~ Lone Butterfly ~

I Strongly Dislike Blogspot

2010-10-02T14:22:00.000-04:00

I was going to say I hate Blogspot, but that's to harsh for the home where I learned to blog.

Here's the situation - in the past week, Blogspot has removed my ability to upload pictures. ANY pictures. This is a problem a small percentage of users seem to be having since they upgraded the software. (Boo Sheep, for example, is having no problems.)

I have patiently given Blogger all my information and practically BEGGED for a response - anything to show that they are working on the issue and have gotten nada, nothing, zilch.

So, today - with Hubby's help - I have moved to WordPress. You can find me there as Mummy Butterfly (a step forward, I think): www.mummybutterfly.wordpress.com

I love Blogger, I really do - but if I can't upload photos, then why post? Head over there to my new blog to see pictures of B10's baptistism, GO's Teacher's birthday party and much more. I'm backdating the posts on that site, so they'll remain in chronological order.

Thanks for following!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Christmas Card Photos

2010-09-25T20:19:00.005-04:00

Today, we took Christmas Card photos - I can't show more than one, because then it won't be a surprise when you open your Christmas Cards, but they turned out GREAT!

I love their outfits this year - and they did so well, taking Christmas photos in 90 degree weather! (Anyone know where Fall is?)

Special thanks to Aunt K, who used her degree in Photography to make my Caterpillars look even better than they normally do!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Car Show at Church

2010-09-25T13:33:00.000-04:00

Our church has a car show every year, put on by the Men's Ministry, to raise money for the KidzLife program. We headed out their early, to take in the cars (and trucks, and VWs, and other assorted vehicles).I was surprised by how much B10 and CW enjoyed looking at the cars. I knew Hubby would like it!

GO basically rode in her stroller, until we got to the children's area. Then we let her bounce with her brothers in the bounce-house.

Hubby and I got everyone lunch from the Texas Roadhouse Truck - then we sat outside to eat.
B10 and CW sat inside and listened to the excellent music.
As we left, we took photos with our favorite cars.
We are already talking about next year! I'll have to look for more car shows to take the Caterpillars to!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Buggy B10 and his Sidekick Little Bug

2010-09-23T16:45:00.000-04:00

B10 caught the most beautiful butterfly today. It makes me feel so wonderful inside to see him loving on animals.

He was literally holding the butterfly so gently by it's center - when it flew off. right out of his hands.

At that point, his sidekick, Little Bug, wanted to start turning over rocks just like her big brother.

Except - she can't lift a rock and dropped that sucker RIGHT on her toe!
B10 is a great big brother, he had her in his arms very quickly and was being just as gentle.
I have an awesome, amazing, incredible and perfectly wonderful oldest son.

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore

2010-09-22T16:51:00.000-04:00

I read this book, cover-to-cover, in less then a day. I was drawn to read it at first by the cover art (which seems rather shallow, but it was captivating). The book is the story of two men who come from vastly different worlds to join together in a true friendship.

The point of view changes from author to author in each chapter - which took me a few chapters to get use to, but I quickly realized how it gave a unique voice to this book. In the end, though, it was my point of view that was changed. I challenge anyone to read this book and not look at homelessness in a new light.

Was this book perfect in it's Theology? Not necessarily - but, it was perfect in it's ability to focus my mind in different ways to see what was right in front of me. I live in Atlanta - and area of the country where it's very common to drive home and see the poor and homeless out my car window, but this book made me feel shame (in that I hadn't really SEEN them) and also gave me hope for change within myself.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. I have already passed my copy on to a friend at the theatre and had another friend download it on his Kindle. It's one of the few books, that I know as soon as I receive it back - it'll be headed out the door to another person.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Buggy B10

2010-09-21T20:28:00.000-04:00

B10 has been on a roll this week finding beautiful animals in our yard. This is some odd bug, but it had blue antenna and the wings shimmered gold when the sunlight hit them.

This is a giant wolf spider, and I really mean giant...it was as big as the palm of his hand (and you KNOW he doesn't have a small palm!).We also have a bush in our yard, where this type of garden spider comes every fall/spring. B10 thinks it's usually the same spider (because she gets bigger every year), but this year she was smaller - so he kept telling me that this is the daughter of the spider that use to be in our yard.

I love watching the care he takes with each of these creatures of God - even if it means sometimes a giant wolf spider shows up in a (TIGHTLY SEALED) container in my bed...

~Lone Butterfly )i(

First Day of Preschool

2010-08-31T22:38:00.001-04:00

Today was GO's first day of preschool. She's in a class called "Wee Learn", with Sister Sheep and her teachers: Mrs. B and Mrs. L.

I love how her backpack is as big as she is! But she insisted on wearing it herself. (She did leave her night-night at home - no woobies at school for big girls!)

Daddy stayed home so he could come with us the first day. Everyone was so excited!

Waiting in line outside, before the school doors open.

GO was the second one there - right after cousin Sister Sheep (who is a staff kid). She only cried for a second, then sat down in Mrs. B's lap and there were no more tears!

When we came to pick her up, she had PASSED OUT in Mrs. L's lap!

Poor thing, she was tired after having all that fun!

I can hardly believe she's already big enough for school. I'm so glad that we are able to send her to such a great accredited Preschool. I know she's in loving hands every day.

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Tee Hee Hee...

2010-08-05T08:39:00.000-04:00

This is how we found GO this morning...

...it just makes me laugh!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Sonic Supports Cub Scouts AND Theatre!

2010-08-03T11:27:00.000-04:00

Our local Sonic has been amazing! They have a program that not only gives us a percentage of the profits from one day - but for EIGHT days! Two Saturdays and the week in-between.

No, the iPhone was not the Kid's Meal toy...it is the toy in Queen's purse!

GO and I (along with B10 and CW) support our Sonic even when it's not a fundraising week- if you live near us let me know, and I'll give you the exact location, so you can support them, too!

Our community succeeds, because of businesses like this!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Big Girl Bed?

2010-07-22T11:23:00.001-04:00

I'm not quite sure we understand the purpose of a BED yet....

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Feeding the Ducks & Geese

2010-07-21T18:14:00.000-04:00

Near our house we have a small park with a pond where plenty of geese and ducks live. Occasionally, when bread goes bad in our house, we go out and feed the fowl.

Today was one such day (bread seems to rarely go bad when B10 and CW are home!) - so Aunt K took my camera and we went down to the pond to take a few pictures and feed the animals.

GO loved watching them come close to her, then run away.

She kept calling for them and trying to hug them!

Hubby met us at the pond, so we got a few pictures of him, too.

I LOVE this picture of the wind blowing in her face!

Thank you, Aunt K, for taking the photos, so I could be in a few!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Big Girl's Big Bed!

2010-07-19T21:27:00.000-04:00

GO is finally old enough (and monkey-like enough) to be in a big girl bed. She's almost mastered flipping out of the crib, so rather than wait until she landed on her head, we rearranged her room and got her a big girl bed.

I was SO EXCITED to find one that matched her crib perfectly, so we can keep it up for now. (It's a hassle to take down and put away, plus it gives a nice place for visitors and guest caterpillars to nap.)

She took a nap in her new bed immediately.

Cookie and I had enough time to finish rearranging the room while she slept. She has so much more room to play now!

The rug with the numbers is from my bedroom when I was a little girl!

Then, tonight, she put on her big girl pjs and went to bed all by herself! Aunt K was over to hang out with me, and took a few photos of GO dancing in her pjs.

Now, I know this won't last - but it's fun to see her being so grown-up (even when she's still so small!).

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Sweet Treats

2010-07-18T23:26:00.000-04:00

I found a great recipe on a blog I read. (Of a person I actually KNOW - how weird is that?) Aunt K and Uncle Batman came over to help us try it out.

The boy Caterpillars are visiting their dad, but GO was quite excited to participate in the snack making!

We made pie pockets - full of jam and peanut butter (each person was able to personalize their treats).

This is GO signing "More Peanut Butter, Uncle Batman".

And he lovingly obliged, repeatedly. :)

Until I said - "Don't let her stick her finger in the jar!"

And this is what happened:

Aunt K couldn't stop giggling.

The pie pocket people were DELICIOUS! We will have to make them again when B10 and CW are home.

I love spending time with the Kuddeths!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Day 8

2010-07-16T20:20:00.027-04:00

Today was our last day in Ohio with Granddaddy and Minnie Mouse. We didn't hurry in the morning, waking up and having breakfast - then the Caterpillars played on the computer for a while.

GO went back to sleep on her Daddy's lap!

Minnie Mouse had made reservations at a really cool place called "Bounce U", where the Caterpillars could all play.

B10 and CW ran around having a blast.

And I helped GO do a few things also.

(She did enjoy the slides - the little house only held her attention for 5 minutes!)

Then we headed home to relax for a few minutes and take family photos.

Before we headed out to celebrate Hubby's Birthday for the second day in a row. This time he chose a Mexican Restaurant to enjoy dinner at (before we would head home and eat more of the cake)!

For some reason GO's naps were messed up today. She was a pill at dinner, it was really the only time she got upset in public during the trip - but then she found the ketchup and fries!

