They Call Me Mama

Members Only

2009-07-09T11:38:00.001-07:00

I know it has been a while since my last post. Sorry! I can't promise that I'll be all that frequent after this post. Just had a funny story that I wanted to capture.

If any of you are interested in becoming a member (or memder, as it is written on the sign) of an exclusive club, the sign-ups begin July 13th through July 24th. The founding member, Logan, has indicated that to be a member of this trendy club you must like 3 of the same things. After further investigations, I have found out exactly which three things make you a shoe in. You must like Wizard 101 (an online computer game), Batman, and you MUST like to dress up like a pirate. The boy knows how to make an exclusive club!

The sign ups for the club I'm assuming will be in his room. There is a sign taped on the door saying, "Do not Enter. Club Memder only!" So, I guess you all will be meeting in there. Let me know if I'm in charge of snacks!

4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th....

2009-04-08T15:32:00.000-07:00

On Friday, Josh picked me up from work and I had this awesome necklace in honor of year 4. I LOVE chunky jewelry!!!!! It is a bed necklace and the beads look like colored rocks. The coloration is turquoise (I love turquoise!!!!), brown (I love brown!!!!), and a pretty reddish color.

Ladies' Day was going to be Saturday at church, so I thought it would be really cool if I had something new that matched my new necklace to wear for Ladies' Day. I chose http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/sweaters/vnecks/PRD~458141/axcess+Pointelle+Sweater.jsp in Island Blue. At Kohl's, I told Josh that I thought I need to go look at the earrings to see if I could find something that would match. He told me I didn't need to!!!! He said he would go ahead and let me have Day 5 and 6....which were earrings and a bracelet to match!!!!

It must be noted that the poor guy came down with strep throat over night from Sunday to Monday. He bought me some Reese's candies (LOVE anything Reese's makes) for our 7th year.

For year/day 8 he was home SICK!!!! I got a very touching card!!! I have to say that day 8 may be my favorite.

Today is day 9! He bought me hanging plants for the front porch.

I have to say....this is a lot of fun....I don't know that I'm ready for it to stop!!!!

On the 3rd Day of My Anniversary....

2009-04-02T17:13:00.001-07:00

That sweet man got me perfume today, in honor of our 3rd year of marriage. This is so much fun!!!!

I'll keep you informed!

One the First Day of My Anniversary My True Love Gave to Me....

2009-04-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

I want to preface this post with this comment: I, indeed, have the best husband this world could ever know!

Let me tell you why I am so bold as to make such a statement. Here's the story: Josh and I are down to one car at the moment. He came to pick me up from work yesterday. I open the door on the passenger side of the car. I get in. On the dash in front of my seat is a gift card to Lowe's. In the amount slot it reads, "a down-payment on Spring flowers in appreciation for our 1st year of marriage." I really thought, "WHAT?????" Then I started doing math (I know....a full day of teaching preschool and then to start doing math...whew). This year on April 11th is our 12th anniversary. March the 31st is 12 days away from April 11th. The gift card said, "in appreciation for our 1st year". I start thinking, "Does this mean I'm going to be getting something for the next 11 days?????" So, I spent all day today excited....waiting until he picked me up this afternoon to see if I was right. Before even opening the car door, my eyes went directly to the dash. Oh, no present....I thought. Oh, well. I still thought yesterday was sweet. I opened the door....wow!!!!....in my seat was a bag from Bath & Body Works that contained a bottle of body wash, a bottle of lotion, and a loofah. The card read, "Thanks for our 2nd year of marriage!" The body wash and lotion are from their aromatherapy line and this kind is for sleep. I have a little trouble relaxing and sleeping. So, the fact that he thought about that and bought something to help me sleep is incredibly appreciated.

I want you all to know I'm truly blessed and feel so special. He is the BEST!!!!!

And, I can't wait to tell you what I get tomorrow......

Spring Break??????

2009-03-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

Since beginning my job at the beginning of March, I have been extremely busy & happy!!! Lots of things have suffered and gone by the way side. Namely, my house!

This week is Spring Break for us. The boys and I have been enjoying some very needed rest and relaxation. However, there have been some big projects completed.

Monday-Josh and I got out in the back and scrubbed the whole back of our house. Our house is siding and never receives sun on the back of the house, so it got a little moldy. That was a big job!!!

Tuesday-Josh mowed the grass. The boys and I weeded some of the flowerbeds. I cleaned out the sandbox and cleaned off the deck.

Today-The boys and I have DEEP cleaned their bedrooms. I think we found everything little boys are made of in there...snips, snails, and puppy dog tails.

I wonder what projects we will find for the rest of our "break".

What Adjective Describes You?

