A Scarf for Lady Gaga

I have been telling my daughters (and anyone who likes Lady Gaga) that I wanted to send her (Lady Gaga) a scarf. I hear that Lady Gaga LOVES her fans, and I am sure she would appreciate a hand dyed Tina's Tie Dye scarf. My friend Katherine (who loves her scarf) agrees with me that everyone needs one!

My daughter Katie and her friend Aubrey are working on finding out how I send Lady Gaga my gift. I'll keep you posted to how it goes. If by chance you know Lady Gaga personally, let me know how to reach her. You can email me at TieDyeForTheCure at gmail dot com.

While I am on the subject of Lady Gaga, I wanted to mention my friend Jeremy. He's on a Lady Gaga mission too. His mission is to get folks to send him socks and he'll wear them and blog about them. What he really wants, though, it to have Lady Gaga send him a pair. I posted about his blog just blow this entry, so check him out!

Have a very happy New Year!

Just a Pair of Socks: The Mission!

Just a Pair of Socks: The Mission!: We're coming up on 2012 and I've been struggling and struggling to come up with a solid New Years Resolution. I've wanted to resolve to do s...

Nana is a cutie!

My mom had a stroke in August and spent 5 weeks in intensive rehab at Kaiser Hospital in Vallejo, California. When I got to California on August 29, she could not move anything on her right side. After her stay in Vallejo she was able to move around in a wheelchair. Now she is able to walk with a cane.

Good job Nana!

Keep yourself healthy in 2012! Make sure to check your blood pressure and exercise on a regular basis. If you need medication, take it as perscribed. Drink plenty of water. Limit your alcohol consumption. Quit smoking. Get lots of hugs.

That's my soapbox for today.

Tina

It's His Birthday!

Tomorrow is my nephew Elijah's birthday. Last summer I got to spend a few days with him and we had a lot of fun. In the photo below he is holding a "5" while sitting with my Mom (Nana). I am not sure why he is holding a 5, and I can't remember where the photo was taken. I do remember that the 10 days we spent in California were awesome!

Bingo?

Happy Birthday, Elijah!  Best wishes for a special day and a wonderful year!!

Love you lots,
Auntie Tina

I am a lucky Mom!

I am a lucky mother!! I have 4 wonderful children. They are kind, smart, fun, funny, helpful, hard-working . . . you get the idea.

L-R: Daniel, Abigail, Melissa, Katie

 Katie and Melissa are in college, so their time home is infrequent. I treasure their visits. Most of the year I just get to hang out with Abbie and Daniel. They make me laugh. Usually they ignore one another, but on photo day they hammed it up.

For some strange reason this photo will only upload sideways.  No children were harmed in the taking of this photo.

I am reminded on a daily basis how fast life seems to fly by. No longer do I spend my days changing diapers, nursing babies, or reading the same book over and over and over. Now I answer half of my children's questions via text message, Facebook, and email (a thing I never dreamed of as possible when I was pregnant with Katie). I don't spend my day wondering when I will get a free moment to myself or if I can go to the bathroom alone.

Thank you Katie, Melissa, Abigail, and Daniel for making me the person I am today.

De-Cluttering? Who, me?

I need to learn how to de-clutter successfully.  I know how to de-clutter; I need to learn how to be successful at it!

The Youthful Homemaker has an online class called Driven to De-Clutter. I am going to do it!

Join me in this venture  by clicking on the link below.  I'll keep you posted on how I am doing. Let me know how it is going for you!

If you enter the code DECLUTTER when you sign up, you will get a $10 discount!

Here is the course description from their website:
Being a modern woman isn’t easy. We are expected to work, take care of the family, get food on the table, stay within a limited budget, keep the house clean,  and handle anything else that comes our way. With all of life’s demands on our schedule, it might seem like our lives are not our own. If you feel overwhelmed with the amount of things you have to do each day, the amount of stuff you have, then this class is for you!
In this online class from Youthful Homemaker, you will learn how to:

• Get your entire family to help around the house
• Get your home de-cluttered in a single day
• Teaching your children to have good routines
• Setup a daily routine that leaves you room to take care of your priorities 
• Instill habits in your kids that will keep them more organized
• Make routines that make housecleaning easier and faster
• Get rid of activities that eat away at your time

One of the best parts of this class is that it is self-paced. If a step takes you longer to complete, no worries! This class is all about you. We also understand everyone is different, so we created a place where you can submit your questions. We know that every situation is different, and we want to do the must we can to help you stay Driven to De-Clutter your life.

