I don't have a problem......do you?

I am not a "sweet" person.

WAIT!! that is not nice...I heard all the readers mumbling in agreement....

I am not talking about my personality....thank you very much!

I am talking about taste preference. I would rather have salty than sweet. 

I rarely crave candy.

BUT....in the past few years, around the holiday times...I have started getting hooked on one candy. 

Last year it was the M&Ms with pretzels inside.

Another year it was Nerds.

Another year it was sour gummies.

This year....

Tootsie Roll Pops!

I have developed the habit of enjoying a Tootsie Roll Pop while I am working.....

And lately.... I have been busy...

This makes me feel like I am Comet in a scene from the movie Santa Clause 2.

It is at the end of this clip:

(fast forward to about 2:03)

Black Friday

I am not a shopper.

If I don't have a specific thing to buy or money to spend, then I find shopping to be a frustrating experience. 

EXCEPT the time between Black Friday and Christmas Eve!

I love to be right in the middle of all the holiday shopping!

WHY?

I love to observe human behaviors.

I love to watch the "Christmas spirit" bring out the interesting behaviors in every person!

(stolen pic)

YOUNG MOMS

I observed a mother in Target this afternoon. She had her young son in the cart and she was placing "secret Christmas items" underneath the cart.

Mom: "look at those cookies!"

Son turns away from mom to look where mom is pointing. 

Mom blindly grabs an item and slings it under the cart while her gaze is on her son. Then inevitably she has to buy the cookies that she pointed out because NOW her son is whining for them.

FAIL...

I wondered if she grabbed the right item. She looked at me with panic in her eyes. I smiled and laughed to myself. It must be her first kid. By her second, she will just be buying Christmas right under their noses without any fake distractions or worry! If my kids ever SAW what I was putting in the basket and actually paid attention, they never thought it was for them. I never bought them anything while out shopping! 

THE COUPLES

I love seeing the dating couple or young marrieds shop together.

The man is either pretending to be interested because he is unsure of their commitment level, or he is naively showing his boredom NEAR the lady.

(stolen pic)

I know when I have found a "seasoned" couple because the man is reading a book at the front of the store (prepared before the trip) and the woman is not in sight!

(stolen pic)

CONVERSATIONS

As I stroll through the store calm and happy, I hear the conversations from random shoppers.

Mother yelling at her preteen:

 "I'm tired of you asking for things everywhere you go! Don't you know it is about damn time for Christmas?"--NICE!

Grumpy old man that apparently forgot his book:

 "Why would you spend ten dollars more for the name brand? The kid will never know the difference if you just get this one!"

They were looking at the Disney Cars and he picked up a Matchbox car.

The woman jerked the Matchbox car out of his hand and threw it on the shelf and loaded the cart with Disney Cars. The man swore under his breath, made a comment about her IQ and walked to the next aisle. --MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HUSTLE AND BUSTLE

The other day, we were driving in the worst area to travel in Memphis (near the mall) and I saw some heads bobbing to music. I thought "they are having a fun shopping day".  

I looked to see if they had a religious bumper sticker.

(my pics)

Readers, I want you to remember that if Lord Vader can be happy while shopping at Christmas time, then so can you!

Be of cheer this season! Jesus did not come for toys and clothes. He came for YOU!!

The MAZenheim Museum

This post is mostly for our artistic family members that do not live near us.

Max had is own blog MAX ART....but google kicked him off the blog, email and some games because he wasn't 13 yet. I want Max to continue to share his art through my blog.

The art project for October was a study on the artists, Seurat and Signac.
(pointillism, neo-impressionism)

George Seurat

Or you might know him for...

George Seurat

A Sunday Afternoon at La Jatte

Paul Signac

Using a hole puncher, construction paper and printfoam board with adhesive back, Max created the above picture. He chose this subject because both artists were influenced by the boats and dock scenes of France.

The art project for November was a study on the artist, Joan Miro. Much of his art was "kid-like".

Joan Miro

Joan Miro

Using various sizes of chenille stems and a plastic canvas, Max created two works in one! 

Look closely. There is a yellow monster with a pink tail that is after a purple man. 

Look again! The entire work is a face.

(also notice his sign and date)

Max has always loved crafts/art projects, but lately he has had an art addiction!

One day after school, Max decided he wanted a giant fall tree in his room. Using paper towel rolls, duct tape, a fast food drink carrier, rocks (for sturdiness in the base) and every single one of my hot glue sticks (gritting teeth).....Max created this tree:

He was going to carve an owl out of soap and make colorful leaves out of construction paper....but he decided he liked the "winter" look.

Another day, Max painted this huge picture of Bellatrix (and her wand) from Harry Potter. He says he will be making giant paintings of Harry, Voldermort, and more....

Max's above painting was straight from his head/thoughts....I was looking for a photo for those of you not familiar with Harry Potter characters.....He did a good job!!

As you can imagine...my house has become quite the art museum with Jack and Max's creations! 

I love it!!

One of my dining room walls...

another dining room wall...

another dining room wall

a wall in my bedroom...

a bulletin board in my office area....

