MarytheKaytheBlog

Hey Hey for the WEEKEND!!! Linky Dinks

Well, well, well, what have we hear, my dearies?  It's THE WEEKEND!!!!!! 

(insert wild screaming and shouting here)

Okay, not really.  I am not sure I have EVER wildly screamed or shouted in my entire life.  Well, except maybe on that county fair ride from the devil.  I think it was called The Zipper. Such an innocent-sounding name for a ride that the devil invented.  I remember thinking inside that small and smelly cage that kept rolling and rolling and rolling over and over again--all the while heavy metal music was BLASTING out the speakers, "What if this thing never stops?  This is exactly how BAD hell could be."

Upside down rides are not my thing.  But, twirl me around, and I will squeal and giggle like a smiley 6-year-old.  Anybody wanna ride the Tilt-a-Whirl or the Scrambler with me?  And can we please please please get a giant cone of pink cotton candy?  Nothing says "county fair" to me like some cotton candy.

Okay, enough about the carnival life.  Let's get with some links already!

 

Oh. My. Word.  The Honest Toddler makes me LAUGH OUT LOUD.  The recent letter to the Juice CEO was no exception.  That little toddler--he's a FUNNY ONE!  Read it and tell me you don't laugh out loud!!

 

I LOVE this family art project!  We are totally making one of these canvases.

 

Okay, since we're on the subject of things to make...Oh. My. Word.  This Pinterest Challenge Link-up on Young House Love blog (which I LOVE) is almost like Pinterest on Crack Cocaine.  Dang.  I could spend hours and hours just clicking on all the links...  Look at me--sharing my addiction with YOU!  (Be sure to scroll down far enough to find all the link-ups!)

 

Okay, you ready for some serious?  Here are a couple of serious reads lately that made me THINK.  Sometimes (not always), it's nice to think.

 

Grace.  I love that word.  But, do I really love it for everyone?  Everyone?  This letter to Lance Armstrong made me ask such a question...

 

Wow.  I kept reading this post to the very end...because I HAD to find out the "why" in "Why she stopped telling the stories..."  I have to be honest--words like Abby's really stir something up inside of me.  I don't know what God is doing, but He is definitely stirring something up.

All right.  Enough linky links for now.  Go prop up your feet and eat some bon bons!  You've earned it--it's the WEEKEND, people!!!  Go ye forth and enjoy!

To keep writing, or not to keep writing...

For about a year, I have been struggling with what to do about this blog.

I started this blog for one reason, and as all blogs seem to do, mine has evolved over time.  Okay, so I'm going to be really transparent here.  I started this blog as an opportunity to make writing a part-time job--either with advertising opportunities on the blog, or from other writing opportunities.  

There, I said it.  Surely, a lot of you knew this already.  Why would anyone spend hours (yes, hours--plural) every day creating something...for free?

I have been struggling lately, wondering WHY I continue to write here, when my original goal has not been realized?  I mean, I don't have time for this kind of HOBBY.  Sure, this writing hobby is good for the soul.  Sure, it fulfills a creative need inside me.  I've recorded some wonderful family memories here these past 3 years.  And there have been a couple of writing opportunities.  Just not enough.

But, really, the bottom line is this:  I need a part-time job.  And this blogging gig isn't cutting it.  

And yet, for some reason, I haven't felt good about giving it up completely.

Then, I read words like these.  Words that begin with the most awesome title of all time:  The Parable of the Flying Naked Baby.

WHO could RESIST reading a story with a title like that?

(Go.  Go read the story NOW.)

Ah.  That is why I write.

Stories.

The stories.

I have been drawn to stories since I was a little girl at my Gram's Sunday table, listening to the adults' stories of "the old times," while nibbling on olives and pickles and sipping tea out of a sweaty green glass.

I have been staying up way too late reading stories in books since I was a little girl finishing Nancy Drew mysteries long after everyone else in the house was sound asleep.

For as long as I can remember, I've been a good listener--because I just love hearing people's "stories."

I don't watch t.v. shows, unless they have good stories. (Reality shows have stories, yes they do...I don't know about the "good" part, though!)  And I sure don't like reading non-fiction self-help books because, hello?, where's the story???

All of these rambling words to say this: I may not blog as often, or as much here.  But, I will continue writing...at least for now.  Because I want to have a place to tell my stories.