When you register for Driven to De-Clutter you will not only have a lifetime membership, but you will get these additional free downloads:

• Freezer Cooking 101 ebook
• Processing Pumpkins ebook
• A complete Home Management binder you can personalize for your needs!
• Forms to keep your family’s important information organized and all in one place

You won’t want to miss this great opportunity to get personal coaching and a step-by-step guide to having a de-cluttered life.

Fun with Tie Dye

I have the best job in the world!  I am not just saying that because I am a mom. I say that because I get paid to make people smile!

 I make clothes that make people smile. Usually they make me smile too.

This custom dyed suit was for a customer in Australia.

I hope your job makes you smile!

To Dance Once More

To Dance Once More by Sherri Wilson Johnson is the story of Lydia Barrington. Set in the 1880's south, this sweet story reminds me of a cross between a Jeanette Oke, Martha Finley, and Grace Livingston Hill novel.

Lydia is the youngest child in her family and longs for adventure but she almost lets love pass her by. Just like girls of the 2000's, she chafes at restrictions placed on her by her parents. Throughout it all though, she looks to her Lord to uphold her.

I enjoyed this book. It held my attention for several days; one of which I read late into the night. I loved the Elsie Dinsmore series and all of the heroines in Jeanette Oke's novels. Now I can add Lydia to my list of uplifting characters. I really liked that her character had spunk and struggled with the notion that she had to comform.

If you like Grace Livingston Hill, Jeanette Oke, Martha Finley, or other writers of Christian romance; check out Sherri Johnson.

Tie Dye Classes!

It is tie dye class time! I have THREE December dates in the works. Class size is limited, so sign up soon!

Email me for more information * TieDyeForTheCure@gmail.com

12 Homeschool Freebies with every Order!

12 Homeschool Freebies with every Order!

Click on this link to see a full color flier

Order from From Fourth Day Press!

MOONFINDER

Join little David as he learns about the phases of the moon with his dad!

Each page includes a full-color illustration depicting the moon in the sky, and "celestial" views showing the moon in orbit around the earth!

With Moonfinder, every member of the family can learn how to follow the moon's phases!

MOONFINDER – Regularly $15, Now Only $12! (20% Off List Price!)

All orders will receive 12 additional digital freebies from our Christian homeschool publisher friends, altogether valued at $84, along with a Classical Astronomy ebook! Randomly selected customers will receive door prizes worth up to $100!

Orders of two copies of Moonfinder will additionally receive FREE Eclipse Shades solar viewers!!!

OR, purchase Signs & Seasons, both the Text and the Field Journal, and Receive Moonfinder for FREE!


Moonfinder makes a great gift for your young child, grandchild, niece or nephew, and all the young children in your life!

What are Our Friends Saying About Moonfinder?

The repetition and rhythm of the phrasing make it appealing to young listeners. The full-color paintings ensure each page will be lingered over and relished. It is a heart-warming tale of a father teaching his son about creation. Moonfinder immediately became my three-year-old’s favorite book. – Lea Ann Garfias of “Whatever State I Am”

The lovely paintings… are pleasant and peaceful and full of joy. I especially love the facial expressions – so delightful! They are just right for reading to young children. Beautiful paintings, science, family life, and nature study all combine to make a volume both boys and girls will love. This is one you need on your shelves! Highly recommended. – Melanie Young of “Raising Real Men”

Moonfinder is not only informative, it is a delight! As an added bonus, the illustrations in this book are nothing but amazing! I can't speak highly enough about this book! – Candy Foote of “Strategic Shopping”

Join Laurie Bluedorn of Trivium Pursuit for a storytime reading of Moonfinder!

