Just because I'm nice to you doesn't mean you can boss me around, kid.

Summertime, summertime, sum- sum- summertime...SUMMERTIME!


Today is the first day of summer break for my kids. I'm excited to have more of a relaxed schedule...although those of you who know me know I LOVE schedules and enjoy some structure in my day...but I'm going to try.

Without a doubt there will be tens of kids in my yard each day to play flag football, street soccer, ride too close to my car on their ripsticks or run up our water bill when they get thirsty or hot. And I'm okay with all of that. Currently they show up 10 minutes after school and leave at half-past dinnertime. In the summer, I'm expecting so see them much earlier...and longer.

Yesterday I reached my patience quota early in the afternoon. I was straightening up Kid Three's room when I heard the door open. What do you need, honey? I called from his room.
When I didn't get an answer I came out of the bedroom to find one of Kid One's friends standing in my kitchen and not my own kid.

I've got to be home at five so tell me when it's five o'clock. Oh, and I need to use your phone.

Maybe I was just tired from the night before. Maybe I just over-reacted. Maybe I had heard this tone too many times before and couldn't control myself.

I slow turned and then slow blinked him. (felt kind of good) ... and withheld my "Oh-so-happy-all-you-guys-are-here-today" smile.

I'm sorry, I said. Did you mean to say, Mrs. Heinecke, can you please tell me when it's 5:00 so I can be home on time? And if it's okay, may I please use your phone?

He slow blinked me, but not because he was trying to be dramatic. I think he may have been afraid of my matter-of-fact tone of voice. (I used that "mother" one where you speak kind of slow and deliberate and never lose eye contact.)

Uh, uh. Yeah. Yes. Please. I'll just take the phone out here.

Did you mean, thank you. I will use it here and put it on the counter when I'm finished?

No answer. I left the room.

Instruction disregarded. My phone was carried outside. I discovered this when I heard it ring and found one of the neighbor kids had answered it. WHAT IS GOING ON? I guess I need a nap or a massage to help me lighten up. I just wasn't in the mood to take disrespect from someone I didn't birth.

I decided it was a good time to introduce some expectations when six of them came into my living room with muddy shoes to ask the whereabouts of Kid One...who came in to take care of some business he couldn't handle in the woods (unless you're Cindy Beall's kid! ha/ha).

• You are all welcome here, but Kid One and Kid Two are the ones who live here, which means they are the only ones who don't have to ask permission to open the refrigerator.
• Only the people living here may answer the phone.
• You're boys...use the hose, use the woods.
• If you're hungry, I'm sure your mom would love to give you a snack.
• Popsicles at my house are, however, free. Oh, and ocassionally I'll make you cookies.
• I like all of you, I really do. Come play outside everyday if you like.
• But please don't forget. Just beacuse I'm nice to you doesn't mean you can boss me around.

I think I heard "Dude" when I slow walked out of the room.

Not sure if anyone will show up today. We'll see.

Of course when they get older this house will open more and more but at this age, I just don't think it's out of line to expect a little (cue music, please) RESPECT...

How do you handle neighbor kids who try to boss you around?

By the way... tomorrow is my trip with the Mr! As you can see, I need a break.

Memorial Day 08

We spent the afternoon at my in-laws house swimming and cooking out. Kid Three was sportin' his Baby Banz and I think he developed quite a 'tude while wearing them. Little She-Cousin was there also, looking so sweet in her little pink swimsuit and coverup. Hard to belive sometimes that Big'n is two days younger.


She-Cousin: Mommy, doesn't Kid Three look so handsome in that hat and those shades? Just makes me smile to see him.
Kid Three: Yeah, I'm cool-i-o. You don't look so bad yourself, doll. When do we eat?



She-Cousin: Hey, can I touch your hat? Can I? Huh? Huh?
Kid Three: Hands off, ladybug. Don't touch the hat or the shades. When do we eat?



She-Cousin: I can't help it, Kid Three. It's just so dog-gone cool. And I would look so glam in those shades. Just let me wear them until our moms mash up some split-pea soup for us. k?
Kid Three: No.touchy.the.coolio. I can get this kind of harrassment at home. When do we eat?


She-Cousin: Mooooommmmm, he's touching me... Kid Three won't shaaaarrrre!
Kid Three: Girls...

Weekend Potpourri

Nothing too new in the noodle for now so here's the Weekend Potpourri... See you Monday. or Tuesday.