Or that ketchup could be put in your mouth via fries-not sure many of the fries got eaten!

To end our vacation, it only seemed right that we help Granddaddy feed the birds again.

GO was very proud of carrying the peanuts all by herself.

THEN it got BETTER - Granddaddy let her eat the bird food!

B10 and CW ran around the yard, getting all their wiggles out.

I love these pictures of the Caterpillars together...

Tomorrow we begin a long drive home, and drop off the boys with their Dad for three weeks. I hope GO does okay! (She can't really understand WHERE the "guys" disappear to!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Day 7

2010-07-15T22:28:00.025-04:00

Day 7 - or "Hubby's First Day of Birthday Celebrating" - was a lazy day. We woke up and let the Caterpillars play on the computer for a bit.

Minnie Mouse spent the morning trying to convince GO that "Golddigger" was her favorite Glee Song.

She at least danced with her Minnie Mouse!

When everyone was ready (except Granddaddy - he had to work today), we headed down to one of the local neighborhood parks. This was the first time Hubby has really gotten to "play" with GO on the playground. She's actually big enough now to DO stuff.

She really liked the dinosaur ride.

B10 and CW met some other boys, and played Tag (or Robbers/Cops...or Spacemen/Aliens...whatever - it involved chasing each other).

But, they kept coming back and playing with their little sister some, too. (Without me even asking them to do it!)

Hubby took GO up on the playground equipment and she had a blast!

Then we went out to the mall to have "food court" for lunch, before a lazy afternoon at home.

Minnie Mouse and CW went out to pick up Hubby's cake and balloons.

They were HUGE.

Seriously! Look at the size of Hubby's head next to the balloon.

GO was amazed.

After dinner, we did a little more geocaching. The first one was pretty neat (and pretty new). It was near a playground with lots of trees so we could run around.

The giant airplanes reminded me of Germany! I really like living near an Air Force Base.

The second one was HARD - I won't give away any secrets, but this is what it looked like:

Then it was back home for Hubby's birthday celebration. CW picked out hats for everyone.

GO knew how to wear hers...but was confused by the Boy-Type-People in the family!

Delicious cookies and cream ice cream cake that Hubby picked out!

Minnie Mouse doing the honors of cutting.

GO really enjoyed cake!

Tomorrow is our last day! Granddaddy is able to stay home and we have some exciting things planned for the Caterpillars. YAY for vacations!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Ohio - Day 6 (Part I)

2010-07-14T22:14:00.001-04:00

Today was a long day with lots of pictures, so I am dividing it up into two parts. We woke up VERY early and we were in the car by 8:15 am headed to Caesar Creek State Park. There is a small beach area there, on Caesar Creek Lake, and Minnie Mouse wanted to make sure we got there before it got crowded.

There was a nice bit of fog early on, but it was very pleasant. Not to hot, not to cold, and very little direct sunlight.

GO was still a little sleepy.

But found it funny when Granddaddy put her in the "playpen" of his truck!

We walked down to the beach area, and everyone got dressed in their swimsuits.

B10 and CW were in the water quickly, but within 15 minutes B10 was searching for critters and CW was building a sandcastle (with lots of engineering going on).

GO wanted to help build the sandcastle. Which led to her eating the sand. First, we thought she was grossed out - but then we would rinse her mouth with water and watch as she ate MORE!

UGH!

The grinding of the bits of gravely sand in her teeth was GROSS! (And I'm NOT a "grossed out" kind of person!)

CW was very good about not being upset when his sister destroyed his castle, and just kept working to make it better, with Minnie Mouse's help.

GO followed Hubby and Granddaddy into the water slowly and quickly became enthralled with the giant bathtub.

We finished out morning out by watching as CW and Granddaddy used the shovels and pails to demonstrate how the Army Corp of Engineers alters riverbeds and puts up dams, while protecting our waterways and cities. Oh, the joys of homeschooling!

Part II on it's way!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Ohio - Day 6 (Part II)

2010-07-14T22:03:00.000-04:00

After the beach, we cleaned up and headed to lunch at Der Dutchman. It is an Amish restaurant, where we all had the buffet (except B10, who had a cheeseburger with fries and salad).

It was delicious and unique, especially the Amish Delight (which delighted only GO and Hubby...). Then we headed outside to the bank of the Little Miami River, where baby ducks lived.

B10 and CW sat down to see the babies, who were not afraid of humans AT ALL.

GO really loved the ducks. She sat quietly with Hubby at first.

But once she worked up her courage, she started "chasing" the ducks yelling "QUACK QUACK!" at them.

They did not seem to understand what she was trying to convey to them...

Then we took a few photos on the pretty benches (you can see a new Caterpillar photo on the sidebar).

B10 started annoying GO - and she retaliated. It was pretty funny!

From there, Minnie Mouse headed home to rest, while we headed back to Caesar Creek State Park for more fun - this time geocaching, visiting the Visitors Center, and fossil hunting!

First, the Visitors Center. CW was able to pretend he was in the Army Corp of Engineers and work a lock system for boats (both electronically and with a toy set.

GO played in the animal room with the bridge, pretend deer and real turtles!

We took a trail near the Visitors Center to find our 200th geocache. It was pretty cool to hit this milestone with Granddaddy - who introduced us to geocaching in the first place.

The trail itself was pretty cool, too! (And LOOK - a picture of ME - proof I am actually in Ohio!)

Then we got in the car to do a little more geocaching. CW likes carrying the GPS, while B10 (understandably) gets distracted by the bugs and critters very easily!

Finally, I had gotten us a Fossil Hunting permit, so Hubby, CW, B10 and I hunted for about 20 minutes, while Granddaddy sat with GO in the car (she was napping).

We found a few awesome specimens! I can't wait to take them home and show everyone!

Then we began the long (almost an hour) drive home, to have burgers and baked potatoes for dinner. GO tried out the corn on the cob, before asking Minnie Mouse to cut it off the cob for her!

Tomorrow is our "lazy day". No big plans, just hanging out with Minnie Mouse and celebrating Hubby's birthday early!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Ohio - Day 6 (Part III)

2010-07-14T22:01:00.000-04:00

I didn't even realize there were MORE pictures - enough for a Part III to Day 6!

After dinner, but before bathtime, Granddaddy and Minnie Mouse laid out the Slip and Slide for the Caterpillars.

It took GO a few minutes to warm up to it, and she never actually "slid" (though she did "slip" a few times).

B10 and CW had a BLAST running back and forth.

Lots of water today!

(One of my favorite photos - we took out her pigtails already, which leaves GO with Medusa-Hair!)

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Ohio - Day 5

2010-07-13T22:52:00.004-04:00

No pictures today. I didn't even pull my camera out! We started the day heading over to the free movie showing at the outdoor mall. It was Monsters vs. Aliens - which is one of my favorite cartoon movies (SUUUUUSANNNN!)

We were doing well, until GO (for no reason!) yakked all over me and herself outside the theatre. Hubby and I took her back to the truck and got her cleaned off (the raspberry flavored vomit running inside my croc was a different story...), and headed back inside to meet Minnie Mouse, B10 and CW. We watched the movie with no other problems, then went to E.O. Burgers for lunch.

We had intended on letting the caterpillars play in the dancing water fountains, but the rain looked like it was moving in, so we headed back to the house and let B10 and CW play the Wii and on the computer. GO ran around the house, playing with her toys and just generally having fun.

For dinner, we made homemade personal pizzas, before putting the caterpillars to bed early - tomorrow will be our earliest day yet!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Ohio - Day 4

2010-07-12T21:49:00.001-04:00

Granddaddy took today off work so we could take the caterpillars to the "Magic Castle". We had a lovely hot breakfast (THANK YOU, MINNIE MOUSE!) - then got in the car for the short ride.

The Magic Castle had a huge playground, which is where we started.

B10 and CW started with the giant soft play area and huge slides.

GO found a little car, which was a lot more fun when Minnie Mouse started to push it.

The she moved on to the big Dino (from The Flintstones) to watch the flashing lights. There was also a really cool Ice Cream Truck with Snoopy and Woodstock that she enjoyed.

After wearing out the play area, we moved on to the arcade. B10 and CW each had their own cards, and GO and Granddaddy shared an arcade token card. She loved helping Granddaddy play the games.

Then we went outside, and Granddaddy showed B10 and CW how to bat in the batting cages. It was the first time either boy had ever done it.

It was really cool to see them learning from my dad (and I think he got a kick out of it, too).

For lunch, B10 was so very excited that there was a Fazoli's here in Ohio (ours closed two months ago).

GO ate her breadstick, but we all liked our lunch.

B10 and CW had been so excited about the batting cage, that we went back to the Magic Castle after lunch to let them practice a bit more. Even Granddaddy took a few swings!

GO did not understand why we wouldn't let HER go inside the cage!

Finally, we played in the arcade and playground a little more. Granddaddy and I found a cute game where we threw balls into the "Alley Cat" trashcan. The lid would open and stuffed kitties would come out. GO sat and watched it over and over again, and we had to tell her to say "goodbye" before she would walk away!

At home, B10 spent some time playing on the computer.