2009-02-26T17:24:00.000-08:00

Well, folks, I'm busy! I haven't had time to even think lately. I'm preparing for my new job while working full time AND being a mom. My day has been beginning at 5:30 and ending at 10:00 or after with only one hour of doing nothing and that is because I'm in the car driving to and from school. Phew!!! I'm not trying to have a pity party, just stating a fact.

I keep remembering over and over in my head as I go about my day to day to-do's the Proverbs 31 woman. The Virtuous Woman!

Pro 31:1 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:
Pro 31:2 What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows?
Pro 31:3 Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.
Pro 31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink,
Pro 31:5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
Pro 31:6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;
Pro 31:7 let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
Pro 31:8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.
Pro 31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Pro 31:10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
Pro 31:11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
Pro 31:12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
Pro 31:13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
Pro 31:14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.
Pro 31:15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
Pro 31:16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
Pro 31:17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
Pro 31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
Pro 31:19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
Pro 31:20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
Pro 31:21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
Pro 31:22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Pro 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
Pro 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
Pro 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
Pro 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Pro 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Pro 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
Pro 31:29 "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."
Pro 31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Pro 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Oh, of all the titles we as women wear, the most coveted of all is "virtuous". If you are a woman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, etc. you wear an adjective, whether you want to, or not. Is the adjective that describes what kind of friend you are "selfish"? Are you the "manipulative" grandmother? Are you the "controlling" mother? Might you be the "co-dependent" wife? Maybe the "gossiping" sister? I don't know about you, but I do know that I don't want anyone to think that of me. I want to be the kind of girl that Lemuel's mother told him to bring home.

In verse 10, a question is put forth, "An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels." I find that to be a great question still today. Who has found an excellent wife? Who can even find one of those??? Well, I'll tell you, men could find them, if we, women would be excellent. Not given to silly, worldly lusts and pleasures, but given to God's Word and His teachings. Women who didn't care what star wore what to which award show. But, instead strove to see to it that our children never had the last pair of clean jeans on to wear to school the next day. If we didn't even care who Edward is. But, our husbands were known at his place of business to be an upstanding man with a wife that adores him and children that admire him. In verse 25, strength and dignity are said to be her clothing and she laughs at the time to come. Of course she laughs!!! She is living a life full of abundance. She can't wait for another day!!! She loves her Lord, she loves her family. Life is good!

God has made it quite plain what a good wife is. Let's be the kind of women our husbands deserve. And, teach our sons just as Lemuel's mother taught him the kind of women to be interested in. And, teach our daughters to be like the woman to which the mother of Lemuel was referring. I fail often, but daily strive to be just what God wants me to be and what Josh and Nathan and Logan deserve for me to be. Let's all laugh at the days to come!!!

Raising 'Em Right!

2009-02-17T15:34:00.000-08:00

We watched Fireproof on Saturday evening. It is a really good movie. It was a movie that we didn't mind if the kids came in the room in the middle of the movie. In fact, Logan came in at one point and one of the characters was talking about salvation that is available to us because of what Jesus has done. Logan stopped and looked at the TV. He looked with a puzzled face at Josh and said, "He's right." So, I strongly encourage everyone to check it out. I think we as Christians should really support things that are wholesome in this dark world.

"Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8

On a different note, I do one load of laundry a day. I have the boys sort the laundry for me. I'm trying to teach them to be responsible for themselves and be helpful around the house. I've started an extra step of this teaching process. Yesterday, I had them take the clothes that they had sorted and toss them into the washing machine. Yesterday, we did dark colors. Today, we are doing lights. This is the conversation that took place as Logan (Nathan was doing his homework, so Logan had to do the job alone today) sorted the laundry and put it in the washing machine.

Logan: I know which ones we are doing tomorrow.
Me: Oh, you do???
Logan: Yep, the reds.
Me: Why, yes, we are.
Logan: Yesterday, we did the darks. Today, we are doing the lights. So, that means tomorrow we are doing the reds.

I have to say, I am quite pleased with that. I know that this little dialogue is a far cry from him being a responsible adult that helps around the house and is a great contributor to every thing he is involved with, but....it made his Mama proud....I hope I'm raising 'em right.

Happy VD...oops, I Mean Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T12:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! It has been a great Valentine's Day for us. We went out to Famous Dave's last night and went to a movie. We watched New in Town. I thought it was a great date movie. It wasn't the best movie I've ever seen and probably will never seek to watch it again, but it was great for the occasion.