1. Mary. Joseph. Virgin birth. Redeemer of the world... Have you ever considered what Jesus' grandparents would have thought about all the hub-bub surrounding his birth and childhood?

2. For all you Edmond / OKC folks... June 7, Children's Orchard (resale shop) is having a clearance sale... For $5, you can fill a bag with as many clearance items as will fit. (Probably out of season, but hey, it's FIVE bucks baby, and listen, I can stuff a sack...)

3. Robin's series this week has been so good. Makes me feel normal...and like I can get through this parenting thing. Thanks Robin!

4. A long time ago, I used to give Monday Product Endorsements. I think it's time to include one in WP.

Black Cherry Streusel coffee creamer. Can I get an amen? It's quite tasty. Sometimes I have a little coffee in the morning and then if I need a little more pick me up in the afternoon, I take the now-cold coffee and pour it over ice with a shot of this yummmmmmy creamer. Stir and sip through a straw.

And as a bonus, here's a coupon for your next bottle of creamer. You can thank me later.

I now have a love-hate relationship with DVR

DVR.
Digital Video Recorder.
I love it.
I hate it.

First of all, I've never been a die hard American Idol fan, despite the obvious obsession with many, okay, most of you. But this season, I caved. Cindy Beall took the bull by the horns and offered her very educated opinion for each episode. I read the weekly posts and comments and just felt, well...left out. And since I had reached my quota for "left out" by the second week of 6th grade, I decided to jump on the AI bandwagon and play with the big kids.

So I watched.
Every week after they got to the top 10. (I know, I still came quite late.)

Archuleta? Yeah, he's good. But just a baby.

Jason, what's-his-name. Hair is TOO long. I can rarely get past all too long hair that never gets brushed.

Cook w/ ZZ Top? Oh-ho yeaaahhhh... Um, I mean, yes, Mr. Cook. He was "talented."

Tonight I began watching it around 8pm so I could skip the hour of commercials embedded in the finale. (I don't need the ads tonight. I'll buy what I want, k?)

Watch, watch, watch. Sing along. Bryan Adams brings back my early high school days so I sang loudly with him while I danced with Kid Three. Skip commercials. Sing some more. Skip more commercials. George Michael? NO. Skip. Skip, skip, skip to the end because I can't take the suspense anymore and it's 9:08 and I KNOW the rest of the world knows who the next American Idol is... so I skip to the end.

Ryan Seacrest (oh-so-very-short) is on stage...they are getting ready to read the winner. Both Davids look like they are going to sweat to death and break out crying. My heart is pounding. I can't wait... The Invisible Me is now shouting "Cook! Cook! Cook!" (The real me would have gotten some very strange looks from the Mr. watching from the other side of the living room. He's not saavy on AI. It's okay. I love him.)

DVR: STOP RECORDING.

What.just.happened? APPARENTLY, the live show went a few too minutes past their "live" time allotment and the recording stopped BEFORE the winner was announced.

I did not use any bad words but I did kick the sofa and make a scary grimmace to my baby. I didn't want to rely on Cindy AGAIN for my update. I wanted to experience the moment for myself...

My husband had to log on to MSNBC to find out who won for me. It wasn't as exhilerating as it probably was for those of you who got to see it but at least my guy won.

Commercials: bad.
DVR early cut off: badder.

When your "ugula" blows out

This morning, Kid Two comes running into the living room with my Flip video in hand. Handing it to me he says "Capture this. It's awesome."


It's Tuesday morning and he's on a high from the pumpkin-chocolate chip muffins I made for breakfast AND because there are only 4 more days of school...so I know I should brace myself for what I am about to see through the little viewfinder.


(only 45 seconds for those of you using a timer...you've got time.)




Well okay then. I don't know where the last 15 seconds of that video went. It was the description of how he first discovered this. Oh well, no time to recreate it. My timer is almost about to DING. Ugula. Did you catch that? I didn't have the heart to tell him it was a uvula. His word was more fun. I wonder what made him think about experimenting with his hangy-down thing? (which is what I always called it growing up)

Sounds like he had a fur ball. I'm happy he didn't really throw up in my living room. His trick wouldn't have been as "awesome" if he had.

Summer is almost here. I'm going to miss the before school antics of my kids. It's somewhat of an adventure every morning. Yes, I especially like the one where I kick them out the door and pretend to be sad they are leaving me all alone while they go to school...hmmmm, all alone with my coffee, my music, the back porch and my sanity.


