tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56600262154632176402024-03-13T08:54:55.067-07:00SamandafarmsSamandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-66849803008610174082009-09-29T05:28:00.000-07:002009-09-29T05:45:52.286-07:00Tuesday Morning...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SsIBdYs0IsI/AAAAAAAAAKw/SVFvNDWh8YI/s1600-h/school+day2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SsIBdYs0IsI/AAAAAAAAAKw/SVFvNDWh8YI/s400/school+day2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386869708646785730" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SsIBdAGHqFI/AAAAAAAAAKo/FbrgLsrwvPg/s1600-h/school+day1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SsIBdAGHqFI/AAAAAAAAAKo/FbrgLsrwvPg/s400/school+day1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386869702042036306" /></a><br />Boys will be boys, or so the old adage goes. <br /><br />I have realized that Dash is NOT a morning person. Each weekday morning, I quietly sneak into his room, carry him out & dress him while he is basically sleeping...except for the random kick at me and verbalization that he is cold. So...as is proven each day, when he finally opens his eyes, he HATES what he is wearing and says, "Oh no! Mom! Not my ___________!" ...whatever it may be on said day. EVEN THOUGH we lay out his clothes the night before...even the shoes! So, I've decided to give up. I may nudge in the Kelly Kids direction...but if it's a Transformer shirt, basketball shorts & lime green shoes that he chooses, then fine. I mean really, in the end, who gets hurt by his mal-fashion? Not me! Amen! So...I'm sure that millions of mothers will agree that when spying a clearance rack with the choice of an adorable tweed jacket and matching pants, or an electric green marvel comics track suit– buy the track suit.<br /><br />NOW...on to today. Every morning, I pray with Dash before he gets on the bus for him to have a good day at school. During this morning's prayer, he interjected "and let it be a short one. Amen." I'm sure that made God laugh too. <br /><br />Here's to boys & their mothers!<br />VioletSamandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-78004253022692589742009-09-27T20:26:00.000-07:002009-09-27T20:49:22.699-07:00Tractor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SsAu7HdOA9I/AAAAAAAAAKg/UMguEplC5Y8/s1600-h/IMG_8392.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SsAu7HdOA9I/AAAAAAAAAKg/UMguEplC5Y8/s320/IMG_8392.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386356747483874258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SsAu66-YkHI/AAAAAAAAAKY/uE9YF8pbfEU/s1600-h/IMG_8391.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SsAu66-YkHI/AAAAAAAAAKY/uE9YF8pbfEU/s320/IMG_8391.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386356744133316722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SsAu6Tir-3I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/4ZnUDJ2ESN8/s1600-h/IMG_8390.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SsAu6Tir-3I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/4ZnUDJ2ESN8/s320/IMG_8390.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386356733548166002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SsAu6MjVN9I/AAAAAAAAAKI/TiuDsTzht2A/s1600-h/IMG_8356.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SsAu6MjVN9I/AAAAAAAAAKI/TiuDsTzht2A/s320/IMG_8356.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386356731671820242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SsAu5nthlnI/AAAAAAAAAKA/_d0GCIee-GI/s1600-h/IMG_8386.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SsAu5nthlnI/AAAAAAAAAKA/_d0GCIee-GI/s320/IMG_8386.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386356721782462066" /></a><br />My Mom & Dad surprised the kiddies with a new tractor since the one Dash had since he was 1 "fell" in the pool...somehow. <br />So, after school Dash & I spend 2 hours assembling the beast so when Romeo woke up, he'd be surprised with a new treat. And boy was he! Dash is a little big for it (think Shriner)...but he doesn't seem to care and this gator sure can GO! They took turns riding it around the back yard, and mushroom hunting in the neighbors yard...and racing cars on the sidewalk. All in all, a great way to wrap up a long week of school & work! <br />Enjoy!<br />VioletSamandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-73467749954265645202009-08-10T07:36:00.001-07:002009-08-10T07:45:29.836-07:00Harmony Park<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAyaNkLrSI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/o_sUscHZVOE/s1600-h/IMG_7369.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAyaNkLrSI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/o_sUscHZVOE/s320/IMG_7369.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368346181725039906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAyZmzVcbI/AAAAAAAAAJw/PaBeF7UThYA/s1600-h/IMG_7311.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAyZmzVcbI/AAAAAAAAAJw/PaBeF7UThYA/s320/IMG_7311.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368346171319611826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAyZcK5NpI/AAAAAAAAAJo/IwCM_VCOC6o/s1600-h/IMG_7231.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAyZcK5NpI/AAAAAAAAAJo/IwCM_VCOC6o/s320/IMG_7231.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368346168465634962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAyZJNGwmI/AAAAAAAAAJg/_Kbjlp1e-vs/s1600-h/IMG_7216.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAyZJNGwmI/AAAAAAAAAJg/_Kbjlp1e-vs/s320/IMG_7216.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368346163374637666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAyYyuOVNI/AAAAAAAAAJY/KfQNeertEiY/s1600-h/IMG_7211.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAyYyuOVNI/AAAAAAAAAJY/KfQNeertEiY/s320/IMG_7211.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368346157339530450" /></a><br />We also went on a drive thru safari in Huntsville...which was awesome & a little scary...but we survived!<br />....and I totally recommend it!!<br />Enjoy!Samandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-55546656521359870152009-08-10T06:58:00.000-07:002009-08-10T07:14:21.602-07:001st Day of School!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAqb0o8blI/AAAAAAAAAIw/jsg6-0H8nG4/s1600-h/IMG_7391.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAqb0o8blI/AAAAAAAAAIw/jsg6-0H8nG4/s320/IMG_7391.