CHRISTMAS SALE!
This Offer From Sunday, November 6 through Saturday, November 12!

Order Now, and be a Moonfinder too!

Wonderful CHRISTmas Ideas!

My friend Charlie sent me an email about great Christmas gifts. It was SOOO good, that I am posting it here:
Just use a little thought when it comes to the Holidays...

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high
gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --
merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This
year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine
concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift
giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes
there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in
a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates
from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some
health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned
detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a
book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down
the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift
receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or
driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift
certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about
a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this
isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town
Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or
motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a
local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is
struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin
their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery
and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave
your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at
your hometown theater.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese
lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about
fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to
burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that
China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about
US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow
their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our
communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Not your usual blog

This is my first blog post about a toilet. It is probably the only blog post I will ever do about toilets either.

Last week I bought a toilet to replace the toilet in our main bathroom. The old toilet did not flush very well and for the past year we have had to warn guests that it did not flush very well. I hated doing that! What was worse was that some guests did not get the message and used it and then could not get it to flush. UGH!!!

Now I have a nice new one piece power flush toilet.

Life is good!

Dr. Tim: Reviews for the Cure

If you have followed my blog for long, you know I am fundraising for my September 2011 Komen 3-Day in Washington, DC. Fundraising is hard work. I have reached my minimum goal but my daughter Abbie and my friend DJ have not.

My husband, Dr. Tim, recently published his second textbook. It is called Psychology: A Christian Perspective and is a 1 credit high school course to prepare students (and their parents) for college Psychology 101.

If you are a blogger, check out his offer - it is a good one!


Dr. Tim: Reviews for the Cure: "In my last post I offered Psychology: A Christian Perspective to 100 people who would write a review and share it with their social netwo..."

Psychology?

I am a fortunate woman. I am married to a great guy and we have 4 wonderful children. I have a loving family and super duper awesome friends. Life can't get much better!

A few years back Tim wrote Homeschool Psych because we could not find a high school psychology textbook from a Christian perspective. It was so popular that he wrote another textbook - Psychology: High School Edition.

If you have a child in 11th or 12th grade, they NEED to read this book. Even if your child is not going to college, they need to be aware of the worldview in the psychology courses their friends are taking.

Don't wait - check it out today!

Tina

I abhor ticks!

Years ago when Daniel was about 4 he would say every Tuesday (that is our homeschool co-op day), "I HATE CO-OP!" Being the good mother that I am I told him that hate was not a nice word. Being a homeschool mamma, I taught him alternatives.

Then Tuesday's sounded like this, "I loathe co-op. I really abhor it." A few weeks into our dislike of the word HATE, his co-op preschool teacher told me that Daniel had explained to her (and every child in his class {there were about 20}) that there were better choices for the word hate. Then he went on to list a few that he liked. His list included loath, despise, abhor, dislike, detest, and recoil at.

This brings me to what I am abhorring, and that is ticks!!

I detest ticks. I loath ticks. I despise ticks. I recoil at the thought of a tick on me. Ticks make me mad; they make me cry. I really dislike them!

Today I found a tick on me. It was not just crawling up my leg (no, I was not wearing light colored pants tucked into my socks.) The tick was attached to my abdomen and was having an A negative meal. UGH!

At first I was shocked (oh, how could this happen) and then I was mad. The winning emotion was terror and after a few minutes of crying and screaming (I have to confess I am a wimp when it comes to bugs) Tim was able to remove the tick. I can still see the spot where it was embedded though.

So, what did I learn from today's experience? I am a constant source of amusement for my family and I will never ever make it as an outdoors man. This leads me to wonder; if I am not a country girl (country girls shrug off tick bites) nor am I a city girl (no stilettos and clubbing for me)what kind of girl am I?

I'll leave you to ponder that question - as you may wonder the same thing.

If you are a nervous type or afraid of bugs, scroll down no further. I have posted a photo of different types and sizes of ticks!



I have found that in everything there can be humor and that to educate myself is one way to remove the fear. So, I'll look at the tick drawings.