Have a good day. Be careful not to blow your ugula out when trying this at home. And be assured if you ever invite one of our family members to your talent show, we'll undoubtedly win for sure.

Reflection

This is undoubtedly one of those Sunday School questions we've been asked all of our Bible-believing lives.

But...it's almost summer and time for a new season, a new set of routines and a fresh start for some things. So it's a good time to ask the question of ourselves again.

This is a picture taken from my back yard. It just so happened to be a calm Oklahoma day WITH NO WIND...(and that RARELY happens especially in Spring!) Across the pond this tree caught my eye because it was so big and full. See the water? It perfectly reflects the image of that tree almost down to the tiny detail of the leaves. If you flipped this picture upside down and only caught the bottom portion, you might not even know it was just a reflection.

A familiar scripture comes to mind...2 Corinthians 3:18 "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

There is only one way to reflect the Lord's glory. We must be IN the Word and ON our knees. Anything less produces only a counterfeit faith. What do you reflect?

Believers, let us reflect His glory in our lives.

Red Pepper Mashed Potatoes

I love to have people over for dinner. (Everyone just consider yourself invited.) It's not that I'm a great cook but I do have a few tricks up my sleeve (read: recipes I've borrowed from magazines...) that will make you think, This girl knows what she's doing.

Do you love grilling? Do you love mashed potatoes? Do you love a "wow, I hope that is as good as it looks" factor on your table? Allow me.

**Important note: SOME is a universal measurement to mean "however much you like" If I had to measure out everything I use, I don't think it would taste as good. My measurements are mood-driven!

• Cook your potatoes until soft. Keep the skins on if you like them that way.
• Add some butter, some sour cream, and some milk to fatten them up because no one really likes skinny mashers.
• Add some salt, some pepper, some fresh minced garlic and some fresh dill OR fresh rosemary.
• Using red bell peppers, cut them in halves and remove any seeds. The halves should sit flat on a counter so you can fill them. If a piece doesn't sit flat, you may need to cut a small slice off the bottom to even it out. Be careful not to cut a hole in the pepper!
• Fill each pepper half with mashed potatoes.
• Sprinkle some paprika on the top of each pepper half.
• Place them on the grill until the pepper softens.
• Serve warm!

These can easily be made the night before and then placed on the grill to reheat the potatoes. Sometimes we enjoy grilled kabobs and corn on the cob on the grill. This is great in the summer because you get a hearty meal without heating the kitchen!

THE BIGGEST THANK YOU!!

This is the email I received today:

Hi there, Kim. I'm Sarah, a blog designer from Real Life Design. (www.reallifedesign.net) One of your bloggy friends, who asked to remain anonymous, has purchased a gift certificate for a Full Blog Design for you! You can see some of my work at the website, and we also have a scrapbook-style designer if you like that look. Just respond to this email and let me know if you'd like to work with us! I'm looking forward to hearing from you. -- Sarah

Listen, I can get excited about a lot of things big and small, but this really tripped my trigger this morning! I did one of those Okie skip-to-m'Lou-kick-your-heels-up moves! I called my Mom. I told Nat, and my mother-in-law. I am so very excited.

And truly humbled. Thank you to whichever of my blogging friends was so very generous and thoughtful. I feel honored, really.

Many of you know I love single moms (LOVE EM). I've been noodling some thoughts about a blog just for single moms...one they can visit to pick up tips here and there, some Bible thoughts for single moms and a few ideas on tough things like dealing with dads, making ends meet, dating, etc. I wasn't sure if I wanted to spend the $$ to make it look as professional as the topic (single moms!) deserve and see what happened? I guess the Father thinks the precious single moms are worth it! SOOOOO, "anonymous," if it's okay with you, that is the direction in which I'll use my oh-so-treasured gift. Thank you. I'll be speaking to a group of single moms in June - I hope it's ready then!

Get your thinking caps on. I've told several of y'all that I want to partner with you with some of your best posts to minister to these ladies from time to time. (With a big link back to your blog). You all have amazing wisdom to share...more on this later.

Did I say THANK YOU? I teared up when I saw that email. I really did. It's the little things...

Thank you. Merci. Gracias. Blessings on your day.

(heart), Kim

Timer Says...One Hour

I am a girl of structure. Just ask any of my friends and watch them roll their eyes when they answer. As much as I have enjoyed this bloggy blog world I have been forced to impose some boundaries on myself so I will not squander my time peeking into the lives of people I've never met...Laundry waits for no one.