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368337413300842066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAqc_FThaI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/jwxUPOLm51U/s1600-h/IMG_7403.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAqc_FThaI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/jwxUPOLm51U/s320/IMG_7403.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368337433284019618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAqcsMSYPI/AAAAAAAAAJI/wc0F90bZ0gA/s1600-h/IMG_7402.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAqcsMSYPI/AAAAAAAAAJI/wc0F90bZ0gA/s320/IMG_7402.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368337428213031154" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAqcSO7rnI/AAAAAAAAAJA/sMoG3Jt8zjQ/s1600-h/IMG_7397.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAqcSO7rnI/AAAAAAAAAJA/sMoG3Jt8zjQ/s320/IMG_7397.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368337421244804722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAqcMG9gzI/AAAAAAAAAI4/R6tfDn3Ky1M/s1600-h/IMG_7392.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SoAqcMG9gzI/AAAAAAAAAI4/R6tfDn3Ky1M/s320/IMG_7392.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368337419600757554" /></a><br />Today Dash started Kindergarden!! I can hardly believe it...<br />And, as craziness typically follows this family, so it did today. <br />After dropping Dash off in his class and taking a few pics, Romeo & I made our way back to the truck...and I started getting a little teary. BUT THEN...I remembered that I'd left my keys in my purse...which was in the truck. Brilliant. <br />So, I made friends with a mom in a mini-van in the parking lot & she gave me a ride back home, and then my neighbor's son's dad gave Romeo & I a ride back to the school...and then home again. Joy! So, tomorrow I will be wearing a lanyard. Ha!<br />Have a wonderful day!<br />& welcome BACK TO SCHOOL!<br />Violet<><Samandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-19687975453441157762009-05-02T15:07:00.000-07:002009-05-02T15:13:28.001-07:00apples.I had NO CLUE how much Romeo LOVES apples. <br /><br />The other night I just finished folding laundry & decided to watch a movie and eat an apple.<br />It was about 10 O'Clock and Wiler & the boys were asleep...or so I thought....<br />After about 10 minutes of Jane Austen bliss, in pops Romeo with a BIG GRIN and a "hey mom." <br />Up on the bed he goes, and we're on our bellies sharing an apple and watching the love story continue. <br />So...we've eaten to what I suppose is done. We've got the core & two ends, so it looks like it's set to be thrown away when Romeo says, "more mom!" and reaches for the apple. I give it to him and the boy DEVOURS the WHOLE APPLE! Core, seeds, stem, spiky circle thing on the base. I would have taken a picture but I couldn't believe it. ...actually he did save me one seed and a little smidge, which I took a picture of later because I was in shock at the time. <br />Totally thinking, good for you son. <br /><br />Waste not, want not. <br />-Violet <><Samandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-63843880916902612672009-05-02T15:03:00.001-07:002009-05-02T15:06:17.373-07:00tiger suit.So, Dash has found more fun this week. <br />He decided that he would be a tiger, everywhere we went. <br />....the grocery store, church (morning & evening), hiking, camping, to the landfill, to the animal shelter, to dominoes, to Lowes....<br />With the exception of my removing it to wash, he's been in it 24/7 since last Friday...the 24th. <br />And, he is currently on "restriction" for trying to "maul" his brother. <br />So, he is now a transformer...Optimus Prime to be specific, and Romeo is now Bumblebee.<br />...more than meets the eye.<br />Have a great day!!<br />Violet <><Samandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-74059786105752273842009-04-29T15:04:00.001-07:002009-05-02T15:01:26.668-07:00Heaven?After seeing the bonus features on "Fireproof" my dear little Dash told me, "Mom, when I die, I'm goin' down in the ground." <br /><br />And I was like, "what???" <br />..and he explained to me that I lied to him when I told him we go to heaven when we die. He continued that his Nana's cat died, she buried her in the ground––right in the back yard!! ..."down in the ground."<br /><br />So, of course I went on to explain how we have a "soul" and that our body stays here on earth and that our soul goes to heaven...<br />And, then he asks, "so what's a soul?" <br />And I'm all...it's something you can't see, but God fills it up inside of you, and he interrupts and says, "I mean, what does it look like?" <br />And of course, I'm thinking, what can I say? I've never seen a "real soul"...only Hollywoods portrayal of souls in the movies, and who knows if that is really what it's like...and so I say, "I think it is like a clear fluid that just *ziiiip* goes up to heaven when we die." <br />(and I'm thinking that if I was him, I'd be like...well, it's too bad mom's fallen off her rocker, and been on too many ufo's...)<br /><br />So, I'm still working on a "full description." But for now, I just changed the subject.Samandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-35346687391894138212009-04-07T20:18:00.000-07:002009-04-07T20:36:07.844-07:00Mom's top ten list<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdwbntNrC9I/AAAAAAAAAII/T0v9TO_u5gM/s1600-h/GUM.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdwbntNrC9I/AAAAAAAAAII/T0v9TO_u5gM/s320/GUM.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322159228610874322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdwbnTZSEpI/AAAAAAAAAIA/VUqjHqOlCqI/s1600-h/romeo+VICKS.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdwbnTZSEpI/AAAAAAAAAIA/VUqjHqOlCqI/s320/romeo+VICKS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322159221680247442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdwbltCJB2I/AAAAAAAAAH4/8fEQBCczGLk/s1600-h/THE+VICKS.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdwbltCJB2I/AAAAAAAAAH4/8fEQBCczGLk/s320/THE+VICKS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322159194202769250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdwblUYSfDI/AAAAAAAAAHw/vemlcshaDZw/s1600-h/side+VICKS.