Art and other such things

If you have ever visited my house you know I like art. When the opportunity came up for me to take and oil pastel class I jumped on and and signed up. My teacher inspired me and challenged me to REALLY look at things. Just like piano, art can be hard. This week our class project was an abstract minimalistic piece. I really did not like what I did in class (photo below)

but my teacher, Ande, encouraged me to push through the awkward phase and make it something I did like. Now, I know I won't like everything I do, but I did not want to hate this piece so I worked on it for about an hour today. Here is the resulting piece:

I don't love it, but I don't hate it either!

One thing I do like is my leaf. The close up looks really cool!

After working on my abstract minimalist piece I went for a walk to explore my yard and was amazed by all the beauty that surrounds me every day.

Enjoy the day!
Tina

Exploring Color and Science with Tie Dye

I love to teach people to tie dye. I wish I could teach everyone I meet. But, alas, I cannot. So I figured the next best thing was to write a book to teach about the color and science behind tie dye.

I spend about 5 weeks researching and writing (I needed to make sure what I have been teaching for years was correct) before I got to the point where I needed a cover. That was the hard part (or so I thought.) Once I found the perfect image I had to design the cover.

The hard part for me was getting the text the way I envisioned it in my mind onto my cover. It actually took me about 12 hours and I never got it right. I was sooooo frustrated!

My daughter Melissa got home on Friday and today I asked her to help me. In less than one minute (YES 1 minute) she had it done. I knew she could do it and do it well. Now I know how to do it too!

YEAH Melissa and YEAH me!!!

So, tell your friends about my book. They can have fun and keep mentally active this summer.

Fun with Tie Dye

Last month I decided to write a book. Actually, I have been thinking about it for a while. It is more like a unit study than a book. This past weekend at the Georgia Home Education Association conference I sold 5 copies of my book - YEAH!

So, what is my book about? It is called Exploring Color and Science with Tie Dye: Fun with Tie Dye. In it I teach a basic color theory lesson, go over the types of fabric to use, and explain the science behind tie dye.

On another note, I dyed a linen suit for a member of the band Doc Holliday. It fit Tim, so he is modeling it for me. Doc Holliday is getting ready to do a tour in Europe - so I can now say I am a dyer to the stars and known internationally :)

My baby girl turned 15 today!

Today my baby girl turned 15. No longer a child yet not an adult. She is excited about getting her learner's permit and working towards getting her driver's license. I survived teaching her two sisters to drive so I feel confident I can do this!

Here she is with her best friend! Happy birthday sweet girl, I love you!!!!

FUNderwear Fundraiser Details

It is FUNderwear time! Life is too short to wear white, so I have a deal for you.

It’s a panty party – or rather a funderwear fundraiser. Don’t worry, you won’t have to walk around and show off you undies – this is a G rated fund raiser.

You can have fun with some undercover tie dye and help me reach my Susan G. Koman 3-Day for the cure fund raising goal. (Check out my donations page by clicking the link (or open a new window and paste this link: www.the3day.org/site/TR/2011/WashingtonDCEvent2011?px=5395949&pg=personal&fr_id=1623 ) My husband tells me that meetings are just more fun when you are wearing a pair of Tina’s Tie Dye undies.

So here is the deal:
(1) Send me NEW underwear that is 100% cotton and white (it is okay if there is a small amount of spandex in your underwear).
(2) Use a sharpie (permanent) marker and print your full name on the back waistband (yes, just like summer camp). Make sure the name on your panties is the same name as on your order form. PLEASE double check that I can read your name. Your panties will be washed several times and dyed – so if I can’t read your name you may not get your underwear back.
(3) If you are ordering more than one pair of panties make sure to note the different names and sizes on your order form – your son or daughter (or husband) does not want to walk around with your name on their underwear!

After you have labeled your NEW underwear (yes, I can tell if they are not new) send them to me at:
Tina Rice
90 Goss Street
Epworth, GA 30541

Make your checks payable to Tina Rice. The price includes return shipping. I can only ship to USA, APO, and FPO addresses.