Sidenote: Speaking of movies that don't fit the occasion. It sure beats the time that a friend and I went out after the kids (they were all toddlers at the time) went to bed one night (we didn't leave them unattended, for those of you that were wondering...we left the children with their fathers...in theory, they were being taken care of... ;) ). We went to see Cold Mountain. I won't ruin the movie for those of you who have not seen it, but let's just say, it is depressing!!!! Yeah, that is how you want your girls night out to be...depressing.

Tonight, we are going to watch Fireproof on DVD at home with some popcorn. Hope you all enjoy your Valentine's Day and grow closer to your Valentine!

Jay Oh Bee

2009-02-12T16:14:00.000-08:00

Have you figured it out???? Jay Oh Bee, or J-O-B, or JOB, or I have a job!!!! I am so excited to be employed. I have been substitute teaching at the boys' school, but now I will be a preschool teacher at the boys' school. A real job that I go to every day. I haven't had one of those in a while. God has blessed me. Wish me luck. I start March 2nd.

All the Pretty Colors.....

2009-02-01T06:32:00.000-08:00

Well, it is officially DAY 5 of Logan's bout with the FLU! At some point, I expect it to stop. Not sure when, but I'm expecting it. He has been a great patient, though. Yesterday, he started playing with some little plastic army men on his window ledge. He has divided the men into two different teams and making them take turns to fight someone from the other team. He has a pointer (it looks like a little Mickey Mouse hand pointing on a stick....he bought it from the book fair, so his teacher could have a back-up if she lost hers....the kid is hilarious!!!) that he uses to push the fighter from each side to the battleground. He then makes sound effects for their battle and then the pointer pushes the loser off of his window ledge. I jokingly referred to Logan as Napoleon yesterday to Josh. I only hope his little body is doing that on the inside with the flu germs, so we can get back into the real world.

One good thing, I've been cleaning. When someone becomes ill in my house, we all become high from fumes. When Logan got sick on Wednesday, I sent all things flu germy into his room and went into GERM FIGHTER MODE. I go Chuck Norris on germs. I think if I were a super hero, I would be some germ fighting ninja or something. I've been germ fighting for so long that my hands are cracking open. I say, if you are going to do something, do it with all your might. But, even for a die hard like me, five days of straight germ fighting can get old. I'm ready for this to end. But, I won't give up, I must stay the course. Wherever there are flu spores, they must know that I will hunt them down and bleach or Lysol them. There is no messing with the Germ Fighting Ninja!

I'm also reading my Bible through from Genesis to Revelation this year. Right now, I'm in Leviticus. For me, Leviticus is the hardest book to get through. It does make me so very thankful for Jesus. If He had not come to save me from my sinful ways, I'd be having to keep all of these laws. I have enough trouble remembering to put all the ingredients in certain recipes, much more remembering every detail about all of the laws that the Israelites had to follow. Praise God for having a better way!

Alas, I must be off to rid the Pappas house from it's flu overtaking. The oxygen level is coming closer to 100%. I must get it back to 100% bleach and Lysol. So much to do, kids, until next time...WASH, WASH, AND AWAY!!!!!

FLU

2009-01-30T16:50:00.000-08:00

Yep, you heard me correctly...FLU!!!! I usually try to think of catchy titles for my blog posts, but it occurred to me....what's more "catchy" than the flu??....sorry, I know it was a tacky joke. That said, Logan has the flu. The flu. THE FLU. Can you even believe it???

We have never gotten flu shots, but this year I intended to get the kids flu shots, at least. However, when I thought of getting the shots, at least one of the boys were sick. You know what they say about the "best laid plans of mice and men"...."they often go awry". Oh, well. Now we have the flu.

Logan has been a trooper. He always is. That is one thing about him. He will always try to shine even in the darkest of times. He has handled this sickness well. I think he may be on the mend as I type this and he is only 3 days in. I am quite thankful for this. He has also been able to rest at night. For that I'm truly thankful. Being awake and sick through the night is pure agony, and I'm happy for him that he hasn't had trouble sleeping at night.

Josh has been working from home during the day. Today, when I returned home from school, I gave Logan a Pop-Tart. Logan asked for whipped cream to be put on it..."like Daddy did". Oh, Josh, how you are spoiling your sweet, sick boy!!! I don't blame you, but I'll have you know I one-upped you....when I put the whipped cream on, it was in the shape of a smiley face. I can't have you winning, now can I???

The Hands that Rock the Cradle....

2009-01-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

There is a secret that you in the bloggy world don't know about me. Those of you who read this and know me personally are well aware of my secret. I'll just say it......"My name is Keshia Pappas, and I am a hand talker.".....there, I said it. I talk with my hands. I really believe that if my hands were tied down, my speech would be greatly hampered.