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdwblUYSfDI/AAAAAAAAAHw/vemlcshaDZw/s320/side+VICKS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322159187584777266" /></a><br />This week has been fun. <br /><br />I have learned a great number of things that toddlers & preschoolers can do in less than 1 minute. <br /><br />Here are my top 10: <br />10. Unscrew the lid on a childproof bottle<br />9. GUM has MANY uses<br />8. find your lipstick....and use it. <br />7. Paint their big toes <br />6. attempt to cook top ramen noodles<br />5. remove child-lock from refrigerator and run wildly while popping the top on a root beer<br />4. feed the fish...ALL of the fish food<br />3. pee. on anything available.<br />2. undress completely, including shoes and socks. <br /><br />And finally, for my big #1 of the top 10....<br />1. find the "baby vicks" jar and use it like hair gel or comparable hair cream. <br /><br />And, as a tip...even after 10 washes with baby soap, head and shoulders, bath & body works hand soap, dishwashing soap, and good old fashioned grit, your child's hair will STILL be greasy and STILL smell like vicks vapor rub. <br /><br />Enjoy!<br />VioletSamandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-31023512029618842082009-04-07T14:51:00.000-07:002009-04-07T14:54:18.000-07:00me too...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdvLft7QFvI/AAAAAAAAAHI/hUUOfJ2vG7k/s1600-h/violet1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdvLft7QFvI/AAAAAAAAAHI/hUUOfJ2vG7k/s320/violet1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322071130432870130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdvLfXF4_DI/AAAAAAAAAHA/u8W0jYAVfe0/s1600-h/wilder.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdvLfXF4_DI/AAAAAAAAAHA/u8W0jYAVfe0/s320/wilder.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322071124303477810" /></a><br />...Wilder & I made it to the top too. <br />:) <br />-Violet <><Samandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-6371990669238903282009-04-07T14:11:00.000-07:002009-04-07T14:37:36.412-07:00NASA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdvHkBZNVBI/AAAAAAAAAG4/uUOUbZgVBQs/s1600-h/romeo2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdvHkBZNVBI/AAAAAAAAAG4/uUOUbZgVBQs/s320/romeo2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322066806331757586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdvHjxrsJ1I/AAAAAAAAAGw/U9a3snXLpng/s1600-h/dash3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdvHjxrsJ1I/AAAAAAAAAGw/U9a3snXLpng/s320/dash3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322066802114307922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdvHj4T2_xI/AAAAAAAAAGo/kxo726lq_5g/s1600-h/boys.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdvHj4T2_xI/AAAAAAAAAGo/kxo726lq_5g/s320/boys.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322066803893403410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdvHjpkCklI/AAAAAAAAAGg/Bft9eAQlv0w/s1600-h/kansas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdvHjpkCklI/AAAAAAAAAGg/Bft9eAQlv0w/s320/kansas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322066799934739026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdvHjJV-AuI/AAAAAAAAAGY/_BnMYAJoTyg/s1600-h/dash4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SdvHjJV-AuI/AAAAAAAAAGY/_BnMYAJoTyg/s320/dash4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322066791285785314" /></a><br />On Saturday we went to Huntsville to meet Wilder at the MOONBUGGY Race. We had a blast! The kids loved seeing the "race" and snacking along the trail. They also rode the "Kiddie Coaster" and enjoyed crawling around the tunnels. Wilder and Dash also went on some sort of spinny ride while Romeo & I waited for them before I was catapulted 75 feet into the air on the "Space Shot." BUT, I'd have to say that our favorite part of the day was climbing the rock wall. We EACH took our turn and 3 out of 4 made it to the top! ...and, while in line, Dash entertained a group of moonbuggy racers from Kansas...who he later charmed with an yet another story of a dream he'd had about a warthog & a slide. Here are some photos from the day! <br />Enjoy! Violet <><Samandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-43961414739775150642009-03-15T21:41:00.001-07:002009-03-15T21:42:47.082-07:00one more...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/Sb3YvMJWfPI/AAAAAAAAAFg/PCmbN2Yh9CY/s1600-h/marker+face.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/Sb3YvMJWfPI/AAAAAAAAAFg/PCmbN2Yh9CY/s400/marker+face.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313641440592952562" /></a><br />And, not to top Dash...but certainly a rival, Romeo took his turn with a lovely, drippy brown marker. <br />Enjoy!<br />VioletSamandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-90180429613519167792009-03-15T21:29:00.000-07:002009-03-15T21:41:15.070-07:00Big Lips<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/Sb3YZLDHIuI/AAAAAAAAAFY/pwMm-QrUgoo/s1600-h/big+lips2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/Sb3YZLDHIuI/AAAAAAAAAFY/pwMm-QrUgoo/s320/big+lips2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313641062341223138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/Sb3YYgaf3UI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/8yO4-8LBrgg/s1600-h/big+lips1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/Sb3YYgaf3UI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/8yO4-8LBrgg/s320/big+lips1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313641050896588098" /></a><br />Oh My!<br />Dash truly topped himself on Saturday!<br />Wilder had called me outside for a minute to help him in the back yard. Well, I had just set up the game "Hi Ho Cherry-O" in the boys room so we could play a game or so and I assumed they';d dump the cherry's on the floor while I was gone...but I did not expect this. <br />Dash had decided that he would try & put his lips inside one of the barrels that holds the cherries. I man, this barrel is like 1.5" in diameter. Tiny, tiny. And so, he used his full suction power & proudly came to the back yard to show me...and of course, I freaked out & immediately made him remove the barrel and to my astonishment, his lips had grown 3x their regular size. I mean, this was horrific...bruised, BIG, purple...but really REALLY funny-and definitely picture-worthy. <br /><br />So, here he is with giant self-induced lips. <br /><br />Enjoy!