Inside My Head

Arts and Education

2012-01-31T10:52:00.003-06:00

"An educational system isn't worth a great deal if it teaches young people how to make a living but doesn't teach them how to make a life." ~Author Unknown

Recently we received a note from our elementary school that the distract had changed the grading scale of the special arts classes grades 2-4. The change included two main things that would change for the elementary student body. The first change is that the grading scale will now be A,B,C,D, F scale instead of the scale of the past which was E,S,N scale. The second change is the grades from all the related Arts classes will be a determining factor on the honor roll system. In the past, these class where not included or grouped with the core classes of Math, Science, Reading, etc.... Plus these changes will open up a whole new expectation of parents, arts teachers and students to communicate on a deeper and more clear level. This change I welcome with open arms. I am big on the partnership between teacher, student, and parent for education. All seems simple enough, right?

Upon further investigation, here's what I've found. Students receive an average of 15 recorded grades from their homeroom teacher in their core classes. Also, the homeroom teacher spends everyday getting to know their students and their learning patterns, struggles and strengths. It is much easier for a homeroom teacher to assess her students on a fair level and give them the assistance needed to achieve goals. The Arts teachers see the students on average once or twice a week and as of the last grading period gave the students an average 6-9 recorded grades. So my question and concern with this is, does the time the Arts teachers have with each student lend enough time to teach a new skill, develop and assist said new skill and then take a fair assessment and adequate data to give the student a fair grade over that new skill? In the core subjects, students are given multiple chances to develop and learn new skills through teaching, homework, projects and testing. Related Arts teachers do not have that same playing field, nor do the students in their once or twice a week classes. I am only concerned that this new policy will do more harm than good, while putting even more pressure on our already under paid and overworked teachers.

Don't get me wrong, I support the related Arts program and think it is a very valuable tool within our public school system. Anyone who knows my family personally knows just how important a role music plays in this family. I just believe that the Arts programs have an entirely different function and purpose than that of the core academic programs. I believe the arts should enrich students lives, build confidence, establish thinking patterns outside of the box, encourage healthy living, and all in all expose a world to children that might not get any other chance to be taught the Arts. The Arts should be enjoyable to students. After all, isn't that what the Arts are to us adults? Enrichment for our lives somehow? Isn't that why we listen to music and line our walls with art to make our lives richer and more beautiful? I think the Arts are a very valuable program to our schools. All in all, I am just saying that rather than good and brilliant teachers struggling to figure out what they can get more recordable grades from and how they can put art and such in paper and pencil form, I would like to see those teachers exploring the arts with my sons. Maybe showing them new instruments, exploring new color patterns to make the world a more beautiful place. Perhaps, learning that healthy bodies are happy bodies through fun life changing exercise habits.

It's very true, life is not fair. As adults, it gets even less fair and I believe we do need to prepare our children for changes, even new policies in their schools and lives. But do we as parents and educators not have the responsibility to new generations to do our very best to make the world a fair and just place? To teach them that 'life is not fair' and the path is not easy, while explaining that to fight for what is right is never a battle to which you surrender, no matter how large or small the cause. And education is no small cause.

I just want to say in closing that the school my children attend is a great school with an amazing, top-notch staff. Despite my concerns with this new district policy, I am very confident that the educators in my children's school will do their very best to help parents and students adjust smoothly to this new policy. I trust their judgment and respect their abilities to prepare my children for the next season of their lives.

40 Chores in 40 Days (Day 22)

2012-01-19T12:13:00.000-06:00

Day 22, the game closet at the end off the hall. I also store notebooks, gift bags, movies, and photographs in this closet. It's really a lot for such a small space. Oh, did I also mention it stores the Wii drum kit? I did the best I could with the supplies I had in this space. I did weed out a few older games for donation which freed up a little space. The drum kit stayed put, because there really is nowhere else for it to call home. I found a matching basket to the one already in the closet to throw all the box set movies and computer games in. The one already there holds travel games, cards, and smaller game items. I also used a plastic bag with a zipper that sheets came in to store some photographs in, and another larger quilt bag for gift bags and tissue paper. It's not pretty, but it is a bit more organized.

Before

After....A little better

40 Chores in 40 Days (Day 21)

2012-01-12T13:32:00.000-06:00

Over the half way mark with day 21 here! Today's chore was cleaning off the old desk in the laundry room. Once upon a time, I thought I would use the old desk to sew on (or teach myself to sew on). Well, that didn't happen. Instead, I piled laundry sky high on it, mostly blankets(which we have way to many of for our storage space), and clothes that no longer fit the boys. There were also odds and ends such as tools, material, toys, sewing supplies and gift bags, but now it's nice and clean and ready for donation!

OH MY....what a messy!

Much better!

Goodbye 20's

2012-01-11T13:43:00.001-06:00

I am now walking through the final days of the beloved age "29" and preparing myself to embrace my 30's with celebration and excitement come January 16th.

I keep asking myself if this the crossroads into adulthood. At the moment I just consider myself semi-grown up. Have I hit all the milestones of young adulthood? Am I really finished with this phase of my life and am I ready to step into the next chapter of my life? And what exactly is the next chapter? At least I am not alone in new chapters this year. My oldest son will be turning 10 and stepping into his middle school years while my dear Daddy is going to be turning 60. So, I am not alone in new seasons of life, however I don't think that is making this any easier. All that said, I am determined to focus on the blessing of my past and look forward to the happiness and love my future will bring.

Still there are questions racing around in my head. I told you when I started this blog my head was a scary place to be yet it's honest, just like I try to be on this blog. Otherwise, I wouldn't be writing any of this about my struggles and excitement about the big 3-0. I would just keep them all nice and neat and tucked away inside my head somewhere, but what fun would that be? So I will say some of the questions out loud and hope it's not too weird. Like...What defines me? and What do other people see when they look at me? Will those things change as I get older? and Do I want them to? Have I happily allowed motherhood devour me to point that it is the only thing that defines who I am? Am I going to be forever okay with that or is that also just a season of my life?

Privately, I have struggled with my children growing older as their dependence on me is slowly fading to smaller amounts as the years go by. This honestly has made me cry before and I have years to go before that happens. Have I let my children define me to the point of feeling somewhat lost without children underneath my feet? My children have been a huge part of my 20's and they have taught me so very much about love, life, and loving life. I feel with each passing year that I become a better mother, learning from my mistakes and making new ones often. However, I feel very at ease with motherhood and who that has made me, not that the title of mother is ever finished once your children are grown. I truly believe motherhood is for infinity, no matter how old your children are. I have come to realize the seasons of life, and your involvement in their's, is ever changing with each passing year. Thats why I keep asking myself, "What happens once all my boys are in school?"(which will happen in my 30's)... As confident as I am with the title of mother and as much as I adore it, I still have to figure out the rest of me. I figure 30 is the perfect beginning to start putting together the pieces of that puzzle. So...Hello 30's, Goodbye 20's!

A Baby Story (guest writer)

2012-01-10T14:00:00.002-06:00

Today I am featuring a guest writer, Alicia Hammock here on "Inside My Head. You may remember Alicia. Her, and husband Chris are no strangers to the blog. I featured a story about their January 2010 wedding back in June of that year. So, I thought it would be something special to have them back to share their experience of becoming parents. Chris and Alicia became parents back in August of 2011 and Alicia was kind enough to share her story with us. I really enjoyed hearing Alicia's story mostly because I can relate to not enjoying the pregnancy(for the most part). I loved her honesty. Alicia also talks about her support of breastfeeding and natural birthing along with her own personal experiences. You can just feel the love through her words for her sweet daughter and you know she would do it again in a heart beat. Thank you Alicia for sharing your baby story with us!

A BABY STORY: guest writer Alicia Hammock

Joyful hearts in becoming parents

Chris and I were trying to pregnant only a few months before God blessed us! We were SO excited about the news! I unfortunately had a miserable pregnancy with "morning sickness" and general fatigue. The second trimester was pretty good and the 3rd was miserable again. I would do it all over again for my sweet girl but not a fan of being prego. I had a couple of false labors which was so disappointing. But we finally went into labor at 39 1/2 weeks. We were at a baptism for church at the York Grist Mill in Pall Mall TN that afternoon and I just had a feeling that night was the one. About 7:15 we headed home and I started having contractions. since I had the false labor before I wanted to make sure this was it so I called the midwife to let her know it was a possibility but waited it out at home for another hour. The contractions kept getting closer and stronger and so we headed to the birthing center. I was dilated to 3 (which I had been for over a week) so I was again disappointed. But she was pretty sure this was going to be it so she asked us to stay and walk around some more. In a little over an hour she was about to check me again and as I went to lie down my water broke! I progressed pretty rapidly from there.

I decided to go with an all natural birth. I wouldn't change a thing. I won't lie..it was tough! But, so worth it. My daughter was born within 6 hours of starting contractions and she breastfed within 5 mins of being born. I feel like the pain you experience during the pregnancy makes you appreciate your baby so much more.

I know alot of people that have babies in the hospital with epidurals and they wanted to breastfeed but had complications or LONG labors because the meds slowed down the progression.

I got in the water birth tub for a little while when I was at 6 and I progressed to 9 in a matter of 15 mins. It helped ease alot of back pain for a while. After being in there for a couple hours though I wanted out. I couldn't get a comfortable position to push. But, I changed positions several times. I had to push for a good 3 hours because she got stuck in the birth canal. They eventually had to give me an episiotomy because her heart rate dropped to about 60 or 50 and they needed her out! She came within 2 pushes after the episiotomy. :) She was born at 5:20 am on Monday August 15th, 2011 weighing 7 lbs 5 ozs.

A Mother's Tender Love

I totally recommend the Infinity Birthing center and the midwives there. It was an awesome experience! I can't say enough about the way they let you have the birthing experience you want.

My sweet baby girl is still breastfeeding and thriving! She is changing every day!

Sweet Baby Girl Hammock

40 Chores in 40 Days (Day 20)

2012-01-09T17:02:00.000-06:00

Half way mark! I know it's taken me long enough. I am such a slacker. Not only the chores, but I have been neglecting my poor blogs these past two months as well. However, I refuse to give up my 40 chores in 40 days! I will finish this list! I mean, I have hit the half way mark...That's got to count for something, right? Maybe I should make it my New Year's resolution....Naa that would be silly of me considering I don't think I have ever completed one of those goals and I assure you if I did, it was a complete accident.

Anyway, back on track here with day 20 which the job at hand was cleaning under the kitchen sink. This was not so bad. I just placed things in baskets like all the cleaning supplies, and such. I don't really have too much since I do the majority of my cleaning with vinegar and baking soda these days. Although, I do keep Lysol and Lysol wipes on hand for those overly gross or germy moments. After all, having three little boys pretty much makes Lysol a must have. I did throw out a few, mostly empty, bottles of this and that. The end result was a much more organized cleaning supply cabinet! Three cheers for slowly, but none the less hurdling past the half way mark!! =)

Any of you readers out there have any handy dandy cleaning tips you would like to share? What about any tips for cleaning with a child with severe allergies?

A Very Merry Pinterst Christmas

2011-12-05T16:24:00.001-06:00

Today I completed my very first pinterest inspired project. I have lots of projects started and in the works that are via pinterest inspired, but today I actually finished one. Mine is not hardly as pretty as the inspiration one found posted on The Real Housewives of Bucks County Blog, but it does the trick for my front door. Thank you for the inspiration pinterest!

The Pinterest Find

Mine....I really need to work on my photography skills =)

40 Chores in 40 Days (Day 19)

2011-12-01T16:38:00.000-06:00

I have fallen so behind on my posting. Life just seems to be moving in super fast forward these days...Can you believe Christmas is just 24 days away!!! YIKES!!!

Anyways Here is 40 Chores in 40 Days. Day number 19 coming at you.

I have an addiction, I must confess. I am totally addicted to magazines. It doesn't matter the date or the issue. If I haven't read it before(and sometimes if I have) I will take it. I have been better about getting rid of them, but still they seem to pile up in certain little spots of my house...the kitchen counter, in the floor beside my bed, bookshelves, in a basket in the bathroom and sometimes the recycling pile. So, my magazine and book stash in the bathroom brings us to today's chore, clean out the magazine basket in bathroom. It didn't take to awful long and I did mange to part with a few to add to the recycling pile and I packed away a few books. A couple of the books made it to the donate pile mainly potty training books...thank goodness for being done with that milestone with the kidos! See you folks tomorrow....THE HALF way mark!!!!!!

Veterans Day 11-11-11

2011-11-11T21:55:00.002-06:00

No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another. Thank you. ~Author Unknown

11-11-11!!! Veterans Day! A day to celebrate and pay tribute to the men and women who bravely and selflessly take on the burden of keeping a country's freedom intact. They sacrifice so much to insure the liberties we as Americans so easily enjoy. These men and women have demonstrated bravery and selflessness beyond measure, and they have shined hope in many of the darkest times throughout this country's history. They are legends and heroes of the past, and the present. The future will hold even more of these brave men and women who will follow in the footsteps of past American heroes to serve this beautiful country and carry the burden. Today I just want to say thank you to all American military veterans, past and present. Thank you for being brave warriors! Your family, your friends, and the American people are proud of you and the honor, hope, and freedom you represent! We salute you and we love you!

Here is a short little video of just a few of our brave men and women both past and present. A big thank you to all the families and friends of these men and women who allowed me to use their photographs. The music featured is Mark Schultz "Letters from War".

40 Chores in 40 Days (Day #18)

2011-11-07T16:01:00.000-06:00

Another chore bites the dust! Day 18 here folks and I get to mark another chore off the list. Today's task at hand was cleaning off my laundry table. The table was meant to be a folding table, but is more like a "pile everything here" table when there are too few hangers downstairs or I am too hurried to fold. There was a small hill on that table. okay, I lied. It was more like the Mount Garrett of laundry, but I have climbed and defeated the challenge. You can now see the table and it can now serve its intended purpose! Mark off day 18....Thank you and I shall be here tomorrow with day 19 coming at you!

Seriously I am horrible at remembering to take the pictures folks I do apologize (again)!

40 Chores in 40 Days (Day # 17)

2011-11-04T12:00:00.000-05:00

Another easy chore today...I love easy chore days! Today I cleaned out the snack/candy jar that sits on my kichten counter. I also gave it a little scrub down. Simple enough, especially since there wasn't much in the jar to begin with. Snacks don't hang around this house very long with three growing boys. Here is to another chore marked off the list!

40 Chores in 40 Days (Day 16)

2011-11-03T15:57:00.001-05:00

Day # 16 finally! Sorry for the delay my friends. Strep was what I call seriously unfun!!! It totally kicked my tail. I don't think I have ever had it as an adult it was brutal. Thank goodness my husband was on vacation to take care of our little rugrats while I got some rest. I am still not feeling 100%, and I seem to have collected a cold along the way. As if strep wasn't enough. Anyways enough with my complaining, and on to chore 16.

