Tornado in a Bottle

Today the kids made a Tornado in a bottle. We had to do this since we actually had soda bottles handy. I remember doing this when I was little, but with 2 attached together. Here Austin and Kendal are surveying our supplies:

3 bottles, dish soap, tiny aluminum foil balls, water, blue food coloring dye

One cute baby

One handsome little man

Equals lots of swirling fun!

She also made a tornado dance up...

Hmm... his teeth look awfully blue. Caught ya!

My sweet girls

One proud dude

We never did get them working the way I thought they would, but we had fun. We learned that tornados swirl clockwise, and things that are on the bottom (the ground) will lift up and swirl around. We kept it simple.

25 Random Things About Me

This is going around on Facebook, so I thought I would post it on here, too.

1. I was born in California and lived there until I was 15. I prefer the South.

2. I married my high school sweetheart, Barry, who is the best husband ever!

3. We were engaged for 4 days.

4. When I make a sandwich, I don't like the mustard to touch the cheese.

5. I have a fear of fresh water sharks.

6. I was high school valedictorian and didn't make my first B until I took Physics my sophomore year in college.

7. I went to 3 major universities and never earned a degree. I couldn't ever decide what I wanted to be. I suppose its because I just wanted to be a mommy.

8. I have always wanted a big family, like the Duggars big.

9. I have been pregnant or nursing for almost 7 straight years.

10. I had my last baby sans drugs. Not sure if I would opt for that one again.

11. I really like thunderstorms. It's relaxing in a way.

12. I cut my own hair.

13. I enjoy 'strategic shopping.' It can be really addicting to walk out of CVS with $60 worth of stuff and pay like $1 out of pocket. 

14. I get nervous talking to people I don't know.

15. I do not like to be cold.

16. I do not own a pair of shorts.

17. I do not like anyone to do my dishes. I have a system. I like to wash them before I put them in the dishwasher, and there are designated spots for each type of dish.

18. I am not a very good cook. So, if I ever bring you a meal, be glad it's a frozen lasagna. You don't want something I made.

19. I am a sucker for any type of historic film. If they are dressed old fashioned and speaking in accents, I'll watch it.

20. Any type of accent I try to make always ends up sounding like a pirate. Arrrg! (Can you tell I'm running out of things... Barry is laughing at that one.)

21. I would love to live on a farm and be self-sufficient.

22. I can water ski. My parents had me in skis when I was 4.

23. I can't stand the smell of sunscreen.

24. I am a procrastinator and am usually late for things.

25. Instead of a lemonade stand when I was little, I had a golf ball stand. I would find all the golf balls that were hit in the bushes and stream, clean them up, and resell them.

So, join in the fun and make a list if you haven't yet!

Sweet Hannah Reese

I cannot believe she is 6 months old today! Time has flown by, and I still have not figured out life with 4 little ones. Hopefully by the time she is 1 I will. I was playing with the camera yesterday so I could be ready for a photo shoot today, but it just didn't happen today. Glad I took some yesterday. I thought this one was cute. She really loves those beads. 

A Whole New World

So first I want to thank everyone for prayers for little Andrew. He was sent home that night and Holly was so happy to have him safe and in her arms. 

Next, Barry and I finally joined Facebook. I know, I know, we are way behind on that. Can I tell you how awesome that is?! I've gotten in touch with people that I haven't talked to in years. One particular friend that I lost touch with I was just praying that God would bring her back in my life. I love how creative He is with answering my prayers.

So, today I turned 28. I have had a great day. Sweet Kendal has been saying that its her birthday. I truly thought she was just pretending until she asked me why everyone kept telling me happy birthday when it was her birthday. She had a crushed look on her face. Poor girl...

I have been in a silly mood lately and thought I would share some of my silliness with you:

I found what I want for my birthday. I heard it was a real hot item this past Christmas. Check it out here.

And with that I will leave you with a love song here. Enjoy!

Please Pray

For those who don't know about my neighbor, Andrew, he has been battling Leukemia. He and his parents, Don and Holly, have all caught a violent stomach bug going around. Holly's concern is that his line got torn and he is in the hospital right now. She does not want him to get an infection from the tear which could kill him. Please pray for him to be alright and come home. They can't be with him right now since they are sick and don't want to risk the other children with compromised immune systems in Children's catching it. Holly was hospitalized for it last night. 

Esau

Every year in January our church does a 21 day fast. We also follow the One Year Bible and have recently just read about Jacob and Esau. Barry said something the other day that is so simple and so obvious, but really hit home to me. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a meal. Barry has been fasting food and can relate to being truly hungry. The first day was rough, but once he made it past that he has been fine. Does he want food? Yes. Is he willing to sell what God has in store for him or wants to show him for a meal? No. Fasting or not, what am I selling away to feed my flesh? Some good quality time with God for a little extra sleep in the morning? The list could go on. I don't want to be like Esau, but if I really take a closer look at myself I can see how I have given myself what I want instead of doing something God's way. Its really neat how God works. I don't know how many times Barry and I have read that story, and we still got something new and relevant out of it. 

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." ~Hebrews 4:12

Tikki Tikki Tembo

There are certain children's books that after reading I have to ask, "Why?" This one is no exception. As with all books and tv shows that fall into this category, like Teletubbies and 'Love You Forever' (Yes, I think this book is slightly disturbing. It is sweet and makes me tear up, but when the mom sneaks into her grown son's room and rocks him, you must agree its a little on the creepy side), the kids LOVE them! I was getting them together for our afternoon story time and they begged for our recent pick from the library, 'Tikki Tikki Tembo' or as Jacob says, 'Tippi Tippi Pumbo'. Sure, its a little humorous, but I wonder if it is offensive to the Chinese. The back of the book says it was printed in China. I suppose they would have said something at the printing press if they didn't like it. (Or just printed it with lead paint...) I feel really bad for the younger son, Chang. Anyway, you can tell I don't get out of the house much. Which leads me to my next topic...

Since it is currently below freezing, we stayed home today. I thought it was strange that Austin was playing dolls with Kendal. What I noticed he was playing with was even stranger.
Yes, that is a Yoda Pez dispenser in Snow White's gown. Oh, too much fun...