<br />VioletSamandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-44041687910713071752009-02-25T20:13:00.000-08:002009-02-25T20:32:43.891-08:00pic of my sis<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SaYZlz9MdII/AAAAAAAAAFA/EWNAHug9ZWk/s1600-h/the+4+of+us.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SaYZlz9MdII/AAAAAAAAAFA/EWNAHug9ZWk/s320/the+4+of+us.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306957348295439490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SaYZl8MQRmI/AAAAAAAAAE4/3XXema5ETQg/s1600-h/staria+%26+violet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SaYZl8MQRmI/AAAAAAAAAE4/3XXema5ETQg/s320/staria+%26+violet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306957350506088034" /></a><br />There's one great thing about sisters. <br />Even when you're singing JESUS LOVES ME or THE HOKEY POKEY at the top of your lungs, you can still keep a straight face knowing that as long as you keep singing, the baby won't cry. <br /><br />...and really, there are a lot of great things about sisters, but since my kids have almost sucked my brain out, that is almost all I can think of for now. <br /><br />Well okay, I have one more.<br /><br />Also, sisters always like food. And eating food together is preferred. However, if unavailable because the baby is needing something, half-understood conversations are also allowable. Especially if the other has a toddler playing chopsticks on the table while the other pre-schooler tells the waitress she's an idiot for taking away the plates to early or for telling your aunt that a much-needed stroller is a "fire hazard." <br /><br />Most people who don't have kids will NEVER understand this. <br />Love you Staria!<br />Pop Tarts!<br />Violet <><Samandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-87595390191641271652009-02-24T20:49:00.001-08:002009-02-25T20:13:15.283-08:00Kids say the derndest things..Well, since I ranted for so long in my last post, I really only have time for bullet points about the kiddies: <br /><br />- Dash learned the letter "K" to which he felt looked like a "T" had fallen on a "I"...which I though was very intuitive. <br />- Romeo calls cutting with scissors "pinching" the paper<br />- Dash cut his bangs, and looked in the mirror and gave himself a BIG thumbs up and said, "way to go Dash!" <br />- Dash rode the belt at Kroger the other day and gave the checker a barcode to scan to ring him up<br />- Dash microwaved a worm and tried to kill our goldfish because the worm was as hard as a rock and I had to pull it out with my hand. EWWWW! <br />- Romeo loves "MILKIE" and can get the gallon jug and hoist up on the counter whenever he wants more<br />- When asked, "what do you want for dinner?" Romeo almost always responds "old candy." <br />- When asked, "what do you want for dinner?" Dash almost always responds "chicken and french fries." <br />- The other day I took a pregnancy test and Dash asked me, "Mom, when you peed on the thermometer, what did it say?" <br />- If left in the tub together, boys WILL pee on each other's heads. <br />- Dash says that if he catches one of the rats that ate our car, he would shoot it 6 times. <br />- Dash wants to be "Sporticus" from Nick Jr. when he grows up, or a garbage man. <br />- Dash believes in Santa Claus & the Tooth Fairy, even though I've told him the truth/history, he tells me I'm wrong. <br />- Romeo does at least one handstand EVERY DAY. I can't stop him. <br /><br />Being a mom is REALLY great!!<br />:) <br />Violet <><Samandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-41868598212295822009-02-24T19:31:00.000-08:002009-03-09T21:35:22.983-07:00Job in Real Life...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SbXtzhyCAEI/AAAAAAAAAFI/kFyNAwsfCsM/s1600-h/van+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SbXtzhyCAEI/AAAAAAAAAFI/kFyNAwsfCsM/s400/van+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311412805050695746" /></a><br />Well, I suppose it all started around Christmas. I was sleeping happily in my bed when I noticed a "drip, drip" and thought, "hmm, it must be raining." But then, I noticed that the sound seemed closer than outside. So, I moved around my room in the dark and realized it was coming from my closet. I flipped on a nearby lamp and opened the door to find a WATERFALL IN MY CLOSET! Apparently water had been leaking through the roof, passing through the attic, and for the past however long, had been lying on the reverse side of my ceiling...until now. I ripped all of my conveniently placed church clothes & stacked luggage from the closet to begin washing, and what not when I moved to the next room. What had once been a small stain on my ceiling had now become a HUGE YELLOW & BROWN WATER RING...right at my front-entry way, on the other side of my beloved closet. Wilder then attempted to "patch" the roof with a lovely blob of tar and scrap shingle until the insurance adjusters could arrive...a month later. <br /><br />Moving on...along with Christmas came the more winter rains. Sadly, our house is ALWAYS "UNDER RENOVATION" in some aspect, and this Christmas, it was the boys bathroom. We stayed up until 3 or 5am on New Years Eve/Day putting the finishing touches on the bathroom while our sweet little babes slumbered. Thinking our work had come to an end for a few days before attacking another dreadful project, we toasted our bubbling Apple Juice and sent well wishes to the new year. <br /><br />However, we spent the next days, and weeks watching the STANDING WATER creep across our ground-level den until OUR ENTIRE ROOM WAS SOAKED, INCLUDING CARPET/PAD AND YES, FURNITURE. To top it off, we were moving furniture to avoid the flood when I dropped a picture frame and broke a conveniently placed tile, and prompting more trouble, we broke YET ANOTHER corner on or "to be installed jet tub" that had been propped up in our den for the past 4 months. Yippie! Fortunately, I was able to wash the slip covers on the furniture, and we added a 30" old school TV to a nightstand in our bedroom until the room would be "less damp" and suitable for electronics. And so, Wilder and I toted out all of the soaking carpet and sent it to the dump. And, in turn, the kids gained a concrete skating rink, chalkboard, dirt haven until further notice. <br /><br />You would think that was all, but no, it's not. Back to the roof. We received estimates from SEVERAL roofers, two of which KNEW OF the previous owners. It was told to us that these people KNEW of the FLOODING & of the ROOF DAMAGE (among other things) but sold the house anyway and just prayed for drought during the sale...which occurred. So, the pre-existing problem was now ours. The downstairs flooding had been ours for years anyway, but never this bad...usually just a foot or so of soaking carpet which we dried with a GIANT FAN BLOWER. So, we asked the insurance adjuster if anything could be done in the den, to which he replied that unless a pipe busted or a tree fell on our house causing the flood, they would not cover it. To which I replied, how big does the tree have to be, and could a garden hose just accidently be left on through the window?? (KIDDING about my reply!!)