Okay, so day 16 was yet another cluttered kitchen cabinet. This one was full of old baby bottles, jars, Tupperware and medicines that had somehow managed to stick around the kitchen. So after tossing things away, relocating meds and finding a new home for the Tupperware the cabinet is now mostly bare with a few glass jars and candy dishes calling it home. I plan on putting all the kids' glasses, thermos', and sippy cups in this cabinet at some point in the next 40 days. I am not real sure what day cleaning the drinking glass cabinet is on the list, but I know it's there somewhere! Until we meet again tomorrow! Happy de-cluttering(not even sure that's a word, but I think it should be)!

Sorry no pictures again. I hope to return with the picture taking real soon. I was lazy today!

Small Delay In My Chores

2011-10-26T20:24:00.000-05:00

Hello sweet readers. I just wanted to let everyone know that the 40 chores in 40 days and blog postings came to only a temporary halt this week. I came down with a mean case of strep that is totally kicking my tail, and have spent the last couple of days in bed. I will return as soon I promise. =)

40 Chores in 40 Days (Day #15)

2011-10-24T19:28:00.000-05:00

Today I cleaned out my oldest son's closet. I am really bad to just pile clothing on the top shelves rather than putting it into drawers. So, this little clean sweep was well over due. I also moved a few things that were too small for him over to his brothers' room. I added a crate for him to throw his shoes in. I also picked up all the snow clothes that were dumped at the bottom of his closet. It looks a little neater now. A nice, neat closet of shoes, clothes and mostly school attire! =)

Before

And After

Bambi Inspired Fashion (Polyvore)

2011-10-21T21:37:00.001-05:00

I have a confusion to make all of this 40 chores in 40 days things is wearing on my creative right brained self so what to do I do....Several things actually I spend way to much time on pinterest, I drive my husband nuts on doing more creative home decorating projects and remodeling, I prepare to breakout the sewing machine(I am usually not patient enough to do sewing projects), and I go back to my old stand by of Polyvore. So it's a large possibility that you are going to see many of my Polyvore sets posted in between all these chores blogs. Lately I have been on a Disney, fairy tales, girlie girl kick so prepare yourselves for lots of pink, lace, ruffles, and tiaras!

Today's Polyvore set inspired by Disney's Bambi. I felt this set was very Autumn. I would totally wear this outfit mostly those boots! Boots and Christmas are the only things I enjoy about cold weather.

4/10 Disney Challenge (Bambi) by mysticiris featuring embroidered jackets

Costumes Ideas For The Guys

2011-10-21T11:40:00.000-05:00

Okay I already featured the costumes from the web that I loved this year for us gals. Now it's the gentleman's turn. These are a few of my favorites some for creativity, some for genius application of makeup, and others just because they are pure fun! I also discovered while looking for costume ideas for my husband that men DIY costume ideas are actually kind of difficult to find. What are the men in your life dressing like this year?

Shark Attack

SHARK ATTACK!!! How creatively genius is this idea from tHe fiCkle piCkle. Perfect costume for dad's of little boys. I simply love it, and this one is for sure going in my own Halloween ideas!

Mad Hatter

This guy is a pro he simply must be. I couldn't get over how well down the makeup and costume are. It's an darn close to perfect match to Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland's Hatter. I found this guy over at Costume Works.

Plastic Army Men

Also found these adorable toy plastic army men over at Costume Works. I give this duo and A+ in the creative department! This would be great to add in to a group of Toy Story costumes.

Where's Waldo

Lastly is this Where's Waldo from wtfcostumes.com. This Waldo goes above and beyond the striped shirt and hat. This guy is for sure a spitting imagine of Waldo. I am loving all the effort he put into his costume!

40 Chores in 40 Days (Day # 14)

2011-10-21T11:08:00.001-05:00

Yesterday my internet was down for the majority of the day. Which kept me from posting, but it's back today so on with the 40 Chores in 40 days.

I don't know about everyone else, but in my home, between the five of us, shoes can be scattered everywhere. So, I put an old ugly red crate as you walk in the front door for shoes to be placed in, one so they aren't being tripped over and two we aren't on a search for them come school mornings. It actually has worked out very well and it's not too difficult for the kids to remember. The only problem is the shoe crate can become overflowing with shoes and it's ugly. So, on day 14 of the 40 days of chores I weeded out all the shoes, mostly summer sandals that aren't being worn, and returned them to closets. I also replaced the crate with a black leather basket that I just happen to have stuffed full of books downstairs. I don't know that I am completely happy with it, but it will do until I figure out a better solution. I also admit it's much better than the red crate

Before

It's not a big differenc, but at least the ugly red crate is gone!

40 Chores in 40 Days (Day # 13)

2011-10-19T19:24:00.000-05:00

Day thirteen here and the coat closet has been tackled and concurred! It was a job and it also reminded me that I need to make a list out for my hubby. He needs to organize all his tools. I don't even know what some of that stuff is, however I was able to weed out a few coats and make the closet much neater! Ya for day thirteen! =)

Costume Favorties For Us Gals

2011-10-18T13:10:00.003-05:00

I love the costume part of the Halloween season it's my favorite part of Fall. It even trumps the chocolate and apple cider, and I do love my apple cider! So I thought I would post a few of my favorite costumes I have run across on the world wide web. I mostly love DIY costumes only because they take more thought and creative juices, but I will admit some of the store bought costumes can be cute these days!

The Mermaid

Love this do it yourself tutorial from Traci Hines, and her use of sequins for scales is pure genius. She posted a video and step by step directions on the Etsy Blog. If your looking for last minute costume this would be all to cute.

The Book Fairy

This Book Fairy Costume from Liliedale is the perfect costume for the book lover. The lovely creator of this costume was kind enough to even to give us step by step directions on how to become a Book Fairy on her blog.

The Comic Beauty

This is just speechless, and probably extremely time consuming, but this little Comic Book Beauty that was featured on Charmed would be sure to make you the talk of the party. This costume would be a walking talking work of art!

The Hamburglar

Hamburglar super cute costume idea from What I Wore and looks fairly simple to assemble. Would be be super cute to put the whole family in McDonald's themed costumes. Oh and P.S. What I Wore has lots more super adorable costume ideas this one was just my fave!

40 Chores in 40 Days (Day # 12)

2011-10-18T10:43:00.000-05:00

Another junkie kitchen cabinet de-clutter. Now, if only a little fairy would come and achieve the rest of the cabinets and reline them all with new updated paper! I think that paper has been there since the house was built in 1974. Like I said before, it really hasn't been too overwhelming to achieve one goal a day! Another question for my readers...Where do you store seasonal kitchen items...cookie cutters, platters, Christmas dishes? Oh and terribly sorry, but I once again didn't get any photographs. So much for getting better at that.

40 Chores in 40 Days(Day 11)

2011-10-17T17:38:00.001-05:00

Mirror mirror on the wall, who has the messiest vanity of them all?....Oh that would be me. You know that saying, "My room was clean until I had to find something to wear"? That's my motto! My side of the room where my pretty little white vanity stands as a catch all for all the outfits, hats, jewelry, scarves, and whatever else I can pile on, seem to find a home there. I fuss at my children all the time for their messy rooms, then I look at mine with huge guilt. It's often more messy than theirs. I blame it on lack of storage and my inability to get anywhere on time, which results in not picking up after the tornado of getting ready hits my bedroom. So, today I took the giant leap into cleaning up and clearing off my vanity. It looks nice now. You can actually see the mirror now! I used a couple of little boxes for hair accessories and make up. I also used a paper towel holder for all my ponytail holders and hats that I wear often in the fall season! Eleven days down, only twenty nine to go. That doesn't sound too bad if you say it real fast!

Before...

After

Before inside the drawer

And After

40 Chores in 40 Days(Day #10)

2011-10-14T12:56:00.001-05:00

The linen closet was the task at hand today. It wasn't as terrible as I thought it was going to be. I managed to cull out a big black trash bag full for the nearest donation center. I also took a tip from Pinterest.com and stored all the sheet sets inside their matching pillowcases. I also only kept one extra sheet set for each bed. I did once again learn a few things about myself while taking on this project. One, if someone holding a gun to my head and told me to fold a fitted sheet...I would most likely die fore sure. My right brained self just can't seem to manage that task. Two, I don't have a single pink color schemed room in my house yet I keep bringing home pink towels and wash clothes. I think it's my fight for some girliness in my life surrounded by boys. However, it really doesn't seem like good decorating tactics. Three, I need new towels and where did this huge collection of beach towels come from?

I forgot the picture again. Just imagine all the shelves like the top one!

After

40 Chores in 40 Days(Day # 9)

2011-10-13T10:39:00.003-05:00

40 Chores in 40 Days

Day number nine here. I have to say I admit it feels good to get organized, but I also admit it's a slow process and I am quickly discovering that I may need another list after I complete this one. At least I am making a start, right??? Well folks today's task is one of the other junk drawers in my kitchen. It had things like batteries, thumb tacks and random knick-knacks. I cleared out a few of the useful items and distributed them to new homes. Then, well, I flipped the drawer over the trash can and dumped the rest. Pretty simple! I relined the drawer with new paper and I now have an empty drawer. On to day # 10 see you then!

Oh, if you have a any tips about how to organize batteries and chords I am all ears.

Before

After

40 Chores in 40 Days ( Day # 8)

2011-10-12T07:36:00.000-05:00

I know I haven't posted my chores in a few days. I apologize for that. I promises I have not skipped a day of doing them. I just haven't had the chance to get them posted. In real time I am up to day 14, but here in blog land I am only on day 8.

Okay, day number 8 marked off my list with the tackling of one of three junk drawers in my kitchen! This drawer had mainly lids from Tupperware and jars. Does anyone else feel like something eats the Tupperware dishes leaving only their lids as evidence? My drawer was full of at least fifty lids that had nothing to fit so I dumped them and kept only about 10 lids that did have their mate. The result was one less junk drawer that now actually server a purpose! Sorry folks, forgot to take pictures this time as well. I will try to get little better at that.

40 Chores in 40 Days (Day # 7)

2011-10-07T19:39:00.001-05:00

Day number seven...the toy purge! Okay my friends, today I tackled the room of my younger two boys with the help of my sweet Mom. We weren't as successful as I would have liked to have been, but we did manage to fill two large trash bags for donation, 1 of trash, and 1 tub to take to Granny's house. My children have way too many little knick-knacky toys, but at the moment it's all my youngest plays with. He is a total superhero type of kid(which I totally love about him), while my middle son is a Toy Story Fanatic!!! Seriously, he hasn't grown out of this stage since he first laid eyes on the first movie when he was about 2 years old. He is now 6 and still going as strong as is his huge collection. I think he even has a few more on his Christmas list....OH JOY! So, I couldn't make any of that secretly disappear while he was at school. I think he takes inventory. Am I the only one out there that has a hard time getting rid of toys? Also in today's cleaning I decided that I need to purchase a couple more toy chests or buckets for their room. I also need to simplify the cleaning method so they are able to do it themselves in a way that is. at least, visibly pleasing to Mommy dearest! Because right now, I have everything sorted into different boxes, tubs and shelves and that will only happen in my dreams. So, I myself need to lower some expectations of how I want their room cleaned and figure out a plan that works for all of us, not just me. Because honestly Mommy can't do it all on her own and quite frankly, I shouldn't have to! =)

Questions for you My Readers?

1. How do you get your little ones to clean up after themselves?

2. How do you store toys?

4. Any ideas out there about a clothes hamper for a kids room?

3. How do you purge toys. (I was kinda thinking every new toy that comes in, one has to leave?)

Before...UGH

After...Much Better

The Toy Story Collection!

TV Corner Before

After...I know we still live in the early 90's with our VHS collection. What can I say we like vintage!

40 Chores in 40 Days (Day # 6)

2011-10-06T13:47:00.002-05:00

Almost two hours and one major allergy attack later, the ex-playroom is finally clean! Now that chore made me work up a sweat. I discovered when looking over this room, pre-cleaning, that I am apparently the stuff hoarders are made of. Not that I wanted to keep anything, just the sad fact that I let it get to this point. We rarely use the downstairs part of our home. I pretty much only go down there to do laundry. So, I suppose out of sight, out of mind played a large role in the pure destruction of this room. That and I somehow manage to have monkeys instead of children. Having a playroom downstairs was a bad idea in the first place. They would never go downstairs and play. I think they believed something inhuman lived in the downstairs quarters that would eat small children who didn't obey their parents. Okay so I totally made that up! I have no idea why they never used the room that was full of way too many toys, but when they did use it they became tornadoes. Several months ago (okay maybe a year ago) I donated all the toys in the playroom so all that remained was pretty much trash and things that had no real home assigned to them. Removing and reassigning homes to lost things was the task at hand. Sounds fairly simple in theory. Some of you are probably laughing that I find organizing and de-cluttering to be such a difficult task, others of you are probably gasping in horror/shock that I am indeed a slob. It is even more shocking to those of you who know my Mother. She has one of the nicest, well kept houses I know. I did not get that gene from her. I only wish for it and truthfully, envy it. I think she somehow finds cleaning and decorating to be fun. Strange and unusual concept to me.

Anyway.... Here are a few things that I learned during this task.

1. Saving boxes from old electronic devices is never a good idea

2. Vacuuming with a shop vac takes a lot of time

3. I am not fond of small, dark spaces (I.E. the closet under the steps) Not afraid of it, just not fond!

4. However, I am terrified of spiders and I think they know it

5. It feels really refreshing to be accomplishing these chores and it really hasn't been too overwhelming

HUGE MESS! I can't believe I am posting this publicly

After

Before Closet

After Closet...No more boxes!

I am very grateful that this project is over and I am super excited about the plans I have for this room now. Here are a few photos that I am drawing inspiration from for our new home office/library! I know it's a while down the road, but just thinking about it makes me smile....I heart books, and a room where they surround me gives me a happy heart! Thank you pinterest!

I love everything about this space found on The Life of Polarn Per

BOOKS!!!!

Piano...I would imagine there will be some guitars as well!

More BOOKS...and love the curtain as well!

40 Chores in 40 Days (Day #5)

2011-10-05T21:18:00.001-05:00

Today was an easy day. So easy, I almost feel guilty until I remember that tomorrow I tackle the old downstairs playroom that will some day be my library/family office. I envision lots of bookshelves, but that's another project for another day. Right now, the playroom is full of everything we don't use and really don't need. It's a job I am not looking forward to, never-the-less it must be done.

In the meantime, today's project was cleaning out my makeup bag, ditching all the unused stuff and storing the occasionally used items in a box on my vanity. I keep my makeup in a travel bag because we are on the go a lot, Also, we are a one bathroom household and quite frankly it just doesn't make sense to store it in the bathroom. However, I do have a plan for makeup storage in the future, but for today just a good cleaning out. I couldn't believe how thin the bag seemed when I folded it. Anyways... Yay, for another chore marked off the list! Only 35 more to go!