I have most recently noted that my frantic swatting and flailing is being passed down to my boys. They have been cracking us up around here. Logan with is sudden throwing up his arms and saying something and walking off and Nathan with his matter of fact pointing and glaring eyes. Bless their little hearts, they have not fallen far from the tree.

This makes me think about nurture vs. nature. I wonder if they picked this up from watching me EVERY day, or if there is some quirky thing in their genetic makeup bent on making them hand talkers. Either way, let's all give a sigh for Josh. He has to deal with 3 people talking in a very dramatic way with their hands on a daily basis.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

2009-01-15T07:31:00.000-08:00

Don't we all hate "technical difficulties"???!!!!??? I know I do. Well, I hate to tell you guys this, but my blog is experiencing technical difficulties. I will fess up to being the "technical difficulty", though. I have several really good posts that you all would love to read, but they require that I have the picture(s) to go with them. For some reason, I CAN'T figure out why my pictures will not download. It seems that Josh can put any pictures he wants on his blog (By the way, if you haven't checked out my hubby's blog...you should. Here is the link http://joshualpappas.blogspot.com/ .). Josh has tried to help me with it, also. He didn't have any luck. So, I will try to figure this out.

Olive, the Other Reindeer

2008-12-23T06:36:00.000-08:00

There is a popular baby name book called Beyond Jennifer & Jason: The New Enlightened Guide to Naming Your Baby. Let it not be said of Mr. Claus that he is not ENLIGHTENED. Who needs a baby name book when you have access to the list of all nice and naughty childrens' names?

The hip thing of today is to come up with the most "original" name possible for your new little one, or to sort of reassign old ones (or make surnames into first names in creative ways). This all came to my mind yesterday, when Logan was singing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. He began "You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Connor and Cupid...." Yeah, Connor's not a newbie, but it is one of those old ones resurfacing, or, in some cases, a last name reassigned. Don't get me wrong, it's a fine name and all; just funny the way our ears hear things wrongly sometimes. Kind of like when Josh hears that I want him to clean the kitchen and he cleans it, but it still looks exactly the same way.

Anyway, Santa is not to be outdone by the celebrities of today. Credit Santa with eight "doozies" (nine if you include Rudolph). He was the original who came up with names like Blitzen and "Connor." I'm sure he has been taking notes, though. His next generation of reindeer will go something like, "On Apple and Shiloh and Suri and Moon Unit, Rocco and Bronx and Knox and Tallulah."

The Christmas List

2008-12-22T07:05:00.000-08:00

Both of the boys wrote a letter to Santa. They were just too cute. I wanted to put them somewhere I wouldn't lose them. What better place than my blog?

Here is Logan's (all capital letters, lowercase letters, and punctuation are his):

Dear Santa,

I want a blue d-s a LEGO BATMAN set and a LEGO INDIANA JONES set and a KERRY COLLINS jersey.

love, Logan

P.S. Are there polar bears (drawing of a polar bear) or (drawing of a walrus) at the North pole? (backwards question mark)

Here is Nathan's:

Dear Santa,

I want a black Nintendo DS, a reptile and fish of the world field guide, a new Webkinz, a new PS2 game (I like Star Wars games), a LEGO set. I want LEGO Star Wars the Complete Saga for a DS, and another book.

By the way, how's it going around there? The highest I've ever been is Indianapolis, Indiana. I also want a new pencil sharpener. Our's is broken. The lowest I've ever been is Atlanta, Georgia.

Your friend (and about 2 second witness),

Nathan

P.S. (I've learned about letters in school)!

*It should be noted that Nathan believes in his entire heart that he saw Santa when he was 2 flying through the sky. That is what he means by "about 2 second witness".*

Here's mine:

Dear Santa,

The boys have been really good this year. They have a real sense of love for their fellow man and for following the rules. They have both done very well at school this year. They try to keep their rooms clean. I did say "try." They are working on their manners. And, yes, I did say "working."

I know how you love to get good children a lot of stuff that their parents have to find storage places for. Please, Santa, keep in mind that we've already outgrown our current house. I'll be having to walk and live in this space after you've gone back to the North Pole. So, please Santa, no loud, shrill sounding toys. I ask for no toys that require banging; no life sized stuffed items. And please, no toys with little parts that get lost in the carpet and are found by my barefeet in the dead of night on my way to the restroom.

And since I'm asking, I have been a very good girl this year....

Love,

Keshia

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow...

2008-12-11T17:40:00.000-08:00

It is snowing in Tennessee! We are so excited. Nathan is wearing his pajamas wrong side out and sleeping with a spoon under his pillow (a superstition for getting a snow day out of school, I'm told). I should have some pictures up tomorrow.

SHE'S BAAAACCCKKKK!!!!