<br /><br />And so, more roofers, more discussions, and the purchase of kitchen cabinets occurred from Lowes. Yay! A "special order" So far, we have 2 cabinets that worked, and one end panel. Everything else had to go back. I mean seriously, what is the deal?Accomplished as of today? Zero. <br /><br />Next on the agenda, the bathroom faucet for our "to be renovated, waiting to install the beloved jet-tub, etc. etc. master bathroom." So, finally, one night I tell Wilder, "that's it, I'm ordering the faucet!!" You see, we had bought a vanity 4 months ago that had a NOT GONNA EVER MATCH ANYTHING HANDLE and has WEIRD HINGES piece, which sent us searching for something to replace our existing stainless steel faucet. So, I look and research and FINALLY choose a piece. I place the order on line, go to bed with a new assurance thinking the bathroom will SOON be finished, I will have a matching tub/shower, sink and EVEN toilet paper holder, and go to bed. The next day, I am sent an email that tells me, "we're sorry, an item you ordered has been DISCONTINUED, but we have shipped the rest of your order!!" The problem is, I don't check my email for a week, and I've already received the pieces, minus one-and I call to let them know that one of the pieces they sent is damaged. They scratched one, so I request an exchange for a nice one. And so, I check my email and see that I won't be getting the missing piece. EVER. Say WHATTTT!!!?? So, we look to buy elsewhere, and of course, no can do-NOT EVEN IN THE SAME FINISH different style, and so we call the company. This was in January. And so, I tell them that we have to return everything-damaged & not damaged this b/c I cannot keep half a set, and the lady is TOTALLY flabbergasted that I need to return and tells me there will be a 15% restock fee if I don't "exchange it." So, not wanting to "lose my money" I fall for it and order something else. In the meantime, I am STILL waiting for my refund. But on the positive, I LOVE what I exchanged for, and it is still a pretty good match, and looks lovely lying on the floor under the bed in our guest room since the master bathroom is STILL not renovated. <br /><br />Next we have the van, which I've been trying to sell since SEPTEMBER!! I take it to Honda since the battery is DEAD and they tell me that I need a new CV boot, so I buy the one Wilder tells me we need, and he says that I bought the "complicated one" and to take it back. So, I trade it for the "quick boot' and he gets under the car and is ready to change it when he discovers that it is NOT cracked, and does NOT need to be replaced. Back to the store for another return. So, then, I have a diagnostic run b/c the maintenance light has come on, and the AutoZone guy tells me I need a catalytic converter. Great. A 5k van for sale and I'm supposed to find the cash to fix this too. Sign in window says, "5k. Catalytic converter will be replace with purchase. Debate over needing CV boot." Still no takers. Listed for$195 on thebiglot.com. NO CALLS. <br /><br />And so, still no roof b/c we have a $1000 deductible and can't decide if we want metal or shingle...or can afford metal really, which we both want. So now, we get a phone call from Home Depot LYING and saying I won a $500 internet shopping spree. Riiighttt. And that there will only be a "short demo" from a after specialist to let me know just how bad the water coming out of the Tennessee River REALLY is. So, I say yes b/c we buy bottled water and I'd like to see if it is worth the $, which it is, and she stays WAAAAY long, and tries to get us wrangled into a 5 year commitment for only $80/month and Wilder smartly says NO, and she leaves and tosses us the BOGUS $500 coupon. Bad move, stayed up late, and did not get to finish our Lowes cabinets which had arrived that day...but were wrong anyway. <br /><br />And to top it off, he would be coming home on Valentine's day. Yes ladies, he ditched me to go HUNTING on V-day. And called to let me know about the ticket, so I spent the whole day not speaking to him and making his hunt miserable...while I was secretly surprising him by building a fence with my sister's bf. We did get it finished amid a heap of trials like, Lowes being OUT of fence boards, (I'm sure that happens a lot) our post-hole diggers busting, and rain. But, we finished and I was REALLY impressed with the result, as was Wilder....who was afraid to return until 9pm on V-day after the silent treatment for 48hrs. <br /><br />And so, the week begins again and Dash decides to imitate something he saw on "Horton Hears a Hoo" which entails swinging on a chandelier...but instead he tries my bedroom CEILING FAN and completely shatters the glass globe, cutting himself and Romeo who was happily enjoying his milky on the bed, while I was in the bathroom. And, yet again Home Depot pulls through...they no longer make our model and cannot replace the glass, but have sent us a small gift card to compensate for the purchase of a new fan. Mhmm...So, for now, we have a ceiling fan that used to be beautiful and, ahem, installed, which is now lovely with 3 light bulbs gleaming against silver foil. <br /><br />And, I have this whole BUYER BEWARE story about a furniture non-repair episode, but it really is still "in progress" and too desperate to retell, so I will share my comments later if they do not make proper amends asap. <br /><br />So,Wilder comes home from work later that week and we're talking in the kitchen when I start to hear a strange noise coming from the downstairs...and I slowly open the door and peek down there (this is the flood zone remember) and I continually hear the strange noise...which, upon closer inspection turned out to be the internal glass on our back door, cracking entirely. Thank the LORD for