Before

All Boxed up...Mostly Nail Polish

What Made The Cut

After

40 Chores in 40 Days (Day # 4)

2011-10-04T13:21:00.001-05:00

Day # 4

Today I tackled the TV cabinet/entertainment center. It was quite an undertaking to do by myself, mostly because I moved it out from the walls to do a good vacuuming and dust bunny removal. I was attacked by the massive amount of chords, which actually inspired to me to write up my husband a little list since I was scared I would unplug something in fear of never being able to figure out where exactly it came from. I figured organizing the chord system was a task better left up to him, so I just stuck with the cleaning, purging, and decluttering part of the job. It took me a good hour to accomplish the job, but it feels good to have cleared out so much storage space. Tomorrow's task is much simpler, but as for the rest of the week it's filled with some real doozies.

Before and After

What a MESS!!

Another Before

And After...Much Better

Day #4 Complete!

The Heart Of A 1st Grade Teacher

2011-09-30T10:30:00.005-05:00

I love my middle son's first grade teacher. She is everything I stay awake at night praying for. Her sweet nature, her ability to make learning fun in a bold way, her patient heart and her candid ability to look past everything Wesley is not and see straight to what he is. Mrs. Williams loves all of her students with a golden heart. Looking past the messy, often ickyness, that children so often are. Simply put, she is a beautiful person with a rare passion for what she does. She cares so much more about the joys of teaching, what those kids are learning and just loving on those children to ever think twice about the flaws that so many of them carry in their little lives!

Everyday I look at Wesley, my beautiful, sweet, kind hearted little boy and pray that the world can look past his inability to run fast or the fact he walks with a limp and that his severe allergies make it impossible to keep his nose clean. I also pray for love to shine like a bright beacon in Wesley's life and for protections over him in a cruel and sometimes unkind world. And what do I get? I get Mrs. Williams as his first grade teacher! How beautiful is that answered prayer! I am so grateful that Mrs. Williams is a part of this families lives.

40 Chores in 40 Days (Day # 3)

2011-09-30T10:26:00.000-05:00

Day # 3

Today I tackled the spice cabinet! First step was going through and throwing away everything out of date. While that didn't come close filling the trash bag, it did allow me to consolidate two cabinets worth of spices and baking supplies into one! Who doesn't love extra storage room? Now I have a completely empty cabinet! I didn't take many photographs of this little project mostly because I got started without taking the before. I did take just one shot of the after, but only because I was hoping for some ideas to not only be organized, but also make it look a little more appealing to the eyes. I figured I would get some glass jars for the flour and powdered sugar, but I am clueless as to what to do with the actual spice collection. Any suggestions? Sorry for no pictures today. I got to cleaning and forgot to take any.

40 Chores in 40 Days (Day # 2)

2011-09-29T13:12:00.000-05:00

40 Chores in 40 Days

Day # 2

Okay, the grand total of large filled trash bags after day one and two is now three! OH MY! I couldn't believe how much junk can hide in the little nooks and crannies of a home. I mean, I was well aware of the fact I am a terrible housekeeper, but that is just ridiculous. It feels good to be purging so much. I have taken the policy that if we haven't used in the past year it's time to donate it or toss it, unless it's a book, they're my one guilty pleasure that I refuse to toss. I have issues with getting rid of books, but that's a whole different blog. So, I have tossed most of what was residing in the art cabinet and now everything has a nice cozy home. Well only 38 more days to go....I am exhausted thinking about it! However it's going to be nice to simplify!

Before

After

Recipes!

Someday I will just make a book of my favorite recipes, but for now it's just good to have them all nice and neat in one place.

Art Supply Jars

I plan on painting the lids and labeling the jars, but for today it was about getting organized..first and foremost. I would love to hear organizing tips that help you keep your household running smoothly and specifically any tricks of the trade for organizing art supplies in a decorative fun manner?

Caramel Apple LolliPies

2011-09-28T22:36:00.002-05:00

So I tried my hand at the pies on a stick that have been appearing on pinterest and featured on Bakerella. I made them for an apple party my middle son is having at school tomorrow. The 1st class has been studying apples all week, and tomorrow they are getting to taste different recipes in which apples are used. I thought the mini pies would be perfect for little hands.

Caramel Apple Mini Pies On A Stick

Mini Apple Pie

List of Supplies: Pie Crust, Flour, Cookie Sticks, Apple Pie Filling, Cinnamon, Egg White, Caramel Bites, Small Round Cookie Cutter

First I smashed up my apples in a large mixing bowl so they would be easier to work with. I added just a dash more of cinnamon to the apples.
Roll out pie crust and sprinkle with flour to keep from sticking. Now cut out your circles. I made about 8-9 pies with one 9inch crust.
Place bottom crust on cookie sheet, add your baking cookie stick
Add in your toppings I used a 1/4 teaspoon to measure out the apples (very small amount), and added one or two caramel bites
Add top crust and use one of the cookie stick to press down the sides
Brush tops with egg whites
Bake for 15-17 minutes at 375 degrees

Here is a shot of a couple of the stages. Sorry for the bad glare!

Smashed Apples

Wrapped Up and Ready for A Classroom full of 1st Graders

Hope you all enjoy! It was super easy. A little time consuming but very simple. Would help to have more than one cookie sheet. I only have one.

40 Chores in 40 Days

2011-09-28T07:47:00.007-05:00

So here lately, I have been very convicted to be content with what I have and not dwell on the things I do not have ( 1 Timothy, Chapter 6). With that came other convictions such as am I using the things I do have to glorify the Lord or am I simply allowing my pride and laziness to plant obstacles in my path. The biggest conviction comes in the form of my house. We rarely entertain in our home, invite over neighbors to get to know them or even host our dearest friends. I feel that doing so is an important part of growing friendships deeper. I can tell you hundreds of excuses as to why we don't do so, but that's all they would be, excuses. I am not embarrassed of my home it's a huge blessing in my life to have a place to call home. I am however embarrassed at the way I have taken care of it. Anyone who knows me knows that I am by no means a housekeeper. I struggle deeply with the balance of doing housework all the time to hardly doing it at all. I have a very hard time finding the happy medium and not obsessing over it. I am one of those people that hates schedules, budgets, charts, time management, even though I know they are helpful. I am totally a right brained kind of person and not wired to love them. I am working on that with the help of my husband, mother, and pinterest, but it's a seemingly very slow process for me. I am talking years people! My husband, bless his heart, is a very patient man...THANK GOODNESS!!!

So the other day I sat down at the table while my children where doing homework and devised a plan, thanks to a lot of pinterest inspiration to get organized, get the house in order, and get on the path that I believe is much more the one intended for me to be walking out. It's a fairly simple plan. I made two lists, both of them titled 40 Chores in 40 Days. One list is just for me and involves nothing but getting organized and getting rid of stuff. My goal is to achieve this list in 40 consecutive days. The other list will involve my husband a lot more and includes tackling the bigger projects like re-tiling the bathroom, painting the outside of the house and finishing the downstairs. Realistically, I don't see that being achieved in 40 consecutive days, but it still gives us goals to achieve and a master plan in hand. I know it's nothing big or complicated, but baby steps are steps forward.

I plan on blogging about it all along the way so that you guys can give me more ideas and help me to stay accountable and focused along the way. I am actually looking forward to taking this head on, at least for now I am. I actually finished project number one on the my list already. I cleaned out the utensil drawer! Yay for project # 1.

The List Also Know As MY LIST

Project #1 Day 1 Organizing the Utensil Drawer

BEFORE...What a Mess!

Added Textured Paper

All Done....Now to buy a prettier utensil organizer someday soon!

Stay tuned as I count down the finished projects. Oh and just a little FYI I was inspired by pinterest, but the original post came from this really sweet blog Little Lucy Lu.

Tuesday Treasury

2011-09-20T13:35:00.002-05:00

This weeks Etsy Treasury simply was put together with Sheb Wooley's 1958 "Purple People Eater" in mind. A novelty song about a one eyed, one horned monster that wants to be in a rock and roll band. So this weeks set contains lots of purple, many monsters, and lots of fun! Hope you enjoy!

Purple People Eater......Click HERE for a direct link to the full treasury list.

I will leave you will a little Youtube video featuring Sheb Wooley and his only #1 song.

Tuesday Treasury

2011-09-13T12:41:00.004-05:00

This week's Tuesday Treasury is inspired by a book by Shel Silverstein, and one of my childhood favorites at that, The Giving Tree. So in this week's treasury, in which I call "Once There Was A Tree....", I have included all kinds of tree inspired goodies from the impressive and talented vendors from Etsy. Now, I will leave you with a excerpt from the book and a link to the full treasury list.Click HERE for full list.

Once there was a tree..... and she loved a little boy. And every day the boy would come and he would gather her leaves and make them into crowns and play king of the forest. He would climb up her trunk and swing from her branches and eat apples. And they would play hide-and-go-seek. And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade. And the boy loved the tree.......very much. And the tree was happy. -Shel Silverstein

Once There Was A Tree

What was one of your favorite childhood books?

Remembered

2011-09-11T22:50:00.003-05:00

I read this prayer tonight that was composed by a sweet friend of mine. A young woman with such a beautiful heart that holds such a powerful amount of love. Her prayer echoed so much of what I believe so many of us are saying and feeling as we walked through this day of remembering the tragedy that happen on September 11, 2001. Thank you Billie Sue for allowing me to publish such a beautiful and heart felt prayer, and thank you even more for being such a bright light for Christ in such a dark world.

Photograph By: Sarah Worley

A PRAYER ON 9-11
by: Billie Sue Wilson
Tonight, I say a prayer
I kneel, knees to ground.
I close my eyes and take a breath,
My thoughts now making sound.
Father, I know I'm weak
I know I've let you down.
But this prayer is not for me tonight
It's for those all around.
You see, I am only one
In a land so distraught.
Where people do not offer love
Unless their love is bought.
I am no example,
I've let the world in.
But if You'll show your mercy
I'll start over again.
I know Your plan, God
For Your word has told.
I know You win at world's end
Your hand is ours to hold.
But, God, until that day
I see the pain surround
I don't know what we'd do right now
If heroes didn't abound.
Bless them, God--the brave
Who freely give their all
To protect what You have given us
Those who stand, and fall.
Protect us, God, from evil.
Hold us in Your hand.
Guide us through our troubled times
Beside us, won't You stand.
I trust you, God, always.
Through suffering and pain.
I know You have a plan for us.
For no loss is in vain.
I offer thanks, Dear God
For forgiveness of our sins.
All this I pray in Jesus' name
I love you, God. Amen.

Love Your Community

2011-09-08T19:50:00.002-05:00

I was reading the April 2011 issue of Better Homes and Garden a while back and ran across this article about an inspiring young woman named Majora Carter. I found the article to be insightful, uplifting, and in your face truthful.

Majora Carter has made it her life’s mission to find solutions for struggling communities. Her motto, “No one should have to move out of their neighborhood to live in a better one”. She boldly tells us “We are the keys to our own communities’s recovery”. Inspiring isn’t it?

Let me repeat that last line “WE are the keys to our own community’s recovery”. Whether your current neighborhood resembles a war zone or just in need of a minor face lift it all starts with us, the people in the neighborhoods. We cannot wait for government funding or for nicer neighbors to move in next door. The key ingredient is getting involved and caring for your community. It’s not someone else’s job to figure out solutions, it’s ours. I told you I found Majora Carter’s article inspiring. This woman saw a problem that needed fixing, and took off running toward them, head on, to figure out solutions. I found myself wanting to be more like this woman. I want to take more of an interest in my community and in my neighbors. After all, my community is my home. I should care deeply about it. Actually, I am a little ashamed that it took an article from a magazine to point that out to me.

You know what makes a great neighborhood? It’s not how large the houses are or what kind of cars are parked in the driveways . It’s the people!!! People who are kind, selfless, hardworking, respectful, and joyful... that is what makes a neighborhood grand. People who are willing to pour into others in a loving and committed fashion will make a neighborhood flourish. The question is, are we that kind of person and neighbor? In a struggling economy, I believe the future success of our communities lies with us. Are we willing to start the change?

Here are just a few ways you can get started on making a difference in your community.

-          Get to know your neighbors invite them to dinner
-          Volunteer on community projects
-          Create a Community Garden
-          Ask local schools how you can help, even if your not a parent
-          Host a block party
-          Get your church involved
-          Shop locally
-          Help up keep the local community center
-          Take pride in your own home
-          Host a community clean up day
-          Coach a sports team
-          Get Your Church invovled
-          Volunteer, Volunteer, Volunteer
-          Connect with community leaders
-          Donate (time, funds, supplies)

Tuesday Treasury

2011-09-06T07:58:00.000-05:00

This Tuesday in my Etsy treasury, I was inspired by my families love for music. I named the treasury Lyrics and Love which is also the name of the blog that documents this families journey through a life full of music and love. To find out which items I found musically inspiring by the talented folks on Etsy this week, click HERE for a direct link to the full list.

Inspired By Music and Love. What music inspires you?

Tuesday Treasury

2011-08-30T16:07:00.003-05:00

So I have created a theme for Tuesday's here on Inside My Head. Tuesday Treasury will become a mainstay starting this week! That is, if my crazy busy life with three boys allows me to keep up. So, what is Tuesday Treasury? Tuesday Treasury is a list I have personally compiled from Etsy.com with a given theme of my choosing for the week. Knowing me, I will be drawing much of my inspiriation from my favorite fairytales, books, music, and life experiences. I hope you all will visit me every Tuesday to see what inspired me this week and check out all the talented artists, collectors, crafters, and various Etsy venders that are featured each week by following the links to the treasury. I also hope you will leave me a little note telling me what inspires you. You never know, you may be my next inspiration!

I hope you enjoy this Tuesday's first Treasury list inspired by one of my all time favorite stories by C.S. Lewis, The Lion the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and named Journey Through The Wardrobe.

Tuesday's Treasury

To see the rest of this collection follow the direct link by clicking HERE.

Back To School

2011-08-21T22:46:00.012-05:00

Walking to School On The First Day

Well, the first full week of school is officially under our belts. I would say that this first week was measured only with success for both the Garrett family and Cole Elementary. The boys seem to be adapting to their new teachers and classrooms in a positive way. I personally enjoyed this week's open house meet and greet on Tuesday and Thursday. I left the school both afternoons feeling good about not only the boys amazing teachers, but the whole organization and operation of the school.

Cole Elementary has a student body of 854 students this year and 97 well equipped staff members. The students, faculty, and volunteers are the framework to which the school sets it's high standards. Those standards are what makes this elementary school team celebrated by my family. I appreciate that Cole Elementary believes in every student's ability to achieve big things not only in school, but in their lives, and they are not afraid of holding the children to those standards.

I am expecting a challenging school year for my 1st and 4th grader. However, I feel confident that under Cole Faculty's vision for education and lots of parental involvement both of my students will make first-class gains in their academic achievements, while developing skills they will carry with them for a lifetime. I really do believe in and love this school. I am truly convinced that Cole Elementary's staff, in it's entirety, care about my children's education and dreams almost as much as I do!