2008-12-10T14:43:00.000-08:00

I know it has been a while. I do apologize to the two people who missed me. I say two people because that is all who stated I was missed. And, I do find it sad, because one is my husband the other my brother. Pretty pathetic if you ask me, but for you, Josh and Kevin, I will start blogging again. Hold the applause.

So much has happened in the space of 2 and a half months. Both football and soccer are now over. The seasons ended well with everyone getting a trophy...you know the "everyone is special, so no one is special" trophy. I remember thinking I was so special one year at school, because I got a trophy for having perfect attendance for the whole year. Trophies just aren't as special as they used to be. Except for the precious soccer and football trophies that I now have to dust....those are VERY special....*wink*.

Halloween was in there, too. Nathan was Harry Potter this year. A very excellent Harry Potter, might I add. Logan was Anakin Skywalker from Clone Wars. The mask was designed to look like a cartoon Anakin. I thought it looked a lot like Richard Nixon. When he held up two fingers on both hands and shook his head from side to side, it WAS Richard Nixon. I think we will save the mask and put him in a suit....can we say, "Costume for next year!" (That is not very likely...due to the fact, it is a mother's job to go stand in the crazy line at Party City and tell a sixteen year old girl which costume you NEED only to have her tell you it is SOLD OUT....you then choose the next choice and hear the same thing, and so forth and so on, until you talk the child into settling for an outdated Lassie costume.)

Most recently, my grandmother passed away. It was expected because she had been sick for a while. She was a Christian lady who lived a very busy and full life. I have many memories of her that I cherish.

My grandmother's death has been hard on my mother. She was her 24/7 caregiver. I'm doing what I can to help her cope and to simply get out of the house. For instance, I took her today to Logan's class to help with a "Christmas Around the World" craft. Then I took her shopping. She was falling asleep in the van. I think I wore her out.

This morning as Josh was preparing the boys' lunches, he noticed Logan has not been drinking his drink in his lunch box. He noticed it yesterday, but thought it must be a fluke. Turns out Logan is having trouble opening his drink during lunch. Nathan heard his brother's dilemna and said that he would be glad to come over and help Logan open his drink. (The boys are in the cafeteria at the same time.) I thought that was just one of the sweetest things I've ever heard. In fact, last night while in the shower Logan dropped something. Nathan heard the commotion and ran to ask Logan if he was okay. I love the way my boys are growing to really care for each other. I love my two little "brothers" loving each other.

The boys came home with gifts to go under the tree from school today. They bought them in a little shop set up at school called "Santa's Secret Shop". They are so excited about the gifts they lovingly and thoughtfully picked out for their dad and me. They are sweet boys. Logan was so excited he informed me during supper that he bought me a birdfeeder.

So, I hope I have caught you up the best I can. Thanks for reading my blog....peace out!!! :)

Out of the Office....

2008-09-18T14:46:00.001-07:00

I just wanted all my loyal readers (all of you who have nothing better to do) to know that I have lots to blog about, and no time to do it. I haven't forgotten I have a blog. I will get back with you soon. I promise. This soccer/football mom is really being thrown for a loop with all the practices and games. As soon as I have a tiny break from all the running around, I will be back to blogging.

By the way, gotta go to PRACTICE!!!!

"Hey Miss?"

2008-08-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

I stopped by the gas station on the way home from dropping Logan off at the church building for Wednesday evening Bible study with his uncle because Josh is out of town and my oldest child is sick (there is an extremely long story here that I WILL blog about in the future).

The van was sitting on E. That was the only reason I even went in the first place. Josh had left me with gas in both vehicles before he left to go out of town, but I was about to run out of gas in the van. I decided to get $20.00 worth of gas.

So, I sat there waiting my turn. While I was sitting, I got my Kroger card for the discount and my debit card ready and in hand. I locked the passenger door for safety and popped the gas door. I was ready to be efficient! The car in front of me finished and moved away. So, I pulled up and jumped out and was showing off my mad gas pumping skills. I guess they were so "mad" that the gentleman behind me thought I really knew what I was doing. He jumped out of his truck to ask me how many miles to the gallon my van got. Believe me, I was flattered. Really, to look at my mad gas pumping skills and consider asking me such a thought provoking question. I really wished I could help this poor oblivious soul. Instead, I laughed hysterically.

"You'd have to ask my husband. I really do not know the answer to that," I said. He looked at me as if I were an alien. Then and there I knew I had wronged him by pumping gas so efficiently. I gave off the wrong impression. I then came clean with him.

"You see, I'm one of those spoiled people. The ones that know that cars come with keys and that you put them in the ignition, turn them, and then go. I usually don't even pump my own gas. My husband does that for me."

