Puppy, snow, mittens, bacon, book, and memory

In case you're one of the 147 people who have expressed their opinion on how I shouldn't have gotten a dog, or how I must've lost my mind, or how if I haven't lost it yet, I will soon.... Ben and I decided that we wanted our kids to have a dog, and that we wanted one too.  Ben loved having a dog, and I felt a bit lame for never ever having one ever.  And although it will be more work, more money, more whatever, we decided that was ok because we wanted a dog.  Is that ok with everyone? Maybe we can discuss how many children we should have next since that also seems to be a juicy topic.  Feel free in the comments to decide how many children you think I should have.... especially now since I have a dog. ;) HAHHAHA.  I'm cracking myself up.  But really. I don't care if anyone gets a dog.  I don't even care if anyone gets a SHEDDING dog.  I might even come over and sit on your couch so long as you have a lint brush in the vicinity.  So if you get a dog, and really really hear about it, we can start a support group together.  Also, we can have a support group for those of us who have many children close in age.  It's really not as bad as everyone makes it out to be.  I think you're completely exhausted if you have 2 or 5. You just learn to handle (or not handle) whatever you have.  That's life. Amen? So don't say, "I could never do that" because you could.  You just didn't.  And that's ok too. 

In case you aren't a dog hater, and want to know how our dog is doing, I'll fill you in!  He's a chewing monster.  So we yell "no" a lot.  He's getting much better at paying attention to us, and better at not playing tug of war with everything we own. And, the other good news is that he's nearly house trained.  I'm SO proud of him!  Sometimes the girl's feel really bold and go under the table with him.  I'm pretty sure this particular instance ended in him knocking them down. 

 

Anna and Kedzie are total BFFs.  It's the sweetest.  I'm actually regretting not getting a dog sooner because then maybe Caleb wouldn't be such a crazy lunatic with the dog.  He's really good with the dog OUTSIDE but he's horrible inside.   I think it's because his body is protected outside-- you know, big boots, snow pants, gloves, a heavy coat.  He's less vulnerable.  Maybe the solution is to wear outside clothes inside.  Interesting.

The other day it snowed, and my kid's loved watching it.  They don't seem too disturbed by the Winter/Spring/Winter/Spring weather we've been having.

I loved the last time it snowed because it was fairly warm outside.  That's SO perfect for little kid's playing out there.  Also, notice Grace's green mittens.  These mittens are the best thing of my life.  They are Snow Stopper mittens.  Sorry to be telling you about them so late in the year, but they are AMAZING.  HERE is a site, so you can see them. I actually can't remember where I bought them, but I know they weren't ridiculously expensive. They never come off... my kid's cannot get them off.  And, they never have snow on their wrists or have cold hands.  BRILLIANT I tell you.  I should really get another pair because all three of them will need them next year.  They are a worthy investment, and although I rarely ever buy my kid's anything new, I never regret buying these.  Of course, if you could find a used pair, that'd be ok too. HA! ;)

There's one thing I've wanted a lot of during this pregnancy, and that's bacon.  I made this DELICIOUS BLT sandwich for myself the other day and boy did it hit the spot.  I tend to favor articles like THIS which don't make me feel bad about consuming bacon.  Think she's crazy?  Maybe a little, but then again, so am I.  

I just finished a parenting book called "Childwise" (since I'm passionate about the subject if you haven't noticed. I just feel like parent's are drowning and obedience is a thing of the past even in the church) It's one of the Babywise series books.  I think most people think there's babywise and then it's just done-- but really there's babywise 2, toddler wise, preschool wise, child wise and so on.  The author's are Christian and have a whole class for Christians, but these books are really for anybody.  I like them because they are super practical, and I've read so many "christiany" books on parenting, I feel like I can easily combine them.  Anyway, it's a quick, easy and helpful read.  I'm glad I read it. 

Since I did a lot of snuggling yesterday with the girl's since they are sick, I was able to finish that book and work on my James' memorization.  I found a few other pastor's wives who also wanted to try and memorize James with me. It's been fun, and we're almost through chapter one!  I want to make memorizing more of a priority, so I needed some accountability.  When I lived in Jackson, MS, a few friends and I decided to memorize 1 Peter.  Ever since then, I've wondered why I haven't done more of it.  Memorization is for everyone-- it's not like you have to have this superb memory in order to be able to do it, you just 1. have to want to, 2. be disciplined.  God gave us amazing minds, and why not use them to memorize his word?! Plus, it's a good mental exercise.  It will keep you sharp.  I think. ;)

Alright, I better go let the dog out.  I'd like to say I'm going to go have a snickers, but we ran out.  DRAT!