Some things you need to know:
You do NOT have a choice of what colors I will use when I dye. I won’t dye boys or men’s underwear pink. If you send me multiple pairs I will TRY to do different colors – but no promises. I will not dye used underwear (that is just gross). If you send used underwear I will not dye them or return them AND you will not get a refund. I must receive all underwear by June 1, 2011.

I will email you when your package arrives and when it ships out. I do not promise to finish any order by XXX date – I will dye on a first come first serve basis. More panties for the fund raiser = more time at my house. If you are in a rush put a note on your order form and I will try to get them done speedily.

Now for the cost!
Toddler girls, Girls and Ladies bikini, thong, and hipsters
(up to a ladies size 7/large) $10
Ladies panties size 8 and up $12
Toddler boys and Boys briefs $10
Boys boxers and boxer briefs $12
Men’s briefs, bikinis, and thongs $12
Men’s Boxers and boxer briefs $14
The price INCLUDES return shipping.
Leave a comment if you want information on cloth diapers and cloth training pants.

Click on this link to print out the order form and instructions.

Why I will be a 3-Day Crew Member

This October, I'll be participating in a very special and powerful event in the fight against breast cancer. It's called the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure and I'd like to tell you about it.

It's a 60-mile walk over three days to raise money for breast cancer. Net proceeds from the 3-Day for the Cure fund innovative global breast cancer research and local community programs supporting education, screening and treatment. Virtually every major advance in the fight against breast cancer in the last 28 years has been impacted by a Komen for the Cure grant.

For the past 3 years I have been working with my friend, DJ, to raise money for her 3-Day walk. I created the Pink Heart shirt and donate $5 from the sale of each shirt to her efforts. This year I have decided to ramp up my support and GO and server the walkers with my time. I'll serve as a crew member on the Breast Friends Forever team, giving my all in service to the walkers for three days.

I've decided to raise $2,300 in donations. But I need your help. I will be holding a Funderwear Fundraiser that begins on April 1st and will go through June 1st. If you don’t want to participate in this, would you please consider making a tax-deductible donation of $100 to help me meet my goal? Follow the links below to visit my personal fundraising webpage and make a donation. Or call 800-996-3DAY to donate over the phone.

I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with me - by supporting my fundraising efforts. Thank you in advance for your generosity! Check back on April 1st for the complete Funderwear details!

Ask your employer if they will double your donation through a matching gift program!

Click here to visit my personal page.

Click here to view the team page for Breast Friends Forever

Breast Cancer Facts:

Approximately 1.4 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer globally each year.

Approximately 456,000 people worldwide die from the disease each year.

Somewhere in the world, a woman dies from breast cancer every 69 seconds.

In the past 25 years, incidence rates have risen approximately 30 percent in westernized countries.

Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure® Facts:

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure is a 60-mile walk for women and men who want to make a personal difference in the fight to end breast cancer. Participants commit to raise at least $2,300 and spend several months training to prepare for the event. They devote the entire three-day weekend to the cause. As a crew member I will devote an additional day – so 4 days total.

Since its inception in 2003, the Komen 3-Day for the Cure has raised nearly $600 million.

3-Day for the Cure net proceeds help pay for vital global breast cancer research and local community programs supporting education, screening and treatment. Susan G. Komen for the Cure® paid for more than 600,000 breast screenings in 2009--part of a more than $1.5 billion commitment to research, advocacy and community programs since Komen was founded in 1982.

3-Day for the Cure participants walk an average of 20 miles a day during the event. Participants are provided meals, snacks, drinks, shower facilities, tents, safety guidelines and 24-hour medical support--all resources needed for a safe and memorable experience. A crew of volunteers spends the entire weekend with walkers and staff to make the event possible.