That concludes your visual tour of The MAZenheim Museum!

Sewing in circles...

Last Sunday afternoon was quiet, boring, long and dreary....


The boys were occupied with their entertainment and Jeff was out of town.
I decided to sew a quick, small project to pass the time.

One hour later, I caught myself planning and creating a fun, Sunday afternoon project!

FOUR hours later, I realized I had created a "more than Sunday" project...

Mistake #1:  I did not create a project for the sewing machine.

Mistake #2:  For creative purposes (ha ha ha..makes me laugh to think I have creative purposes), I needed to sew each piece by hand!

Mistake #3:  I am in the middle of going back to work, organizing the boys academics to be more independent (because I won't be home all day), and beginning to plan Kids Mission (a semi-big event at my church).


Exactly one week later, I finished the project!!

To sew each piece together, I ended up sitting on a stool, hunched over my bed and sewing about 3 to 4 hours every day for a.......

table cover....

a unique, one-of-a-kind, crazy table cover

I used scraps of what I already had and moved the circles around in different placements until I was satisfied with the colors and pattern....

When I placed it on the table this afternoon, I smiled with pride....

and then my face fell!

That white circle doesn't work! 

problem solved!

Some of you may have caught in the beginning of this post that I am going back to work.

I will write more about that one day but for now I will share that I have a few leads that I am very interested in pursuing. Some of you may or may not understand when I say "I felt led...or just knew.." that it is time for me to go back to work! 

To answer a few questions:

*No, it is not out of "desperation" for money...however, the extra income will be helpful!

*No, I am not sending my kids to school (yet..ha ha). We will continue to home school. That should add more blog material....me working AND teaching the boys at home! It can be done. We won't be following a traditional  daily school schedule.

*Yes, it is a good thing! I feel excitement and peace!

*Yes, I will continue my blog...I have always written it for me..like a diary! I just share it with the world!

3/365, 1/2 of 3/4...and a future mechanic..

I noticed a trend/fad on facebook over the summer.

Pictures of feet on the beach or by a pool.

About 3/4ths of my "facebook friends" went to the beach this summer.

1/2 of those people took a picture of their feet at the beach (or by a pool).

I found this strange, but then realized...if you are by yourself and want a picture for evidence...of being at a beach or pool....then logically, you take a picture of your feet! Everybody knows the toes....right?

I would never do that. 

TMI time.....I brought home a souvenir from my swim class at the UofM.....

I am officially/medically an athelete!

I want to prove that I was enjoying my backyard today.....

Now you know!

There are about 3 perfect days out of 365 that I can enjoy my backyard...

Free of heat and mosquitoes....and no freezing!

I took time to enjoy God's creation (rare for me).

I laid my head back while I gently rocked the swing....

I enjoyed the slight chill in the air and decided to practice the discipline of being silent....

WHAT?

HUH?

I CAN'T HEAR THE SILENCE.......

I sat up and enjoyed the roar of the military plane flying over my house, the 4 trains alerting drivers as they crossed intersections, and the 7 leaf blowers maintaining the condos across the street......

 As I sewed and swung..I noticed Max was quietly working on something...

Apparently his Hummer from his 3rd or 4th Christmas was broken down.

He has not played with it in about 5 or 6 years.

I watched him and realized he inherited his father's passion for fixing/taking things apart.

I got a glimpse of Max as a car owner with Jeff's philosophy...

"I can fix it or make it better!"

Too bad you can't do this to a real car!

Max spent about 3 hours working on his car. It won't work on battery anymore.

The plan:

saw out the bottom and make it a "flintstone" powered car.

If any kid can do it, Max can!

All your "needs" in a shoe box....

Think of items that you NEED....

Maybe I should give you some time to discuss, think, and list what your NEEDS truly are...

Excluding shelter, could you fit life's necessities in a shoe box???


What about this....could you fit an EXCELLENT Christmas in a shoe box?
(no liquids, nothing that melts, no perishables, no money!)

My box?
I would hope to receive.......
cozy socks (the fuzzy holiday kind)
a book
hmmmmm
kitchen towels?

It is really hard to come up with stuff....and none of mine were necessities!



Our church's Children Ministry does about 4 to 5 mission projects every year.
My favorite is the Christmas Shoe Box project for Operation Christmas Child (through Samaritan's Purse). If you haven't heard of it or want more info go to their website HERE.

The boxes are going to kids that are praying for pencils so they can do their school work. Soap, washcloth, toothpaste and toothbrushes are a luxury. The children and their families are happy to see the arrival of the boxes and the volunteers that bring the message of God's love for them!

I have learned over the past few years of being involved with different ministries that I am not really needed! God can take care of us and His Will will be done! My purpose is to glorify God. When we organize mission projects, participate, give, volunteer, etc....we are bringing glory to God, his love, his name!!!

I love passing this message on to our children!
They have enjoyed the projects.

Last year we filled about 60 boxes.

This year we filled about 150. (I have not done the final count yet!)