And maybe (hopefully) I will have the opportunity to tell the stories God is writing in my life.

And those are the most important stories of all!

Why I Like Going Under the Knife

I don't like to make a big deal out of things around here, so I didn't say anything before-hand, but last week I went under the knife.  

I just love how dramatic that sounds!

UNDER. THE. KNIFE.  dun-dun-dunnnnnn.

I hate even mentioning what kind of surgery I had...because it just sounds, I don't know, old lady-ish, or weird.  But, if I DON'T mention it--you're all going to think it was--*said in a whisper*--"a feminine procedure."

Okay, so here it is.  I had 2 abdominal hernia repairs.  "Abdominal hernia" sounds so much better than just plain old "hernia," wouldn't you agree?  Regular hernias make me think of man surgery.  *Shiver.*

 I have had these abdominal hernias since the last time I was big and pregnant--with that little cutie pie in the picture above.  She is now 8.  And remember--I have BIG babies.

 And big babies = making a war zone of your abdomen.

Now, I realize that I might be weird.  But, I just love the whole process of surgery!  Don't get me wrong--I don't like the pain of surgery.  It's just everything else I like.

I love checking into the hospital on the day of surgery, and feeling like everybody is there for ME.  I know that sounds really narcissistic, but for a girl who normally tries to stay in the background of things, being the center of caring attention for a day is kind of nice.

(See, I told you I am weird.)

I check in, and the nice retired man volunteer greets me, and tells me my nurse will be right out to get me.  Then, a cheerful nurse greets me and escorts me back to my very own space--a comfy electric bed in my own little curtained-off area.

The nurse gives me a nightgown to wear, and then comes in to check on me once I'm lying down in my electric bed.  She offers me a drink and something to help me "relax a little"--via an I.V. needle.  ("Just a prick," she said. OW!  Not relaxing, by the way.)  Then she brings me a warmed-up blanket and tucks me up nice and tight into my bed.  

A warmed up blanket, people.  As in--somebody cooked it in the oven--JUST FOR ME!

Then, all these nice people come in to visit with me!  A anesthesiologist comes in to chat with about my drug allergies and my doctor comes in and draws little pictures on my abdomen (okay, lines.)  And everybody that comes in asks me if I have questions.  That's just so nice to ask my opinion of everything!

I even get to take a little tour of the hospital hallways and elevator as the nurse takes me on a ride--IN MY BED!  At one point, in the MAIN foyer of the hospital, I look around to see if I know anyone.  I have a small moment of panic as I try to huddle beneath my covers.  I'm not sure they'd recognize me, though, in my blue paper shower cap and hospital nightgown.

 When we wheel into the surgical suite, I feel like I am on stage.  There are huge bright lights above me, and a whole audience dressed in powder blue scrubs.  Every single person in the room greets me, and is introduced.  

I feel like a surgical rock star!

And seriously--everyone is just so nice and friendly.

One of the last thoughts I have before gently falling asleep is how MANY people are here in the surgical suite--JUST FOR ME!  They're all here and being friendly and helpful--for me!

And then I think..."Ooohhhh.  That is why I am being charged $12,000 for today."

You people can just call me a celebrity now.

Because last Tuesday, I paid $12,000 for super-star treatment!  

And, let me tell you--it was worth every single penny.

(Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration.  But, the people WERE really nice.)

Our Weekend: In Pictures (Presented to you by MarytheKay, who BARELY used her camera all weekend. Lame-o!)

I just love a weekend with family.

This past weekend was everything I love about weekends--laid back, with family (could have been better if EVERYONE was there!!!), happy kids, beautiful weather, some good old fashioned late-night television watching with my sister, and some yummy food.

Well.  I guess I should end this post now.  Because, what else is to tell?  I've already told everything we did this weekend in one simple sentence.

Too bad that I can never be that brief when describing something.  'Cause y'all KNOW I hafta tell more!  

I just cannot help myself.

Let me tell you how we started the weekend.  Better yet--let me SHOW you:

Amen.  And Aaaaaa-men.

A belated birthday cake from the world universe-famous Rick's Bakery in Fayetteville, AR. Okay, who knows if the Martians know about Rick's...  But, in case you guys haven't heard me rave about Rick's amazing baked goods, I'll just tell you--his cakes and cookies are dee-licious!