Thankful Heart

2011-08-06T18:32:00.000-05:00

I recently began to use a couple of new journaling styles making each of my journals a little more focused on one particular subject. I have been writing in journals for as long as I can remember, so I jumped at the suggestion to keep a prayer journal. The suggestion came from my pastor’s wife. I also thought it was brilliant that she keeps a table of contents at the beginning of each of her journals, so she will know just how to reference and use them at a later date.

My Maxjournal Collection on the Ipad

Along with my prayer journal and day to day journal, I also decided to keep a gratitude journal. This is the journal of subject today. I titled mine “Thankful Heart”. I truly believe that a thankful heart breeds joy in our lives, and when you are joyful, the action of love naturally comes into play. We all know that love is the glue that holds us together or at least love is what holds me together. I am not talking about the warm and fuzzy emotion of love, I am talking big love. I am talking about action love. I am talking about Jesus love. The kind of love that: never fails, forgives quickly, that’s not self seeking, and speaks the truth (Corinthians 13). So, why not keep a recorded of what makes your heart thankful? Why not let that thanksgiving turn into an overflowing amount of joy. Why not turn our focus away from the negatives, the trials, the tribulations that we face in our lives, and lift our hearts up by focusing on our blessings and joy.

In my own journal, “Thankful Heart”, Everyday I choose to write down five things for which I am thankful. They range anywhere from a nurse making my son's shot day a little less painful, to a beautiful rose that has bloomed in my garden. Nothing is too small or too big to be thankful for. Blessings are all around us everyday. They come in so many shapes and sizes. What is your heart thankful for today?

Inside the Maxjournal App for the ipad

A Hero Born

2011-08-05T16:23:00.000-05:00

Tornado’s blew though my neighboring state of Alabama on Wednesday April 27^th causing heartbreaking loss of life and wide spread devastation to many neighborhoods.

As the state begins to pick up the pieces and rebuild their neighborhoods, something inspiring happens. Out of all the tragedy, heroes are born. People who dig in and become leaders of the rebuilding process. Not just the rebuilding of structures and homes, but the process of ministering to the people, the building back up of hope in a time that can seem dark and hopeless. Rebuilding the spirits of people, and reaching out with love.

One such hero is Melvin Allen. Melvin is a youth director at Harvest Youth Club. My husband came in contact with Mr. Allen while volunteering with a group of his co-workers for a day of clean up. My husband described Melvin Allen as, "the real deal". The kind of man you make a movie about and actor Denzel Washington would play the role. A fact that has probably never crossed the mind of the charismatic youth director from Alabama, as he digs into the lives of the people around him without hesitation wielding only a heart to serve and help those in need. There were about 103 homes in Melvin’s neighborhood and only about a dozen are considered liveable in Harvest, Alabama. Melvin Allen gets the fact that loving on people comes first. In this case loving on people in-tells helping them rebuild their homes, cleaning up their streets, providing them with basic supplies. Hard work is involved, but the task is not too great. It's worth every bit of time, sweat, and tears that it costs as long as it will rebuild hope and chase away despair. Considering the devastation that has occurred, ministering into the lives of these people takes a big love, a Jesus kind of love.

Rebuilding homes is an emotional process of healing lives, restoring roots, and pouring an unmeasurable amount of love into the people living in these communities. Through all of this arises the opportunity to show just what Christian love is supposed to look like... giving without the need of recognition or compensation. We are carrying out Christ's work, as his vessels, allowing him to love on others through us. That is just what Melvin Allen and his Harvest Youth Club team are achieving on the fields of the aftermath of these unfortunate tornado's. Melvin is being a light of hope and love in his community.

To find out how you can help visit http://www.harvestyouthclub.com/

Even though news coverage may have stopped, these people still need your help.

The Chronicles of Potty Training

2011-07-26T12:17:00.000-05:00

So, the Garrett household has been diaper free since April, which has been reason to celebrate since the youngest Garrett was anything but willing to give up the diaper. He was so stubborn in this department and was unwilling to let go and move on to the big boy potty milestone. However, it finally happened, on his terms of course. He just decided one day to be a big boy and that was the last of the diapers. However, I kept some notes of our potty training adventures leading up to his big decision. I call them the Chronicles of Potty Training. With my other children, it took me about a week to potty train, so I always made plans to make no plans and stay home to let the potty training begin. Here are my notes for the week with my youngest…this my friends was an epic fail!

Day 1

Cooper was about 2 ½ the first time I tried to get him to use the potty. Day one was productive, but not the "he learned to use the potty in one day" kind of productive. Lets face it, that would be the stuff miracles are made of. Instead, we established that flushing the potty is fun. I see this as a warning sign if any small objects go missing. I know the likelihood of them being lodged somewhere in my plumbing is a high possibility, thanks to lessons I learned during the potty training years of my now 6 year old son. He attempted to flush everything, including the puppy!

Day 2

Today we established that the words tinkle and Mommy singing the made up potty song, is amusing to the point of laughter for the 2 year old. I think he is mocking my efforts to forever dispose of diapers in the Garrett household. Also, reminding me just how badly I hate potty training. Seriously folks, I consider potty training my children one of the great accomplishments of my adult life. I know it’s sad, but oh so true.

Day 3

Today I made a large pile of clean undies to store in the bathroom for the many, many changes I foresee in our future today. I am also praying and thanking the Lord for the wisdom he gave us to remove the carpet in the house, and replace it with hardwoods. I also admit that I giggled a little when Cooper peed on my husband’s side of the bed as I was thankful it was not on me or my side of the bed. Oh, have I mentioned that at this point we have not tinkled once in the potty…yep not once, but we shall press on to day four.

Day 4

Today I broke my own rule of staying home for a week to potty train. We went to the zoo with some friends for a play-date. I feel like such a rebel =)

Day 5

Not much has changed. Still not one single use of the potty has occurred, and he still laughs and looks at me like I am crazy person when I sing the potty song. However to show for our training efforts today a soggy, gross pile of underoos and a half empty bottle of Lysol. This is not one of the benefits of motherhood.

Day 6

Okay not one time has the kid used the potty. I am frustrated, and he officially screams when I mention the word POTTY…I quit will resume in month or two!

Like I mentioned above it did finally happen in April a couple months after I had tried the week at home devotion to Potty Training which worked on my other two children. With Cooper, it was all about his own terms and we haven’t had an accident in months, not even at night time! This is me doing the happy dance that we are finally diaper free household!!!!

Okay all you parents, got any tips about how to potty train toddlers with limited frustrations for parents out there stuck in the potty training phase?

ING Kids Rock Marathon

2011-07-14T14:21:00.001-05:00

The Cole Team

Back on April 29th my oldest son Carter participated in the ING Kids Rock Marathon in Nashville, TN. I know April 29th was several months ago, I am running a little behind when it comes to my blog. Summer has turned out to be a little busier than I had expected. Anyway, back to the subject of the marathon.

The marathon was formerly known as the YMCA Country Music Marathon and this year it was sporting a new sponsor and new name. This year the ING Kids Rock Marathon celebrated 10 years with 4,700 participants ranging from Kindergarteners to seventh graders. The goal of the Marathon is to introduce kids to physical fitness and its importance, while helping children achieve team goals to stay fit and healthy with the motto “ING run for something better”.

The race itself is a modified marathon meaning that each student completes 25.2 miles prior to the final mile. Most children taking part in the race train in a group or in their physical education class at their respective schools. Completing a few miles at a time prepares them to run their final mile alongside other Nashville students in a Marathon style setup around LP field (home of the Titans).

Besides providing the opportunity to explore the world of running and fitness for children of all ages, the marathon awards grants to school programs pouring back into the schools and their health education programs.

Next year's Marathon registration will open in Late September-Early October. It really is something great to be apart of.

5 Tips To-Do Before Vacation

2011-07-12T11:43:00.000-05:00

5 Friendly Tips To-Do Before Leaving For Vacation

1. Ask a neighbor or family friend to keep an eye on things while your away. Give them telephone numbers on how to reach you.

2. Have the post office put a hold on your mail until you return

3. If at all possible leave a Vehicle in your driveway and a lamp on inside your home. It is wise to put the lamp on a timer so it comes on and goes off at certain times.

4. Turn down your AC and shut off your water.

5. Don’t mention on Social Networking sites you are going on vacation and wait until you return to post pictures and comments about your trip.

Crossroads Music

2011-07-11T12:00:00.001-05:00

Photograph By Moments To Memories

Cookeville Tennesse seems to be coming to life these days with music. A subject that is of course always close to my heart, I get excited when I hear about new studios and music stores that are settling down in smaller towns around Tennessee. I recently heard about Crossroads Music, a music store that opened back in September in Cookeville. I attended high school with one of the co-owners and his wife, and I couldn’t be happier for them as they make music more accessible to Cookeville and the communities surrounding them. Crossroads Music is owned and opertated by Travis Copeland and Greg Taylor. The store offers local musicians the option of not having to drive a hundred miles for quality music gear or the not having to take part in the risky business of shopping online and having to buy an instrument or gear before you play it. Along with quality gear, Crossroads Music also offers an array of music lessons with affordable rates. I recently had a chance to interview co-owner and musician Travis Copeland and talk a little more about the store, music lessons, and the importance of music in the lives of our children.

Crossroad Music Youngest Fan Aiden Copeland (Photograph By: Moments To Memories)

Interview with Crossroads Music Co-Owner Travis Copeland

Question: When did the idea of a music store pop up?
Answer: I was a manager at another local music store for 4 years. I was also teaching 40 guitar students a week there as well. When the partners split I was offered a chance to be a partner in the new venture. I would be doing the same thing just a Owner/Operator.

Question: When did you realize that opening a music store could be a reality?
Answer: It was in August of 2010. That's when Greg Taylor (my business partner) proposed that we open a store back in Cookeville.

Question: Why did you choose the location of Cookeville?
Answer: Cookeville is just about in the middle of Nashville and Knoxville. If you want to get quality gear you are going to have to drive an hour and a half either way.
I did not like to do that. I try not to order instruments online either. I have had terrible experience in the past doing so. It was always better to try before you buy, for me anyway. Cookeville is a very fast growing city. With an ever growing music scene. Music store's have worked here in the past but the higher price of local stores with a sinking economy keep customers looking for a better price. That's is where we come in. Internet Pricing at a local store.

Question: How does it feel to be running a family operated business of your very own?
Answer: Its is a wonderful feeling. I feel grateful everyday for a chance to help out my fellow musicians get the things they need at a fair price.

Question: Where did the name Crossroads Music come from?
Answer: My partner Greg is a big Eric Clapton fan. He came up with it. I thought it was kinda fitting so we kept it.

Question: How important would you say music is to your family?
Answer: Music has always been a huge part of my life. My father was the song leader out our church for many years. Growing up my Mom and Dad bought me a guitar at 14 and feel in love with it. I started playing in church shortly after that. I have always loved different styles of music.

Question: Can you tell us a little about the music lessons offered at your shop?
Answer: Our lessons start at 15 dollars for a 30 min session with some of the best local and national talent. We offer guitar, piano, dobro, banjo , mandolin, violin (or fiddle), woodwinds, harmonica, and soon drums! In every major style and genre. We pride ourselves on being very professional instructors, but we also have a lot of fun.

Question: What can customers expect when they visit Crossroads Music?
Answer: Hopefully, our customers will feel right at home. Our very knowledgeable staff are always ready to help in any way. Anything from answering questions about string changing to how to set up complex P.A. System. They are no dumb questions. We also have private sound proof studios so you can check out a nice acoustic instrument or vintage amp without interruption. We have a very unassuming way of doing things at Crossroads Music. I don't like to be bothered myself when i am shopping, but if i have question or need something i like to know some one is around to assist me. We want people to feel comfortable when they are here. Not like "How can I help you? This costs 499.99." We know most of or customers on a first name basis.

Question: As music lovers what is your opinion about music education in the public school systems?
Answer: It is just as important as math, reading, or science. It has been proven in studies that children who play an instrument will naturally do better in other core subjects in school. No sport that i am aware of does that in all three categories. For those who read music get so much information from one note. Not even our alphabet does that. One single music note tells how to play that note, when to play that note, for how long, where that note is, and what it's name is. It is an international language as well. We may not be able to speak to one another, but those who read music can play the same thing. It teaches discipline, sacrifice, and social skills. Look at a school band. Individual instruments be it a guitar, clarinet, flute, drums, whatever, alone sound wonderful. When you include all of those together you get a group of individuals dependent on one another to preform as a whole.

Crossroads Music is located

549 East Spring St. Cookeville, TN 38501. 1.2 miles from Highway 111.

Also follow them on facebook by clicking Crossroads Music Facebook for a direct link.

*This article is also found in the online publication Cookevilletimes.com

Eleven Year Anniversary

2011-06-24T12:02:00.000-05:00

First Year of Dating

On October 8th 1997 I went on my very first date. On November 28th 1997 I received my first kiss, and on June 24th 2000 I married the man who captured my heart on that very first date. Happy Anniversary to us! I fell in love with him for many reasons, but the words on our wedding invitations still after eleven years say it best.

For hearing my thoughts,
understanding my dreams,
and being my best friend
For filling my life with music
and loving me without end.

engagement picture

Wedding Day Snap Shot

Today we celebrate our love and the day that the foundation of our family was built, and what a beautiful family we have. I still smile when I think about all the joy and love that was celebrated on our wedding day, but you know my heart dances with joy when I think about how much we have grown in our love. I am amazed at the way my husband loves me. Our marriage is special, and our love keeps growing. I do not love my husband the same amount I did on my wedding day I love him much more than that. That's the thing about true love it continues to grow and mature. I praise God for giving me such a wonderful husband who serves the Lord, and the people around him with a colossal amount of love!!! I am truly blessed beyond measure. I am looking forward to walking hand in hand into whatever our future brings our way!

Our Big Old Love Today

Black and White Wedding Cake

2011-06-23T15:04:00.000-05:00

My Mother-in-law Lounetta and her Mom Granny Sadie as we call her came out of retirement to make this beautiful black and white wedding cake for a family members wedding. These ladies have made many beautiful cakes over the years, but I have to say I think this one is my favorite. I just had to show it off.

Prayer For Max(Guest Writer)

2011-06-10T13:13:00.004-05:00

This article was written by Mrs.Dusti Brook who's young son Max was born with a severe form of sleep apnea called hypoventilation. This is a section of Dusti's testimony showing what the Lord is doing in her life, and how she is allowing the Holy Spirit to take control of her fears concerning her son.

Being a mother with a child who has health concerns myself I felt the Holy Spirit use Dusti's testimony to give me awake up call on my own faith, and prayers for my child. There is no doubt that having children with health concerns minor or major is a scary thing for a parent. It is what we do with that fear and worry that matters. Do we allow the enemy to control us with worry and fear or do we turn it all over to God, and have faith and believe in His all powerful healing. Do we allow the Lord to restore joy in our lives even during our trails.

Prayer For Max by: His Mother (Dusti Brooks)

“It is not wrong to feel fear. It is wrong to let that fear have the last word in your life. But instead of letting that fear disable your dreams, you start increasing your capacity for faith. You act on the part of God’s direction you do understand and leave the rest up to God.”