The 2011 3-Day for the Cure Series includes 14 events in:
Boston (July 22-24)
San Francisco Bay (Sept. 9-11)
Tampa Bay (Oct. 28-30)
Cleveland (July 29-31)
Seattle (Sept. 16-18)
Dallas/Fort Worth (Nov. 4-6)
Chicago (Aug. 5-7)
Washington, D.C. (Sept. 23-25) – THIS IS WHERE I WILL BE SERVING
Arizona (Nov. 11-13)
Michigan (Aug. 12-14)
Philadelphia (Oct. 14-16)
San Diego (Nov. 18-20)
Twin Cities (Aug. 19-21)
Atlanta (Oct. 21-23)

Wear Pink and fight for a Cure!

Congratulations Jena!

Funderwear

I am getting ready to do a fundraiser for my Susan Koman 3-Day walk. This is just a teaser to get you ready for it! I'll post complete information on it next week!

The Facebook photo contest ends on Friday, March 18, at 5pm. Winner will be announced by Monday, March 21.

I LOVE Music!

I LOVE MUSIC! I like many different genres and can find something I like in most (yes even Rap and Opera.) My mother took me to numerous concerts while I was growing up - from Neil Diamond to Gordon Lightfoot and REO Speedwagon to Bruce Springsteen. I loved (and still do) the concert scene. So it is only natural that I should want to play a musical instrument.

The instrument I have always wanted to learn to play is the piano, so in January I had my first piano lesson EVER. My piano teacher told me that I am her oldest student but not to let that bother me. It doesn't. I like being her oldest student. My children all took piano lessons and I learned a little from helping them - but not enough to do me any real good in learning to play. Basically I learned just enough to be somewhat helpful and probably forced me desire to learn to play the piano on making my children practice and practice and practice (sorry kids.)

So far I have learned to play simple songs in C position. Today I met the G hand position and next lesson I will be introduced to sharps. Those black keys scare me - so does the # symbol. I promised I would not whine, so I won't. BUT I do have to admit piano is harder than I thought it would be. Knowing what little I know has made me more aware of the talent it takes to play a piano/keyboard in a band. I don't think I am ready to join a band yet nor will I be ready for a while.

Now when I listen to my favorite songs, I am noticing the piano/keyboard. When Written in Stone lead worship at our church last week I watched the keyboardist and thought to myself I am a long way from his skill level.

Don't look for me on iTunes anytime soon! I'd love to know what you are listening to right now. I have two songs that have really been speaking to me lately - Fade Away by Written in Stone and How he Loves by Jesus Culture. You should check them out!

If you have not entered the Pink Heart shirt caption contest - do it soon. You could win a Pink Heart shirt for yourself (or a friend).

I will be announcing my spring fundraiser for my Koman 3-Day. It will involve white underwear an the US postal service.

Birthdays, Contests, and Things

My birthday was on Saturday and I had a wonderful day! My children let me sleep in and my husband served me tea in bed. He was so sweet and decorated the tray with roses. Abbie and Daniel made me cupcakes. My favorite was the giant cupcake with 20+ candles. They tried to decorate the top of the cupcakes to look like a frog (I love frogs) but the cream cheese frosting was a bit too thin and it looked like a green drizzle. I loved it!

I also got to spend the afternoon at Starbucks. I read a book and sipped a caramel macchiotto. After I got home Tim cooked us steak fried rice. Then came the best part - contra dancing at the John C. Campbell Folk School. If you have never been contra dancing you are missing out. I can't wait until the next dance!!!

Did you know that I am having another caption contest? Yup, I am. Check it out HERE on Facebook. You could win a Pink Heart shirt.

I am also working on a fun fundraiser for my Susan Koman 3-Day walk in September. It will involve underwear and I'll post more details soon. Congratulations to Justin and Aubrey for winning my last contest - they each get a pair of socks!

Life is way to short to wear white (Thanks Aubrey) so remember to check back for details of my next contest!

Until then, enjoy your colorful life!

It is almost my birthday. . .

. . . and I will be 40 something!

This is NOT the oldest photo of me - just the oldest I can find today. It was taken when I was 3.

Happy Birthday to everyone born in March!

Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Cookies

My son used to be a Cub Scout. This week I graduated from Cub Scouts. I used to be a Cub Scout Pack Committee Member. I used to be the Cub Scout Popcorn Kernel. Now I am the mom of a Boy Scout!