Granddaddy took about 45 minutes to teach CW the basics of Poker. (He'll be winning games soon!)

Then we headed out to the airport to pick up Hubby. He was running late, because of bad weather at home, the flight was an hour behind.

Once we safely picked him up and got home, B10 had some leftover "Crybabies" sour gum from Foy's, which he shared with Hubby. (And B10 DID warn him ahead of time!)

GO took her bath and played for a bit, before we all headed to bed, ready for our big day Tuesday - it's FREE MOVIE DAY!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Ohio - Day 3

2010-07-11T20:54:00.000-04:00

We had a quiet Sunday morning at church, followed by white chicken chili for lunch. Then we all headed to see "Despicable Me", which was as WONDERFUL as I had anticipated. ("It's so FLUFFY I could DIE!") Lots of popcorn and soda, which is a must to enjoy a movie!

We came straight home to play outside for a while, and saw lots of pretty flowers that seemed to have bloomed overnight.

Our evening was spent playing inside. CW played a game with Minnie Mouse.

B10 was playing his computer game.

And GO kept trying to "use the binoculars". She didn't seem to understand!

Chili Mac for dinner, then baths and bedtime for an exciting day tomorrow!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Ohio - Day 2

2010-07-10T22:08:00.000-04:00

It's GEOCACHING DAY! GO feel asleep for her morning nap as we drove to the first site. I think it saved her from the mosquatos. She napped in Minnie Mouse's lap for a bit, but we decided that a ten stage multi in the woods wasn't on the agenda for today.

So we moved on to cache number two, where we met Ted. GO woke up for that one!

We also found a couple of woodpeckers - pretty cool!

Our next cache was at a park. The boy caterpillars played on the playground, while GO hung out with Granddaddy.

She found a pretty flower to share!

My favorite is when he tried to lean down to get closer to her, and she leaned too!

Then B10 and CW came back for a group picture.

Before long, GO was trying to entertain us by finding her bellybutton.

B10 and CW were not amused and went back to the playground, which led GO to stand and shout "GUYS"! Over and over again....

We found a total of four caches today, and ate lunch out at a really great Italian restaurant where I found meat ravioli! Then we went to Foy's Store, which is an old store...and that's all I can say. It's totally random in there! Halloween costumes, Ohio State stuff, candy from years past, yard sale supplies, balloons, fish and frogs (real ones...like pets), toys, rocks, just STUFF!

We had a blast in the store, going down up and every aisle.

Minnie Mouse headed home, and we followed a little bit after. She made HotShot Chicken for dinner (delicious!) and the kids played outside. Everyone enjoyed the evening meal, then the candy from Foy's earlier!

I love GO's face while she's eating.

Everyone was bathed and ready to "play" inside. GO climbed up on the sofa, and couldn't wedge herself any closer to Granddaddy!

She was trying to help Granddaddy log his geocaches for the day.

Now, we are playing Wii Star Wars and I'm hoping to put GO to bed soon. It may take driving her around in the car again. :( Well, last night she fell asleep and stayed asleep ALL NIGHT on her pallet in my room! :D

Hugs until tomorrow - church and then it's time for..."IT'S SO FLUFFY!"

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Ohio - Day 1

2010-07-09T23:44:00.000-04:00

We left last night after the Sheepy Celebration with the water slide and I had a wonderful drive overnight. I love driving in the dark (and resting as I need to), but avoiding most of the traffic that hangs out on interstates when I'm trying to travel.

Today was a "resting" day at Granddaddy and Minnie Mouse's house. I hooked up the Wii and B10/CW played that a bit. GO played with her tea set and beach balls and we had lunch at Moe's.

We had to hang out close to the house, so Minnie Mouse could have her new fridge delivered (the old one died!). I managed to get GO to sleep very quickly after that - and we woke up just in time for Granddaddy to get home from work.

Tonight's dinner was Bob Evans (YUM! ROLLS!) and then Granddaddy and I took CW and GO home, while Minnie Mouse and B10 went to the grocery store to replenish the fridge/freezer food.

At home, we did the traditional "feeding of the birds" on the first day, which was fun to watch - because it's the first time GO has been old enough to "join in".

Except for when I stepped on an ant pile, it was a good moment!

After baths, Granddaddy and CW played a game, while B10 played with GO.

I finally had to drive GO around in the car (with Granddaddy) to put her to sleep. She was out quickly (less than 15 minutes), but being in the house just seemed to distract her and keep her awake!

Tomorrow - GEOCACHING! (Hopefully we will hit #200!)

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Hanging with the Family

2010-07-08T22:27:00.000-04:00

BooSheep asked if we could all come over for hot dogs and water sliding before the Boy Caterpillars left to visit their dad's house (and we all went to Ohio for a week).

We happily agreed and had a total blast!

Well, GO did NOT like the slide - not the first time.

Nor when B10 tried to take her down the second time!

In 100 degree heat - she was COLD! (She's my daughter!)

Sister Sheep checked out Hubby's sunglasses.

Then lots of bubbles! (Sister Sheep LOVES bubbles.)

The boy cousins played with water "guns" and loved the slide.

So did the big boys...

Sister Sheep tried to show GO how fun the little girl pool was...

Finally GO tried it out, but she still would rather be playing in the mud or ANYWHERE warmer than the water!

THANK YOU SHEEP FAMILY!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Tutu Party - Pride & Prejudice

2010-07-05T23:03:00.001-04:00

The Pride & Prejudice Cast Party was a "Tutu" party (rather than a "Toga" party).

Miss J and Aunt K helped me make the tutus, and they turned out BEAUTIFUL!

Without further chit-chat - my cast in tutus!

I love them and will miss them so very much! Thanks for making it such a great experience!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

July 4th - Independence Day

2010-07-04T23:04:00.000-04:00

Today was an "odd" day - Hubby and B10 began their Webelos Adventure Camping Trip, so it was just CW, GO and I at home. We invited over Aunt K and Miss J to celebrate with us.

CW chose the menu for dinner - Salisbury steak, cooked carrots, puppy cake and pineapple. It was...interesting to say the least.

CW and Aunt K played the Game of Life, where CW beat the pants off of Aunt K.

Miss J helped me to make tutus for our Pride & Prejudice Tutu Cast Party.

Then we went outside and shot off some small fireworks and lit sparklers.

GO really enjoyed the pretty colors and wasn't scared of the noises at all!

It was a great night with great friends. A perfect way to celebrate our nation's freedom.

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Quick Cousin Meeting

2010-07-04T13:37:00.003-04:00

Today, Aunt CC brought her four girls to church with us this morning, and everyone got to see each other really quickly.

I wish everyone lived closer!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Where Have I Been?

2010-07-01T16:18:00.000-04:00

Where have I been? Around...just trying to get stuff done. It's been a crazy summer so far - but I've been so proud of what we have accomplished.

I have spent the last three months working on Pride & Prejudice. It has been an amazing cast of people - and an incredible group of backstage workers. I have been so blessed with the people I get to work with. I hope to get a few more posts up soon, but to start with (and get myself "back in the blogging groove") - here are a few photos of my cast. It's hard to believe it will all be over when the show closes on Saturday night!

At least I can cross something off my 101 in 1001 list!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan

2010-06-30T18:39:00.000-04:00

I chose to review the Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan, because Hubby has wanted a new bible, and this one looked like it would meet all his requirements. It is New Century Version (NCV) and has two main areas of special content: Walking in Authority and Insights.

Insights takes specific verses and breaks them down as to how they relate to fathers and men in general. Walking in Authority is more topical, but still relates to fathers and how God expects them to raise children. The extra content extends to Godly Characteristics that God desires from fathers and an excellent section in the back of the Bible called "Questions and Answers".

The "Questions and Answers" takes questions that are common from children and gives fathers a handy place to get those answers. (Example questions: "What is an 'Idol'?" and "Is it wrong to be rich?")

I found the Bible easy to use, durable with it's hardback cover - though I would have preferred a soft leather cover for looks (my Husband won't care one way or the other)! My only disappointment was that there is very little room to make your own notes in the margins of the Bible. I would recommended it as a gift, but a father who likes to write in his Bible, might not enjoy this one.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Ping-Pong Ball

2010-06-21T10:38:00.006-04:00

B10 caught GO trying to eat a Ping-Pong ball and after we established that it wouldn't fit down her throat, we couldn't stop laughing at the faces she made when she had it in her mouth!

She would SCREAM when B10 would take it out of her hands!

Funny Caterpillars!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Baby Bunny

2010-06-13T19:12:00.000-04:00

So we have a baby bunny living in our yard! He doesn't seem to have any other relatives or friends, and he hops between the side bushes and the big bushes in our front yard.

I love his little twitchy nose! B10 loves sitting on the front steps and watching him quietly. I hope he enjoys the whole summer at our house!

Isn't he TINY???

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Walking?

2010-06-03T23:00:00.000-04:00

Guess who's walking and getting into EVERYTHING?

Yep - meet Miss Trouble, formerly known as "GO". Miss Trouble is most definitely a more accurate name now!

She likes to open cabients, yank things off bookshelves, destroy Lego creations - anything and everything you want her NOT to do.