I went into this prayer and worship time (Awaken my House) with a heavy heart. I wasn’t sure why I felt this way, however I didn’t want it to hinder my time of worship. I began to pray. I kept feeling like I was hitting a brick wall. I just felt numb. I began to ask God why I was feeling so distant. I heard the Holy Spirit ask “ Why are you scared?” I knew exactly what he was talking about, I just wasn’t ready to address it yet. He asked again “ Why are you so scared?” I began to weep. I was so embarrassed to tell him the true reason why. I felt so selfish even thinking it, but I began to talk about what I had been keeping in for the past year.

I didn’t want to acknowledge my fear of why I was not trusting God for Max’s healing. I was condemning myself because our situation was not as bad off as others and telling myself I just needed to be thankful Max was not worst off. I was scared to ask God for an impossible thing out of fear of how foolish I would look if God didn’t come through.

I was scared that if I was too public with my believing for Max’s healing, that if he were never healed, I would be the one that looked dumb. Here I put myself out there trusting God to do something impossible and never see it happen, people were going to think, “Bless her heart. She really thought God still healed.” I felt like the sun was going down after two years of believing God for a sun stand still prayer. I felt like Jairus who had begged Jesus to come heal his daughter and on their way to her he gets the news that she had died and was told there was no need to bother Jesus anymore. I felt like because I haven’t seen the evidence of Max’s healing that he had been overlooked.

I repented for being prideful. I was so sorry for living in fear and doubting the power of God. I felt a wave of healing as I confessed this hidden fear in my heart that night.

Then I was reminded of Jairus’s story again. That even the sun went down on him with the death of his daughter however “Jesus paid no attention to what they had said. He told Jairus, “Don’t be afraid, just believe” (Mark 5:36)

That same night I kept hearing 9-5-08 roll around in my spirit. That is Max’s birthday. I asked the Holy Spirit what it meant and He said, I want you to pray from 9:05 to 9:08 everyday for Max’s healing. Am and Pm.

I just recently finished a book called “Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick. I’ve pulled some passages that challenged me in this journey with Max’s healing.

“Before we dare to ask God to do the impossible in our lives, we have to consider the cost that Christ has already paid. Then, in the light of that ultimate sacrifice, we embrace the same mind-set. No sacrifice is too great for the sake of God’s calling. And before God can do an impossible work in your world, you need to let Him to a deep work in your heart.”

This is where I was at that night. I needed God to do an impossible thing in my own heart to realize I was the very one holding back the move of God in my life. I was refreshed in a moment for what my spirit had been craving for a year. I was ready to get back in the game. I was ready to start running not just for Max’s healing but for the Glory of the Lord. To pursue the Healer not Max’s healing.

“That’s why audacious faith is so vital. It brings your unseen future possibilities into focus right now. It redirects your attention from what is right now to what you believe will be one day. And it ensures that you don’t give up in the meantime-before you ever get to see you dream become a reality.”

What do I believe will be one day? I believe that Max will breath on his own. I believe that he will not need a ventilator to breath for him. I stand firm that his brain stem will tell him that when his body goes to sleep that it will continue breathing. I see what doctors say will never be, a reality. I am so very thankful for the great doctors in Max’s life that take great care of him but THANK the LORD this is too big for them. This is an impossible situation in their eyes. "And he said, the things which are impossible with men are possible with God" (Luke 18:27). Yes I understand their reasons why Max will need a trach and be ventilated for the rest of his life, but it doesn’t out weigh the word of God. God said himself in Isaiah 45:23 “So turn to me and be helped—saved!— everyone, whoever and wherever you are. I am God, the only God there is, the one and only.I promise in my own name: Every word out of my mouth does what it says. I never take back what I say.” Later in Isaiah 53:5 He says “ And by His stripes we are healed.” I have no reason to doubt. It was my pride that made me forget these promises.

“But perhaps God is calling you to lead the way so that others can see a different example of the true nature of faith- an example that will fill them with a longing to experience his power. And someone has to make the first move. It might as well be you.”

So after I read that I felt an urging to invite you to join me in this journey. That if you would like to join me in praying at either 9:05-9:08 am or pm or both, you can hook up with us for God’s glory to be seen in Max’s life. That in believing for Max’s healing it would challenge you to begin to pray audacious prayers for your own life, marriage, children, health, etc. “The measure of God’s abilities will always surpass the measures of our audacity. No prayer is to big for our God. No vision to sweeping. No risk too great.

God has never been nervous about His ability to live up to our faith in Him.”

“Faith is contagious. You will be empowered when you surround yourself with people who will help to bear the burden of your prayer. They’ll help you keep the vision in sight when there’s nothing to see. They’ll remind you of God’s faithfulness when your own faith is faltering. They’ll increase the effectiveness of your prayer exponentially by joining their faith with yours.”

So I’m ready to surround myself with people who will bear this burden in prayer. I’ve been very reluctant to be vocal about this area in my life because of my pride but since I have decided to crucify that daily, there is no reason to be embarrassed in God’s truth that is available for Max, and because I do not know when his healing will be complete, I’m going to run after God during this process. I am ready to covert this time of crisis into an opportunity.

“The story behind the glory . That’s called the process. But the process in invaluable. The process is a time of strengthening. The process in the place where you lay down your pride and learn to rely totally on God. Most importantly, the process is the way we grow to know God. And that’s really the whole point.”

“We’re asking God for something that only He can accomplish- and that only He can take credit for. When you begin to activate your faith and pray Sun Stand Still prayers, you’re doing more than just changing your life. Your placing yourself in the middle of a move of God.”

Max with Older Brother Clay

Dusti has shared once before here on the blog if you would like to read even more click Life with Miracles.

Knock Knock Jokes

2011-05-25T14:09:00.001-05:00

My Children love knock, knock jokes! Even my youngest makes them up and giggles as he gets to the punch line…which in most cases makes absolutely no sense. We laugh anyway because he thinks it’s funny. So, I thought I would feature a few knock, knock jokes today in honor of my three little joke telling monkeys. Because you know, honestly, there are few things I enjoy more than the sound of laughter from my children!!!

1. Knock, knock
Who’s There?
Bacon!
Bacon Who?
Bacon A Cake For Your Birthday Day!

2. Knock, knock
Who’s There?
Juno!
Juno Who?
Juno What Time It Is?

3. Knock, knock
Who’s There?
Tank!
Tank Who?
You're Welcome!

4. Knock, knock
Who’s There?
Aardvark!
Aardvark Who?
Aardvark A Million Miles For One Of Your Smiles!

5. Knock, knock
Who’s There?
Interrupting Cow!
Interrup-
MOO!!!!

That last one is probably my kids' all time favorite knock, knock joke. Do the kids in your life have a favorite joke or heck maybe you have a favorite one of your own you would like to share?

AppleTV

2011-05-19T13:51:00.002-05:00

Yep it's that small

My husband recently purchased AppleTV, which I must admit has allowed the media computer in our house to become much more user friendly, at least it has for the electronically challenged mom in the household anyway.

AppleTV has been nice to have since we canceled our cable about about a year ago (smart move for our house and we have not missed it one bit). We now only buy/rent or favorite television series directly from itunes instead of paying for all those channels we never watched anyway. The kids are happy with Netflix instant watch which is also accessible with the AppleTV interface. Along with this comes a growing movie collection on the media computer, thanks in part to the digital copies included in our blue-ray purchases.

Easy To Use Interface

All in all, AppleTV has been a win for the family in allowing easy access within the entertainment department and saving the family from overpriced cable service. It’s been nice to save a little money in that way. Even with the the cost of Netflix service, occasional iTunes download and purchasing more DVDs, I would say we save well over half of what we were paying to the cable company.

This little spiel about our new media set up got me thinking about the movies that I don’t own, but wished were part of our media collection. I am positive I could come up with 100’s of titles(I love movies)but I figured 10 was a good number to start with. To clarify, these are only movies I would watch over and over again! I don’t like to buy a movie I haven’t seen for that purpose. I say rent first and buy only if you love it. That is my movie motto.

10 movies I wished I owned are….drum roll please

1. How To Train Your Dragon

2. Love Actually

3. The Wizard of Oz

4. Due Date

5. The Shawshank Redemption

6. The Last Unicorn

7. Frequency

8. A Time to Kill

9. The Butterfly Effect

10. The Illusionist

What movies would make your list of movies worthy enough to gain the honor of being rewatched?

A speical side note in small print: My husband was right and I was wrong. I love AppleTV! See I can admit that I was ~~wrong~~ confused!

Bookshelf Makeover

2011-05-17T14:32:00.001-05:00

I am in the long process of making over my master bedroom. I have been approaching this project little by little. I am terrible at home design. It is something I did not inherit from my Mother, who is actually really great at putting a room together. Anyway, here is my little attempt to makeover a very standard undesirable bookshelf. See I am a reader, writer, and collector of notebooks, so a simple bedside table just doesn't make the cut. A bookshelf next to my bed is a must have and the brown just wasn't working for me.

So with a little textured wallpaper, black paint and old book of sheet music this is what I came up with.....

Now if only I had time to work on the rest of the room.

Before and After

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T22:56:00.001-05:00

My children seem to be be growing up way to fast in my opinion this is both scary and exciting. However as a result of them growing up I find myself working even harder to lock away priceless memories for safe keeping. It is also probably the very reason I find myself boo-hooing during Toy Story 3 when Andy ventures off to college. While the college years even the high shcool years are still in the future for my boys. I have taken notice of the years speeding by, and how the future has away of sneaking up on you. Childhood is precious and short lived. So this Mother's Day I hope all you mommies out there got the chance to soak up some of your own memories with your offspring! Happy Mother's Day Ladies!!!

My Sweet Mother's Day Gifts

Bunny Ears On Mother's Day

There are few things sweeter in this world than seeing the words "Mom I Love You" scribbled out in your child's handwriting!

Wedding Dress Masterpieces

2011-04-29T16:06:00.004-05:00

In tribute of today's Royal Wedding celebrations of Prince William and his bride Kate. I determine it would be fitting to feature a few breath taking wedding gowns via the talented designers and seamstresses from Etsy.

Marlowe dress from Etsy Shop Leanimal

First up is this little beauty from the shop(Leaanimal) of former Project Runway winner Leanne Marshall. This dress has it all for the bride looking to bare a little leg it's romantic, fun, soft, and flirty. Simply put this designer original wedding/party dress is simply stunning! Oh and the dress has a little secret it has pockets! How cute is that?

Photograph By Natalie Watson

On the Etsy shop so properly named "Yourfairytalewedding" you will find an array of designer inspired, vintage, and custom creations by seamstress Angela. I particularly love the one pictured above this full length, exquisite vintage inspired variation is a heavenly vision of soft, elegant lace.

Photography By Elizabeth Messina Hairpiece By Twigs&Honey

Naturally enchanting is this simple yet delicately detailed dress from the shop of "hollystalder". Holly Stalder's designs have a vintage heritage in laced with her modern day designs making her work elegant and classic without overdoing it! All of her designs are rich piece of wedding day art at least that is my conclusion after looking though her shop on Etsy.

Photograph by Galaxie Andrews

Are you daring enough to step out of the box of tradition and into this whimsical blushing pink gown from the shop of "Ouma". This charming gown is hand dyed to pink perfection by designer Monique. If your not really sure pink is your color the good news is the dress can be customized in color, size, and length to fit your hearts desire, and complete your own fairytale wedding day dreams.

Meet The Easton Brothers{Merlin's Kin}

2011-04-28T10:51:00.003-05:00

I have recently had the great privilege of reading the first drafts of two books written by aspiring author M.G. Stover. M. Stover has been a friend of mine for as long as I can remember, and a loyal, trustworthy friend at that. So, to see him complete not only one, but two really great works of fiction (with a third installment in the works) has been truly exhilarating. I feel genuinely honored that he has allowed me to be part of the selected few to read the books in their early stages. Might I say, after reading them, I have only gained more proof of M. Stover's creative ability to make stories come to life. He has made me love characters, dislike characters, feel sorry for them and relate to them. He has even made me start out disliking them and somehow twisted that dislike into loving them without really changing the personality of the character. It’s a very unique ability that you will find only great authors possess. He has formed unlikely heroes out of the bonds of friendship and brotherhood. He has taken me on a journey filled with magic, wonder, love, struggles and the desire to live, all without overwhelming the reader.

The collection of books titled “Merlin's Kin Series” is a journey where you will meet the Easton brothers. A couple of brothers not unlike many others who fight, stick their nose in one another’s business, look out for each other and simply drive each other insane, just for a giggle. However, Jon & Renny Easton, upon further examination, aren’t your typical brothers. They are descendants of the legendary wizard Merlin, and while this leaves the eldest brother with great and powerful magical abilities, it leaves the youngest brother cursed with a transformation that is the responsibility of the older brother to eliminate. This genetic curse has burdened the Easton family tree for generations and Jon and Renny are no exception to the curse of Merlin’s kin.

That my friends is the back drop for these creatively and well written books. I have enjoyed every page and every character, and my hope is that someday very soon you will be able to pick up your own copies from the shelves of your favorite bookstore, and allow the story of Merlin’s Kin to come to life in your imagination!

Portrait Contest

2011-04-27T20:28:00.003-05:00

I normally don't do this kind thing, but I just couldn't stop myself from entering two of my amateur photographs on this adorable little blog called "Life Is Too Short Not To Wear Red Shoes". I think the name of the blog is what won me over to be honest(because I do love red shoes!). So here are my two photographs for my impulse entree in a photo contest!

If your interested in entering or just checking out her blog and the amazing entrees just click the button above. I know one thing I would sure hate to be on the judgeing end off all these AMAZING photographs.

MY PORTRAIT ENTREES

Balloon Baby (Taken with 35mm)

My Curly Headed Munchkin (digital)

No Lunch Box Allowed???

2011-04-27T11:27:00.000-05:00

"Clip art licensed from the Clip Art Gallery on DiscoverySchool.com" and illustrated by Mark A. Hicks

I recently read this article about a school in Chicago that is banning students from bringing their own lunches to school. You heard right, they are banning the lunch box. This new policy has parents, teachers, school officials, and the general public voicing their opinions on the matter. While health and the rising number of children whom are overweight in America is supposedly the heart of the matter, many are questioning if funding has anything to do with the unusual choice the school has made. However, the debate is: Regardless of the motives behind the decision, Are school lunches and restricting children's calorie count intake by forcing school lunches the correct move?

As a mother of two boys, one picky eater who takes his lunch to school every day and one who prefers the hot lunches offered at school, I find my own opinion leaning towards disagreeing with the new policy. I do agree that there is nothing wrong with making an effort to make our children healthier eaters. To be honest, I could use a few lessons of my own in healthy eating. However I don’t think putting a calorie number on school lunches (since every person’s calorie needs are different) or banning the option of bringing a lunchbox is the answer. Not that I am expert on the matter or that I have all the answers, but I certainly do have an opinion. Maybe the discussions should include offering classes teaching parents to cook in a more healthy manner, as well as pack healthier lunches for their children, ban sodas and candy bars, put a lot more support and funding behind our health classes and the educators who teach them.