He looked astonished and explained why he asked (which all I heard was, "Man stuff, blah, blah, packages, loading, blah, blah, blah, gas mileage, blah, prices, more man stuff, testosterone") and followed it with, "Do you like it?"

"Well, that is a Horse of a Different Color (Wizard of Oz reference...sorry), sir. I can answer questions like that," I thought to myself.

I said, "Yes, I do like it." By that time, he made me mess up. I got $20.01. I felt justice was served. I shouldn't have tried to show off skills I don't possess and trick a poor man that really wanted to know about the gas mileage. I really am not good at anything in regards to cars, not even pumping gas, I guess.

Back to School!!!

2008-08-07T08:00:00.001-07:00

Wow!!! The summer sure flew by. It seems we just began summer break. Isn't that always the case, though. Time only stands when you wish it would fly. I have given birth to two children and have had numerous gall bladder attacks and noticed that the clock seemed to never tick. When I'm not thinking about it or even having fun, time seems to tick away. With our two sons, time has just flown by, because loving them has never been a chore.

We have one son who just started 3rd grade! I don't even know where to begin. I remember the day we found out we were going to be given the opportunity to be his parents. That was a strange feeling (and no, I don't mean the nausea from morning sickness!). He came into this world with an amazing thirst for knowledge and truth. He has made us sit in awe of his God given abilities. His way of thinking makes you need to be still and know God. God has blessed us beyond measure with giving us the chance to know him, let alone raise him. When someone with that much talent is asking you questions it is a humbling experience and God is awesome. God has entrusted us with one of His precious souls to teach the ways of the world and the wonderful ways of our Lord. I hope we are making God as proud as Nathan is making us. May God bless his 3rd grade year!

Our other son has just begun 1st grade. God, again, has blessed us exceedingly. We have been placed in charge of one the sweetest souls this world has ever known. I remember the day he was born. Having been a parent before, I wasn't the nervous, frantic rookie, instead I felt great responsibility and concern as one does having gone through it before and knowing what can lie ahead. He has a heart that is so big. He told me yesterday, "Mama, I want to be everybody's friend." He tells me how beautiful my hair looks (and not in the Eddie Haskell kind of way...I know what you are thinking...leave my baby alone) even when I've been hot and sweaty digging in the flowerbed all day. On May the 1st he came in to say, "Happy 1st Day of May, Mama." At the same time, he is ALL BOY!!! He loves sports. He is now playing football (which is scary for a mother). I pray God will help him have a great 1st grade year!

Josh and I feel blessed beyond all comprehension with the wonderful gifts God has given us, our sons. May you all see the beautiful gifts God has given you and not let time slowly tick away, but let it fly by because you are having the time of your life.

Camelot

2008-08-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

My boys have play swords and lightsabers. They have umbrellas that they turn into swords or lightsabers. They have pens they turn into swords or lightsabers. They find tree limbs that they turn into swords or lightsabers. Do you see the pattern?

Just this morning, I got up out of the chair and started walking across the floor and tripped. Josh calmly said, "Watch out, there's a sword in the floor." As if it is just understood that there should be a sword in the floor.

Where else in the world would you hear that? Camelot???

Effective Commercials

2008-07-23T22:39:00.000-07:00

Chicken Fries....$3.99

Honey Mustard....$1.99

Ketchup.....$.99

8 year old boy looking at the circles of honey mustard and ketchup side by side on his plate and saying, "Hey, look, it's MasterCard!".....PRICELESS

VeggieTells

2008-07-11T07:37:00.001-07:00

In our house, once something (an object) takes on a persona (is given a name) then it is "precious". Set apart, if you will, for the express purpose of having that name and not being harmed in any way.

For instance, there once was a spider that sat down beside HIM (the six year old) and didn't frighten HIM away. (Which, on it's own is amazing....the boy is afraid of EVERYTHING!) Josh saw this as an opportunity to talk about how God created the spider and all the amazing things that the spider can do that show how God designed this creature. During the process, the boy got really attached to this one of God's creatures. Then, because it was indoors and my husband is not a PETA sympathizer he killed it. It broke the little boy's heart. Josh talked with him for a while about how they had to kill it (it was indoors!). Josh had taken pity on the boy, because he could see how much that "precious" spider meant to him. Well, Niagra Falls has nothing on this little guys eyes! He cried for 3 hours!!!!

I love my husband's kind heart and how he doesn't want to break the kids' hearts. He is a softy in a lot of ways. I, on the other hand, guess I spend a lot more time with the kids and so I know that I can make up with them later (let's go with that, because otherwise I'm heartless).