And, the fact that my cake has fairy sparkles sprinkled on top just makes me h-a-p-p-y!

After over-dosing on sugary birthday cake, the cousins put on their swimsuits quicker than you can say, "DON'T RUN IN THE HOTEL HALLWAY!!! AND QUIT SCREAMING ON THE ELEVATOR!!" and headed to their grandparents' hotel pool for some swim time.  The ladies (my mom, sister, and I) took one for the team and sat in the 100% hot and muggy pool room and chatted happily.

We rounded up the worn out, but still hyper kids and headed to my sister's house for the night.  After finally getting the kids all snuggled into beds, the adults retired to recliners and the cozy couch.  My sister always has great stuff DVR'ed for my visits, and we always look forward to this time of night!  We love to watch and chat, watch and chat, and chat and chat and chat.  Sometimes until 2:30am!!  Yikes.  But, I will admit that a very late night sure makes the next day's afternoon nap on the couches that much sweeter!

You know what else makes an afternoon nap sweeter?  A big ole' slice of Rick's birthday cake right beforehand.  That way, the sugar crash leads you right into naptime.  Per-fection!

On Saturday, there was a little shopping, with a little "WHERE is my wallet???" mixed in at the Justice checkout counter, followed by a little, "Will you please HOLD these things while I go home to retrieve the wallet that SOMEONE took out of my purse this morning?"

Are you detecting any frustration there?  I have no idea why!  Because who wouldn't just love to fight the long line of glazed-eyed parents holding hoochie-mama sparkly sweats and flashdance shirts that their lip glossed daughters have begged them for?

Oh, but wait!  I said this weekend was laid-back.  And it was.  Just a momentary lapse--that a yummy lunch of chicken salad and tortilla soup at Jason's Deli can't take care of.

(See!  I TOLD YOU that I cannot tell a brief description of my weekend!  Next thing you know I'll be telling you WHAT WE ATE.  Oh yeah...just did that!  Check.)

Saturday night was a Moriah Peters and Tenth Avenue North concert.  Dave took Rebecca and her cousin to see Moriah.  If you don't know about Moriah--please check her out!  She is WONDERFUL!!!  She is an up-and-coming Christian singer, who has an AMAZING voice.  

AND an amazingly sweet personality.  She and Rebecca met at a small event last year, and ever since, she has been like a big sister.  She encourages our girls, and even contacts them when she is giving a concert nearby.

This time was no exception to her kindness and encouragement.  She asked our girls to come early Saturday to see her.  Once Rebecca got there, she got to help Moriah set up her merchandise table, and ended up working her table all night long.  

I don't know if you remember being 11 and 12 years old, but getting to work the "Merch Table" at a concert of a singer you love is HUGE!!!!  Rebecca and her cousin came home afterwards just chattering away about the whole evening, telling us every single detail.   Needless to say, they had an unforgettable night!  

Of course, both girls came home with lots of concert goodies.  Here's Rebecca--with her favorite item she brought home from the Merch Table: (No, no...NOT the head with the freakishly long neck!)

During the concert, Sara Beth and her "little brother" cousin chose to stay home.  Us "homies" picked up some pizza and watched a fun movie (Journey to the Center of the Earth).  We all snuggled 4-across on the couch, and giggled together at the funny parts of the movie.

Sunday, we went to church together, and then out to lunch.  (I am going to refrain from telling you what we ate.  You're welcome.)  

I told my sister and brother-in-law that we were giving them a big gift--we were leaving right after lunch so they could get AFTERNOON NAPS.  Nothing says "I love you" like leaving before naptime!

So, that's it.  That's our weekend.  

And my pitiful 4 pictures.

What did you do this past weekend?

Happy President's Day: Trivia Challenge!!

 Happy President's Day!  In honor of some of our greatest presidents, and my own personal favorites, I thought it would be fun to celebrate with some TRIVIA and VIDEOS!!

How much do you know about our presidents?  We always refer to them as our country's "Forefathers," but what do we really know about them?  The more I learn about our early presidents, the more they become my heroes!  I want to teach our children about the character qualities of great men like Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson.  I want our children to be inspired by their stories of perseverance, bravery, ingenuity, faith. 