All in all, I there is a better solution than limiting the involvement of parents in their children’s lives even in things as small as banning the lunch box from schools. I simply think big pictures wise it is a mistake. However like I stated earlier this is just the two cents of a simple stay at home mother of three little boys. I am by no means an expert!

Summer School Tips(Guest Writer)

2011-04-26T12:06:00.000-05:00

Today's guest writer is Melissa Kowalewski an attorney in New Hampshire, and mother to a couple of beautiful children. Melissa is also the publisher of the Mommy Madness blog, and today she was kind enough to share a few tips on the subject of summer school. Thanks Melissa for taking the time to write for "Inside My Head".

Summer school is, perhaps, the most dreaded two words in any child's vocabulary, especially when combined. And for some parents, it may be the same, but for different reasons. Your child may be bummed that they have to spend a portion of, if not their entire, summer taking classes. And you may be concerned because you don't want them to get behind. The goal of this article is to give you ideas, places to start, in dealing with the situation in which your child is in summer school.

Please keep in mind that these tips are just general places to start. As with anything that relates to your child, you must tailor these suggestions to your own child, their personalities and their needs.

1. Good health – physical and mental. Make sure that your child is physically and mentally prepared to attend school that summer.

2. Review all the information – many times, summer school will send home a packet of information, including schedules and materials. Review it on your own and with your child.

3. Calendar, calendar, calendar. It pays to be organized and being organized yourself will teach your child how to be organized.

4. Make copies – of your schedule, all phone numbers and email addresses and other contact information for yourself and for your emergency contacts. Give copies to the principal, school nurse and anyone else that needs to be able to get a hold of you if something happens to your child at school.

5. Continue with the bedtime and mealtime routines. What is also particularly helpful is to turn off the television – do the flash cards, homework and any other things that will help your child excel. I find that using rewards is good motivation – half an hour of TV or video games once the work is done may work wonders for your child.

6. Find a place to do homework and stick to it, whether it is a quit room, bedroom or kitchen table.

7. Let your child know you care and don't overreact. Children pick up on our emotions very, very easily and respond to them. Breath, reassure them you love them and move on.

8. Do something fun – throw a party for them if they're doing well during the summer or get grades. It is positive reinforcement and might help your child emotionally in dealing with the fact that they have to attend summer school.

And remember that you will get through it!

Sunday Drive Recordings

2011-04-25T12:37:00.002-05:00

When Cody Smith thinks of Sunday Drive, he thinks about a family tradition spanning over several generations. A tradition that he admits as a child he took for granted. Now Cody is showing his appreciation to that easy-going feeling of being in a car with loved ones with no real agenda at hand by naming his recording studio Sunday Drive Recordings.

Sunday Drive Recordings, located about halfway between Knoxville and Nashville in the Middle Tennessee city of Cookeville. The Studio opened it’s doors for business in February of 2011. The Studio itself is about 2700 square foot with multiple isolation rooms to fit the artist/bands needs. For example A room is 570 square foot with 10 foot ceilings large enough to accommodate full bands looking to recording with the effects of sounding live.

The location of this Studio not only is a jewel for musicians and songwriters residing in the Tennessee and Kentucky area, Sunday Drive Recordings offers a rural feel with urban experienced staff. The staff includes Jessie Wooten from Nashville, TN, focusing largely on the harder materials of metal and hard rock. Caleb Barnes from Smithville, TN has experience in the indie world of music as both a studio engineer and a musician with his own band Temperance Hall. Dave Smith from Chicago, Illinois has not only studio experience, but Dave has also worked in the live sound world. Then there is Cody Smith, owner and operator of Sunday Drive, whom you will also find behind and in front of the sound board. All four of these guys have a love for the music as not only engineers, but also as musicians. They understand artist's needs and will use their knowledge, skill, and experience to make your music breathe life and emotion.

Sunday Drive Recording is about old school standards of making great music without the overpriced studio time. You will find a mix of vintage instruments, modern technologies, and an ever growing collection of gear to produce a never understated sound. As Cody says, “Sunday Drive is supposed to be about the free wheeling explorative experience!”

I got the opportunity to go a little further in learning about Sunday Drive Recordings with an interview with owner Cody Smith. We talked about his love for music, the people that support him, and why he chose Cookeville.

Interview with Cody Smith owner of music recording studio Sunday Drive Recordings:

Question: How long have you been interested in making music?
Answer: Though I got a guitar at twelve, I really didn't get the real itch until my junior year of high school. I played a whole lot, and even though I was in bands, I didn't really see the potential for doing it on a professional level. So, I suppose about eight years would be about right.

Question: When did you know music would play a big part in your career?
Answer: The first time I got paid! I'm kidding, but only partially. When I transferred colleges, the band I was playing with was briefly signed to a label. I really banked on that, and when we were dropped, I found
myself scrambling to find another job to make up for the loss. I started doing session work and working as a hired tour musician, and I realized just how much it all meant to me to be making music. So I decided then and there to not do anything else.

Question: Where did you attend school and why did you choose that school?
Answer: I went to Lee University for my undergraduate, because the school had a great focus on biblical study, as well as a phenomenal jazz program. However, I went to SAE Institute a year and half ago, too. I decided to go to SAE because of the really great connections the school had, as well as the great collection of gear they had. Plus, anyone can tell how long they've done studio work on the pro level. Only a few have an accredited school to back them up.

Question: Can you imagine your life without music?
Answer: Not really at all. Showing people what Jesus has done in my life is priority number one, and though I'm not a gifted speaker or anything like that, I can make music speak for me. If I didn't have that, I don't know how well I could get my feelings and thoughts across otherwise.

Question: What songs can you currently not get enough of?
Answer: I found out--a little late--about 16 Horsepower last year while I was living in Nashville, and the album Secret South probably doesn't have a single bad song on it. Plus, it's one of the few unabashedly Christian albums that I really think avoids being contrived in anyway.

Question: Who are some artist/bands that inspire you the most?
Answer: Easily the Beatles, specifically Magical Mystery Tour, mean more to me musically than anything else. Bands and songwriters I fell in love with in high school and college like John Vanderslice, Wilco, Richard Swift, and Elliott Smith still mean the world to me as well. But as
far as writing to say exactly what you mean and still putting it out there in a really appealing way, I will always love Fugazi, mewithoutYou, and Neutral Milk Hotel.

Question: What made you invest in a recording studio in Cookeville TN?
Answer: Truth? It was easier to get a loan than starting it in Chattanooga!But, really, if I think about it more, I know I needed to start here.There's nothing professional outside of Nashville for a couple hundredmiles in this area. I worked myself to death to make good recordings in my garage when I was younger because I knew I couldn't afford Nashville at the time. I think there's a wealth of songwriters and bands who really are worth working with even if they're not in Nashville. So, setting up in a hub like Cookeville lets me help people out from Kentucky and Tennessee without dealing with the problems of being in a bigger city

Question: What are your current goals when it comes to your studio and clients?
Answer: There's a studio in San Francisco called Tiny Telephone that charges aflat rate of $350 a day for what may very well be a million dollarroom. It's one of the very, very few studios that's offering super-high quality service for very low rates. That's all I wanted to acheive here. You get free tape, access to world class instruments hat have been picked just for this, and engineers that have worked--or even still work-- in Nashville, for $300 flat. I just want to provide excellence without a ridiculously inflated over-charge.

Question: What should artists know about working with you?
Answer: That I'm an artist, too. Anything that leaves the studio has to be top-notch, or I can't stomach it. I want people to sound their best. However, that isn't to say I'm a slave-driver. I'm just trying to get the best out of people, but I understand that making records is way harder than it should be sometimes. So in the end, I think I'm someone a songwriter or player can trust.

Question: What makes your studio standout from others?
Answer: In Cookeville, I'm definitely the only person who's going to understand the music, and have experience to make the sounds in the artist's head come through the speakers on playback. But in comparison to say, Nashville for instance, I'm definitely one of the few who still wants to do this for the greater good. I don't say that at all as a dig, though. Making money is good, and Nashville's great at it. But $800 for eight hours in a room with no tape and no engineer is far from helpful to a music business where people are already struggling just to recoup what they invest into playing shows.

Question:Who has been your greatest encouragement while chasing after this dream?
Answer: My mom and dad. My fiancé, Chelsea, was always there and I knew it,but my mom and dad were the ones who were there with me when I signed the loan papers and assured me that this was a good decision that would be blessed.

Question: Tell us a little about the other engineers you have brought into the studio.
Answer: Aside from me, there are three other regular house engineers. Jessie Wooten is from Nashville, and has worked on a whole lot of harder material. That's great because I'm not exactly well versed in the ways
of heavy rock and metal, and I'm willing to admit it! He comes from a super musical family, as his father Joseph plays keys for the Wooten Brothers and Steve Miller Band, and his uncles Reggie, Victor, and Roy "Futureman" Wooten are all over Nashville. Caleb Baines is from Smithville, Tennessee, and is just an all-around nice guy. We met at SAE, and he actually worked on a lot of sessions with Jessie. He also works on a lot of indie recordings, as well as with his own band Temperance Hall. Dave Smith is from Chicago, Illinois, and actually works more in live sound than any of us. However, he's a great, hard-working engineer who legitimately loves every kind of music you could imagine. All three of these guys, while having their strong suits, are just really knowledgeable engineers. They're musicians, so they understand what players need, too.

Question: I noticed that several of the instruments are from a different era(50's, 60's, 70's). Can you tell me about this vintage collection and how important of a role does this collection play in the sound that comes from Sunday Drive's Recordings?
Answer: I figured out pretty quickly that I like to play as many instrumentsas I can pick up, so I'm buying them all the time. I'm also a big gearnerd, so I buy and trade a lot to get classic instruments that wereused on some of my favorite records. I've got 50s and 60s Zildjian cymbals because I love Ringo just as much as I love Led Zepplin, just like I have a 70s Fender Vibro-Champ because I loved when Clapton played with George Harrison at Concert for Bangladesh. I've got Rickenbackers because of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and a '55 Telecaster for Don Rich, who was the guitar player for Buck Owens and the Buckaroos. All these instruments, even though they're things that someone famous liked, are really well made, classic instruments. A normal band probably spends enough money trying to play shows andrecord that they can't afford to buy those kinds of instruments, so when they come here they can play some of the finest instruments they may ever touch. So, by playing here on my instruments, they really remove a weak link in the signal chain to making great sounding records. I guess it adds a vintage sound, too, which doesn't hurt!

Sunday Snippet{Happy Easter}

2011-04-24T10:23:00.002-05:00

The boys coloring some ~~beautiful~~ one-of-a-kind Easter eggs.

Cooper suffers from three year old mood swings and was devastated that we finished all the eggs, but in true mood swing fashion he was smiling in .4 seconds!

We actually had our Easter Egg Hunt last Sunday since Wesley was having surgery on April 20^th, and would be unable to participate this weekend. I love my family so much for arranging an early Easter for him!

Amongst all the fun and Easter celebrations may we all take the time to truly remember why we celebrate this Holiday! "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." Matthew 28:6. Christ love is precisely something worth celebrating! I am humbled, and thankful for his grace, truth, joy, and love that He has shown me. Wishing everyone blessed and Happy Easter this beautiful Sunday!

Couple of My Favorite Easter Quotes:

"The joyful news that He is risen does not change the contemporary world. Still before us lie work, discipline, sacrifice. But the fact of Easter gives us the spiritual power to do the work, accept the discipline, and make the sacrifice." ~Henry Knox Sherrill

"Let the resurrection joy lift us from loneliness and weakness and despair to strength and beauty and happiness." ~Floyd W. Tomkins

"Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there." ~Clarence W. Hall

Covered With Icing

2011-04-23T11:19:00.002-05:00

About a week ago I had a sweet little surprise message in my Facebook inbox. I had won a dozen chocolate covered Oreo cookies for becoming the 600th on the 'Covered With Icing' Facebook page. YUM!!!

Today, I received those cookies via UPS and they couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s been a bit stressful around the Garrett household the past few days with my middle son undergoing a Tonsillectomy, Adenoidectomy, and Myringotomy (tubes in ears). So needless to say, it’s been a bit out of the normal for us. So that little pink box filled with my favorite cookies was just the little pick me up that I need!

Not only was the little pink box cookies my favorite Oreo cookies dipped in chocolate delectable, but they were also notably pretty cookies decorated in a festive Easter/Spring fashion. They were seriously almost too adorable to eat! That is a big ALMOST!!!! Because you all know I had to eat one as soon as I photographed them.

Covered With Icing is a custom cake decorating home based shop owned and run by Heather Noble. Heather has been baking since childhood, and it has now become her passion and dream come true by baking her creations for the public's enjoyment. Covered With Icing is based out of Hendersonville, TN, but also serves the greater Nashville area, Clarksville, and Bowling Green, KY and are a 'by appointment only' establishment. Just in case you are in need of cake for your next special occasion or maybe even want to spoil yourself or someone else with a few chocolate dipped Oreo cookies to bright up a day!

Hello Again Blogging World

2011-04-22T19:00:00.000-05:00

Writing again…after a small, unintended break from the blogging world I am writing again. I must say, it feels good to put pen to paper once again. Yes, I am terribly old fashioned and write everything down in notebooks before it ever reaches cyberworld. Anyways, it’s good to be back and I have many new ideas bouncing around inside my head for this blog and for my newer blog Lyrics & Love. I also have a few guest writers lined up that you aren’t going to want to miss. All in all it’s great to be back, and I hope you stayed tuned to see what comes up next here on Inside My Head!

Happy 6th Birthday Wes Dean

2011-04-04T19:58:00.001-05:00

Happy 6th Birthday Wes Dean

No matter how many birthdays come and go, you'll always be my little boy. I love you my sweet little boy. You bring so much life, and love to this family! I love your smile, and the twinkle in your eyes, I love the joy you spread like wild fire, I love your unbroken spirit, and the ability in which love with a whole and open heart. You have taught me so much about life,love, and strength! You are one of the greatest gifts God has intrusted me with! I thank the Heavens daily that I was allowed to be your Mommy!!! Happy Birthday sweet Wesley!!!!

Happy Birthday Cooper

2011-02-27T15:10:00.000-06:00

A little trip down memory lane in honor of my youngest Birthday today! We love you sweet Cooper Monroe...You bring so much love and laughter to this family! Happy 3rd Birthday!!!!

New Born

1st

2nd

3rd

Parenting Truth: It Only Gets Harder (Guest Writer)

2011-02-24T11:21:00.000-06:00

Susan Morgan is a proud mother of three. She is a guest blogger for My Dog Ate My Blog and writes on accredited online colleges for Guide to Online Schools.

When I signed on to this parenting thing all those years ago I had no idea what I was getting into. Most people don't, I suppose.