Enter PRECIOUS UNIVERSAL TIMER.

This timer has become part of my life. I've used it to measure how long a kid has to sit on his bed in solitude, how long the neighbor kids have until they have to be home, how long the cookies should bake and now...how long I can have bloggy privileges.

I allow myself 1 hour to read your blogs, comment and write my own post. When I feed baby I usually post my comments then and just type with one hand (that should explain my very bad spelling at times).

Let's skip through my hour together today, shall we? Come on, let's dance.

0:04 Juuuust enough time to get this post started.

0:10 I wasted 2 whole minutes trying to figure out why Blogger jacks up my spacing every time I move a picture around or save a draft...Is this only me?! Read some I AM (not) and Cindy Beall. (Sorry, no time to put links on here...I'm in a race against the clock!)

0:17 Skimmed Stiletto Army but just didn't take the time to actually look up the passage this time. Don't tell Nat. She is so patient to wait while we look stuff up. Then skipped over to Eric's Wife to see if she had posted anything new.

0:25 A couple of random stops and then a quick time out for laundry and refill my drink. (Water, how boring, how healthy!, how cheap.) Gotta get me some of Robin's thoughts. What kind of tree am I? Good question but couldn't really decide...

0:35 Pit stop at Deleise for an orange julius. Oh-la-la. sounds yummy. Oh hi, Kid Three, you woke up from a nap and now you want to sit on mommy's lap while she finishes her "very important project? Okay. (Add back 2 mintues it took to change his little hinnie.)

0:43 RATS! Stopped at Dine and Dish only to discover I did not win that hoity-toity apron I was wanting so bad...My yellow one is in need of a friend in the pantry! See it in the background? That was supposed to be MINE!

0:46 Nicole is apparently house hunting...

0:53 I left a few comments for some of y'all and then skipped over to Tales from the runningmama who is fun to read. She has a couple of little boys and wow...do I remember those days!!

0:55 Download pictures, upload to Blogger. Whiz, bang, boom! Post.

DING! Time's up for today. It's a blog eat blog world.

Yes, okay already! It's true I read a few more and made comments...the Mr. is out of town and a girl can only pacify herself cleaning ceiling fans and mini-blinds for so long... I'm missing his company and sick of housework...

Laminin

You may have seen this video already. It's good. I love the little mysteries God has for us. And I love the many different ways I'm "held together" by Him.

Allowance...part 2

Yesterday I asked about your opinions regarding allowance for kids. I must say, I was pleased with the responses. For a time, I thought I was nuts. Or at least my kids had me believing it. Thanks to you, I've let myself off the hook and have concluded he has not been mistreated with his 3 whole tax-free dollars a week, not to mention free room and board.

I should have named this post ENTITLEMENT, because seriously, that describes the attitude plaguing our society...and it has now infected my house. Let's be clear on something...

5: The number of people living in my house.
2: The number of people with jobs...paying jobs.
3: The number of people without paying jobs who continue to eat the food, use the electricity, wear the clothes and enjoy Sunday dinner eat-out...all of which are paid for by the people WITH JOBS.

Okay. I feel better. Almost.

This weekend we were at the mall to shop around a little. One of the kids began asking for more allowance because "he just doesn't make enough money to have any spending money." Are - you - kidding? (I feel compelled to add I had just given him an advance on his allowance so he could have some spending money for the neighborhood garage sale!) After a good half hour of his complaining I finally said, "Hey, just put it in writing and I'll talk to the management staff about it." Giving him a shred of hope, I handed him a note card and a pen. When I saw this, I cracked up.


In case you can't read the "8 year old upset anger note" let me help.

"Becous I never have enugh. You never give it. So I need more. You get a lot so I want a lot like you. My friends get alot! I do your chors and get pade little! Like vacume, londry, all the trash, garage! And I should be able to sped my mony when I want to !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ALOUNCE I do not think it is fair that you ern alot and give me 3 dollers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Poor little kid. Poor, poor little kid.
It's true. He has to clean his room, hang up his laundry, clean his bathroom and empty all the trash...and depending on which week it is, he may even be required to help dad clean the garage or sweep the kitchen. Someone call DHS.