Even with the trouble - it's so FUN! :)

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T09:32:00.000-04:00

I anger easily and I get offended easily, however - anyone close to me will tell you I forgive faster than most. I have had people in my life do true damage to me, yet I can now have civil - even friendly - relationships with them. There are plenty of people I don't like, but if they called me at 3 am, because they needed help, I would go.

I struggle because there are two people on this earth I remain bitter towards. I have bathed the situations in prayer and struggle, because I cannot seem to move past these hurts.

For one situation, I seem to always be especially angry on Memorial Day. It is an anger that stems from an acute sense of loss, because I never knew my grandfather who served in World War II.

He lived until my Mum was 16, so he survived the war (my mother is a child of the 50's). I know very little about him: he served in the Army Air Force, he was stationed in England, he moved over to the Air Force when the branches separated...only this year did I learn that our birthdays are the same month.

We almost never spoke of him as I was growing up, because my Mum's mother chose not to be a part of our lives. All I knew was that the sepia photo in our home was of Papaw McElveen.

On Memorial Day, I hurt. I want to honor him as a person, not just a scant collection of facts. I have overwhelming anger and bitterness, because I can't find anything out about him. My Mum never knew him as an adult, and his widow is still alive, so all military records are sealed shut.

I have dreams of meeting men who served with him. As the years pass, I realize that chance grows smaller and smaller. I pray for God to open doors and take away my anger taht seems to bubble over this day of the year.

I don't know how someone can feel such a keen sense of loss for something they never had. I just know that my Mimi and Granddaddy (my father's parents) were two of the most influential people in my life. Since I lost my Mimi to cancer, I have had moments where I KNEW what she would say and what she would do for me, and I cherish my memories of her. I mourn the fact that I could have had another grandmother to love and on this special day - could be able to recount stories to my caterpillars of the many scrafices their great-grandfather made.

The boys and I served in a color guard at Cookie and Doc's church yesterday morning. After calling them to place the flags, I led the Pledge of Allegiance. Then I sat on the front row as Veterans from all five branches of the Armed Forces gathered at the front to be honored and prayed over.

I cried. Not for the men in front of me, I honor them with my thanks and my promise to make sure my children KNOW why they did what they did. I cry because I wish I knew who my Papaw McElveen was. Why he joined. Why he stayed in the service. Why he was so proud to serve.

Thank you. To anyone who has served in our family and especially Uncle Marine, who continues to do so. Thank you.

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Cub Scout Science Fair

2010-05-16T17:02:00.000-04:00

In an attempt to bring more "education" in a fun way to Cub Scouts we had our first Science Fair for the boys. It was a great success! B10 and CW really enjoyed making their first Science Fair projects.

B10 did a project about how to look for birds. He really enjoyed doing it - and his project was hilarious!

CW dissected a 3.5 inch floppy disk - which was so cool! It is funny to see him so excited about something that was such a basic part of my high school/college years (that good old 3.5 inch disk).

GO hung out with Queen and I (check out my new hairstyle!) and played happily. Which was nice, since it was so hot!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Jane Austen (Christian Encounters Series)

2010-05-04T13:07:00.001-04:00

I was so pleased to find this book about Jane Austen, especially since I am currently in the middle of directing Pride & Prejudice at our local community theatre. It is a look into the life of Jane (“Jenny”) Austen, who wrote her three most popular works before she turned twenty-four, and died at the early age of forty-one. It is a quick read, at only 153 pages, and I would recommend it as easy for anyone over the age of twelve. Jane's Christianity is looked at along with all the other factors in her life, such as her family and her social standing in society, giving a balanced picture of the influences to her works.

My favorite parts of the book were when the author used humor to shed light on Jane's life. He also used many of Jane's own words to show who she was. I carried this book in my purse for a week, it's the perfect size, and read it during my brief free moments. I absolutely fell in love with Jane Austen while reading this book and I have a line of friends waiting to get their hands on it. Many books come into my house and then slide out again after we are finished with them, but this one I plan on keeping on my bookshelf!

Other books in the series cover famous Christians such as Isaac Newton, J.R.R. Tolkien and Winston Churchill.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Luna Moth

2010-04-19T20:50:00.000-04:00

The Pastor's Wife at the church we are visiting found a giant Luna Moth and found a jar for B10 to take it home in.

It's just one reason on our long list of reasons that we'll be seriously considering this as our new church home.

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Cub Scout Breakfast

2010-04-18T14:34:00.000-04:00

CW had to cook breakfast for the family as part of earning his Wolf Scout Badge. He prepared scrambled eggs, sausage and cinnamon toast.

I am so proud of how well he did - and how well he cleaned up afterwards! Plus, we managed to eat a hot breakfast before making our way to church.

He did an awesome job!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Smash Cake Extravaganza

2010-04-10T22:03:00.000-04:00

There were simply too many adorable pictures of GO eating her first birthday cake to narrow it down for her Birthday Party post. Enjoy this "timeline" of GO discovering the icing and deliciousness.

She had actually moved to crawl to CW, who was on the other side of the cake, and accidently stuck her hand right on the side of the cake! She was so surprised!

And the crowd starts to go wild, so she must wave to her fans!

The destruction before we took her inside for her bath!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

The Birthday Party!

2010-04-10T21:36:00.000-04:00

Between Disney and the hospital stay - we were finally able to have GO's 1st Birthday Party.

We had it outside in the front yard, with lawn chairs, blankets, toys and a tent for the food.

All her cousins came to play - including one of her cousin-cousins - and Prince and Princess had to come for the fun!

The theme was Fisher-Price Little People. I had ordered the cake from Publix (along with the smash cake and extra cupcakes for the younger guests). I just used her new animals to decorate.

We are so blessed with generous friends and family.

For dinner we had chili dogs and chips. GO loved her hot dogs!

The kids really enjoyed playing outside, most of the grown-ups took a turn throwing a football or Frisbee at some point.

When it was cake time, everyone piled inside to sing happy birthday.

We took her outside for her smash cake experience (which will be documented in another post).

Then it was time for a quick bath to get the cake off of her face and out of her hair!

She did NOT like the hairdryer today (which is odd, because usually she loves it). I, however, love this photo!

After bathing, GO opened her presents. It was so cute to watch her try to rip the paper!

Then we hung out until it was time for everyone to go home.

THANK YOU to everyone who celebrated GO's first birthday with us - and those who sent well wishes, but couldn't be there, THANK YOU, too!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Spring Break Fun - Day 2

2010-04-08T22:20:00.005-04:00

Today, Prince and Princess came over to Cookie's house for a treasure hunt.

The boys ran around outside for a while with safari hats and swords. Then B10 appeared at the door with these critters:

That boy can find snakes ANYWHERE!

After decorating their swords and playing in the front room, we all went to Cici's Pizza for lunch, then back to our house to watch movies and play games while it gently rained away some of the pollen.

I cooked chicken for dinner, and we had another nice day with the Royal Family. It's not camping, but it's still great to spend time with friends.

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Spring Break Fun - Day 1

2010-04-07T23:24:00.001-04:00

Since we weren't able to go camping, Queen and I decided to have a "fun day" today. We started with an early morning at Chuck-E-Cheese.

Everyone got 40 tokens (and GO got 10) - and spent the morning playing games and eating pizza.

Princess was allowed to "help" GO use her tokens - she did a GREAT job of helping! She is such a good "big sister"!

Then we headed to the playground to play for an hour. It was mighty hot outside, but the kids love it.

Our final destination was the local mall to see "How to Train Your Dragon". CC met us there, and Princess Flower came to see the movie with us. It's a GREAT movie - I highly recommend for adults and kids alike. It reminded me of "Monsters, Inc."...a movie that is kind of scary the first time, but then even younger kids (like Brother Sheep's age), would enjoy it over and over again.

It was such a pretty day - my only sadness was that infernal pollen count!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Our Yard Renovation

2010-04-06T11:46:00.000-04:00

Hubby and I have spent the last week or so working on our front yard.

We laid red stones around the large tree in our front yard, and mulched in the inside.

We built a small retaining wall near the mailbox. We still need to backfill with dirt, but we have butterfly flowers to plant when we are done.

Finally, we hung up B10 and CW's bird houses and our birdfeeders in the front yard. I'm excited to have them where we can see them out the front window, and where they will add something pretty as people drive up.

It's been rewarding to see the change in our yard!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

~~Happy Easter~~

2010-04-04T03:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter!

May everyone know the blessing of today, the gift freely given for anyone wishing to receive.

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Planting Flowers

2010-04-03T21:59:00.008-04:00

Since B10 and CW were gone, we decided to spend this morning with Dixie and Frank. They invited us over for brunch, and then we headed out to the Worm Depot (Go Slimey!) to pick up some plants for their front yard.

GO took a ride on her Daddy's shoulders, one of her favorite places to be! See that smile?

After Frank tilled up the flower garden area, Dixie and I got to work planting the flowers she had chosen.

Hubby enjoyed taking pictures with GO at his side.

We had a pleasant day and got the entire front flowerbed pretty close to done (Frank and Dixie were picking up a few more Creeping Phlox to go in the corners when they returned the tillers).