plexiglass!! So, we have called the company, and their parent company with no hope for replacement, and are now attempting to track down the seller. Bleck. I feel sSssOOOoOOo safe!! NOT. <br /><br />And so, one would think that with that many items in limbo that surely, the trouble must end there...at least for now. But no, on Monday I was driving to Dominoes, not a mile away, when I noticed ALL OF MY WARNING LIGHTS FLASHING in my truck. So, I call Wilder and tell him that the truck is insane, and he thinks I must have put it in 4WD wrong or something (but I hadn't) and that he would check it when he came home. So, today (Tuesday) I have him drive it to work so he can drop it off at the dealership, and the result was BEYOND anything we could imagine. Bad gas you say? Electrical board malfunction? Maybe. Water trouble? No. How about RATS!!!!!!!!! Yes ladies and gentlemen, RATS have been LIVING UNDER MY HOOD EATING PECANS AND POOPING AND CHEWING ELECTRICAL WIRES!!!!! THEY HAVE COMPLETELY EATEN THROUGH EVERYTHING!!!!! The man at the dealership estimated $5,000 worth of damage!!!!!!!! So far!!!!! I am still in shock. Thank GOD for car insurance (however high the deductible)!!! And thank GOD we have not sold our van yet, however flawed, because now Wilder and I still have a vehicle while this one is out of order. <br /><br />Okay, so, THAT's NOT ALL!! This morning, I thought I'd vaccuum my van so when I went to help Wilder with the car transfer, I'd have enough room for everyone involved and if I saw any interested van buyers, I'd help get the FOR SALE word beyond my street. So, in the meantime, I have Wilder's car parked in front of the van and I think, "I know, I'll vaccuum his car too so when we trade back, his will be all clean." HA!!!! So, I have the vac all prepped up, mats out and am humming away as I take care of business, and I'm having trouble reaching the car with the wand without setting the vac on the rock driveway, so I decide to sit the vaccuum on the seat. This sounds innocent enough, until I realize that the BEATER BRUSH TORE A CLAWLIKE TEAR ON THE REAR SEAT OF THE CAR!!! WHATTTTT!!!!??? What was meant to be a blessing for Wilder turned out to be a nightmare for me!! I prayed that if God felt like being in the miracle business this morning that He could certainly miraculously repair the seat and I'd tell everyone about it. No such mending yet. :( So looks like we'll be forking out more cash to the upholstery folks. <br /><br />So, enough for tonight. I'm praying for PEACE and non-breakable EVERYTHING in and around my house. <br />Please Lord, send the bubble wrap! And take the rats away...lest they eat what "treat" we left out for them tonight. <br /><br />My oh my, I am sleepy. <br />G'night Y'all!<br />VioletSamandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-43706041049137884352009-01-27T14:27:00.000-08:002009-01-27T14:39:52.382-08:00Christmas Flashback<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SX-NKVgda5I/AAAAAAAAAEw/A3UF7F51ftw/s1600-h/violet.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SX-NKVgda5I/AAAAAAAAAEw/A3UF7F51ftw/s320/violet.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296106895522491282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SX-NJ-EaHxI/AAAAAAAAAEo/r1tEpn_DvF0/s1600-h/staria.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SX-NJ-EaHxI/AAAAAAAAAEo/r1tEpn_DvF0/s320/staria.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296106889230819090" /></a><br />Hello again!<br />My camera is currently broken, so I am having to flash-back to Christmas for a pic...but I thought it was worth sharing since my babies look like little angels in their PJ's!<br />Enjoy!<br />Violet <><Samandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-57186294700892301112009-01-27T14:07:00.000-08:002009-01-27T14:14:42.254-08:00Too much FUN!So far so good says the new stay-at-home mom!<br />I haven't laughed this hard in a LoOoOoOOoOOOOooooOOOOng time :) <br />These boys keep me rolling...on the floor, literally. <br /><br />The other day, Dash MICROWAVED A WORM!! Then, he tried to feed the crusty leftovers to our goldfish! ...almost killed it as it tried to swallow a petrified rock-like stick...that used to be a worm. I had to catch it in a net and pull it out of the goldfish. <br /><br />Not funny enough for ya? Well, in his typical style..I had left for a Dr's appointment and had Nana babyistting, whom they know they have pinkie-finger skills with. So, as soon as I was out the door, Romeo hog-tied her in his bathroom while Dash sprinted for my bathroom, grabbed my scissors and snipped a clump from his bangs. He then proceeded to brag to Nana and show her exactly what he did, complete with shelf climbing and toilet seat balancing–and then finished up by giving himself a BIG THUMBS UP in the mirror sand saying, "Way to go Dash!" <br /><br />And, for the closer...to show what a GENIUS my eldest child is....yesterday we were reviewing our letters when Dash pointed out that the letter "K" looks like a "T" that fell on the letter "l." <br /><br />Brilliance in the making, I'm telling you. <br />So, in the meantime, I'll be making more notes to update you again...and you keep reading!<br />God Bless!<br />VioletSamandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-35687531149032213382009-01-06T12:41:00.000-08:002009-01-06T12:52:07.031-08:00Wrapping up...This morning when I was getting ready for work...of which I have only 3 more days, I thought, "What mother in her right mind would pull two sleeping babies up out of their bed, drag them to the car--in the rain, put them in the car--in the rain, forget to feed the dog and have to turn around, realize you forgot to turn the heat back down and have to get your keys and go back inside, then get yourself BACK in the car--in the rain, drop the kids off somewhere (in my case it has been my mother's) and THEN go to work?" ...as if all of this hadn't been "work" already. <br /><br />Can you tell I'm looking forward to staying home? Oh yes I am!! What greater joy will I have then to simply fry the vegetarian-bacon my hubby brings home after spending another great day with the kids? <br /><br />My mom has already ordered me a curriculum for Dash...and even for Romeo if he is willing...so we can practice home-schooling before we have to make the "official" decision to homeschool or not. So, we'll see. I know there will be tough days that can be soothed only by early bedtimes for the boys and a long soak for myself. But, for the most part, I think that to have the opportunity to stay home with my boys, and not JUMPING at the challenge, I'd be a fool. And to that, I say, I am no fool.