Drama Queen

Pin It Now! Harding Academy Invitational Speech Tournament 1991

Poetry 3rd Place

This was the only trophy I had left in my closet from my childhood, so I took a picture of me with it right before I threw it into the trash can.

It was taking up space. And I don't need it. Plus I must live up to my non-hoarding standards.

Why I still had it, I do not know. Maybe it served as a reminder of a scratch in time I can scarcely remember. For some reason, this season of my life is a bit cloudy. (Um, and it's not b/c of mind altering substances or anything.) It really doesn't seem like I could have ever recited poetry and won awards for it. What a complete DORK!I feel like Anne of Green Gables or something!

I laugh thinking about how SILLY I must've looked!! I was somewhat and maybe still am a MILD drama queen, so I guess it served as an outlet? Who knows?

Winning poetry competitions didn't land me any acting jobs or anything, but it sure did prepare me for the job of "Mom." Little did I know that you had to read thousands of books to wee ones! I try to make them fun by using lots of different voices and such. There's nothing worse than listening to someone read a book in a dreary, monotone voice!!!!!

I Love It and It's From Wal-Mart

Pin It Now! I have never been a fan of Wal-mart.

As a kid, I was embarrassed to be there, and as an adult, I am just plain put out when I'm there.

It's crowded and noisy--2 things I despise with all of my being. Plus, not everything is super cheap!

Well, a couple of months ago when I ran in for something, my eyes spotted such a cheery, springy, plastic plate set that I just had to stop and look.


Never in a trillion years did I ever think I'd buy a plate set from Wal-mart, but I saved up my birthday money and bought one.

And I like it!! (even if I do have to wash it all by hand)

Now I just need to get my better half to paint our horribly blah cabinets white!

He Wore a Tie for the Occasion

Pin It Now! Wow, he rarely ever wears a tie, but for St. Patty's Day, formal is the way he celebrates!

I, on the other hand, celebrate with cupcakes. :)

To each his own.

Soggy, Snotty, Red-Eyed Mess

Pin It Now! I hate crying in front of people, even my kids.

I absolutely despise this character trait in me. My mom says my grandma was the very same way. So can I blame it on genetics? :) Well, whatever the reason, I have never been a fan of publicly displaying my emotions, especially sadness and those involving tears. I'll let myself get what I call a "cry headache" before I'll let a tear escape!

The other day, I just couldn't hold it in any longer. I was so wishing that I had a lap-top so I could cry in the privacy of my own room. But, as it was, I sat in our doorless front room, where we keep the computer, while the kids watched TV in the family room.

And I just had to click on Kristen's Kenya posts. (We are THAT Family)


I knew she'd been to Africa through Compassion International, and I wanted to catch up since I hadn't had time to read her blog in a couple of days.

Oh boy!


I was fine during the first few minutes, but as I kept reading, I could feel the compression of my heart, the inner stirring of emotions. My heart ached. A lump formed in my throat.
My emotions wanted OUT! I should have just stopped reading and looking at the pictures, but I couldn't. I was riveted.

And then came the video. With my tears still firmly locked in place, I decided it was safe to click "PLAY".

Oh my!


About half way through, my body just couldn't contain the swelling volcano of emotions. I kept trying to, though. I think a tear slipped out and maybe a few muffled mouse squeaks. My kids still had no idea I was in such emotional turmoil.

But then it happened. I heard Lincoln get up and start to walk my way, so I ever so slightly turned my face. (By now more tears are spilling down my cheeks.) I am thinking, "Great, he's gonna see me like this!" ( I know--so stupid of me to think that or even care for that matter!)

I can't even remember what question he asked me, but when he saw my face, he was like, "Whoa, are you okay, mommy?" I couldn't even answer, cuz I was about to EXPLODE. I just buried my eyes into my sleeves for a sec. in hope of regaining some sense of composure. Even then, I just sorta had to shake my head "yes" and wave him away for the time being. (Don't worry, I explained later why I'd been so upset.)

Shortly after this confrontation with my son, it was rest time, thankfully! I went up to my room and cried. You would've thought I had a slug for a pet by the looks of my long, black sleeves!!

Deep down in my heart, I made a wish the size of a mustard seed. I hope and pray it blossoms into something beautiful . . .

If you'd like to read all about Kristen's real-life experience in Kenya and learn more about the amazing organization, Compassion International, you've got to read her posts!!

Day 1

Day 2 (alright, this has just got to stop--I'm gettin' all teary-eyed revisiting these posts to provide links!)

Day 3

Day 4 If you can make it through the video without being touched in the slightest way, then you are one tough cookie!

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Kristen has also written other posts about her experience, so just visit her entire blog! She's a really neat gal!!!

WFMW: Wild Indian Cherry Bark

Pin It Now!

I've tried a few different kinds of natural cough remedies in my 10 years of mothering, but so far, this is the best one I have found!

Old Indian Wild Cherry Bark Syrup


It's been a medicine cabinet staple for years now. It tastes horrible, but it really does seem to work for my kiddos.

I like the fact that it's made with herbs, and I can administer the syrup every 2 hours if needed. I buy it at Sprouts for under $10 for a 4 fl. oz. bottle.

* Honey is a listed ingredient, so it's not for children under one.

I also like to compliment the Old Indian Wild Cherry Bark Syrup with herbal cough/throat drops and eucalyptus essential oil (not orally).

For super bad coughs, I will rub Vicks on my kids' chests at night to ease symptoms and hope for a decent night's rest.

For more WFMW tips, visit We are THAT Family.

*Affiliate link included

*image credit