When your child is first born you are sure being a parent is the hardest thing you've ever done… you're stressed and sleep deprived and utterly responsible for this little soul who depends on you for everything. You travel with a small baggage train and your schedule is dictated by something not much bigger than a Thanksgiving turkey. Everything you ever thought about yourself and your role in the world is turned upside down. You're convinced you'll never worry more or work harder for anything in your life. You know you've never loved like you love this beautiful child, and you hold on tight to those little hands.

Surely there has never been a more beautiful, more remarkable, more accomplished child in all the world?

Before you're ready comes the time when they start to let go… they have to it seems, but you wish those fairy tale years could go on forever. Suddenly they can do for themselves… they don't need you in that same way anymore — they bound down the driveway to the school bus without looking back and you're glad for that. You take pride in it. Your baby has become a charmingly innocent little person who sponges up knowledge, experiences and all the best of possibilities.

They believe what you tell them. They think you have all the answers.

Turns out, the hardest parenting times are yet to come, for as we all know, the teen years are tough for all concerned, and the adult world sucks. It has mean people and fruitless effort. It's often unfair. There's a need for conversations about sex and drugs and racism. Classmates die, trust is broken as reality creeps in, despite your efforts to the contrary.
These days the best you can hope for is to provide a safe haven for them to come home to. Be a person they can confide in. These children bear half your genes, have had the best of your parenting efforts and the life you can give, and they want nothing more than to be different from you. And you have to let them.

So you hold your breath and watch them take those first tentative steps into adulthood. You find yourself praying like never before that they make the team, get into the school they want, have enough friends. And sometimes they don't… coming home beaten and broken by that big, bad world out there. You bleed for them… more still because you know in your grown-up head that there's nothing you can do to change it, to make it better. So you hug them (if they'll let you) and try to find a valuable lesson in the bitter blow.

If you're lucky that lesson inspires, the setback puts them on a path they might never have walked otherwise. As a parent, this is the best we can hope for as we struggle to guide our teen through the struggle to become the person they are meant to be.

Happy Valentines Day!!!

2011-02-14T17:56:00.002-06:00

LOVE IS...

Laughter

Photo Credit Kelli Trontel

Hope

Kisses

Photo Credit Kelli Trontel

Music

Brotherhood

Photo Credit Kelli Trontel

Me+You

Families

Photo Credit Lindsey Walker

Friendship

Motherhood

Smiles

Imagination

Photo Credit Kelli Trontel

Love is Infinity

Photo Credit Kelli Trontel

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY ONE AND ALL...May your hearts overflow with love for years to come!

My sweet Valentines XOXOXO

Love Quotes

2011-02-13T18:39:00.000-06:00

A few of my very favorite quotes about love. Do you have any favorites?

"So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard; we're gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me... everyday."
— Nicholas Sparks

"The course of true love never did run smooth."
— William Shakespeare

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams."
— Dr. Seuss

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."
— Laozi

"Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own."
— Robert A. Heinlein

"I finally understood what true love meant...love meant that you care for another person's happiness more than your own, no matter how painful the choices you face might be."
— Nicholas Sparks

"Did my heart love till now? forswear it, sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night."
— William Shakespeare

We loved with a love that was more than love. ~Edgar Allan Poe

Love+Marriage+Children = Dream Date Number 2

2011-02-11T13:35:00.000-06:00

Dream date number two comes to us from the lovely and classy Mrs. Stefanie Byrd, a Baptist pastor’s wife and homemaker. Stefanie and her husband Jeremy have been happily married for ten years and are raising three adorable children in West Tennessee. When I asked Stefanie to share what her dream date would be, I would have never have imagined the answer I got. It was most unexpected. To her it’s not so much about the date, but about cherishing the one you share your life with. Stefanie shows us that the anniversary of a marriage is worth celebrating despite the unexpected circumstances and chaos that comes with life, marriage and parenthood. Her dream date was real and rooted deeply in love.

Here is what Mrs. Stefanie Byrd had to say about her dream date…

We celebrated our 10 year anniversary on January 12. It's hard to believe it's been 10 years. We've seen many moves and 3 kids over those years. It was in celebrating our anniversary that I had my dream date.

We loaded up all the kids in the Expedition that is crusted over in road salt and needing a wash in a bad way; cheerios and crushed animal crackers all over the floor. We chose Outback because we got gift cards for Christmas and we didn't want to go over our monthly budget by going somewhere else. Anna started complaining about a stomach ache about 10 miles out and threw up 2 miles later. No big deal, we just pull out some wipes and get back on the road. Liam decides that he's tired of riding and cries the last 5 min before we arrive.

Since we are a party of 5 that requires two high chairs and a booster seat, we are seated at the largest table in the restaurant and the focus of many attentions as we get everyone settled. Jeremy and I engage the kids in coloring as our pre-dinner entertainment and are relieved as the bread and salads arrive. Anna's stomach starts hurting again and she is getting whinny.

As dinner arrives, Isla starts crying. Upon getting her from the carrier, I smell what the problem is. And so does most of the people in the booths behind me. As I clean her up in the bathroom, it's clear that she has the same stomach bug that Anna has.

When I return to the table, Jeremy has a worried look on his face as he has realized that the fragile balance of contentment was starting to break and that in seconds we could have any of the three kids pitching one of their grandest in the middle of the restaurant. I say that we need to just get our food to go. He scarf's his down, something he regrets later. We pack up our boxes and we quickly head out, patting each other on the back as we go. Not to bad.

As we were heading to the car, Jeremy said "Happy Anniversary, sorry it wasn't more special." I said "Are you kidding, I wouldn't have it any other way!" And I wouldn't. My family is such a blessing to me. Going out to celebrate the birthday of our family is one amazing dream date to me!

Winter Date Ideas For Nashville, TN

2011-02-10T16:03:00.003-06:00

More dream date post coming up later this week, but in the mean time here is a little something to inspire you to get creative, and create your own perfect date.

Winter time is in full swing and so what if the days are gloomy and gray. That doesn’t mean you and your sweet heart should stop coming up with date ideas. After all, the most romantic night of the year is just around the corner. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Some are romantic, some are sporty, and some are just about spending time and doing things together.

1. Get in touch with the artistic side of yourselves with a trip to All Fired Up, a 'paint your own' pottery studio located in Hillsboro Village. The upside to this place is it supplies everything you need. You just show up and create. Another wonderful benefit to this studio is that they allow you to bring in your own food! So you could pack your own little indoor picnic to enjoy while you create a unique piece of ceramic artwork. The price varies depending on which piece you decided to paint, and there is a firing fee. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with how bright and vibrant the pieces are when you return to pick them up. Also the staff is extremely helpful in explaining and even helping you decided on what to paint.

2.Spend an evening ice skating! You have to agree, it’s fun to hold hands while you laugh and concentrate really hard on not falling down to impress your date. Things to remember when hitting the ice(no pun intended); bring a sweater/jacket, gloves are also a good idea as well, and check the calendar for public skating hours. An afternoon of Skating at Centennial Sportsplex is 7.00 dollars per adult. Have fun giggling as you try to keep your balance!

3. Visit a local neighborhood bookstore(no chains bookstores). Spend an evening searching for vintage copies of your favorite classics. You will be surprised what you can learn about one another after spending some time together in a bookstore. Like, what stories got read during each other’s childhood years? What’s the first book your date remembers reading? Who’s your sweetie’s favorite poets and what section did each of you spend the most time in? A couple of suggested bookstores are Bookman/Bookwoman and Elder’s Bookstore. I would also recommend topping the date off with a trip to your favorite coffee house. If you don’t have one, look for one together and skip the hustle and bustle of Starbucks. This is one day you skip all the chains and find something new, even if it’s been around for years. That’s half the fun of this date idea!

4.Volunteering together bring smiles and hope to someone else, while spending quality time together. While this probably isn’t ideal for a first date scenario, it would be perfect for a couple looking to share the spirit of love. Make dinner for your elderly neighbor(cook it together) or serve a meal at the Nashville Rescue Mission. I guarantee it’s a date that will not soon be forgotten by you or the people you took the time to help.

Photo Credit Terasa Lewis

5. Just because it’s cold, and as a dear friend of mine said, "God has decided to turn middle Tennessee into a snow-globe with all this snow and continuing flurries" don’t let that scare you off from bundling up and enjoying the outdoors. Actually, winter time is a perfect chance to take a nature walk. You are likely to spot wild life that you wouldn't see in the summer and spring months. So pack a thermos of your favorite hot cocoa and head on over to Warner Park located 7311 Highway 100, Nashville TN, and enjoy a nice little winter wonderland walk hand in hand. Don’t forget your hat, mittens, and camera on this little adventure!

Hope you have be inspired to create your own special date for your sweet heart. I would love to hear your ideas on what you would do on your perfect/dream date?

Adventurous Kirsten{Dream Date Series}

2011-02-03T14:09:00.000-06:00

Dream date numero uno comes from the lovely and adventurous Ms. Kirsten Buccigrossi of Wadsworth, Ohio. Kirsten has recently become engaged and is set to take the stroll down the aisle come September. Here is what this beautiful young woman had to say about her idea of the perfect date.

When I think about a dream date, I picture something out of the ordinary. It's not a dinner and a movie or anything typical like that like. It is something creative, unique, and surprising, particularly something that "he" thought up himself without my input. Making a meal together, creating a time capsule, a road trip somewhere neither of us have been.

Love Is In The Air

2011-02-02T12:16:00.000-06:00

We loved with a love that was more than love. ~Edgar Allan Poe

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. In honor of the Holiday set aside to celebrate love, I thought it would be fun to dedicate the month of February to the subject of all things LOVE. So, this month on Inside My Head look for blogs about marriage, dating, dates, cute little heart shaped candies, gifts, all things the color red or even the color pink, for that matter. Just be prepared for anything that runs across my head this month that is even remotely related to the subject of love, and you can bet that those thoughts in my head will most likely make it to my blog.

To kick things off, I thought it would be fun to ask several ladies what their perfect date would be like. The answers were so fun to read and as unique as the ladies that authored them. The first in this Dream Date Series will appear on the blog tomorrow. I hope you come by often this month because love is in the air the whole month of February here on ” Inside My Head”

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

2011-02-01T12:38:00.001-06:00

Today is my Dad's Birthday, I could not have ask for a better father figure in my life. I am so very blessed to be loved and cherished as his little girl! This little verse said best what I wanted to say to him today!

I find myself wondering...
Did I give you your due..
For all that you've done for me
Did I ever thank you?

For all of my childhood memories
For helping me deal with life's stresses
For helping me accept my defeats
And celebrate my successes?

Or for teaching me the value of hard work,
Good judgement, courage, and being true
The laughter, smiles, and quiet times we've shared
Did I ever thank you?

If I have forgotten, I'm thanking you now
You taught me right from wrong....
I hope you know how much you're loved and appreciated
I hope you, instinctively, knew it all along. -Author Unknown

I love you Daddy, Happy Birthday Day!!!

Stitched With Love...

2011-01-31T11:41:00.001-06:00

Photo Credit to Moments to Memories

Mother of two, Mrs. Lauren Coffman of Livingston, TN has been crocheting on and off since high school, a hobby she picked up from her Aunt Teresa. These days Lauren has improved her crocheting skills to the level that people have started to take notice and talk about her adorable little projects, a long way away from the day when she could only stitch a straight line. Now Lauren has come to the point where she has discovered that she can learn almost any new stitch by using a good pattern. She has even began to develop her own techniques and skills of crocheting.
Lauren recalled the first thing she ever tried to make was a blanket for her then boyfriend, now husband. Lauren said, “it was hideous”. After that, she stuck with making cotton wash clothes for a time being. Still, she refused to give up her hobby and we are glad she didn’t, because those little winter beanie hats that everyone is noticing are just too cute. My personal favorite is the owl themed hat. Her hats take about 2-4 hours to make depending on their size and type.

I ask Lauren how in the world does she find the time to crochet with two small children and a full time job? Her response was that crocheting is used to help her unwind, her de-stresser. She even enlists the rest of her family to help her out from time to time. Her oldest daughter, Rylee, models the hats to make sure the size and fit is correct, while husband Josh cuts the strings needed to make the braided ears of the hats saving Lauren time for more crocheting. I am sure that baby Ryder will jump into the fun when the time comes, but for now, he is happy just to lay nearby and take it all in. Making this hobby of Lauren’s a Coffman family affair…

If you are interested in any of Lauren’s Crocheted hats just click HERE to get linked to her Facebook account. She will be happy to try, and meet any of your requests.

* This article also appears at Cookevilletimes.com

Sweet Chili (Recipe Blog)

2011-01-26T09:38:00.004-06:00

Ingredients

2lbs of Lean Beef

½ Green Pepper diced

½ Onion diced

16oz Can Red Beans undrained

16oz Can Chili Beans undrained

2 Tomatoes diced or 1 16oz Can undrained tomatoes

1 Large 66oz or 4lb Can of Tomato Sauce

½ cup of packed Brown Sugar

1 cup of Whole Milk

In large pan, brown the 2lbs of beef with the diced peppers and onions. Add half of the brown sugar to the pot and allow to caramelize the beef. When beef is fully cooked, drain grease and add the remaining ingredients. Cook on low heat for about 30 minutes. Turn heat up to high and stir (do this for about 15 more minutes). Keep stirring so the bottom does not burn.

Serve hot with your favorite toppings ( Shredded Cheese, Crackers, Sour Cream, chives, etc.),

Or Serve over Tortilla chips or French Fries. There are endless ways to serve this wonderful winter dish. Hope you enjoy creating your favorite ways!

Random Facts(Sunday Snippet)

2011-01-23T17:54:00.002-06:00

This little Sunday Snippet is dedicated to my kid brother not really because it is directly about him, but just because his brain is filled with random information. No one I know absorbs randomness like he does. Not only does he absorb, it but he stores it away to recall it for later use. So today’s random facts about nothing inpredicular It’s just me wishing to be a little more like my kid brother. Here are five random little facts that have nothing to do with each other!

FACTS
1.       The First Person ever to ride over Niagara Falls in a barrel and survive was Annie Edson Taylor in 1901. A teacher she was 63 years old.

2.       The word astronaut literally means ‘Star Sailor’. It comes from Greek words ‘astra’ meaning star, and ‘nauta’ meaning sailor.

3.       The largest toyshop is Toy ‘R’ Us in New York Times Square. It contains a full sized Ferris Wheel

4.       The first know story of Cinderella comes from ninth century China

5.       The Bible is the best selling book ever. Estimated that six billion copies have been sold and it has been translated into 2,000

Martin Luther King Jr. Inspiration For Generations

2011-01-17T11:49:00.006-06:00

Martin Luther King Jr. A wise man the world lost to soon, but in his lifetime his wisdom, love, and courage shatter boundaries. His words gained enough momentum to empower generations and generations to come!!! Here are a few of his words that I find inspiring!

Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.
-Martin Luther King Jr.

Let no man pull you low enough to hate him.
-Martin Luther King Jr.

Now, I say to you today my friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: - 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'
-Martin Luther King Jr.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
-Martin Luther King Jr.

All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'
Martin Luther King, Jr.
-
To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Most Famous Speech "I Have A Dream"

It's My Birthday.....

