose for you lives, grace to continue and the satisfaction of knowing your service in the Lord is never in vain.
Happy Mudder's Day.
"Humor for a Women's Heart"
It's Mother's Day. You down cold coffee and soggy toast, ooh and aah over plaster hand prints, and stifle a smile at the homemade card that reads: "Roses are red, vilits are blue, moms are nice, and I am too. Happy Mudder's day moM."
Next you clean up the coffee spills and help your kids find clean socks. You empty the litter box and start a load of wash.
Now you're in church. You maneuver your kids into their seats, separating the kicker from the kickee and the bulletin grabbers from one another. It's time to recognize mothers of distinction. The pastor asks the oldest mother to stand. She gets a round of applause and a carnation. Next, the newest mother is asked to stand. She would if she could, but she's in the crying room...crying with her newborn. (Her carnation gets stuffed inside her diaper bag.) Finally, the mother with the most children is asked to rise. She gets a standing ovation.
Then there's everyone else, including you. You're not the oldest, newest or mostest. You've done nothing to earn recognition, and you wonder if anyone even knows you exist. For that reason the prestigious Mothers of Merit (M.O.M.) Award were created for all the ordinary moms like you and me.
At this year's M.O.M. Awards ceremony, in the "How Does She Do It?" category, the first Mommy goes to you moms who simultaneously nurse you babies, stir cake batter, talk on the phone, wipe up grape juice with you feet and monitor homework.
Nest is the "Only a Mother Would" category. This Mommy is for all of you who suck the salt off French fries before feeding them to your toddlers and consider a good day one in which you get to brush you hair and your teeth. You who regularly give the meatier pieces of the chicken to your husbands and kids- this Mommy's for you.
The Mommy for the dubious "I'm Turning Into My Mother" category is awarded to all of you who have ever said or done anything just like your mothers. This includes: 1.Saying, "I have a bone to pick with you"; 2. Tsk-tsking and finger wagging (preferable at the same time); or 3. Giving "the look."
The final Mommy in the "Is This All There Is to Life?" category goes to all of you who feel overwhelmed by the mundane tasks that make up your lives, who continually spill out your lives for your young ones, who willingly put your dreams on the shelf to serve your God by tying shoelaces and wiping backsides and runny noses. Along with this Mommy, you will receive strength for your tasks, purpose for you lives, grace to continue and the satisfaction of knowing your service in the Lord is never in vain.
Happy Mudder's Day.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Clean Teeth and Free Pizza!!
Kids sure do cost a lot!
BUT....
Aren't they worth every penny?
Today all four children went to the dentist. You see, I tried to space them out so that we weren't hit with a huge bill, but yesterday the dentist office called and asked if we could bump the two that were next month up with the two that had an apt. today.
OK, I didn't not really thinking of the financial outcome.
Nearly $700.00 and two cavities later (which were not apart of the bill) I just about cried. No, actually, I about fainted when the receptionist asked how I was going to pay for it.
"I don't know!" was my reply.
I walked away with four clean mouths, two cavities that need to be filled, and thank goodness for all the freebies they gave the kids. They better give out freebies because after that bill there ain't no money left over for toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, fluoride, and all the other stuff that we are told we need to keep those teeth clean.
You better believe that I gave my kids a humongous pep talk about brushing their teeth a dozen times a day and to never touch another piece of candy or drink another pop again until they leave my nest. All eyes were staring at me like I was the teeth Nazi or something. Seriously, I thought that this was a grand opportunity to show the kids just how much life, I mean they costs. I reassured them that it was definitely mom and dad's job to take care of them. But......I meant it when I told them that I WILL NOT PAY FOR ANY MORE CAVITIES AFTER THIS!!! I explained that it was one thing to have such a large bill for teeth cleaning and ex rays and such, but cavities are just a result of being lazy. I think I made myself clear.
I think I got their attention. All four were brushing the heck out of their teeth tonight. They probably brushed twice as long as the required amount.
Oh, I forgot to mention- The office gave each child a coupon for a free mini pizza at Papa's Pizza. They even gave Michael and I one. I guess this was their way to try and soften the blow of the huge bill. You better believe that we piled in the car with their newly clean teeth and drove straight to Papa's to get us some free pizza. The look on the cashiers face when we plopped down our six coupons. Just to make it look like we weren't a total mooch, we bought four child size sodas, yes I said sodas, and a carafe of White Zinfandel.
Michael and I blew off our diet of two days with this yummy pizza dinner. I couldn't just watch the kids eat their very own pizza with their very own choice of toppings knowing that I could have the same thing. Especially since it was FREE! I calculated the cost and we saved a whopping $30 or so with those coupons and only spent $13! Now I can feel better that the bill was more like $670.00.
It was fun to see what each kid chose for their very own toppings. It sure does show the unique personalities that they have.