Well, unless you ARE NOT a parent or are as lost as last year's Easter eggs, you know of a little show called VeggieTales. Now, we have a fresh, homegrown (somebody's home, not mine) tomato and a cucumber. I sat the tomato and the cucumber out on the counter while I was going to make my salad. Naturally, my oldest son would have to name them Bob and Larry! The spider loving boy then declared that they could not be eaten (since they have a name now!).

Not meanly, but very matter of factly, I tell "Mr. Muffett" that they are not named Bob and Larry, Bob and Larry are cartoons that we watch on TV. These are a tomato and a cucumber that I'm going to eat in my salad (they are homegrown!!!). I kissed and hugged him telling him that I loved his sweet nature. Then, I waited for him to leave the room and get occupied with one of his toys. THEN, I ATE BOB AND LARRY!!!!!

Hello, Mudda....Hello, Fadda....

2008-07-11T06:59:00.001-07:00

Which would you choose, to have 60+ mosquito bites or to be mauled by a lion? Me, you ask, well, I'm not sure considering I'm in the first category. I feel like I've just returned from Camp Igottalottabugbites.

If you have any home remedies, I'd love to hear them. Please help me! As I am now at Camp Idontwannaitch!

Peace Offering

2008-07-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed that when you get the kitchen spotless (and I do mean spotless), some kind of little creatures come in and get crumbs EVERYWHERE and dishes everywhere and an unidentifiable slime on the counter?

But, at least, one of the creatures did bring me a delicious egg he made for me! I guess it was his way of giving me a peace offering.

Tea Time?

2008-07-08T21:22:00.000-07:00

I went to a Ladies ONLY Bible study tonight. I knew there was going to be limited parking so, my husband and sons dropped me off. While there, I was served this delectable drink. It was Cranberry-Raspberry Tea. YUM! The hostess of the study has a sister who lives in England. When she goes to visit, she brings back some of this tea.

Before I left, I got a refill (not for myself...I'm a wife and a mother...so, I GIVE...just go with me). After a GREAT Bible study, my family picked me up and the opportunity for me to share this wonderful drink with them had presented itself (kinda the female version of kill and drag it home, I guess).

My husband, who loves all things foreign (and wants to constantly travel...which, I try to discourage....I'm a homebody!!), took one sip and spoke of wishing to go to England. My oldest son in the back was chomping at the bit for a drink of the "English Tea". My husband passed the cup to the backseat. The boy took a drink and wished aloud to be in England right that instant. He wanted more Cranberry-Raspberry Tea. He now knows why they (the English) have tea time everyday.

The little brother then wanted his turn at the tea. He took his sip and said, "Interesting, very interesting" (he's six). The older boy decided we should start growing cranberries and raspberries so we can make more tea.

All the Pappas household knows about growing cranberries is water, a lot of water is used. (After looking it up on the web, I see something about flooding them, really like I know.) The youngest then informs his family that we need to dig a deep, deep hole and a wide, wide hole and pour some water in it. (Hey, he knows more than I do. He must be picking something up from the Ocean Spray commercials.)

All this from one cup of Cranberry-Raspberry Tea!!!

Water Displacement

2008-07-05T15:37:00.000-07:00

I hope all of you had a great 4th of July yesterday. I know my family did. We went to my sister's house and had a pool party. It was the first time that all 13 of us had been at the pool at the same time. There were 8 adults and 5 kids (all under the age of 9). I found myself constantly doing a child head count. We had great food, great fellowship, and great fun!

My oldest learned to swim yesterday. He is on cloud nine. He tells everyone he meets that he is now a swimmer. Josh and I are so proud of him.

On a lighter note, my sister's bathroom door has issues. When the door is closed, if you don't know how to open, it won't open for you. I've been stuck in there a few times myself. However, I'm very persistent (as I've been told) and can get the thing open. Well, all that background to say, we all were sitting out around the pool, minus my father who had gone in to change from his swimsuit to his clothing, enjoying some refreshments when my brother's cell phone rings. He looks on the caller id and it says "Poppy." (Poppy is the name that refers to my father now that he has grandchildren.) My brother answered the phone to hear Poppy requesting for assistance....he was stuck in the bathroom! Boy did we get a kick out of that. I promised to blog about it. (I now use this blog as torture for those around me...I tell them if they aren't careful, I'll blog about them.) So, here it is!

Happy 4th!

2008-07-04T06:31:00.000-07:00

I wish all my loyal readers, all 3 of you, a Happy Independence Day! May you spend time with your loving families as I know I will with mine. May God bless you today and everyday!

This Warranted a Post

2008-07-03T09:43:00.001-07:00

A huge shout out to my husband and Burger King! My husband for bringing home lunch to his darling sons, and BK for giving the kids what they always wanted.

