If you have a child, you should read this...

One of my ALL-TIME pet peeves is misuse of child safety seats...be it improper installation, not securing a child sufficiently, or turning a seat forward too soon. {oh, and there are more, but I'll spare you} Yes, I truly do understand that many of you would say, "Well, when the good Lord wants you to go, He's gonna take you...seatbelt or no seatbelt." Though this may be true, you are not guaranteed the Lord's gonna take you or your child... {KWIM??}

*

SO, when I received my weekly email from babycenter.com today and it had "Car Seat Safety" as one of the issues at hand, I thought I would pass it along to you. Click here to read.

YAY!!!

You must go read MckMama's post NOW!! :)

American Hair, what?!

Am I watching American Idol or American Hair??

Here's my recap of tonight's performance:
Anoop Desai- Caught Up- I've never heard the song. I thought he told us he was "bringing the energy"? I missed it. Didn't "feel" it or understand one word. He might be in trouble.

The Artist Formerly Known As Megan Corkery- Turn Your Lights Down Low- Yippee! The mic stand is back...I missed it last week. slooooow. Where's the range? I think the "mom jeans" will get more attention than her performance.

Danny Gokey- What Hurts The Most- Nothing special. I like the original a trillion times better. Why is Paula standing?? Last line of the song, "That's what I was trying to do." Don't think you did it. WHAT?! Simon thinks it was his "best performance". Whoa.

Allison Iraheta- Don't Speak- guitar, cool. Did Adam loan out his hair? Good performance, but not her best. Should have moved around some, performance lacked energy. Love it...Randy just asked, "Dude, what are you wearing?"

Scott McIntyre- Just The Way You Are- Did the stylist tease his hair? Not attention grabbing...voice was definitely better than previous weeks though. Who said, "One of the best of the night"...I hope not, not much to look forward to.

Matt Giraud- You Found Me- Voice sounds shaky. I do like the setup though. Love to hear him on the piano...man can he play. Thought it was "okay". Randy says, "Gotta let all that flavor out." I agree...give me more!

Lil Rounds- I Surrender- think she'll be going home...maybe not! Oh my, did I forget "this girl can sing!" Still fell flat though. Again, agree with Randy, "Young it up!" Also, I like her hair better "short" short...gives her that sassiness that she pulls off so well.

Adam Lambert- Play That Funky Music- hair slicked back again...much preferred. hmmm....what?! I think he's better than that performance. What am I saying, when did I become an Adam fan? He is quite the entertainer and I don't think he needs to worry about going anywhere, but didn't think much of tonight's performance.

Kris Allen- Ain't No Sunshine- piano? LOVE IT! I think he's fixing to make a name for himself! ...Yay! Kara got her "three" words correct! Why is Simon touching his hair? Is he sending signs to someone? Second time tonight.

Wow. Am I being unusually "tough" tonight? I wasn't overly impressed with ANYONE. I definitely think Kris did the best {and I'm not just saying that b/c he's a Conway native! ;)}....in fact, he could have done better. He's definitely improving. I think the bottom three will be Megan, Anoop, and Scott. After last week's results night who knows who will go home this week?! I'll go ahead and say Megan. I think Anoop and Scott probably have more fans.

Check out more opinions at BooMama's.

Check this out...

Talking about YouTube - Tim Hawkins Free Credit Report Dot Com Spoof

Leggees

Forgive me, for I do not have a daughter to "test" these on...

{his daddy will NEVER know!}

Added a few things to my LittleBirdeeDesigns album today, click here to see.

MckMama: winds of change...

Just read MckMama's latest post and "there is change, and we are hopeful."

From what she wrote, it sounds like it's not going to be an easy fix, but at least there's a plan. praying, praying, praying for their family and so many others that find themselves in similar situations right now

Baby Stellan Update

He's only five months old today, yet he's already made it to the Eiffel Tower!

MckMama doesn't have much new news to share today.

Here's a recap:

Stellan has been in the hospital now for a week. His heart is primarily in SVT {Supra Ventricular Tachycardia} with a few episodes where it worsens {V-Tach, Ventricular Tachycardia} or thankfully, subsides for a time into NSR {Normal Sinus Rhythm}. He has also had several issues with multiple IVs so he received a central line on Friday {3/27}. It has been a rollercoaster week for their family.

Today he does not seem to be doing well. In fact, MckMama posted "This has been our baby's worst day, health wise, since coming to Children's Hospital last Sunday. "

Please continue to pray for Baby Stellan and his family, if you feel led. I may not understand what they are going through, how they are feeling, or why this has happened, but I can pray.

These are a few of my favorite things...

to make for others.

That is, until NOW! Click here to view my creations. All of the posted pictures have been gifts to my family and friends over the past few years. I have decided to take a little step and broaden my horizon...take a look around and order if your heart so desires.

LittleBirdeeDesigns

I do not like green eggs and ham...