Melanie 

Haircut, personal retreat, puppy, & dry clean only

So the other day G baby got her first hair cut!! She sat SO still. I was so proud of her.  We got haircuts together, so that was pretty fun.  A little mommy daughter date ;) 

After we were done she kept asking if we could get another haircut. She has been seeming so grown up lately.  She's POTTY TRAINED!!!!  Well, I have to remind her to go, but she'll hold it for a long time, and she hasn't had an accident in a looong time. 2 down, 1 and a puppy to go! ;) She's also been saying this to me lately. "MOM! I hava tell you sumfin" Usually it goes "Yes Grace?" And she says: "Umm, umm, umm, umm" It's really neat.... 

I posted this book on Facebook the other week.  It's so good.  It's just such a great reminder of WHY it's important to take time to spend with the Lord (even when you have three kids, are pregnant, and have a puppy).  In this book they talk about taking a personal retreat a couple of times a year.  They encourage you to take a morning, a day, or even going overnight, whatever you need in order to regroup, recharge, and make a plan of action.  It's a time to spend with the Lord and to reevaluate what you're doing and how you're doing it.  I told Ben I needed a personal retreat, and, since he's the best ever, he said "go".   

I left Saturday morning and headed to a restaurant all by myself and sat there for over TWO hours.  I sat in a back corner, and it was very, very nice.  I prayed, read the word, and answered some questions about my priorities that they outline for you in the book.  I wrote down the things I want to work on in myself, and the things I want to focus on in my children.  Each child has different areas to work on. For example, with Caleb I want to work on being grateful, being content and being a truth teller.  With Grace I want to work on "yes mom" after instructions, first time obedience, and teaching her to obey authority (other than me).  With Anna, I want her to begin to follow instructions like "Come here Anna".  I wrote down ways to get better at this and to teach these things-- like ME being intentional about being grateful and content. Praising Caleb when he tells the truth instead of just scolding him when he doesn't. Practicing with Anna, "come to mom" and turning it into a game. (I've done this with all my kids, and I'm telling you, it's the best. Caleb and Grace STILL like playing it.)  I was able to assess what we're doing and make a plan to make it better. AND, make a plan for how to be even MORE intentional with my kids. In the parenting class I'm taking, Betsy Corning says she would take an hour per week with each kid-- just you and them spending that time together. No distractions.  Right now it's doable, so I'm going to do it.  Caleb is going to get an hour on Thursday afternoon. He gets to pick what we do, and it will just be US time.  He's already looking forward to it.

It was seriously so refreshing to get away.  I highly recommend if you are feeling weary, or if you feel like you're losing control in your house, take a morning (or afternoon, or whatever!) to REGROUP.  If your husband can't watch the kids, maybe ask another mom to help you out! I know I'd be willing! 

After I sat at that restaurant for forever, I ran a few errands and then landed at Panera for lunch. Doesn't this meal look glorious? I ate it all by myself while reviewing the notes I made and praying for wisdom and discernment in moving forward.  It was a sweet time, and I'm so thankful Ben was so willing to give it to me.  Did I mention he's the best? And he had such a happy heart about it, which made it a guilt free time.  

In case you missed it, we got a puppy!  He's the cutest.  Life will improve once he's house trained.  I once said if I ever got a dog, he would need to not bark or shed.  This dog doesn't shed and HARDLY barks.  I'm hoping that never changes.  He also doesn't wake me up in the morning. Say what?!?! Not sure how I managed to get such a great little dog, but I'm thankful.  I also ordered a book on how to train the dog.  You know.... to get him not to jump on everything, and bite everything, and not come when you say, "come here".  Hopefully we can get on that ASAP.  I'm going to need a dog that listens, or I'll go nuts. (Kind of like I need children who listen, or I'll go nuts.)

Today we played outside.  The kids were LOVING it. I'm SO excited for Spring/Summer.  Anna loved splashing around.  She didn't like falling in it, which she was doing constantly.  

We had Kedzie (our dog) out there with us too.  He wasn't tormenting the kids too badly, so that's good!  We're working on that with our dear pup.

And lastly, this is the tag that was on the suit Caleb wore for Ben's sister's wedding.

Awesome.  The ole machine wash/dry clean only routine.  Um, anyone else getting mixed signals?! I asked the lady who sold it on Etsy,  and our conversation went like this..