I agree with those of you who responded yesterday. Kid chores are a contribution to the family. That's how it works. I believe it gives kids a sense of belonging, responsibility and even security to know they are expected to be an active part of the family. Our boys don't earn money for the regular jobs but they can earn some additional chump change for extra stuff occassionally. I generally don't deduct allowance for behavior issues but I WILL deduct money if you "inadvertently hire me" to do a chore that can't wait...(like carry the trash bin to the curb when you forget and we can't afford to miss a week's pickup...)

SOAPBAOX MOMENT: Back to ENTITLEMENT. Our society is daily programming all of us to think we deserve STUFF. Readhis first few sentences... because I never have enough. You never give it. So I need more. Did anyone (other than me) dare to say that to the Lord anytime in the last few years? Initially I was frustrated with his attitude over his perceived injustice and then I came in off the ledge and realized we're all the same, only adults have more sophisticated ways of making the argument. (This kid needs more birthdays.) The truth is, we all have enough. As adults, it's the whole spirit vs. flesh thing Cindy
referenced this week.

I was prepared to offer him $0.05 increase a day for making a passionate case and actually writing down his reasons (which were weak, mind you). When I told him I was ready to talk about his request, he asked me to simply put it in writing. Smart kid, I do love his passion for life.

Allowance...part 1

What are your opinions regarding $$ allowance for children? Do you pay for grades? chores? just because?

How much do you pay and at what age? Do your kids have opportunity to earn more?

I promise you won't be disappointed with tomorrow's post. It relates to this issue but first I want to hear how your family does it. Seriously, come back tomorrow. Let's just say I nearly peed my pants...

Weekend Potpourri

Friday. (Let me hear your war whoops!)
I've just a few random things to say. Comment on whatever moves you. ;)

1. I haven't forgotten about the Bus Driver interview. I just haven't been in touch with Miss #40 yet.

2. Mother's Day. I think the guys and I are taking the dirt bikes and the Trail Boss out for spin. Nothing like dirt under your fingernails with your husband and sons to say "Happy Mother's Day! "What do you like to do on Mother's Day?

3. Have you entered BloggedIn's $100 Target giveaway? If you win as a result of this referral, feel free to take me shopping with you...



4. If you're not following Stiletto Army, maybe you should. (Natalie did not pay me to say that. She doesn't pay me for anything...) BUT...one particular post this week really hit home with me. If nothing else, check out this post and watch the video. I loved how she explained "suddenly..." (That's all I'm going to give you.)


5. This summer I'm going to bring you a series on camping and hope. (These two things are not related unless you don't enjoy camping and it becomes a spiritual battle just to get through the experience...)



6. Let's have some awards, okay? yeah, because I am a typical first-born kid and we like to be recognized and appreciated for our efforts and contributions. AWARD TIME! (I wish I had a theme song for that!...Wait, let me make a special picture for this event)



For consistent wisdom in being a wife and mother, encouraging comments and a smokin' ballroom dancer...the award goes to Robin!

For one of the funniest comments I've ever seen...the award goes to Roger. On someone's blog (and I don't remember who it was, seriously) he wrote, "I'm on 2 diets because I don't get enough food on the first one." I really really really did laugh out loud. Roger, that is now a common joke at our house & with friends.


For "Have frequent flyer ticket, will travel" the award goes to Theresa! Can't wait to meet you in August!!



For enticing me into watching American Idol just so I can leave a comment on Wednesdays...the award goes to Cindy Beall. Oh, and lots of other deep serious stuff too that blesses me!!



For making it "look like it was an accident" and apparently having terrific snacks at her house...the award goes to Deleise. (Just kidding...I'm sure it was just as she said it was...)

Now we expect acceptance speeches. Make it good. It's Friday, afterall.

Here Bunny, Bunny, Bunny...

Watch out, Peter Cottontail! It's a trap!

This week I got a great laugh watching my kids trying to catch a rabbit. Our backyard is on a pond and occassionally (like everyday) we see small animals roaming around. Yesterday it was a rabbit.

"Mom, hurry, I need that bag of carrots you bought at the store Sunday. I'm setting a trap." he said as he came running into the house. I'm thinking: 1. Why are you wearing shoes on the carpet I just swept? 2. Have you any idea how much carrots cost? or the cost of anything for that matter?

I gave him carrots that weren't good to eat anymore then I followed him outside to see what he and the neighbor kids had cooked up.

They wasted no time in walking me through how the trap worked. They even said they ran "tests" like on Mythbusters. "See? We put a line of carrots here...and when the bunny comes back he'll eat this one...then this one...then this one...until WHAM! we pull the trigger on this fishing pole and the trap comes down and we've got him!"