I like my Cheerios in a bowl...

of water.

umm, umm, umm

This way's not too bad either.

It makes mama happy...and you know, when mama's happy, everyone's happy.

I fought the ball...

and

the

ball

won.

So it wasn't a hacker...

Talk about panic mode. As I was creating my "Fashion Friday" post last night, my computer started giving me fits. Eventually I was left with only a screen that prompted me for my ISP password. Like any sane person I knew it was a hoax, a scam, just a bunch of junior high kids trying to get their late night kicks. I closed out of all windows and programs and restarted my computer...to no avail. Sadly, I made my way to bed...those hackers had taken the wind out of my "Fashion Friday" sail.

I slept horribly and had nightmares about hacker's stealing my identity and withdrawing all of our keepsake state quarters out of our bank account. Oh the nerve. I jumped out of bed and shut down the computer for good...this morning I awoke wishing I'd unplugged it from the wall. Those hackers can hack through anything!

After a series of phone calls and one technician visit today, it seems we have a faulty modem on our hands. Or in other words, a hacker. Because it really hacked me off. I was really looking forward to my post on Big Mama's blog about jelly sandals and stirrup pants. I realize I could go ahead and post now, but it just wouldn't be the same. There's always next week...

At least I got this email today...

I was out walking with my then 4 year old daughter. She picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I asked her not to do that.

"Why?"

"Because it's been laying outside and is dirty and probably has germs."

At this point, she looked at me with total admiration and asked, "Wow! How do you know all this stuff?"

"Uh," I was thinking quickly, everyone knows this stuff, "Um, it's on the mommy test. You have to know it, or they don't let you be a mommy."

"Oh."

We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new information.

"I get it!" she beamed. "Then if you flunk, you have to be the daddy."

Hairbows and Haircuts

I'm not going to say I've never put a bow in Raegen's hair...because maybe I have, if for just a second to see "how it would look". Maybe.

Here's someone with an excuse to have a stash of hairbows...My very talented sister has bows and more {burp cloths, beanies, custom embroidery, etc.} for sale.

Check out her products here.

B and the little king got their locks chopped yesterday. Here are some before and after shots.

Ms. Donna is a wonder with her shears and gadgets. When Raegen's in her chair he is the king...want a water bottle? Here you go. A clippie? They're yours. My cell phone? Have at it. {I was actually shocked she gave him her phone!}

I can't imagine taking him anywhere else. He was so well behaved...and so was big B!

AI = oh no.

Just a tidbit before I begin...

who knew "Motown" came from "Motor Town"...see, that's why I watch AI...it's so educational.

Here are my first thoughts on tonight's performances:

Matt Giraud- Let's Get It On- ...would have gone with a dark wash denim instead; typical Matt, good, but nothing to ooh and ahh over

Kris Allen- How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You- ...where do they get these clothes?!; okay for Kris...still waiting for more

Scott MacIntyre- You Can't Hurry Love- quite forgettable
{what is with Kara tonight? "Give me some rhythm, Scott, yo!"} ?? What?!?!

Megan Joy {the artist formerly known as Megan Corkery}- For Once In My Life- what happened to her mic stand? B looked up from his computer and said, "sounds like she's on a Carnival cruise"

Anoop Desai- Oooh, Baby, Baby- HOW does he sing those notes?? I did enjoy it better on the clip with just him, Smokey, and the piano. The boy can sing! Still a fave.

Michael Sarver- Ain't Too Proud To Beg- nice outfit...he's dancing? typical Michael- wrong song, didn't show us any skill

Lil Rounds- Heat Wave- where did the hair come from? WAY TOO LOUD!!! I enjoyed her talk with Ryan more than the performance...she's sooo genuine and upbeat...LOVE her {just didn't love tonight}.

Adam Lambert- Tracks Of My Tears- his face looks so clean?? Is he channeling Elvis? One thing you can not deny...this guy has control of his voice. Amazing. Super creative....slowly becoming a fave. Kara said, "I have six words for you Adam, 'one of the best performances of the night'" I had to use my toes to count it twice, but I think that's eight words??

Danny Gokey- Get Ready- Did he say "re-tay"?; seen it all before...you've got to wow us with something new.

Allison Iraheta- Papa Was a Rolling Stone- whoa! That outfit is a trainwreck. Why?! I don't think there's anything left in her closet; WHOA!! Now that "bobba" stuff was cool! Girl. Goodnight. Has anyone checked her driver's license? Is she really only 16? A-MAZING.

To see them all stand on stage I just realized there's only three girls left in the competition. I think tomorrow night's bottom three will be Scott, Michael, and Megan. If it's not Michael saying adios, I think it will be Scott.

Who do you think will say buh-bye??

**

Oooh...I almost forgot!! How many of you dislike the cheesy hand-motion ridden performances on results night? These are grown adults {with the exception of Allison}, not junior high choir students! And, to top it all off...I think they're lip-synching...super cheesy. To me it goes against everything the show is suppose to be, i.e. relevant, current, modern...