It was a pretty day with friends and it felt so great to be useful!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Scallops?

2010-03-18T22:14:00.011-04:00

B10 tasted scallops for the first time in the grocery store last week - one of those "woks" outside the Seafood Department that lets you "try" food... And he was so excited he wanted to cook his own.

After explaining he could NOT take scallops Cub Scout camping, we let him get some to cook for himself and Hubby tonight (CW was spending the night at Cookie's house).

B10 talked with Victoria (the Seafood girl) about HOW to cook the scallops, what type of finishing butter to use, and what to cook with them.

He did exactly what he was suppose to, and according to Hubby and B10 - it was delicious!

I'm so proud of how he decides that he wants to learn something and then goes for it. He cooked garlic and almond rice pilaf as a side and said he can't wait to do it again.

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Ladybug, Ladybug, How Do You Do?

2010-03-16T18:03:00.000-04:00

These past few weeks, since GO was in the hospital, I have been blessed to get a new little sister. Now, most of you readers know that Boo is actually my little sister - but she's rather grown up (and has the most ADORABLE sheep in the entire world!) and is more my friend than my "little" sister.

However, sometimes in your life, God grants you the opprotunity to meet someone who you just know you love with your whole heart. That is who Malenki is for me. She is a true "little" sister, since she is still in High School.

Today, Mum came home from teaching Malenki, and had a gift for us. Malenki had sent a beautiful card and her mother had sent this:

Isn't GO ADORABLE????

I just love this dress!

So, here are lots of pictures of the adorable Ladybugness of GO.

THANK YOU!!!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

(ps - Malenki & Mother, pictures will be on their way to you shortly!)

Chronological Guide to the Bible

2010-03-10T20:53:00.000-05:00

Chronological Guide to the Bible is one of those titles that speaks for itself! The guide walks the reader through the 9 Epochs of History, placing the Scriptures in chronological order, rather than canonical. It contains an easy-to-follow checklist from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, so the reader can walk through the Bible at their own pace.

As a former Seminary Student, I have a plethora of study Bibles, all shapes and sizes, and the thing I like most about this is that it works with any translation. My best Study Bibles have most of the same content, however, I would love to use this book as part of a Bible Study, where everyone could use the same book, regardless of their personal translation preference. I also liked that the Contributors include a variety of denominations.

I loved the timelines and maps found in the various sections. It's a very visually-appealing book, B10 (the 10 year old son) wanted to thumb through it and read it. He's asked if we can use the book as part of his homeschooling curriculum. I'm always excited when my kids want to read more!

Overall, I would say that if you have an excellent Study Bible, you could likely print out a "chronological Scripture list" and skip this. But, if you are working with a group, or want a Bible Study material, this is a good book to keep everyone on the same page.

~Lone Butterfly )i(

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

YAY for Snellville!

2010-03-05T16:05:00.000-05:00

It was just announced that the small town near us (where the Theatre I'm on the board of is located) is going to have a Farmer's Market! YAY!

I use to love going to the Farmer's Market when I was little and visiting my grandparents in Jackson, Mississippi - I can't wait to take my kids to eat fresh food from a real vendor. I'm hoping the Garden Girls will come with us at least one morning.

For those who are local and read my blog - it will be on Saturdays (June 5th to October), from 8 am to noon, in the Parking Lot of Snellville City Hall.

Also, SOMEONE needs to make sure there are boiled peanuts!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Hospital Pictures

2010-03-01T18:17:00.000-05:00

I documented GO's hospital stay on her Carepages site, but I wanted to put a few pictures up here also. In no particular order, a photo collage:

~Lone Butterfly )i(

B10's Frog

2010-02-21T16:53:00.007-05:00

B10 invited Prince over to play down in the creek next to our house. When it was time to come home, he arrived with this treasure:

Hubby brought GO outside, so B10 could show it to her.

She just GIGGLED and LAUGHED as the frog hopped and jumped around.

B10 was so proud to be able to show her something he loves.

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Snow Day!

2010-02-13T14:08:00.000-05:00

Dixie took off work today, and we had made plans to go see Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightening Thief (EXCELLENT - BTW).

When she arrived, the snow had just started falling.

By the time we got out of the movie and got home, there was a nice layer on the ground.

At bedtime, the snow had gotten pretty thick. We snuggled down and watched the Opening of the Winter Olympics, with a bit of "Undercover Boss" (excellent show!).

This morning, the snow was even thicker, and we let B10 and CW go out and play.

Hubby went out to take pictures and have a small snowball fight with the boys.

It doesn't snow often here, but it is so beautiful when it does!

And we're expecting even more on Tuesday! Keep safe everyone.

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Eggs Over Easy

2010-02-12T14:09:00.002-05:00

B10 has slowing been working on adding different foods to his repertoire, so today when Queen was here, she showed him how to make his own eggs-over-easy. He was really proud of how well he did with the hot skillet (and non-scratching tools).

Plus, Queen had a huge smile on her face - she had quite a bit of fun teaching him!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

GO's Doctor's Appt - 1 Year

2010-02-10T15:04:00.000-05:00

Well, today was GO's one year appointment with our regular doctor. Ever since she heard that cousin Baby Sheep went to the doctor (as chronicled here), GO has been excited about visiting. Okay, maybe not...but Hubby and I were hoping she was gaining weight, so we were excited!

The doctor was great, the news wasn't quite so good. GO gained basically nothing and is at 14 lbs 14 oz. We were praying for her to hit the 15 lb mark.

She didn't gain anything in height or in head circumference, either.

We were happy, because it seemed she was outgrowing her 3-6 month clothes (she's been about the size of an average 4 month old for almost 7 months). But, when we put a few 6-9 month outfits on her, we realized it's just that her 3-6 month outfits are shrinking from being washed and dried so much. The 6-9 month fuzzy footed sleeper is so big on her, she can get her legs up into her chest and then down the wrong side and gets all tangled up.

It's so frustrating on that level, because we really don't want to buy more 3-6 month clothes, but don't have much of a choice.

She received 3 immunizations (Hep B, Chicken Pox, MMR) - which was only half of what she still needed. However, our doctor has been good about helping us to spread them out. Developmentally she's doing great otherwise. She's meeting her milestones, and should be walking soon. (Although, she has little motivation to walk, since she learned to say "Ba Up", which means "Brothers, Pick Me Up!" - which is exactly what her brothers do!)

Please keep her in your prayers. We had a lab test done, and now we are waiting to see the Specialist in about 2 weeks. We just need answers, so we can make sure she is getting the best care possible.

Thank you,
Lone Butterfly )i(

Walt Disney World Vacation - Auntie Mimi Photos

2010-02-09T10:56:00.002-05:00

This is a collection of photos taken by Auntie Mimi over the course of the 4 days she spent with us in Walt Disney World. In no particular order (and with limited commentary):

CW loves making his "face"...

The outside of the cabin!

Toy Story Mania! (See all the people? And the rest of the park was practically empty.)

Remember the night of the 24 oz steak? These are the darling servers, and the rest of the story:

(Nothing wrong with a little rice ice cream with your steak!)

Waiting in the Tower of Terror Line:

The cupcakes at Hollywood and Vine:

More lightsabering:

Auntie Mimi's cool shades:

Inside the LEGO Store at Downtown Disney:

And, perhaps my favorite photo of the set, outside Once Upon a Toy at Downtown Disney:

My kids crack me up...

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Walt Disney World Vacation - Day 10

2010-02-08T21:48:00.001-05:00

Home again, home again, jiggity-jog!

We woke up around 8:30 am, which wasn't bad considering we hadn't made it to Valdosta until around 1:45 am in the morning. Country Inn and Suites has a great breakfast, then we told the Caterpillars that we could swim before getting back into the car.

Everyone enjoyed the warm pool and hot tub. It was great for our sore muscles! I came back to the room about 20 minutes earlier than the rest of the family, so I could pack everything up and lay out clean clothes to wear for the Caterpillars.

They hauled most of it to the truck for us, though! :D

Then, as a special treat, we grabbed Starbucks before getting back on the interstate.

We did a bit of goecaching on the way home.

And made it back, safe and sound, by around 5 pm today. The best part of the whole day? Hubby and I were back in our bedroom talking, while I was feeding GO - and Hubby kept saying how much he dreaded unloading the truck.

When we went back into the front of the house - B10 and CW had done the ENTIRE TRUCK themselves! They had popped open the trunk and gotten EVERY SINGLE bag and and suitcase into the living room! Without being asked! Hubby did a jig for joy!

The trip was amazing fun and we are excited about returning someday. But for now, we are glad to be home!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Walt Disney World Vacation - Day 9

2010-02-07T23:37:00.000-05:00

Our final day at Walt Disney World is also CW's 8th Birthday. We got him this hat, which he said he was going to wear ALL DAY on his birthday (and as you'll see from the pictures, by golly, he did!).

Our breakfast was VERY early in the morning, we had a 7:05 am seating at Chef's Mickey's with all the "main" characters.

I love the look on GO's face in this picture - it's like "Brother? What ARE you wearing on your head?"

Once she saw it light up, she was enthralled and kept trying to grab the candles.