"What are you going to do with the rabbit once you have it captive?" I asked (afraid of the answer).


"Just keep it there for a while and toy with it." answered a neighbor friend.



Thankfully the rabbit never returned. They sat on the back porch for about 30 minutes in silence, waiting for the rabbit to come back. Finally, in the name of hunger & homework, the mission was aborted.

You know what? That's crafty.
And just like the enemy in our own lives.

He sets a trap for us and lines out all kinds of temptations to lure us into captivity.

Wouldn't it be great to have what she has? eat a carrot...
Wonder what it would be like to just try "that"? eat a carrot...
One time won't hurt anyone... eat a carrot...
Everyone else is doing it! eat a carrot...

WHAM! Did you hear that? It was the trap coming down on us and now we're in captivity. Shouldn't we have seen this coming? (But those carrots looked so good!) Shouldn't we have slowed down and kept on guard? Shouldn't we have seen the trap ahead of us?

Yeah. We should've. Don't take the bait and willingly walk into captivity where the enemy will keep you there and toy with you.

Let us all be warned. Don't bite the carrot.

James 1:14-16 - "but each one is tempted when by his own evil desires, he is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

Kudos to my mom - Lunch Faces

When I was a kid, my mom used to do little things to entertain us. Sometimes they involved food. Since some of you have young children, you might find this entertaining as well.

I remember how I couldn't wait to do this with my own kids someday. Surely they would think I was as cool as I thought my mom was.

They didn't. Not even close. But here goes anyway.

Start with some lunch meat. We always had bologna (I seriously have to sing the Oscar Mayer song to be able to spell that correctly...b-o-l-o-g-n-a...). Now that I'm a grown up, I use turkey, because that's actually a real live animal. I've never seen a bologna running around...

Cut the lunch meat into quarters so it's easy for little fingers to pick it up. Now take a slice of cheese. Any kind will do. We always used Kraft. (There's another jingle... k-r...a-f...t).

From the slice of cheese, make parts of a face and place them on the lunch meat. See this nice smile? The trick is to use ALL the cheese but have enough to make cool stuff on the face...keep watching.

Look at that...How cute are those Spock ears? Now, I originally made those the eyes until I noticed I had not yet used all the cheese, so I went back and worked on the art a little and they ended up eyebrows. Brilliant.

When you're a professional meat & cheese face maker like myself, you can ration out the cheese enough to make a cute little hat with a flower sticking out...and maybe the top of a shirt.

If we hadn't yet eaten all the chips that week, sometimes she would use them for hair. It was always best when it was Fritos (no song for that) because they were curly and it looked more like my hair did when I was younger.

See how great my mom was? Thirty years later I still remember eating a bologna and cheese face (as we affectionately named it) off of a white paper plate for lunch. The first time I made this for my boys they both looked at me and said, "Mom, really, what is this?" Then they admitted it they thought it was stupid. I've never made it again...until today when those ungrateful, unappreciative, no-eye-for-art kids were at school and Kid Three was napping.

Kudos to my mom. She was awesome.

What are some unique things your mom did for you?

Hot Ear

With nothing more than the title, there's a few of you with a raised eyebrow and a smile on your face saying "Oh my! Yes! Hot ear...I get that!" And the rest of you are contorting your face saying "Hot ear? What in the world...?"

Hot ear. Either you get it or you don't. It's like fever blisters that way - some people get them, some don't.

I'm one of the lucky ? ones who get HE (that's the non-medical abbreviation for a non-medical condition).

It happens all of a sudden without any warning and it really catches you off guard. I'll just be going on about my life and FFFFTTTTTTT my outer ear suddenly fills up with blood (I guess) and the whole thing turns bright red and gets really hot, hot hot... and it burns. Meanwhile, the other ear is nice and cool, with normal coloring...just like an ear's supposed to be.

There's nothing you can do to relieve HE and I've tried everything. It just has to run its course...which usually includes telling at least 3 people "Look, I've got the Hot Ear" and letting them feel to see that it is, in fact, smokin' hot.

One thing that can trigger hot ear is immediate panic. If you're prone to HE this will most definitely set it off. I had HE when I realized I used a word very incorrectly this week. My blood pressure shot way up and I'm thinkin' a liter or two of blood was pooled in my earlobe. HOT.