The boys now have kazoos. That's kazoo to the second power.

My youngest came to inform me with a look of genuine 6 year old glee on his precious face that the deafening noise that I just heard was him playing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star".

I love you, honey!

June Bug not Roach...phew!!!!

2008-07-03T05:19:00.000-07:00

Bless your heart, you are reading the post from a Southern gal.

Last night, I sat down at the computer and was finishing my Diet Coke (caffeine free, if you wanted to know). I got to the last bit in the can...yes, I was drinking straight from the can....which means I couldn't see in it....anyhoo, the last drink had a big, hard, wiggly thing in it. Well, I did not want to be like the old lady who swallowed the fly, so I just spat on my kitchen floor everything in my mouth. Which included, a bit of Diet Coke and a BUG!!!!! The BUG was on it's back and was wiggling it's legs in a most disgusting fashion considering it had come from my MOUTH! Notice I said, "WAS". Yes, I killed it with not a second's thought. Then, I put it in the trashcan in a napkin (this part is important!!!). I was home alone with the kids at the time. My husband was on his way back from preaching in KY. Not wanting to frighten the children I just went and quietly scalded my mouth and then used Listerine to decontaminate myself. If I had a hazmat suit, I would have put it on.

Also, it should be noted that I am a Southern girl who knows nothing about bugs except just very basic things. When I see bugs in their element, I can identify the most basic of bugs. For instance, a fly that is flying around a horse is a "horsefly", and a bee that is around a hive full of honey is a "honeybee". So, I saw this bug around food and thought....ROACH!!!!

I then call my hubby on his cell phone to tell him my horrific news, because really I thought my life was over. Would he ever love me after such a thing as this? Would he feel comfortable kissing a BUG MOUTH??? He reassured me that after I had scalded my mouth and used Listerine until I developed burns that he would then feel comfortable kissing me.

Eventually, he came home and I ran to the door to get some pity. He kissed me. What a trooper! I love this man. We talked some more about the event and then he heard me say something about the BUG being in the trash in a napkin. (Were you paying attention??? I told you this would come back in the story.) He went and looked at the remains and told me it wasn't a ROACH! That it was one of those beetles that fly around lights. AHA, then I knew it was a JUNE BUG....after all, it is barely out of JUNE! YIPPEE! He is my hero. He saved me from this torture.

Then, I remembered stopping by my parents' home after church services and getting the Diet Coke and walking to the van with the boys and as I was letting the little one in a JUNE BUG hit me in the head and disappeared. Obviously, into my drink. I was so happy because that meant that I had a Tennessee JUNE BUG in my Diet Coke and not a nasty, disgusting, ROACH from the Coca-Cola plant.

All is well with the world, JUNE BUG not ROACH....phew!!!!

More Pain, More Gain????

2008-07-02T06:13:00.000-07:00

If the saying, "No pain, no gain" is true, then is more pain, more gain???? Please tell me it is! I am so sore from working out Monday night. I've already made the little ones separate the laundry (thanks, boys...mmmwwwaaa) because all the bending and stooping was about to make Mama have a stroke! I was even so sore that I walked/jogged....hey, wait a minute....won't I be sore from that? Okay, okay....I'll just listen to the Rocky music in my head and stay the course.

No Pain, No Gain

2008-07-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

Isn't it true? No pain, no gain. We've all heard that and at some point in our lives we realize that statement in a personal way. Blogging for me has been something I've toyed with for a while. I've created my blog and deleted my blog more times than I care to remember. Trying to read those smashed/jumbled/slanted/blurry letters and numbers in that cryptic code box and then trying to type the code in the other box to be given the opportunity to even set up your account in the first place is part of the painful process. So, to go on and delete your account after you've finally deciphered the code is very painful. However, I think the worst part for me is to just blog. I feel that I have something neat to offer the blogworld, but I'm fearful of putting myself out there and not having a great post and then feeling worse pain. (Hello, insecurities!) I know, I know...no pain, no gain. So, the question is then what do I have to gain by blogging in the first place? The answer...I don't know. I plan to find out.

I have several things I'm working on in my life right now. My relationship with God, husband, kids, friends, family, and strangers, finances, and weight. All of these things you have to apply the same principle of "no pain, no gain" to. I have two good Christian friends with whom I am working out. All three of us are living out this principle right now after our workout last evening. Every time I get up out of a chair I hear an "aaahh" and feel the pain! I know that someday the pain will have payed off and I will be healthier and thinner. That leads me back to blogging. I don't know what will result from blogging, but I think I can safely say it won't make me scream and feel physical pain just from getting up out of the chair. So, what do I have to lose?