The breakfast was a buffet, and the characters wandered around to meet and greet, starting right after we sat down.

You won't see many pictures of GO, because she HATED these large creatures that kept interrupting her breakfast. There was lots of screaming.

Here she is, about to lash out at Pluto (poor dog).

CW received a Pirate Birthday Cake, complete with Pirate Treasure Chest.

I love this picture - and I PROMISE I made him eat more than bacon and cake for breakfast (although, that would be pretty cool if you were a kid, right?).

Once the critters stopped coming to our table, GO was much happier and even danced as we sang "Happy Birthday" to CW.

The plan was for Hubby and Auntie Mimi to take GO and return to Fort Wilderness in order to check out of the cabin. CW, B10 and I rode the monorails to Epcot in order to arrive at opening time. We rode Test Track and Mission Space while we waited for the rest of our party - then walked over to the Nemo and Friends building - complete with the "Mine, Mine, Mine" seagulls.

Inside, we rode in our "clam-mobiles" through the ride and helped Dory find Nemo.

Our lunch reservation time was 11:45 am, so we made our way to Canada to eat at the fancy restaurant there.

GO feel asleep as we arrived, but we were there at opening so we were able to hear all the servers sing the Canadian National Anthem. (Very cool, since they all sing it at the same time, 1/2 in French and 1/2 in English.)

CW ordered himself some goodness off the kids menu, but was getting kind of tired from his long day.

He managed to pass out after eating his hot dog, and slept on the bench seat for about 20 minutes (which gave him enough for his second wind).

For our appetizers, B10 and Hubby ordered a trio of cheesy bacon soup, crab pudding and a stacked fresh tomato appetizer.

For lunch (thank goodness for our Dining Plan), we all ordered $32 steaks. Even B10 loved his!

Dessert was the best part, however. B10 got something called a s'more - look at it's ooey-goodness!

Auntie Mimi had the creme brulee, which she enjoyed.

I had blood orange sherbet - my favorite dessert of the trip!

Hubby had the "cutest" dessert, though - the Chocolate Moose!

After lunch (and waking up the birthday boy), we walked towards France to begin the first Kim Possible Mission. It was sheer luck that we were able to meet Marie (the girl kitten from Aristocats).

GO wasn't freaked out by the giant kitten, but B10 sort of seemed a bit put off by her...

After France, we moved towards Italy, where B10 insisted on having his picture taken with the statue of Posiden (YAY for Percy Jackson!).

Then we went back to ride Mission: Space again - CW put on the astronaut helmet for fun.

And check out the "Turtle Talk with Crush" - (everyone repeat after me "NA-NU").

Crossing back into the World Showcase, B10 noticed the large turtle in the water and insisted we get a picture.

In the World Showcase we walked to China, in order to meet Mulan.

I love how Mulan calls little girls "Warriors", instead of "Princesses". She makes me so happy!

CW and B10 stopped to watch the Child Acrobat team that comes from China on a rotating 6 month basis. It was an amazing show.

Hubby helped the boys finish the Germany and Norway Kim Possible Missions, then CW dropped off the cell phone in the secret hiding place.

Before we left Epcot, the boys wanted to ride "Sum of All Thrills" (an AMAZING simulation game, where you design your own roller coaster, by Raytheon). I took GO to the Baby Care center and changed her into her jammies, fed her some dinner and called BooSheep to get an update on the Super Bowl.

Dinner was in Japan at the Hibachi Grill, Teppan Edo.

There were lots of sushi and shrimp appetizers and tempura battered chicken.

Oh, how B10 loved the sushi...

This was my first time having a female chef, who was wonderful and very funny.

At the end of the meal, I took B10 and CW out to the 2nd level balcony of the restaurant to watch my favorite fireworks show: Epcot's IllumiNations.

The Caterpillars loved it. They really enjoyed the music and watching the fireworks and lights.

We all walked to the entrance, to put Auntie Mimi back on the bus to pick up her luggage, and we were getting in our car to begin the drive to Valdosta.

Everyone said goodnight and goodbye (with minimal tears).

It's a long drive to Valdosta - but tomorrow is HOME!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Walt Disney World Vacation - Tour of Cabin

2010-02-07T06:34:00.000-05:00

I should have done this the day we arrived, but I guess the day we leave is good enough! This is a tour of our cabin at Fort Wilderness.

It's a one bedroom cabin, with bunk beds and a double bed, plus the Pack-n-Play.

There is a TV in the bedroom, plus a small closet and a counter (which we used to store the diaper changing supplies).

CW took the top bunk, while B10 took the bottom. GO, graciously, took the Pack-n-Play. ;)

The bathroom was right next to the bedroom. It was very large, with a huge tub/shower combo and plenty of counter space.

The hallway from the bedroom/bathroom had a large window that led to the main room.

You can see all our luggage ready to be placed in the truck. This is the other end of the hallway, looking back into the bedroom.

The front room held a fair-size kitchen area, with a full size stove and fridge, plus dishwasher and small pantry.

There is plenty of seating. The large table has a bench big enough for three people, plus 4 chairs. Then there was a tiny table and chairs set under a window (adorable!).

The pretty quilt on the wall (with Mickey Mouse print fabric) hides the Murphy Bed, a double bed that was surprisingly comfortable. There was also a TV, cable internet access and a nice foot bench/coffee table in the main room.

I didn't get pictures of the deck, but it was large (almost as big as the main room) and held a grill and picnic table, which would have been great during the warmer months.

We will absolutely look at staying here again!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Walt Disney World Vacation - Day 8

2010-02-06T21:03:00.000-05:00

Day 8 is our truly "free" day, so we were in no rush to get out of the cabin this morning. While at Disney's Hollywood Studios, we found out that it would only cost $3 each to add another day in the Parks. So, for $12 we decided to spend the morning in Magic Kingdom. Even though it would be our 3rd "day" there, B10 and CW wanted to play on Tom Sawyer's Island and I really wanted pictures of GO with Tinker Bell and her Fairy Friends (Pixie?).

We took the bus to the ferry, and the ferry to the Park.

GO liked the bus, but not the ferry as much.

I don't have any pictures of the boys, but according to Hubby they spent 2 solid hours running around the island and shooting at the trains on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad with the cannons at the fort on the island. GO, Auntie Mimi and I went to visit Tinker Bell.

It was darling...we had to walk through this long hallway where fiberoptic lights kept twinkling around us to "shrink" us down to Fairy size. Otherwise we might step on the pixies.

The "grass" and "mushrooms" on the wall kept getting bigger and bigger and GO was fascinated.

We didn't stay long (it took over an hour to see the Pixies and do a bit of shopping), and we met the boys again to head home via ferry before lunch.

CW wanted to take a picture of Space Mountain from the ferry - a rather imposing figure on the landscape when taken out of context of the rest of Magic Kingdom.

Hubby took the Caterpillars back to the cabin, while Auntie Mimi and I went to pick up pizzas at the quick service restaurant for lunch. We sat the Caterpillars on the floor and gave them pizza, apples and milk to eat before it was rest/play outside with light sabers time.

(There is no picture of CW, because when I looked at the photos, I realized he had no pants on...and no one needs to see his Buzz Lightyear underwear!)

Auntie Mimi was gracious enough to come with me to the Laundry nearby, where I managed to do a little over half our dirty clothes.

By that time, it was almost 5:30 pm, and we had dinner reservations for the full-service restaurant at Fort Wilderness Resort: Trails End Buffet. This is the same place I managed to eat 24 oz of steak on Day 6, so I was VERY excited about going back.

It was absolutely delicious, again!

As you can see GO is all ready to eat - we fixed her a huge bowl of chili with cheese, which she managed to eat most of.

B10 and CW both liked their meals and huge mugs of chocolate milk. Then B10 found the gummy bears for his ice cream dessert.

After speaking to the chef, I actually had two bowls of ice cream. Vanilla Rice Cream and Tofu Chocolate Ice Cream - it's a toss-up which is better, but I appreciate being able to taste both.

GO was all done, it was dark and she was ready for bed when we were finished with dinner. Auntie Mimi and I took her back to the cabin, where she played with Auntie Mimi while I packed our suitcases and the rest of the cabin.

Hubby took B10 and CW to the arcade, then let them play on the playground for about an hour. Long enough for me to get much of the stuff done and ready for Hubby to load into the car.

Before we went to bed, B10 and CW had one last special dessert in our cabin. I had picked up extra Mickey Ice Cream bars and chocolate cake, so they each were able to choose what they wanted most.

I will always think of Disney when I look at this chocolate cake!

Tomorrow, CW turns 8!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Walt Disney World Vacation - GO's Special Surprise

2010-02-06T19:57:00.001-05:00

Hubby and I wanted to get something special for GO to commemorate her first trip to Walt Disney World. We all have Pin Lanyards, but we wanted something in addition to that for her.

We found these really pretty charm bracelets, so we chose 3 charms for her first trip.

The bracelet itself has a tiny Mickey Mouse head next to the clasp:

Then we chose her initials:

I really wanted her birthstone, so we found another small Mickey Mouse head, with the pretty red sparkles:

Finally, Hubby really wished for her to have a Tigger charm, since that is (currently) her favorite Disney show on TV and she bounces when Tigger's songs come on:

I think it's going to be an awesome treasure to add to on each visit.