Start some great conversations about our presidents with your kids at breakfast or dinner today--see how many of these answers they know!

1.  Who was the tallest American president?

2.  Who was the shortest American president?

3.  Which 2 presidents died on the very same day--same year?  (You HAVE to read this explanation!  I get chills every time I read about these great men who loved our country so much!)

4.  Which president had wooden teeth? (Trick question!!)

5.  Which president served the shortest term?

6.  Who was the first president with a beard?

 7.  Why did he grow a beard?

8.  Who was the only unanimously elected president?

9.  Whose inauguration speech was the shortest--only 133 words? (and took him only 90 seconds to deliver!)

10.  Which president was related to 11 other presidents (by blood or marriage)?

 Want a FUN way to introduce President's Day to your kids?  How about with a MAGIC TRICK...starring George Washington and Abraham Lincoln!

(Click here if you cannot view the video below)

 

Resources to Share With Your Family 

1)  Hands-down, the very best storyteller I have ever heard (besides my dad, of course!) is Jim Weiss.  I have had the pleasure of hearing him at a denim jumper convention tell stories about the first 5 presidents, and it was one of the best lessons in history I have EVER heard.   He made early American history come ALIVE for me that day!  I highly recommend any of his Greathall Productions, which are audiobooks he has recorded on cd.  We don't own his Abraham Lincoln and the Heart of America, but I'm sure it is as amazing as his other titles.

2)  I cannot recommend this enough:  Take your kids on a family vacation to see Mount Rushmore!  Not only will your kids learn so much about our country's history, but they will have a BLAST!  I've outlined our family's trip to Mount Rushmore, and have given lots of helpful tips!

3) Animated Hero Classics, Nest Family Entertainment - We have collected some of these faith-based videos/dvds for our daughters through the years, and they are wonderful!  Why not WATCH some of these cartoons with your family today--to celebrate President's Day! 

 

  

And now, some resources for YOU!  Two historical fiction books about these great men and their wives that I read and enjoyed!  They both are considered well-researched, which is important to me.

Mount Vernon Love Story by Mary Higgins Clark

and The Emancipator's Wife by Barbara Hambly

   

In closing, I leave you with one of the greatest pieces of writing our Forefathers helped create for our nation...a la Barney Fife!  Enjoy the video, enjoy the day!

(click here if you cannot view the video below)

 

How will YOU celebrate our greatest presidents today?

(Mount Rushmore photo credit: nps.gov)

Valentine Shmalentine Fi Fie Fo Falentine

Firtht of all, pleath let me thay how thorry I am for being abthent here on the blog.  I just needed to step away for a bit.  (Oh look!  My lisp is suddenly gone!)  Sometimes, life and living just have to take precedence.  I did a little self-care this past week.  And sometimes, that self-care was named:  A bowl of chocolate ice cream while sitting on the couch beside my husband to watch a little American Pickers.  Oh yes--we were living life on the wild side!

Okay, but now back to the regularly scheduled program...  A Valentine's post just for you--because I love ya so dearly and all that other mushy stuff.  I actually wrote this a couple of years ago, but I still mean every stinking word.

Sending you all a long, lingering, awkward Valentine hug today!!!!!  Well...to be completely honest...there are a couple of you scruffy and smelly guys...that I am sending an arm punch.  But, a meaningful one.  I promise.

Remember back in elementary school, when one of the Valentine games every year was to see how many words you can make from the words "Valentines Day?"

I always worked furiously on that game.  Man, I scribbled word after word, amazed at my brilliance.

valiant, Dane, dainty, salve, veal, instead, salient, van, tiny, leaven...

And every stinking time, some kid would beat me.  Usually by 10 words or more.

Those are some mighty groovy pants, girl!  And...a...halter top over a turtleneck??

But, most of my Valentine's memories are really great ones.  Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays...mostly because it comes right after my birthday.  Growing up, our family celebrated holidays in a big way.  My mom was just really great about that.  I'm pretty sure that all of my birthday parties growing up had a heart theme...heart cake, pin the arrow on the heart, pass the heart, heart cups and plates and tablecloth...  There were always Valentine treats on the table for my brother, sister, and me at breakfast.  My dad always sent beautiful flowers to my mom for Valentines.