For example....
Amanda- she chose taco pizza. She has a variety of interests and she likes to spice up her life with new and different things, just like her pizza has a variety of toppings and a splash of hot sauce.
Jeffrey- he chose pepperoni. He is likeable, fairly predictable, and set in his ways. You can predict that this topping will be at every pizza party and that most will like it.
Emma- she chose sausage and pepperoni. My, oh my, this is a harder one, but I will give it a try. She is a combo of sweet and sassy. Just like the taste of this pizza, one bite there is a sweet sausage, pepperoni taste, and the next, the spiciness hits. You never know what taste you'll get.
Joshua- he is strictly a sausage guy. He spices up our life with his ever so funny ways. Just like the sausage spices up the cheese and sauce.
Mine is Broken Top, which has artichokes and sun dried tomatoes, pesto and linguicia. This sounds complicated just like me. Every time we go out for pizza I want something completely different than everyone else. I like a lot of toppings and I like it gourmet. My pizzas usually cost the most. Michael jokes that I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I choose to think that I am sophisticated and classy! No boring pepperoni for me. Oops, did I just call my son boring? I didn't mean that!
Now it's time for you to comment on your favorite pizza and how it goes with your personality.
Cheers to all of you who love a good coupon, great pizza and clean teeth!
And,
I will be setting up a fund under the name of "Kuhl-Kids at the Kuhl-Man House" just in case you feel the need to help fund the cost of the cavities we created by letting our kids have soda tonight. (That is a joke if you didn't get it.)
BUT....
Aren't they worth every penny?
Today all four children went to the dentist. You see, I tried to space them out so that we weren't hit with a huge bill, but yesterday the dentist office called and asked if we could bump the two that were next month up with the two that had an apt. today.
OK, I didn't not really thinking of the financial outcome.
Nearly $700.00 and two cavities later (which were not apart of the bill) I just about cried. No, actually, I about fainted when the receptionist asked how I was going to pay for it.
"I don't know!" was my reply.
I walked away with four clean mouths, two cavities that need to be filled, and thank goodness for all the freebies they gave the kids. They better give out freebies because after that bill there ain't no money left over for toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, fluoride, and all the other stuff that we are told we need to keep those teeth clean.
You better believe that I gave my kids a humongous pep talk about brushing their teeth a dozen times a day and to never touch another piece of candy or drink another pop again until they leave my nest. All eyes were staring at me like I was the teeth Nazi or something. Seriously, I thought that this was a grand opportunity to show the kids just how much life, I mean they costs. I reassured them that it was definitely mom and dad's job to take care of them. But......I meant it when I told them that I WILL NOT PAY FOR ANY MORE CAVITIES AFTER THIS!!! I explained that it was one thing to have such a large bill for teeth cleaning and ex rays and such, but cavities are just a result of being lazy. I think I made myself clear.
I think I got their attention. All four were brushing the heck out of their teeth tonight. They probably brushed twice as long as the required amount.
Oh, I forgot to mention- The office gave each child a coupon for a free mini pizza at Papa's Pizza. They even gave Michael and I one. I guess this was their way to try and soften the blow of the huge bill. You better believe that we piled in the car with their newly clean teeth and drove straight to Papa's to get us some free pizza. The look on the cashiers face when we plopped down our six coupons. Just to make it look like we weren't a total mooch, we bought four child size sodas, yes I said sodas, and a carafe of White Zinfandel.
Michael and I blew off our diet of two days with this yummy pizza dinner. I couldn't just watch the kids eat their very own pizza with their very own choice of toppings knowing that I could have the same thing. Especially since it was FREE! I calculated the cost and we saved a whopping $30 or so with those coupons and only spent $13! Now I can feel better that the bill was more like $670.00.
It was fun to see what each kid chose for their very own toppings. It sure does show the unique personalities that they have.
For example....
Amanda- she chose taco pizza. She has a variety of interests and she likes to spice up her life with new and different things, just like her pizza has a variety of toppings and a splash of hot sauce.
Jeffrey- he chose pepperoni. He is likeable, fairly predictable, and set in his ways. You can predict that this topping will be at every pizza party and that most will like it.
Emma- she chose sausage and pepperoni. My, oh my, this is a harder one, but I will give it a try. She is a combo of sweet and sassy. Just like the taste of this pizza, one bite there is a sweet sausage, pepperoni taste, and the next, the spiciness hits. You never know what taste you'll get.
Joshua- he is strictly a sausage guy. He spices up our life with his ever so funny ways. Just like the sausage spices up the cheese and sauce.