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Walt Disney World Vacation - Day 7

2010-02-05T23:34:00.000-05:00

Today was our Downtown Disney Day - supposedly, it was going to be a relaxing day strolling around quaint shops. We began with breakfast at Cat Cora's restaurant "Kouzzina".

Our reservations were for very early, but we made it!

You can tell everyone is happy to be there! Even GO enjoyed the breakfast.

She also enjoyed the server.

Now, for all my foodie readers - pictures of the Greek Breakfast Food (mostly "breakfast").

Sweet Potato Hash with marscopon cheese, bread, chicken sausage (Hubby's Meal).

Gluten-free and Dairy-free pancakes with fresh blueberries and chicken sausage (my Meal).

Waffles with Marscopon cheese and bacon (Auntie Mimi's Meal).

B10 and CW outside the restaurant. I'm bummed I didn't get a picture of B10's chocolate french toast with bacon, which looked delightful. We let the boys run around for a bit, along the dock where they decided to be (and I quote) "Duck Papparazzi".

After the silliness was over, we went straight to Downtown Disney via the Disney Transportation bus. We were able to take a few great pictures along the outdoor shops.

B10 loved the giant serpent outside the LEGO store.

We ended up spending pretty much all morning in the LEGO store, before catching the Ferry to the other side of Downtown Disney, where we had lunch reservations at Wolfgang Pucks.

GO liked the ferry!

I will state, for the record, that Wolfgang Pucks is my LEAST favorite Disney restaurant and I will do anything in my power to never eat there again.

Everyone else seemed to enjoy it okay, nothing special, but nothing horrid either. I personally couldn't get over the poor service. No lunch should take over 2 hours, especially not a family with a baby (and yes, it IS a family-friendly establishment, high chairs and kids menus and the whole nine yards).

GO was cornered in between her high-chair and the window, where she played happily until she passed out.

CW got to order his own food, which was good, especially his make your own sundae for dessert

Hubby, B10 and Auntie Mimi split the appetizers. They chose calamari, spring rolls and soup.

Hubby had the pita pocket sandwiches. While B10 decided on the spaghetti with meat sauce.

We were there so long, GO woke up to eat some calamari and onion strings with us.

Alas, she did not get any of Auntie Mimi's Key Lime Pie.

She was not happy to be denied desserts!

It had started to drizzle as lunch was over, but we walked back, so we could return to the LEGO store and pick up the personalized bricks. Both boys wanted a picture with the LEGO serpent close-up.

After the LEGO store, we had promised to let them go to "Once Upon a Toy", the large toy store at Downtown Disney. Hubby and I had been trying to pick out a toy for GO and finally agreed on this "Baby Boo" (the little girl from Monsters, Inc).

Can you tell how much she loves her baby doll already?

Finally, we went back to the cabin to rest up before dinner. The plan was to go to Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge for dinner, we had reservations for the African Buffet. However, the directions for taking Disney Transportation weren't exactly "good", so we arrived 20 minutes late, plus the wait was already long.

Auntie Mimi entertained GO by letting her hold the pager. The look on GO's face when it lit up and began to vibrate was adorable!

The pickings on the buffet were slim for me, so the chef prepared me a batch of fried chicken (soy milk/rice flour batter) and fresh french fries. Along with the salads, it was quite enjoyable.

For dessert, I gathered a plate of food for everyone to try.

The Zebra Domes (top center of bottom picture) are suppose to be "the best desserts in Disney", but none of us were overly impressed with them. I was expecting so much more... We all really enjoyed the tiny mousse cups.

Upon leaving Boma, we had our most exciting "Disney moment". We were trying to figure out how to get home to our cabin, and feeling pretty frustrated with the system (it had taken us over an hour to get to Boma). There was a bus with the "Magic Kingdom" on it's marquee, so I knocked on the door and politely asked the driver how we could get home.

After chastising us (in her very southern way) for ever listening to a non-bus driver for directions, Rose invited us onto her "closed" bus. She said she could leave straight-away to take us to the Magic Kingdom Ticket and Transportation System. As we were driving in our "private" bus, Rose decided it really wouldn't be that much more trouble to just take us all the way to Fort Wilderness.

So we got a bus all to ourselves and a direct shot back home! It's moments like this that just make Disney so special!

We snapped a picture of darling Rose, before she headed off into the night.

And we headed off to our cabin, to sleep late and be ready for our totally "free" day, at least that is the idea for Saturday!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Walt Disney World Vacation - Day 6

2010-02-04T08:20:00.002-05:00

Day 6 dawned WARM and SUNNY! It was so nice outside, I could hardly stand it. We actully left the rain gear at home.

Since Mimi was here, we had to take the Disney Transportation - a bus - to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

We were told to make a MAD DASH for Toy Story Mania when the park opened, and even though we practically RAN there (only stopping to meet one of the "Little Green Solider Toys"), we still had to wait in line for 30 minutes.

At least we got to "meet" Mr. Potato Head in line.

We grabbed Fastpasses, so we could ride again after lunch, then it was off to ride Tower of Terror. CW was a bit nervous, but really enjoyed it (both times)!

Lunch was our Character Dining at Hollywood and Vine with Leo and June from Little Einstiens and Jojo and Goliath from Jojo's Circus. GO was asleep for a while, on her daddy:

But the boy Caterpillars were really excited. (Even though they were trying to hide it.)

B10 acted really cool during the meal, but when Jojo and Goliath came up, he was the first one on his feet, telling them how much he loved their show.

What was so cool about this meal was that the Playhouse Disney Pals came out and danced.

GO loved that part, she boogied down in her highchair (Hubby was holding on the whole time).

The Hubby and the Caterpillars did the "Bear Cha-cha-cha" around the resturant.

Our notes had down that we were celebrating birthdays this week, so they brought us cupcakes. GO loved her cupcake!

Our second trip around Toy Story Mania was awesome - of course I say that after having winning twice... ;) B10 and CW had their picture taken with one of the books in "Andy's Room" - the Boy Scout Handbook.

GO was fascinated by the stone lion.

Singing in the Rain!!!!

Everyone was excited about Star Tours, but the best part was that we let B10 and CW design and make their light sabers!

Snack time! Hubby got the chocolate-covered shortbread cookie.

B10 really enjoyed his HUGE chocolate muffin.

We were all thrilled to meet Handy Manny! (We told him Little Sheep and Baby Sheep would be visiting him in the fall, and he said he couldn't wait to meet them!)

June was there after lunch, but this time she brought Quincy with her and left Leo at home, so we had to get our picture taken again. Plus, Rocket Ship was there.

Dinner was at Pizza Planet, which we had hoped to all eat out, but they didn't have anything I could eat.

Plus, everything was closing, so I was out of luck in the Park, ugh! We headed back to the resort (after picking up the light sabers on the way out).

We had to ride the bus, with GO doing a great job of holding on to the pole. ;)

By the time we got back to our cabin, I was STARVING. The take-out places were closed, but with and amazing bit of Disney service, I was seated at the full service buffet resturant 15 minutes before close. Then the chef came out and walked the buffet line with me (to help me figure out what I could eat with my allergies).

I had 24 oz of steak (yes, you read that right - NY Strip), two salads (with Raspberry Dressing), corn, rice, bowl of veggie soup, two bowls of chili and a delicious bowl of Rice Ice Cream - SO good! They truly saved the day and I headed back to the cabin thinking I would never be hungry again. I can't wait to bring the family back on Saturday!

Tomorrow is our day at Downtown Disney and the LEGO store!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Walt Disney World Vacation - Day 5 - The Big Surprise!

2010-02-03T23:29:00.000-05:00

When we told the Caterpillars we were going to Walt Disney World, we also told them there would be a BIG surprise on the Wednesday we were there.

I've been giving them extra clues and hints, but they had NO IDEA that the Big Surprise was that Auntie M (ie: GO's Godmother, Mimi), was flying down from Maryland to spend the rest of our vacation with us.

They were SO SURPRISED when she arrived at the cabin, it was so darn adorable!

B10 might have been a little annoyed we kept such a big secret from him.

GO was asleep when she arrived, but woke up at midnight and snuggled with her Mimi to read her new book.

Tomorrow is an early day at Disney's Hollywood Studios!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Walt Disney World Vacation - Day 5

2010-02-03T19:46:00.000-05:00

Happy morning to everyone! Wednesday is Animal Kingdom Day - and there were very few growls at our cabin this morning. See the happiness?

Someone even gave GO her own banana to eat, luckily, she was still in her pajamas.

Here is our "early in the morning" picture, with everyone in their matching clothes, notice GO's adorable "creature" onesie? B10 wore that when he was a wee one.

Wait....what happened to GO's cute outfit? Seriously....enough with the vomiting all over your cute outfit, kid!

So, vomiting done (at least for now, but we'll get to that), we loaded up for Animal Kingdom.