Hop over to BooMama to read more insightful opinions about tonight's performances...

Stellan's ups and downs...

MckMama and Stellan have had an eventful day...mid-morning I received a twitter message that Stellan had gone into v-tach. I immediately began to pray for baby Stellan and sent a text to my closest friend to do the same. {Oh how thankful I am to have a friend I can ask to pray for a perfect stranger...that neither of us knows...and know she will do it...no questions asked.}

It is all just so heart breaking...he remarkably came out of v-tach and praise the good Lord things subsided for a time. The roller coaster has started once again though, click here to read the latest on Stellan.

I will bless the LORD at all times:

his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Psalm 34:1

Lunch with the cuz and Birthday blessings

Raegen and I had some errands to run on Monday so we met Aunt Amber and cousin Ashlyn for lunch.

I was sure Raegen and I were soon to be in the bathroom for a little heart-to-heart, but then the food appeared and all was well.

Later that night, along with Auntie Mari, we visited baby Rebekah.

She is already taking steps...she'll be toddling around soon!

Raegen single-handedly pulled all of her toys out to play with. He was in toy heaven, that is until he stumbled across a rocking horse he couldn't conquer. It was a plush horse with an attached baby seat...way too small for the little king. Never one to back down, he climbed on up and managed to get stuck. I was ready to raid their pantry for peanut butter and crisco, but simply removing his over-sized boots did the trick. That and a good hearty tug. He quickly turned to the horse and said, "No, no!"
On that note, it was time to go. We gathered the toys up and then began a round of bye hugs.

Had we not broken them up, they'd still be hugging.

update on Stellan

MckMama posted an update on Stellan, click here to read. I am amazed at her faithfulness IN adversity.

"And it gives me peace that I cannot fully understand God, or how prayer actually works, or what His will really is."

To be, or knot to be...

there should be no question.

Are you a knotting pro? I found this tutorial on Heather Bailey's blog last week and haven't been able to get it out of my mind. In fact, last night I dreamt I shared her 1,2,3 knot tying process with others! I doubt I'll ever knot my thread the same.

MckMama needs another MckMiracle

One of my fave blog authors is need of prayer. Her youngest, Stellan, is not doing very well. Click here for more information.

Happy First Birthday, Rebekah!

Today Rebekah is ONE!

You first met her here. She was born on Easter Sunday last year...truly an answered prayer. Hollywood couldn't have scripted it any better....God really out-does Himself sometimes!

She is a doll...such a sweet baby girl. Does it get any better than this??

Most importantly, she is Raegen's ball-buddy. They were great entertainment for each other at Colt's games this year...oh just wait 'til next year!

"Hello, my name is Raegen. Can you say Rae-Gen?"

Getting reacquainted...

"Here, let me show you where Uncle Frank says the cow poked me!"

Happy Birthday baby Rebekah!

Cupcake Cutie

We had a fun time in NWA this weekend. Friday night we had dinner with some of Mike & April's friends. They have a 10 month old, Haven, and she and Raegen played very well together. I was so thankful because sometimes the little king can be a little bossy.

When we finally made it to Mike and April's, Bigs was too excited for barks! He just couldn't contain himself and I think it threw Raegen for a loop. It took about an hour for him to warm up to his old buddy, but then they had a great time together.

It is so sweet to see them play together. Bigs will even bring the ball and drop it at Raegen's feet...fun for them both!

Mike & April are building another house so they're temporarily next door to Robby & Katie...talk about convenient! :) The living room has these huge floor to ceiling windows and the view is beautiful. Raegen enjoyed watching the moo-cows with Aunt April.

We literally walked over to the Bader Barn on Saturday morning..."Let's get this party started!"

Here's the birthday girl...

I think I've mentioned a time or 10,000, that my sister-in-law is quite the cake queen. I think this picture speaks for itself.

Cupcakes as centerpieces...

Annelise was quite the cupcake cutie...

The whole fam...

Blowing out the candle

Dig in!

Amber, Ashlyn, Bridget, & April

Cupcake decorating fun! Where does Katie come up with this stuff?! :)

This was the neatest idea and the kids loved it.

Owen showed us his artistic abilities...

Alyssa stayed long after the others had left and moved on to fun toys...

Raegen was more interested in the toys, than the sugar...what a relief!

That only lasted so long...

Time to open gifts...

While the kids played, the adults had their own fun...

Aunt Katie and Raegen

"Cheeeese"

Uncle Billy and happy baby Sean

Raegen and Uncle Robby play some ball...

Precious baby Ashlyn

Wii fun

Good times.

Thankfully Raegen went right to sleep when we got on the road headed home. He slept about an hour and 45 minutes, then we stopped for dinner. Always one to socialize, he buddied up to the table beside us and had the women passing him around like a prize pie. What can I say? He's a friendly fella.