Or another time I received an email from a client asking for a report...I typed "Bob needs his fancy pants report" and hit REPLY when I should have clicked FORWARD to my co-worker... I got uber-hot ear when my client called and asked me about his "fancy pants" report... (I did nearly die on that one)

Actually I feel like I might be getting Hot Ear just talking about it.

Hot Ear Facts (according to me)...in case you don't know

1. It generally happens in the same ear.

2. It is the polar opposite of a brain freeze, only in your ear.

3. You never get Hot Ear twice in the same day, no matter how stressed you are.

4. There's something about Hot Ear that makes you want to keep touching it. (Maybe we're afraid it will melt off?)

5. It's like a fever that is contained in your ear

6. If people don't get HE, they will be somewhat facinated by your medical conundrum

7. I think it's somehow linked to blood pressure...

8. ...Or else it means you're brilliant

Does anyone else get hot ear? Anyone have it now?

Oh forgive me...

In my initial post on Monday, I used a word so very incorrectly and it may have seemed like I was making fun of someone. That wasn't the intent...I just didn't know my vocabulary well enough. My dear friend Natalie emailed me to ask about it. Quit scrolling down in such a rush to see what the fuss is all about. I changed it. Hopefully the universe is back in alignment and anyone I offended will chalk it up to me being stupid and typing without thinking.

I actually got "hot ear" when I got Nat's email. Hot ear...that's one for this week.

Sorry.

Should we be praying for Satan?...and the winner

That's the question my son asked last week. Should we be praying for Satan?

I don't think so, honey. He's bad.

But if he's bad, shouldn't we pray that he will give his heart to Jesus and be good? I mean, we pray for other bad people and when they turn to God they start being good...

Kid Two (of course), Satan isn't a person, created in the image of God like you and I. He used to be in heaven and then he decided he wanted to be more important than God...

...so he started a fight?...

Um, maybe something like that...

...and he got kicked out of heaven?...

Yes. God doesn't let someone try to take his place without a fight, and honey, God is more powerful than anyone or anything that tries to take his place.

Huh. Just seems like if Satan would love God then we wouldn't have so many problems.

Yeah, it seems like it.

Interesting question. Kids have such a different perspective on ...everything. I always like when I say something to my kids in my own voice and then I hear it echo in my head as the voice of God when he uses words I just said to teach ME ..."God doesn't let someone try to take his place without a fight." I love that my God fights for me and he fights for the position of number 1 in my heart. True, I give him plenty of opportunity to charge into battle ...I get distracted a lot.

Oh so glad he's a mighty warrior and is willing to fight...and fight...and fight...

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Deliberate Points winners:
Mike High wins the Deliberate Points contest with a thousand points, with a close second by everyone else. So, (brace yourself, Mike...ha/ha) I put your link at the right for a few days. My mom will enjoy reading about how she lives near one of the worst places on the earth... Gimme a break. He's the winner for recommending the conference to someone who is now registered!

Natalie, Robin, Amy, and Roger also supported the promotion of the Single Mother's Conference. A ginormous thank you!! The conference is in June. Tell every single mom you know!!

In case you missed my answer...the coin count totaled $108 and weighed 15 pounds!

Las Vegas (G-Rated if possible)

The Mr. has a business meeting in Las Vegas at the end of May...and I've got a frequent flyer ticket. Since Kid Three is now 6 months old, I think a weekend getaway is LONG OVERDUE!

Agree? (I heard someone clappin', I did.)

This isn't necessarily the pick city to visit but free is free, y'all. And when we can save a few pennies and get out of town we usually do it.

I've heard this certainly isn't the "nicest" city in our great nation so we'd like to scout out some fun things to do on the slightly-more-wholesome side.

We're planning to take a road trip to the Hoover Dam and then we thought we'd try to catch a show or something. I doubt we'll gamble away our $25 weekly spending allowance but if I find a quarter or something on the street, I might just squander it without thinking twice.

Of course I'll split the winnings with all of you. Of course. No I will, really. Really.

Any suggestions for a G-rated show? (or as close as you can get)...This is your last chance to win those coveted DELIBERATE points. (Settle down, everyone. There are enough points to go around.) Help us out! What should we do there? Any suggestions?

Have a great weekend!

(The Bus Driver interview is next week)

Nothing to see here...

There's a drought in the creativity department today. Come back again soon.

For today, go read Natalie.

Have a good Thursday!