Skies were suppose to be sunny, but we brought rain gear just in case. Then we made the VERY long journey into the park. Not that the walk is a long one, but they have cast members stationed every 20 feet with a bug/insect/critter/skeleton and chat with the children. And we had to stop and talk to EVERY SINGLE ONE - because, if you know B10, it's impossible for him to walk past.

This lady had a rhino horn. (B10 already knew that.)

This guy had a snake skeleton. (B10 had a long discussion about it.)

This woman had horns of the cute critter in the bush. (B10 learned the difference between antlers and horns.)

And this woman just wanted B10 to go away. She made the mistake of trying to "outsmart" him involving spiders. When she got to the part, trying to correct him, that ALL creatures with 8 legs were arachnids (emphasis hers), HE explained that that wasn't exactly true, they also had to have an exoskeleton, because an octopus has 8 legs and is not a spider.

No, I did NOT laugh where he could hear me.

After getting inside the park, we made a quick stop to meet Pooh Bear, Tigger and Eyeore. By that time, GO was worn out and ready for her nap.

B10, CW and I were all excited about Expedition Everest! Wicked cool rollercoaster, but the first time we rode it, CW and I were in the front and that was SCARY!

Hubby wasn't feeling well, and the rollercoaster didn't help matter any. We strolled along and watched the monkeys, listened to a few street performers and even let B10 and CW join in.

He was still feeling poorly, so we made our way to Rafki's Planet Watch (by train), it's a backstage area, where the vets work and you can even watch surgeries if you come at the right time.

CW hung out at the KidStop area, while B10 and I took GO inside to look at the animals. Jiminy Cricket was there taking photos, which we had to get.

Outside the building was the "Affection Station", where you could "love" on the animals. CW did enjoy brushing the hair of the various critters.

B10 really wanted to see the show. This is his face BEFORE I made him stop answering every question.

(He, correctly, pointed out that no one else was answering questions at all, but still...) GO liked the show, at least the first part, but we weren't able to stay for the entire thing.

We did get to see a small barn owl and a Scarlet Macaw.

It was time for our lunch reservation, at Tusker House (African fare), though Hubby was still feeling poorly. We arrived, and B10 took GO and helped her to dance on the table to pass the time and keep her happy.

CW also took photos, which I will blog when I return - WDW through their eyes!

That worked for a bit, but Hubby kept feeling worse. Finally, as we were being seated, he also yaked in a bush. Thus bringing our vomiting count to twice today.

The food was incredible, so I was really sad that Hubby did not get to enjoy it. He held GO and nibbled on bread (she was falling back asleep).

B10, CW and I especially enjoyed the desserts.

And, may I say, this is one of the funniest things ever to me - the Caterpillars thought this was an exhibit, because they didn't know what pay phones were...

This was our awesome hostess, Monnish, who took care of us AND made sure that Hubby was feeling okay (bringing him water and checking on him).

With Hubby feeling queasy, still, we chose to use our Fastpasses for Kilimajaro Safaris. The animals were out in full force (GO was wide awake and watching), but I won't bore you with the 150 photos we took while on safari. Here are a couple of the better ones. B10 and CW had to share the camera, but they were so cute wanting to take photos!

Hubby wasn't quite as naseous when we got off the ride, but we decided to stay off the rides for a little longer and see "It's Tough to Be a Bug" at the Tree of Life (beautiful!). The Tree of Life is my favorite park "thing", I love it even more than the ball at Epcot and the castle at Magic Kingdom!

B10 and I rode Dinosaur, but CW thought it was too loud this morning, so he waited outside with Hubby. He ate his ice cream while we were on the ride, but B10 got his after. I had to ask him to hurry, with chocolate flowing down his arm, as we walked back to Asia. They LOVE those Mickey Shaped Ice Cream Cones.

The boys and I rode Expedition Everest one more time, Hubby decided to wait on the ground with GO, before we had pizza for dinner.

Then it was home to the cabin to wait for our "BIG SURPRISE" to arrive!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Walt Disney World Vacation - Day 4

2010-02-02T23:02:00.000-05:00

Look at those poor babies sleeping...both of them! (BTW - my only complaint about the cabin, a double bed is not really big enough for THREE of us!

Today was our second Magic Kingdom day, and it was going to POUR...they said "slight showers", but that wasn't even the start of it before lunch.

It was a DOWNPOUR from the time we got out of our car, until the time we got to the entrance of Magic Kingdom. LOVE our stroller and LOVE the rain cover. GO is the only one who stayed dry all day long.

We were able to walk onto Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear, then CW really wanted to ride the Astro Orbiter. They actually let us take GO on it...

I was a little nervous, because it's 3 stories in the air, but GO loved it! Hubby was in charge of taking pictures from high up. (See the cloudy sky?)

The baby ducks were wandering around Tomorrowland with their mummy. (How great a life is that? To be born in WDW!) Our last stop in Tomorrowland was the Laugh Floor (Monsters Inc.) - BEST SHOW! Cool technology and very funny!

Lunch was WAY early, but we wanted to stay dry, so off to Golden Oak Outpost. I didn't get a picture, but I was attacked by a bird (literally swooped down onto my neck) and lost a chocolate cake. WDW replaced it, but it was kind of scary.

After lunch, we learned to rope a post!

I think I did rather well! CW and B10 were all about the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, in Adventureland, next, so we walked on over (and it was SUNNY!). GO was allowed to ride this, also, and she loved the rocking of the boat. Didn't enjoy the getting wet part, though.

They loved walking through the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse (B10 would like to read the book, now, so I'm excited about that).

Beautiful views inside the treehouse.

The Jungle Cruise had been closed because of the rain, but opened up long enough for us all to ride. Our guide was very funny, B10 and CW even got many of his punny jokes.

GO slept the whole time.

Tom Sawyer's Island was next on our list of things to do during the rain-less time. It's a whole island to explore, we all enjoyed the barrel bridge!

We tried to do a Baby Swap on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad again, but ran into a problem. B10, CW and I rode just fine, but while Hubby was on with the boys they had to shut it down. B10 didn't panic (luckily, he has a fear of heights when sitting still), they were inside a tunnel, but had to be walked off and down the ride. GO and I watched a quick parade while we were waiting.

The boys made it to us before the main part of the parade started.

Fantasyland was our destination in between the drizzles, for Peter Pan's Flight. On our way around, we were able to meet Tigger and Eyeore! GO was SO excited, until she got up close.

Both CW and B10 really wanted to do Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear again, so back to Tomorrowland, where CW lucked out and met Buzz! (That's his favorite Disney guy!)

Then we rode the People Mover, VERY COOL - it takes you inside all the other rides. B10 thought it was AWESOME to see the things he didn't even know were there. Plus, you can get some very pretty pictures.

Finally, dinner - my most favorite part of this entire trip (very likely). Liberty Tree Tavern Character Dining.

GO was already asleep, and B10 was being very sweet with her.

We met Chip and Dale, Pluto and my favorite MINNIE MOUSE!

I just LOVE her Revolutionary War Costume. One of my favorite pictures of me and Boo is when the two of us met Minnie Mouse here.

Back at the cabin, GO put on her new t-shirt and, again, decided NOT to sleep!

Tomorrow, Animal Kingdom!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

~ Lone Butterfly ~

I Strongly Dislike Blogspot

Christmas Card Photos

Car Show at Church

Buggy B10 and his Sidekick Little Bug

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore

Buggy B10

First Day of Preschool

Tee Hee Hee...

Sonic Supports Cub Scouts AND Theatre!

Big Girl Bed?

Feeding the Ducks & Geese

Big Girl's Big Bed!

Sweet Treats

Day 8

Day 7

Ohio - Day 6 (Part I)

Ohio - Day 6 (Part II)

Ohio - Day 6 (Part III)

Ohio - Day 5

Ohio - Day 4

Ohio - Day 3

Ohio - Day 2

Ohio - Day 1

Hanging with the Family

Tutu Party - Pride & Prejudice

July 4th - Independence Day

Quick Cousin Meeting

Where Have I Been?

Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan

Ping-Pong Ball

Baby Bunny

Walking?

Memorial Day

Cub Scout Science Fair

Jane Austen (Christian Encounters Series)

Luna Moth

Cub Scout Breakfast

Smash Cake Extravaganza

The Birthday Party!

Spring Break Fun - Day 2

Spring Break Fun - Day 1

Our Yard Renovation

~*~Happy Easter~*~

Planting Flowers

Scallops?

Ladybug, Ladybug, How Do You Do?

Chronological Guide to the Bible

YAY for Snellville!

Hospital Pictures

More Questions

B10's Frog

Snow Day!

Eggs Over Easy

GO's Doctor's Appt - 1 Year

Walt Disney World Vacation - Auntie Mimi Photos

Walt Disney World Vacation - Day 10

Walt Disney World Vacation - Day 9

Walt Disney World Vacation - Tour of Cabin

Walt Disney World Vacation - Day 8

Walt Disney World Vacation - GO's Special Surprise

Walt Disney World Vacation - Day 7

Walt Disney World Vacation - Day 6

Walt Disney World Vacation - Day 5 - The Big Surprise!

Walt Disney World Vacation - Day 5

Walt Disney World Vacation - Day 4

~~Happy Easter~~