I am so thankful to be a part of a loving and giving church family!
I am overwhelmed at the response and thought that these kids put into this project!!

empty boxes ready to be "Christmas" to a little kid somewhere in this world

soap, washcloths, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, small toys, pencils, crayons, coloring books, hard candy, flashlights (with extra batteries)....separated and ready to be packed!

the kids thoughtfully packing each box for an unknown child

I loved watching them take their time picking out a color of comb, style of sock, variety of candy!

making decisions of how to best pack the box to fit more toys 

really working hard to stuff as much as they could into a box as they thought about each kid receiving the box

For some of you, this might be painful...but this holiday season...try to teach yourself and your children about NEEDS and WANTS. You may think that it would be sad for your child if they did not get what is on their Christmas list. 

NOT TRUE!! I know from experience that your children will receive a different and better feeling if they give up some of their WANTS to be able to give to someone else!!

Check your city's ministries! Give toys and coats to those who NEED them!

Check out the above link and pack a box!!

Make this Holiday Season FANTASTIC!!

Give away Christmas !!

What is up with Jeff's face?

I am sorry single ladies...I stole the most handsome man in the world back in 1995...you all will just have to settle!!

I love full beards and especially on my handsome Jeff!!

His hair has successfully migrated from the top of his head to his face.....hubba hubba!!

HOT!!

Jeff is not only handsome BUT also very giving!!

He gave up his MANLY beard for Su Casa Family Ministries!

Su Casa is holding its First Annual Ask Me About My Stache Fundraiser!

You can find out all the details and rules...HERE

Just follow the link and click on the icon!

When someone asks the man about his stache...he is to tell them about Su Casa and ask for a donation toward his "growing stache".

If the man gets $500 or more, he is in The Selleck Society!

EVERYBODY....ask Jeff about his face!

Donate to Su Casa....join in the fun!

You can ask him on facebook, email or by phone if you don't see him around town!

You can easily donate on line (the above link) or write a check! 

(easier ways to get your donation tax thingy)

Help Jeff reach Selleck Status.....and support a great ministry!

You are welcome to share this blog post or the Su Casa link!

Want to see travel pics? mwhahahaha

Pretend I have shown up at your house with my slide carousel, projector, popcorn and sodas..

Showing travel pics is never as much fun for the viewers as it is for the "traveler" as they narrate and flip through the pics...

So I am going to have fun and you are going to pretend not to be bored.....

The Boys And I Go On A Halloween Vacation

I packed the car, stopped for a quick orthodontist appointment for Jack, picked up some drinks and then began our road trip...our destination was an hour and a half away!

We headed out of Memphis, past the Lakeland exit..

up next..Somerville exits....

DEAD STOP! For the next 45 minutes, we crept..stopped...crept....

After a long 2 1/2 hour drive, loud music, bad headache.....We finally arrived at my in-laws house!

The boys immediately started fighting....

Me: "GIRLS! stop it!"

Jack: "hey, take our picture standing in that stupid pose the girls do in their pictures..."

 Pay attention females....it IS a stupid pose! For heaven's sake...who started the "I have to pee" pose?

Fabulous, fantastic, fun filled four day of fallmania!

Max went to the "wooden playground"

Jack stayed home (he is still energy disabled)

The boys carved pumpkins!

Jack and Jack-o-lantern

Max!

The boys do a great job on pumpkins every year!

(I am so glad they are old enough to do it with NO HELP)

We went to a corn maze/farm festival...

At first, I thought "oops, this is for little kids!"

 When most teens (12 and 14) would be sullen, pouty, or mopey in a "kiddie" area..
These wonderful boys created their own fun!

 It payed off! We entered the "all age" fun!

Jumping in the cotton!

running across tractor tires!

Corn maze with a "game twist"

"hay ride" in an enormous cotton trailer

feeding farm animals

The picture does not do this goat justice!! It's hair looked like a toupee and it also had a goatee!

 The boys want me to get this giant tube for our back yard! What is it called? and where can I get one!

Max enjoyed the "hay jump" and the "adult safe" slide (in the background)

Jack did one "hay jump" but by this time...his energy was gone

everybody say "awww poor jack!"

We had a great time with Gran and Pop Pop!

And...for the real reason we came???

First Baptist Trenton's Trunk or Treat

 The boys have enjoyed this year after year!! 

They usually plan and create an awesome costume that makes everybody stop and look at them.

This year, Jack feared he may not feel like it so he chose this "zip hoodie" and Max joined him!

Everybody STILL stopped to look at them!

They looked awesome...especially after dark!

Max sat very still and most people thought he wasn't real...then he would move his head a tad and the kids would jump!

Jack handed out candy and some kids were too afraid to get the candy from him!

What? Where was Jeff?

My poor husband spent the last week working hard on a trial in St. Louis....

I hate that we have fun while he works such long hours and misses out on life for weeks at a time...stuck behind a computer.....creating graphics.....never getting out.....

hmmmmm....

congrats to the Cards!! #1

(no, he did not attend the game...watched it in his hotel room BESIDE the stadium...then joined the party!)