<br /><br />May God bless you this year-and may you find an EXCESS of TIME with your loved ones. <br />-Violet <><Samandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-33414406514379932012009-01-02T09:51:00.001-08:002009-01-02T10:06:44.179-08:00Happy New Year!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SV5XJwwYAzI/AAAAAAAAAEg/19DqwQJyEVQ/s1600-h/family.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SV5XJwwYAzI/AAAAAAAAAEg/19DqwQJyEVQ/s400/family.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286758837797782322" /></a><br />...the BIG NEWS to begin 2009 is that I will be staying home with Dash & Romeo from now on!<br /><br />I have put in my notice at work & will be able to home school & get to see them grow up before I miss it!<br /><br />I am SOOOOoOooOooOOOOooo excited & am really looking forward to this new year. <br /><br />I have already been getting myself ready by enjoying the food, the teachable moments, the fun, the TIME, and the laughter of the boys during Christmas & New Year breaks. And, I'll really be looking forward to sunny hikes, days by the pool, trips to the lake, and home-cooked meals!<br /><br />So, to you all I say, HAPPY NEW YEAR and take time to enjoy the people in your lives everyday!<br />God Bless!<br />Violet <><Samandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-1952645980547909732008-09-30T07:53:00.000-07:002008-09-30T08:00:22.315-07:00Picture Perfect Rose...Hello Bloggers & Bloggettes!<br /><br />Okay...so this morning, my sweetie pie hubby decided to surprise me by putting a fresh-cut rose in my car (in a water bottle)... and I noticed this when I was putting the kids in the car this morning before heading to work. Well, Dash was also pleased with Daddy's offering, and whipped out his Buzz Lightyear (toy) cell-phone & began clicking the button to mimic taking pictures of the rose. he then proceeded to say, "I need to zoom-out," snapped a few more shots, and then keyed in a random set of numbers & said, I'm texting this to Nana. Of course he was. So, expect a post later today of the blessed rose, much adored. <br /><br />Ahh technology...to the budding eyes of a 4 year old. <br /><br />Have a great day!!<br />Violet <><Samandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-83302710322897811552008-09-04T20:19:00.001-07:002008-09-04T20:34:51.902-07:00Gotta love the kids!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SMCo1sNrPYI/AAAAAAAAADI/lKzM8x6NWQU/s1600-h/Nerudas+bebe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SMCo1sNrPYI/AAAAAAAAADI/lKzM8x6NWQU/s320/Nerudas+bebe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242375606614310274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SMCo1jOcb8I/AAAAAAAAADQ/ghk8QQxBHo4/s1600-h/neruda+%26+violet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SMCo1jOcb8I/AAAAAAAAADQ/ghk8QQxBHo4/s320/neruda+%26+violet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242375604201615298" /></a><br />Hey there!<br />Well, here is some more news...Dash has officially grown up. This week he & Romeo started preschool at my mom's church & they are both doing fabulously!! I am so excited! Dash is learning the letter "I" & "i" and they are learning the word "indian" and have even learned a little song that is sooooo sooo soo cute! It starts out, "who's that peeking out from behind that tree? who's that shooting a bow & arrow? who's that grinding corn for cornbread? who's that riding a horse so wild? it's an indian child." AND, there are movements! You should see him pretend to shoot his bow & arrow! He truly looks like Robin Hood....or Squanto. I love it! Great job teachers! AND, Romeo is touting that he has learned to count to 9! ..granted you can make out what he is saying, which is really cute as he puts up each finger, mumbling another word. AND, I officially started my Tues/Wed/Thurs part time schedule which allows me to work until 1:30 & then go get the kiddies! ...which is great b/c I've been working on my freelance pieces at home while they nap. So...all in all a great week!<br /><br />AND, to top it all off, I ended last week with a HUGE HURRAH as I was able to visit with my long-time friend and college roomate, Neruda!! She was visiting with her new baby & hubby!...also named Wilder! Very cool!And, they are so very happy to be moving from Germany to ENGLAND for the next three years! Which I am extremely excited for her (and for me) about b/c now the family & I have someone very EXCELLENT to visit while we're over there!! Yippie!<br /><br />I have posted pics Dash took of us at dinner for your amusement. Her baby is sooo adorable! And with very squishy thighs...just the way we like 'em!<br /><br />God Bless & happy Friday!<br />Violet <><Samandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-2001525847254341532008-08-25T09:50:00.000-07:002008-08-25T10:12:22.127-07:00oh My!It has been ashamedly TOO long since I've last posted! And, I have so much to tell!<br /><br />First, I have become quite a Jane Austen addict. I watch pride & Prejudice as often as possible...with Persuasion, Sense & Sensibility, and Miss Austen's Regrets trailing close behind. And, I cannot wait to write my OWN Story! I've been mulling over several ideas...time period, type of people, story-line, etc. to get a good feel for it...and then will be scouting local competitions once I get a few hundred pages under my wing. <br /><br />In the meantime, I've been illustrating a children's book, which has been going quite well...and I'm looking forward to seeing it published this year (come Christmas I hope!!) Ad, of course, a few other odd jobs like, working full time, being a mother, cooking, cleaning, organizing, LAUNDRY, you know...just upkeep :) <br /><br />And as for those lovely kiddies, Romeo LOVES the new LOWE'S that is being built in our town, and each morning on our way to Nana's, he shouts "the Yooooes!!!" We've all come to love & expect his excitement...and when he is somehow distracted by a bug or balloon, his brother will say, "hey Romeo...loook overrr therrre" and then of course, the inevitable happens. THE YOOOOOES!!