2011-01-16T21:01:00.005-06:00

Today I set off on the one year journey to the end of my twenties...Yep that means today was my Birthday! I just want to say thank you to every single one of you out there that made me feel loved and celebrated on this day. My heart is overflowing with love!!! The cards in the snail mail, the jewels, the cupcakes, the double stuff Oreo cookies,the many and I mean many facebook comments, my shadow following me around making sure everyone knew it was my birthday, The Happy Birthdays from the sweet little voices of children, the card that spoke to the geek in me, my parents for spoiling me beyond what I deserve, and all the love that came flooding my way today! It was a good day thanks for remembering! Thank you my sweet friends, and my beautiful family you really made my day! I love you all thanks for being blessing in my life!

I shall leave you all with a little birthday song for anyone out there that shares a birthday with me...January 16th was a good day to be born!!!

For Starr Baby

2011-01-14T17:41:00.007-06:00

The Garrett Clan is a little sad today as we say goodbye to our sweet Starr Baby she was the family pet. She was a sweet dog with a wonderful puppy personality. We loved her and will miss her! Thanks for adding some joy to our lives sweet Starr baby!

Starr
November 2007-January 2011

Snow Days

2011-01-13T14:30:00.004-06:00

My kids have missed four days of school due to snow here in middle Tennessee, and have loved every minute of it. I am not a fan of cold weather or the snow, but if it must come about you might as well have fun in it...What do you and your family do to stay entertained on snow days?

"I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says "Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again."
— Lewis Carroll (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass)

New Blog Launch

2011-01-11T00:44:00.003-06:00

No I am not abandoning Inside My Head. It is very much and will remain my personal little corner of the blogging world, which I am very much in love with. However, I fell so in love with the wonderful world of blogging that I thought I could somehow manage the up keep of two blogs...So I hope you all will venture over to Lyrics & Love and tell me what you think. I have also given Inside My Head here a minor face lift by adding a few page links to the top. Nothing major just something to help you get around a little easier without cluttering the main page. Thanks for all your support over the past couple years...I look forward to much more blogging in 2011!!!

My Non-Resolution Plan

2011-01-08T09:30:00.001-06:00

Remember yesterday how I mentioned that I am terrible at keeping my New Year’s resolutions? Well it’s true and since I am so horrible at sticking with and maintaining my New Year’s resolutions, I decided to throw the whole idea out the window. I figured that I am much better off setting smaller more specific goals for myself. So, here it goes. First, let us visit the difference between resolutions and goals.

res·o·lu·tion : the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.

goal : the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim;

I know there really isn’t a crazy amount of difference between the words, however resolution to me is just a method and idea to do something, while a goal is reaching something you put your mind to with actual achievement at the end of the process. It’s more than an idea or a method, it’s the result.

So therefore instead of setting one big method to determine my actions, I have chosen to instead layout a calendar with smaller more manageable goals to be reached…Hopefully, goes something like this:

January: Finish reading “The Sentinel City of Destiny” / Carter’s Room Makeover

February: Complete Potty Training/Actually Start Potty Training and pray for miracles

March: Master Bedroom Makeover (including painting all the furniture)

April: Learn 5 new recipes

May: Revamp the front lawn landscape/Move Rose Bushes to side of house

June: Blog Layout Update

July: Paint Kitchen Cabinets/de-clutter kitchen

August: Paint Stairway/Stairs/ Finish drywalling

September: Sew Halloween Costumes / Have family photographs made

October: Clean out and Organize every closet/cabinet in the house

November: Christmas Shopping List/Early Shopping? De-clutter boys rooms

December: Celebrate all the goals that were achieved!!!

Along with my monthly goals, I decided to set in place a couple of ongoing goals for myself. Goals that infiltrate into everything else that I do. These are probably the most important of the goals. I thought three was a good number to choose.

1.Maintain a close walk with God through study of His word, fellowship with other believers, and service to His ministries.

2.Grow in my relationship with my Husband & and continue to build on our marriage. Just because we have been married 11 years this coming year does not mean the honeymoon has to be over.

3.Becoming more transparent of a parent to my children. Take out the guess work when it comes to what I expected out them. Giving them targets to focus on. Those targets being courage, generosity, service and kindness. All the while not setting expectations to high, remembering they are still children and not yet adults.

So that, my friends, is my non-resolutions plan of action and goal setting for this upcoming 2011 year! Happy New year to all…Hope you are all off to a wonderful start!

New Years Resolutions

2011-01-07T13:18:00.004-06:00

The New Year has arrived! And with that, a great opportunity to reflected on all that has happened in the past year and look forward to what is coming in this new year ahead of us. A new year, a chance to start fresh and do a little self improvement within ourselves, changing into the people we want to become. I have never been very good at keeping my New Year resolutions. They usually end up lasting about a month, maybe two if I am lucky and focused, but that is an entirely different article so stayed tuned. Today I decided to jot down some New Year’s Resolutions that are, for say, a little off the beaten path. I hope you will share with us your goals and expectations for the upcoming year. If you don’t have any, maybe the ideas below will inspire you to take pen in hand and write down a few of your own.

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

1. Literature: Set yourself a goal for example something like 52 books in one year, and let the reading begin. A helpful website to use during this resolution would be Goodreads.com it allows you to make a list of books you have read as well as a list of books you would like to read. It’s an easy way to keep track of your goal. It is also a good place to read reviews from other everyday readers.

2. Relationship: This year become more intentional with your relationship with Christ, whether that’s finding a time and place for daily devotion/prayer, becoming more aware when it comes to Christ's plans for your life, or listening and accepting where Christ would have you serving.

3. Learning: Find something new that sparks your interest. Something you have never tried before and give it a fighting chance. This could mean attempting it more than once before giving up. You never know you might find that you are actually really good at it. Some ideas of things to try horseback riding, surfing, oil painting, piano playing, keeping a journal, learning to speak a new language, gardening, or maybe even simply trying to cook a new dish. Things don’t have to be complicated, just new!

4. Environmental: Make an effort to go green. This can be as big as purchasing a new hybrid car or energy efficient appliances, or as small as unplugging electronics that are not in use. Another simple and easy way is to use less throw away materials like cups, grocery totes. Just keep in mind the 3 R’s “reduce, reuse, and recycle”. For more tips about going green check out the folks over at Planet Green. They have an index full of how to go green tips.

5. Simplify: Get organized and remove all the clutter! This process can be life changing, as it helps reduce stress along with makes life just run a little smoother. Whether you are attempting to get organized at home, office, or at school, who doesn’t want a much simpler life style? For some helpful websites to help you become clutter free and organized, check out Organized Home, Simple Organized Living, and over at Love to Know they have printable To-Do list and lots of tips. All of these websites can help you get started with this decluttering and simplification resolution.

Globtrotting Teacher

2011-01-06T19:23:00.004-06:00

Looking for a little extra adventure in your life? Wishing you where making a bigger difference in the world? That is exactly what 27 year old, Ms. Jessica Breeding wanted out of her life.

Ms. Breeding had become unsatisfied with her position as a teacher in Middle Tennessee and came to the conclusion to combine her love of traveling and her career path together. Breeding began to apply for teaching positions overseas. Getting a response from several countries, in the end, she chose Korea. Korea had the best benefit package of any of the positions she was offered and would allow her enough time to continue traveling.

Her decision to teach in Korea, while exciting, was still a little upsetting for her family and was exceptionally difficult on her Father. He began to protest many of the countries the seasoned traveler wanted to visit but ultimately was won over when he realized how happy traveling and teaching made his daughter. Eventually, all of her family and friends were on board with the new life style she had chosen for herself. She visits back to the states about every other year for Holidays and has weekly Skype conversations. Technology has made a big difference in commutation. It has also helped battle any feelings of being homesick, a feeling she has battled during her first year on her own in Korea.

Breeding is now in love with her position as an English teacher to Korean Kindergartners. She is happy the job provides her with enough funds and time to travel and study. She is now pursuing a Master’s Degree in International Business. After completing the degree, she hopes to become employed by a larger cooperation in Korea, Hong Kong, or Europe as a spokeswoman for the company.

Right now, Ms. Breeding has a sense of fulfillment with 29 countries visited and many more on the list to be visited. Jessica also feels her job as a Kindergarten English teacher is one of importance and her job is making a difference in the lives of a young Korean generation. The education system differs from that of the American system. For example, the children in Korea go to school for 12-15 hours a day. Parents in Korea pay for their children to attend extra schooling. That being said, the children of Korea are covering more curriculum in each grade level compared to the children in the United States, which has both positive and negative effects. In the classroom with children, Ms. Breeding is accompanied by a co-teacher to help maximize her teaching ability and overcome any language barriers that may be present. Teaching in Korea has given her a whole new outlook on education, child development, and the little things that are involved in childhood.

After three years away from American soil, Breeding feels that her traveling has contributed to the person she has become. She feels she has become much more open minded towards the cultures of other countries, taking into account how they view the American people, both good and bad. Becoming a traveler has taught Ms. Breeding a lot about who she is, who she wants to be, and feels like traveling the world has had a giant impact on her life as a whole. She continues to feed her adventurous nature. She is very happy with her decision to become a globetrotting teacher.

Top: Combodia, Scotland, Hong Kong, Bottom: Italy, Indonesia

Specail Note: this article also appears at Cookevilletimes.com

Tennessee White Christmas

2010-12-25T19:33:00.003-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Christmas Quotes

2010-12-24T11:28:00.001-06:00

Christmas Quotes:

"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow,
stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."
— Dr. Seuss (How the Grinch Stole Christmas!)

"You weren't an accident. You weren't mass produced. You aren't an assembly-line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on the earth by the Master Craftsman."
— Max Lucado (The Christmas Candle)

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. "
— Norman Vincent Peale

"Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. "
— Washington Irving

"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace."
"
— Agnes M. Pahro

"Love is what is in the room with you at Christmas when you stop opening presents and listen.. "
— Bobby age 7

One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly. ~Andy Rooney

There has been only one Christmas - the rest are anniversaries. ~W.J. Cameron

Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance - each beautiful, unique and too soon gone. ~Deborah Whipp

Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. ~Oren Arnold

"I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world."
— Norman Vincent Peale

Photography, Paper, Picturesque

2010-12-21T15:38:00.009-06:00

I just could not resist spotlighting the latest creative creation by Kelli Trontell{photography} and ButterflyspArks. These beautiful young entrepreneurs are creative geniuses on their own, but when you place these two girls together, magic happens. It’s incredible, fun, simple, beautiful…it’s art! Combine ButterflyspArks' extraordinary talent for creating visually stunning graphic design pieces and Kelli Trontell{photography} unique ability to capture precious details through her camera lens and just prepare yourself to be inspired. Distinctive characters from both the ladies' creative minds creates an entanglement perfect for developing personalized memories, better known as photographs. Their latest collaboration took place shortly before both of the ladies moved away from Nashville, TN and involved drawing inspiration from a couple key ingredients their love of children and their passion to create and inspire. These ladies dreamed up a photo shoot backdrop where kids can be kids. Their goal was to inspire mom’s who run out of creative ways to photograph their children. The girls came up with fun paper cutouts: paper cheeks, mustaches, music notes, and so much more, which transformed the simple but bold backdrops into a world of imagination and for the kiddos resulting in fun and cleverly designed photographs. Every photo is overflowing with adventure and giggling children! Kelli Trontell{photography} and ButterflyspArks“Playing with Paper” is simply a brilliant use of imagination developing a fun and easy way to photograph your favorite little ones. Hope you feel as inspired as I did!

Speical Note: this article also appear at Cookevilletimes.com

What's Your Favorite Christmas Songs???

2010-12-20T11:37:00.005-06:00

My new favorite Christmas music comes to me via Michael Buble Christmas (EP). I fell in love with his verison of “Let it Snow”, which I recently heard come across the radio waves, so I went home and bought the whole collection from iTunes. Bonus for me, the EP also included my other favorite Christmas song “I’ll be home for Christmas”. I personally enjoy Michael Buble's old school, jazzy style in which he somehow adds a modern little twist to making it his own . This Christmas music collection makes me want a white Christmas, which is a little ironic considering I am not a fan of snow or the cold weather for that matter. Whats your favorite Christmas music collections or even just your favorite song?

Little Sock Elf{by Mandee Franee Designs}

2010-12-19T11:53:00.004-06:00

Just take a look at this sweet little elf face. Don’t you just love him? I love him all the way from his big black button eyes down to the adorable little bells on his toes. I love all Mandee Franee Designs this is her second appearance on Inside My Head. To see the first one just click Monster Fun. The girl behind these creations has such an adorable imagination. I also love her Christmas lens pet collection. My personal favorite is the Gingerbread man, too cute! You can check her and all her creations out on her blog just click HERE. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see what lovable creations she comes up with for Valentines Day!!!

A Crafty Sisterhood

2010-12-18T22:34:00.008-06:00

Rebekah and Deborah Robson are two small town girls, originally from Overton County, Tennessee who just happen to be sisters, who just happen to fall in love with and marry two brothers, who just happen to be stay at home mommies, who just happen to be two incredibly creative people.

Both of these young women are drawn to the crafting world. Rebekah has been painting, drawing, and sewing for years now, while kid sister Deborah is just getting her feet wet and exploring the crafty side of herself. After the discovery that both of them were interested in creating, the girls set out in search of an outlet for their creative energy. Thus, “20 Little Toes” was born, an Etsy shop devoted mostly to children’s projects.

“20 Little Toes” was originally created by sister Deborah and the name is a homage to her adorable twin boys. Soon after, sister Rebekah came on board as a mainstay contributor to the shop. The girls thought about changing the name, since Rebekah is also a mother to a sweet baby boy, but both decided “30 Little Toes” sounded a bit creepy, therefore deciding ultimately that “20 Little Toes” was around to stay.

The shop is dedicated to outfitting your children with both fun and practicality in mind. Both girls bring their own sense of style and ideas to the table. Rebekah's style is quirky, bright, with a twist of bohemian, while Deborah brings a more modern, streamlined, linear style with a dash of soft and feminine. The girls have found that in the crafting world their individual styles compliment each other very well. Their ability to work so well together is what makes the shop work and shows off a collective combination of their creative abilities and unique styles.

The shop has already made one appearance in the Etsy treasury section. The girls were thrilled that other crafters had connected with their work and chose their shop to be featured in such a select group.

These days the girls are busy preparing for the Holiday season. On average the girls spend 2-4 hours a day crafting and as far as plotting new ideas, the girls' brains are always in motion, daydreaming about new projects.

While Rebekah and Deborah love the crafting world, their main focus is their children. They are self described, part-time crafters and full time Mommies. While crafting is fun and challenging, their main priority is shaping the character of their sons. Crafting is something they do for themselves, something they enjoy, something that allows them to use a different part of their brains, and “20 Little Toes” is a lovely side effect of the crafting hobby of Deborah and Rebekah Robson.

To check out more of their products visit “20 Little Toes” on Etsy

Special Note: This article also appears in the Cookevilletimes.com