Me: The tag on the suit says machine wash and dry clean only; I'm wondering if I can wash it or not?? 

Etsy lady: "Ya, you can dry clean it"

Me: I figured, I'm mostly wondering if can wash it in the washing machine, since it also says that, and it's cheaper.

Etsy lady: Yeah that's good thinking. Let me know if you have other questions.

Me: I do. Can I wash this in the washing machine?

Etsy lady: Please dry clean only instead. 

I LOVE wasting my time on things like that... bhahahhaha! Seriously. Can we just answer the honking question!??!  

I'll leave you with that. 

Oh and a reminder, don't forget to sign up for the True Woman conference!! http://www.truewoman16.com

Melanie 

A little of this and that.

Let's jump right in shall we?!  First, Ben went to his class in Florida a week or so ago.  I must say, being a single parent is NOT for me.  We managed, but we were really really glad for Ben to get back.  

We needed to stay occupied while dad was gone, so we did some projects together.  Grace played with playdoh while Caleb and I did some cool science projects. 

Auntie Tailor (and Uncle Jim) gave Caleb and Grace REALLY neat presents for Christmas.  They gave Caleb a list of science experiments and all the supplies needed including safety goggles.  He was really into the glasses.  

 Wednesday night I took the kids with me to my parenting class (based on my favorite parenting book ever, "Entrusted with a Child's Heart" by Betsy Corning).  We stopped at Culvers on the way, and the kids did SO WELL.  I was so proud of them.  Here they were chatting. I love when they talk.  Usually it makes no sense, but it's still cute.

We've been dealing with some Slooooooooooooooowwwwwwww eating on the homefront.  Caleb-- eats very slow and is very, very, very distracted during meal time.  Grace, stuffs her mouth full of food and then chews for 10 hours.  She's my food storer.  It's awesome. Not.  And, Anna, throws her cup on the ground every.second.

I felt like I was about to lose my mind, so while Ben was gone I began "bootcamp".  And, I told them they were in it.  HAHAHA.

So bootcamp for us looks like this.
1. I give Caleb and Grace a time that they have to finish their food by. (a very reasonable time and it depends on the meal how long they have)
2. If they do not finished within the allotted time, their plates are removed and stored in the fridge.  So, if they choose to eat NOTHING, that's fine.  Just stupid of them, and they will be very hungry.
3. Grace cannot get out of her highchair until she's finished chewing. (this was my best move EVER)
4. They eat NOTHING.  Absolutely NOTHING until the next meal.
5. At the next meal, I pull the unfinished meal out of the fridge for them to finish.
6. They say "GROSS" and then they eat it cold.
7. If Anna throws her cup on the ground, she doesn't get it back. Boo ya.

GUESS WHAT?!!?! It's totally working! Grace is actually catching on quicker than Caleb.  She's eating much, much better, and chews faster than I thought she was even capable of.  Caleb does OK, but sometimes he just decides he doesn't care.  He's always sorry when the consequences set in though. He'll get it soon.  It's also saving my sanity.  My old way of life was like this ...

Me: Hurry up, chew your food
Me: Stop talking and eat
Me: Eat
Me: chew
Me: Chew your food
Me: you have to eat it
Me: hurry up
Me: Come on, let's go.
Me: Caleb, can you pick up anna's cup?
Me: Caleb pick up anna's cup again
Me: Caleb would you pick up anna's cup again?
Me: Hurry up
Me: chew your food.

Is that a nice way to live?! UM. No. Totally not.  So, problem solved.  Once they know the time, that's their warning, and I just can eat in peace.  It's freeing.  Very freeing. And, I'm not getting as upset at them because we have an easy solution.  AND, they still have to eat everything.  We do not do different meals for the kids-- we all eat the same thing, and everyone has to eat it.  I think I blogged about that a while back.  Sometimes people get upset about that idea-- but I seriously don't get it.   I read an article about the French once and how their children eat 4 times a day and that's it.  They don't have random snacking, AND, they don't do kid's meal things.  So, kid food and grown up food is the same.  That's my FAVORITE.   The idea that kids can only eat hotdogs, chicken nuggets and french fries is so gross and untrue.  

Anna has been doing this lately.... so we've started using the buckle... haha.  AHHH!

Since I'm pregnant, I've been taking my prenatal vitamins.  I always notice they make my nails SUPER strong and long.  I have an issue with biting my nails and/or ripping them off, so I decided to paint them to protect them from... me.  I decided to do a french tip.  Isn't it pretty?! 