<br /><br />And, speaking of Dash, he is dong quite well. His maturity kills me. Some days he can act so grown up I don't know what to do with myself! This past Saturday we went out for a fancy lunch without Wilder...just me & the boys, and they were ANGELS! God was DEFINITELY shining down on our table. Dash even took himself to the bathroom, and returned with washed hands. AND, Romeo ate a FULL BOWL of Egg Drop Soup, a rice ball, chicken, and a fortune cookie! Talk about hungry! And afterward, we had an amazing time at a science museum until daddy could join us for evening fun at yet another restaurant! Talk about a treat! It really was a great day!<br /><br />And more testimony to how big Dash is getting...he can dress himself, is learning to write his letters, LOVES to tell knock-knock jokes, LOVES to read about animals...mainly dinosaurs and other extinct mammals, and let's not forget matchbox cars (which his daddy especially promotes). As for Romeo...we bought him a weeks worth of big-boy underwear...and it worked the first day. But today, and yesterday, he has decided that underwear is just one step closer to naked or "nakie" as he likes to say. So, back to pull-ups for this week...and we'll try again soon. Another cute thing that Romeo says is "kee-cause" for because. As in, "Romeo, why did you pee in my closet?" "Kee-cause." Niiiice. <br /><br />Romeo also loves to laugh REALLY REALLY hard...almost like he is crying he laughs so hard. It is a hoot. And he'll put it on too. I'm thinking I need to post a sound byte so you can hear it. <br /><br />Anyway, I'm going to try & write more often b/c there are so many things they do each day that make me say, "oooh! I should write that down, b/c if I don't, I'll forget!" It is so true. When teaching pre-school at church yesterday, I thought, how could the Israelites possibly forget that God parted the Red Sea and allowed them to safely pass, sparing their lives...yet, we say to each other, "Oh God, if you'll just heal me, I'll tell everyone it was You who did it," and then the next minute we say, "what cancer?" just as the Israelites said, "what Red Sea?" or as I'll soon say, "When were my boys in diapers? I must have missed that." The time passes sooo quickly! Make your 24 hours count today!<br /><br />Love, Violet <><Samandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-30049640703167759352008-06-23T07:19:00.000-07:002008-06-23T08:02:02.558-07:00Family Reunion<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SF-63wDpktI/AAAAAAAAAC4/mPU0cUZwfNY/s1600-h/DASH+lolly.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SF-63wDpktI/AAAAAAAAAC4/mPU0cUZwfNY/s400/DASH+lolly.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215092360474104530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SF-64GBLfCI/AAAAAAAAADA/FARGayOK900/s1600-h/ROMEO+haircut.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SF-64GBLfCI/AAAAAAAAADA/FARGayOK900/s400/ROMEO+haircut.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215092366369324066" /></a><br />So this past weekend (June 20-22) we made our Annual trip to Wilder's family reunion in Mississippi. Before we left I made hair appointments so Dash & Romeo could get trimmed up for the trip. I'm designing a brochure for a hair stylist in our hometown, so we made a trade & she squeezed us in on Thursday before the trip. We went a bit short on Romeo...but I'm glad we did b/c it really fits his personality. He's ALWAYS stirring up something and looking ornery...but quickly recovers by flashing his sweet blue eyes & saying something sweet...ie: "Romeo, do you want a spankin'?" ...and then he'll squeal "nooOoOOoooO and run off." He's a mess. Anyway, among his many tricks, this weekend he learned how to give thumbs up...two thumbs. I'll have to post a new picture of that one so you can see how cute his little thumbs really are. <br /><br />And, my big'un Dash...was exactly that this weekend...constantly dashing around this way & that...catching fish, eating sweet treats, posing for pictures, laughing, chasing his cousins....being chased by his cousins, riding in his Grampy's boat...and loving it. I tell you what-those boys slept REAL hard while we were there...and especially on the way home. I told my mom that today she'd be smart to take them to the pool and then lunch and to bed...b/c I'm not sure they'd make it much past that. They both fell out of the car this morning when I dropped them off on my way to work because they were soooOOooOoooO tired...poor dears. <br /><br />...not to mention Wilder & I. Whew!! We got in at about 1 a.m. and, as you can imagine, were wore slap out. <br />I can't wait to get home this evening for a load of laundry and early to bed. <br />...until next time...be smart, be good. <br />Violet <><Samandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-15885089652672365922008-06-16T14:36:00.000-07:002008-06-16T14:44:24.274-07:00Learning Spanish...I just had to share this one...<br /><br />For the past year, my discipler from church has challenged me to learn all of the books of the Bible. Well...I'm still trying and have been attempting to repeat them in groups of about 4 in front of the kids so they will learn as well....Well, yesterday was reciting them to Dash and got all the way to Jonah when I stopped and Dash said, " Good job Mom! It's so great you know Spanish! "<br /><br />Oh man, that was great. I laughed my head off :) <br /><br />Kids are the best! here's to you & your Spanish practice!<br />-Violet <><Samandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660026215463217640.post-20392399597682654982008-05-20T07:28:00.000-07:002008-05-20T08:01:28.511-07:00A trip to the park...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SDLhTjiUcKI/AAAAAAAAACM/0Vqx7Rc6nvg/s1600-h/DSC00166.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SDLhTjiUcKI/AAAAAAAAACM/0Vqx7Rc6nvg/s200/DSC00166.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202468245639295138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SDLhUTiUcLI/AAAAAAAAACU/ny9AdMpDFTk/s1600-h/DSC00144.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_pyl6G0vNatw/SDLhUTiUcLI/AAAAAAAAACU/ny9AdMpDFTk/s200/DSC00144.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202468258524197042" /></a><br />Good morning bloggers!<br /><br />The kids, Nana and I enjoyed a nice trip to the park last week, that I just had to share with you! <br />Enjoy!<br /><br />-VioletSamandafarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310331693526612541noreply@blogger.com0