Mine is Broken Top, which has artichokes and sun dried tomatoes, pesto and linguicia. This sounds complicated just like me. Every time we go out for pizza I want something completely different than everyone else. I like a lot of toppings and I like it gourmet. My pizzas usually cost the most. Michael jokes that I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I choose to think that I am sophisticated and classy! No boring pepperoni for me. Oops, did I just call my son boring? I didn't mean that!
Now it's time for you to comment on your favorite pizza and how it goes with your personality.
Cheers to all of you who love a good coupon, great pizza and clean teeth!
And,
I will be setting up a fund under the name of "Kuhl-Kids at the Kuhl-Man House" just in case you feel the need to help fund the cost of the cavities we created by letting our kids have soda tonight. (That is a joke if you didn't get it.)
Friday, May 1, 2009
God is at work at the women's conference!
Real quick, before I hit the sack, I want to say thank you for praying for me and the women's conference that is going on this weekend. I just got back from the first night and wow!!! was it powerful. Nothing could have prepared me for this turn out. Nearly 60 women were there and it was amazing how God just orchestrated everything. He showed up, like I know He does, but the presence of the Lord was felt in a mighty way by the women there.
From the worship, to the speaking, to the fellowship, it just flowed so nicely. Joyfully, we were praising our Heavenly Father for how He uses hard circumstances in our lives for His glory. The theme of this conference is "Joy" and finding join in the midst of trials. I think it is a subject that is well received during a time that many are experiencing loss of jobs, economic instability, and other trials.
Shelli, our church secretary gave a powerful message. I know that God spoke His very words to those women through her.
Kerri, a friend and fellow worship team member spoke so eloquently from her heart on a hard relationship that is ongoing. I never knew she could speak like that.
The worship tonight was wonderful. I know that it wasn't perfect in our eyes, but I know that it was beautiful for God and I heard so many wonderful comments on how people were brought to the throne of God. Thanks to the ladies for giving so much of their time and energy to bring worship to the ladies of RCC. I am amazed at how the songs went so perfectly with the mood and the topic of the night. Isn't God good? (Thanks for being an instrument of Him.). Two more sets to go!
Thanks also to my wonderful husband who has put many hours of practicing in with us and playing the piano. We couldn't have done it without him. He has been so gracious and patient with us chatty, opinionated (at times) women. He is juggling a lot with taking care of the kids and playing our sets. (Thank you dear husband, you are appreciated)
I praise God for bringing my talk together. I spoke from my heart and God really helped give me clarity. I feel peaceful with the outcome.
I am so tired. I got maybe 3 hours of sleep last night. Lots of stuff going on in my head and a cold coming on. I made it through the day and now I am going get a good night sleep for tomorrow.
I have some other thoughts in my head about my message tomorrow. Different thoughts than what I planned to talk on. I feel like God wants me to share something different. This scares me because I am tired and want to sleep instead of plan. I am going to do just that and let resting help me listen to His voice.
Please pray! I am so relaxed right now about it and know that it will all work out for His glory. I just want to get out of the way and let God!
Have a wonderful night and weekend,
From the worship, to the speaking, to the fellowship, it just flowed so nicely. Joyfully, we were praising our Heavenly Father for how He uses hard circumstances in our lives for His glory. The theme of this conference is "Joy" and finding join in the midst of trials. I think it is a subject that is well received during a time that many are experiencing loss of jobs, economic instability, and other trials.
Shelli, our church secretary gave a powerful message. I know that God spoke His very words to those women through her.
Kerri, a friend and fellow worship team member spoke so eloquently from her heart on a hard relationship that is ongoing. I never knew she could speak like that.
The worship tonight was wonderful. I know that it wasn't perfect in our eyes, but I know that it was beautiful for God and I heard so many wonderful comments on how people were brought to the throne of God. Thanks to the ladies for giving so much of their time and energy to bring worship to the ladies of RCC. I am amazed at how the songs went so perfectly with the mood and the topic of the night. Isn't God good? (Thanks for being an instrument of Him.). Two more sets to go!
Thanks also to my wonderful husband who has put many hours of practicing in with us and playing the piano. We couldn't have done it without him. He has been so gracious and patient with us chatty, opinionated (at times) women. He is juggling a lot with taking care of the kids and playing our sets. (Thank you dear husband, you are appreciated)
I praise God for bringing my talk together. I spoke from my heart and God really helped give me clarity. I feel peaceful with the outcome.
I am so tired. I got maybe 3 hours of sleep last night. Lots of stuff going on in my head and a cold coming on. I made it through the day and now I am going get a good night sleep for tomorrow.
I have some other thoughts in my head about my message tomorrow. Different thoughts than what I planned to talk on. I feel like God wants me to share something different. This scares me because I am tired and want to sleep instead of plan. I am going to do just that and let resting help me listen to His voice.
Please pray! I am so relaxed right now about it and know that it will all work out for His glory. I just want to get out of the way and let God!
Have a wonderful night and weekend,
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