The bad news is I quickly realized how impractical it was.  I think I chipped one in the first hour.  I don't think painted nails and 3 little kids go well together.  Oh well, it looked pretty for a little while. ha! 

Here's Caleb and his lifelong best bud.  Caleb has been obsessed with his Grandpa since he was born. It's SO CUTE.  They're buddies for sure.  

Who is going to the true woman conference this year?! It's in September, and I'm notifying you now so you have plenty of time to make arrangements ;).  It's in Indy and SO SO SO worth it.  Here's the link if you want to know more. https://www.reviveourhearts.com/true-woman/  I'm hoping I can go this year!

That's all for now.

-Melanie

Tennessee, reading, doctor, Santa Claus, grim reaper, & a gingerbread house

So Ben and I went to Tennessee in November.  I didn't post any pictures, so here's one.  

It was a great trip, and it was SO good to get away just the two of us!  We did some hiking and did a lot of relaxing.

Oh, and lots of reading.  I read these books on our trip, and I recommend all of them!

I love Jani Ortlund.  I hope to read more of her books.  Like THIS one called "Fearlessly Feminine: Boldly living God's plan for womanhood"  I bet it's more helpful than books like THIS one where Rachel Held Evans (boo) completely misses the point (which isn't surprising).  She makes me crazy.  

My parents babysat a few weeks ago, and when I got home, this is how I found them... they were all just hanging on the couch.  I thought it was so sweet.

I had to take Anna for a checkup (and shots... boo! Speaking of, does everyone get their child the Hep A shot? I feel like since I personally haven't gotten it, why should she?? I think I said ok just so I wouldn't be a pain, but I think I think it's stupid, and I'm pretty sure Caleb doesn't have it.)

Anyway, I took all the kids to the doctor and brought goldfish and animal crackers.  I'm glad because sitting in the waiting room with three kids isn't that fun without a snack. They did a great job though. I was so proud of them.

Here Caleb is dressed like Santa Claus (at least that's what HE said).  He filled my boots with gifts for me.  I just love when he brings me random pieces from all the different toys we have!

I dressed Anna in mostly black one day.

Ben said she looks like the grim reaper.  I have to agree.  Creepy Anna Sue!!! But really, she could never be creepy because SHE'S SO STINKIN SWEET!! Seriously. I cannot get enough of her. 

 Caleb and Grace have been playing constantly together. I LOVE IT.  My quality of life is improving because of it.  Here they are laughing their heads off, which is becoming quite normal. (Of course, they often end in someone crying, but they're happy for a while)

The other night we made a gingerbread house.  Caleb was SO excited about it.  Like so excited for a few days that I had to tell him he HAD to stop asking, or we would have a problem......

They were putting frosting on each other.  Ben started it. 

TA DA! Although it may appear as though Caleb singlehandedly made this house, Ben and I actually helped a lot.  I was in charge of the icing.  That may not have been the best idea.  I think the hole was too big when I was squirting it out..... that combined with my shaky hand ended in some pretty sloppy work.  Whoops.  There's always next year!

Caleb obviously doesn't get the concept of bunny ears.

                               

I would also like to say I really WAS there.  The mother never gets in the picture.  Unless of course you have a selfie stick or love taking selfies.  Neither are true here and selfie sticks make me feel weird.

I AM SO EXCITED FOR CHRISTMAS!
Hope you have a Merry one =)
Melanie

Birthday partay, fruit tree, Christmas, & a killer joke

My Anna Sue is 1! And walking! You know how they go from just a few steps here and there to choosing to walk more than crawl?  Yeah, that's what's happening here.  I love seeing her walk all over.  She seems too little to me, but I know she isn't.  Saturday we had a birthday bash for her. (and this paragraph is centered even though it's making me CRAZY. It keeps going back to center after I change it! WAHHHH!!) 

The picture below is seriously the best picture I got of her eating her cake.  Awesome. You see, she didn't want to eat her lunch and she didn't want ANYTHING to do with her cake.  Say WHAT?! I know, I was also confused.  SO, when Ben was throwing up at 3 am, it hit me.  "I guess she wasn't feeling well"  Maybe Nannos can have some birthday cake later after this goofy stomach bug leaves our house.  I didn't get a picture of her cake.  I don't know what I was thinking-- not that it was super beautiful or anything, I just like to have record of that. 