But, I know that not everyone has a birthday right before Valentine's.  So, I'm sure not everyone has the same fond feelings toward the pink and red holiday.  Maybe even some of you have some sad Valentine's memories... 

Whatever the case, I sure hope that this Valentine's Day you remember the One who loves you most.  The Valentine who never disappoints.  The One who thinks you're beautifully made, and longs for a relationship with you.  The Valentine who created romance, and warm fuzzy feelings, and candlelight, and roses.  The only Valentine who loves you utterly, and completely, and forever.

That kind of love is hard to resist.  When you stop and think about it.

 “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”  (Zephaniah 3:17)                                                   

What do you think about Valentine's Day? 

What are your fun memories?

My Recent Favorite Netflix Documentaries

 I've spent a lot of time watching t.v. recently 

A LOT.

Because, what's a girl to do when she's stuck in her sick chair for days and days and days?

And what's a girl to do when she runs out of Downton Abbey and Nashville and Parenthood episodes?

She turns to Netflix, that's what she does!  

When you don't want to make a lifetime commitment to a new television series, and you don't feel like making an emotional commitment to a whole movie, let me tell you--Netflix Documentaries are the WAY TO GO.

Low commitment, and even a little educational to boot!

Learning while being entertained is my favorite emotion.  (name that movie...sort-of)

So, since I am such a generous and giving person, I thought I'd share some of my recent favorite Netflix Documentaries.

(Netflix Documentary Disclaimer:  Sometimes you have to be careful.  Not all documentaries are exactly family-friendly.  Some of them do not edit out ANY language.  So, just be careful of the ones you watch as a family.)

  Monica & David: A Love Story - This was--hands down--my FAVORITE documentary discovery!!!  This is the true story of Monica and David, two young adults with Downs Syndrome, who decide to get married.  The camera follows them around just before the wedding, and for a year after.  This whole film made me grin like a big goober, and even made me tear up several times. 

 No Impact Man - Now, let me be clear here.  I have no interest whatsoever to live with no carbon footprint.  I know you earthy people and vegetarians would have a cow (or a big fat carrot or whatever you earth cookies say) at the way I live.  I mean--I drink Coke out of styrofoam and don't feel a bit guilty!  My way to "save the environment" while using disposable diapers was to wrap them really tight and small.  But, all of that said, I was fascinated by this man's year-long experiment.

 Waiting for Superman - Inspirational teacher movies make me cry every single time!  I have the highest respect for teachers who give their lives loving students.

  Hungry for Change - Now, again.  Don't worry.  I'm not about to turn vegetarian on ya.  However, I thought this documentary about diet and food was so interesting.  The best thing I took away from this was: Don't change your eating habits by restricting foods.  Change by ADDING IN something good.  Yesss!  The more good you add in, the more your body will crave the good stuff, and the "bad stuff" will get crowded out.

 Inside the Mind of Google - I actually have watched several of these industry documentaries...about Walmart, Target, etc.  Watching this made me want to WORK for Google--at their home office!  Free lunch in their amazing on-site restaurants!  Free dry cleaning!  Free child care!  Sounds like a fun place to work.  Plus, ya know, you get to spy on the whole world.

 Word Wars (Bad Language alert!!!) - Who knew that there are people who play Scrabble professionally?  People who spend all day--every day--playing Scrabble.  There is a whole Scrabble culture out there that I didn't even know existed.  It's not necessarily a culture I want to join in, but I sure did enjoy learning about it!

 Susan Boyle an Unlikely Superstar - I enjoy learning about people's "stories."  I've often wondered what happened to Susan Boyle after her instant rise to fame.  Leave it to Netflix to answer all of my questions!

Have you seen any fascinating documentaries recently?  Do tell!!

Running Errands is my Favorite

Today, I'd like to dedicate this post to my teenage nephews.

My handsome, smart, funny, super cool, and all around amazing nephews.

These nephews make me LAUGH hysterically.  I LOVE hanging out with them.  And I'm real sure they LOVE hanging out with their Aunt KK...'cause I'm so cool and all.

Drew and Brady--this is for you!  This video made me laugh, so obviously, I thought of you two!

Yo, keep it cool, dudes.  Word.

(Click here if you cannot view the video below)

 

Did this make you giggle today?