When it was time to open presents, Anna cared for about... 1 second.  The good news is that both Caleb and Grace cared enough for all three of them.  They wanted to "help" Anna.  While they were helping, Anna went elsewhere to play with a lamp or something.  

She was in a new location for her next present.  I think her favorite part of any of her gifts was the tag that came on her new outfit.  

 And, here's Caleb playing with Anna's present next to my Auntie Ellie and Grandma.  He played with her present for most of the evening too.  

 Lately we've been noticing a little bit of jealousy between our girls.  Uh oh.  It's begun!?!?  Anyway, when one is by Ben, the other one has to be too.  If Ben talks to one, the other comes running over (or walking in Anna's case). And, if Ben puts one down, the other is happy to be put down as well. AND,  they don't care about Caleb being by either of us.... isn't THAT interesting? The good news? I think Ben loves it.  Even though he said he never ever wanted a daughter (ahem, rude!), he loooooooooooves having girls.  And look how they love him.  It's very, very sweet.

Oh, and then Caleb wanted to get in on the action.  Annnnd.... he's the only one posing.  I can't WAIT to take a picture for Christmas this year!!! (NOT!!!)

So, a while back, I went to Michigan to visit my friend Katie (who recently had a baby) with my friend Libby.  Since Libby is a super artist,  I decided to ask her for HELP in making my..... wait for it.... FRUIT TREE!  

You know how I LOVE Reviveourhearts, right??(and if you haven't visited it, DO IT!)  Well, one day I was listening and a lady that Nancy Leigh De Moss (although she has a new name now since she got married on Saturday) was interviewing was saying that she made her kids a fruit tree.  Whenever they showed fruit, they got to put a piece on the tree.  And I thought, BRILLIANT!  What a great and fun idea! Since I knew I wouldn't be able to make a tree OR fruit very well, I asked super Libby for help.  And, she nailed it. 

The trunk is white because they didn't have brown poster board at the dollar store in case you're wondering.  Isn't it beautiful!? Those little white things are velcro.  Libby gave me the wonderful idea of laminating the fruit pieces and putting velcro on them so they don't get all bent after the first time.  I'm SO glad she thought of that, or we'd need to make new fruit weekly.

 I set to work with my coffee and laminated away. (Side note! Behind my coffee mug you'll see Bentonite Clay, which I also never heard of (HAHA!) until I googled homemade diaper rash cream and made it from THIS site. It works well! Anna has issues, which is why I did it in the first place) 

And there's the fruit!  The beautiful ones are ones that Libby made. The ones that look like they have butt cracks, I take the credit for..... 

Anyway, I love it.  The kids really like putting fruit on the tree, and I like being able to point out when they have self control, or are kind etc.  I think we'll start over every week (as in take all the fruit off).  And, we don't keep track of who gets how many up there.  I want them to be excited to fill the tree up together and to encourage one another-- spur each other on! Amen?!

Speaking of trees, with the snow yesterday, and my playing Christmas music while making dinner.... we just HAD to take out the decorations. (And, I know there are only 4 stockings. I have to get another one of those holder things.)  This will be where we are all Winter.  It's SO COZY!  This is the first year we put the tree in our family room and I love it next to the fire.  

We (or Ben) had to vacuum after we (or....Ben) put the Christmas tree up.  Since my back is still broken (UGH!), Ben is kind enough to help me out here and there... and everywhere. 

Here Ben is explaining to me how incredibly MANLY he is for vacuuming the floor especially with his newly grown in facial hair. (I actually kind of like it).  Anyway, he's the best.  

If you're looking for a gift for your children, or grandchildren, or nieces or nephews or your neighbor kids, you should consider buying "What's in the Bible" dvd's. I believe I've talked about them before... at least once. Click HERE to see what they are.  I'm not sure the best place to buy.  They are SO SO SO SO SO good, and Caleb LOVES them.  These are pretty much the only things he's watched lately (except we DID watch Frosty the Snowman today).  Today at supper he asked me what a lament was.  And then answered "It's a sad song mom.  Dad, are there laments in Psalms?" I can guarantee I didn't ask that question when I was 4 (and I'm pretty sure he already knew the answer).  Anyway, the point is, these movies are teaching him all kinds of neat things about the Bible, and I even learn from them when I watch.  Plus they are hilarious. 

Kind of like this joke I'll tell you.

What time is it when you have to go to the dentist?
Tooth-hurtie

I know. Hilarious.

Alright, that's all.  Next time maybe I'll write about our trip to the Smokies last week! 

-Melanie

Beans, smothering, talent night, craft, playing, & crazy hair and glasses

 So a while ago I posted on facebook that I just heard about "busy bags."  I loved the idea and started googling ideas to do with the kids.  The other day I decided to bust out some beans--who knew playing with beans was a brilliant way to entertain kids!?!  Maybe you did.  I'm not very creative, so I need people to give me ideas like this.  Beans, bowls, measuring cups, big spoons.  I'm definitely going to be using this a lot this Winter.  Oh, and yes, they did get beans all over the floor. I recommend sweeping PRIOR to busting out the beans.  Otherwise, when you sweep up the beans, you get other gross stuff mixed in.  Yeah, I should have thought of that since Mr. Caleb is my after meals sweeper.  Sometimes he misses stuff....

Caleb's been learning how to take pictures with my phone lately and asked if he could snap one of me and Anna.  This sums up the smothering of Anna that takes place 90% of her wake time.  HAHA.  Ok, not really, but I SERIOUSLY cannot get enough of her sweetness, and I cannot stop kissing her cheeks!

I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed when I found out I was pregnant with Anna (Grace was 8 months I think), but she is ABSOLUTELY THE sweetest baby I could have ever asked for.  She is so easy and wonderful.  I am so blessed, and God was so good to give her to me just when he did.  His plan is perfect, and I'm so glad I can trust Him to do what's best for our family. 

A couple weeks ago, Caleb and I sang at our church's talent night.  We sang "The kings of Israel" by Jamie Soles.  His cds are GREAT, and I believe I've mentioned him before on here. We learned all the kings to song, and that makes it SO easy!  I was so proud of my Caleb for singing in front of everyone, and when he put his arm around my neck to sing, I melted.  The bad news is that we forgot half the Israel side for the real thing....dahh!  Oh well, you win some and you lose some. Ben couldn't come because Anna and Grace were a bit under the weather.  We had planned to sing as a quartet-- Me, Ben, Caleb & Grace. ha!  I was bummed that didn't work out.  

I made this at MOPS. I repeat.  I made this at MOPS.  Can you believe they found a craft that I could participate in!? It was unbelievable, and I think it's so cute! 

Here's where I put it! 

The other day I was playing around on the piano, and I went to check on the kids.  I heard them giggling their heads off.  This is where/how I found them. 

Yeeep, they're all there!  Here's another one..  Caleb yanking on Gracie's legs... bhaha

I love when they all play together.  Caleb and Grace have been playing together more and Anna has been joining in.  I hope they're all friends forever.  I'm trying so hard to foster good relationships between all of them!! 

For the last couple of months, I've been trying to use natural shampoo and conditioner on my hair.  Anyway, I've been trying different things- -I won't go on about what or how.  After I was finished making my shampoo Ben said something to me like "You're so weird".  Ouch.  And actually, I have to disagree.  I'm not weird, I just DO weird things.  There's a difference. ...right?!

Speaking of weird and hair, today I made an egg, honey, yogurt mixture for my hair.  After I rubbed it on my scalp and in my hair, I put saran wrap on my head so it wouldn't drip all over my neck.  As I was doing it, I took an INCREDIBLE picture with my new Harry Caray (as Ben calls them) glasses. 

This is me cracking up at my own reflection in my phone.  I cannot stop laughing about this.  And as I was taking the picture, I said to myself.... "I think I really AM a lunatic!!" 

There's another nice one! ;)  I know I know.  My selfies are ALL wrong.  1. I look terrible, 2. I'm not holding the camera 5 feet above my head 3. I'm not puckering up. 4. I have a crazy vs. seductive look in my eye.  Maybe next time... NOT!  Anyway, like my glasses?  You see, I ordered them online from Zenni optical and they were SUPER SUPER cheap.  And, well, there is always a risk when you order something online... HOWEVER, they are so huge that I can see really well through them!! So, I've been wearing them around the house all day today.  Caleb likes them.  He's my favorite. ;) 

Oh and Caleb came downstairs and saw me like this.  He started giggling and said "Mom, you look SO silly."  That was a sweet way to put it, wasn't it?!  I'm glad he's not older.

Oh and I HAVE to report-- My hair seriously feels WAY softer!!  So, even though it was a crazy thing to do, I'd totally do it again.  Maybe next time I'd get a shower cap or something.  The saran wrap took it to a whole new ridiculous level. 

I think that's all for now.  

-Melanie