Daniel and Joshua were excited - and a little nervous. I have several photos of the boys and they all look ready to throw up or faint (maybe both?)! The crossover ceremony was great - a big thank you to Greg Arp for his work.

So now that I have a Boy Scout and have graduated, what will I do with all of my free time? As I understand it, Boy Scouts won't require as much of my time. I could put the 2+ hours a week I am getting back to good use and sleep more but most likely I will find numerous activities to fill that time slot.

On another note, I made oatmeal cookies tonight. Instead of butter I used coconut oil. The cookies were TERRIFIC! I used the Quaker Oatmeal cookie recipe and just substituted the butter. Everything else was just as the recipe called for. I highly recommend this substitution for cookies - YUM!

I am working on some lightweight signature swirl shirts tonight - look for photos on Tina's Tie Dye on Facebook. While you are there you can enter the caption contest - it closes on February 28.

Contest Winner

My friend Sharon over at Keen Inspirations sponsored a contest where the winner got a Tina's Tie Dye bag. Imagine my surprise when I learned the winner's name was also Tina! I was even MORE surprised when the other Tina turned out to be a mom at the homeschool co-op I attend.

Here we are! Congratulations Tina and thank you Sharon.

He will ALWAYS be my baby

I tried to explain to my son Daniel that he will always be my baby. He will be 11 tomorrow and he does not get it. It seems like such a simple concept to me - maybe when I was 11 I didn't get it either.

Daniel has a maternal cousin born or the same day. His cousin is also named Daniel. I wish I could say that Daniel was a long time family name and that my brother and I wanted to keep the name going but that would be a lie. I don't think we actually ever talked about baby names. Heck, I was holding out for the name Jackson. Jackson was a masculine name. It was a western name. It was the PERFECT name (in my opinion.) But my husband didn't agree so we named our son Daniel.

I will never forget calling my brother to tell him that my water had broken. My sister-in-law was past her due date and I remember him telling me that she may cry. I called early the next morning to tell him that Daniel had been born. He said, "WHAT!" I replied that we had named the baby Daniel. My brother said that Daniel was the name THEY had picked out if they had a son. I think I said good thing we live 3000 miles apart. Imagine my surprise when I got a call a little later with the news that my sister-in-law was in labor. Now imagine my surprise when I got a call saying that Daniel had been born. Now we call them the double Daniels. I think that they like that!

In our family we don't have big parties for most birthdays. Turning 11 gets you cake and ice cream and a friend overnight. Happy Birthday Daniel - Enjoy your time with Joshua!

CONTEST - Tell your friends

The poster says it all!

Go to Tina's Tie Dye on Facebook to enter. You can click the "Like" button on the sidebar on the left.

Sweetheart Festival 2011

I spent last weekend in Young Harris at the Sweetheart Festival. It was my first show of 2011 and my first indoor show. I can say up front that outdoor shows are easier to set up.

When I arrived at 7 am Saturday morning we found out that Say Yes to the Dress was filming a wedding at the resort where the show was being held. Therefore vendors had to be moved around. I was fortunate I was a luck one who got to stay. My new spot was not nearly as good as I would have liked - but all in all it was a good weekend.

We were able to drive partway up the golf path to unload the van. Thanks to my new hand truck unloading was a piece of cake!

Setting up was more difficult since I was not in a square 10x10 foot spot but had to set up in a hallway. In addition to the festival, there was an art show going on in the resort. My corner had the nicest painting! For a while there were boxes everywhere.

After we unloaded we began by setting up my brand new rack. What a blessing the rack was. I want 3 more!

Finally we got most of our tubs emptied and organized. We had to be creative. Tim fashioned a small table for socks from 4 empty tubs and a tablecloth - great thinking! Space did not allow me to display our Upcycle - maybe next show.

Looking from my hanging rack into the rest of the exhibit area was difficult since the hall was C shaped. I was on the bottom end of the C and the stairs were on the top of the C.

On my floor there was a potter, a jeweler, two candle makers (bad idea to put two vendors with the same product next to each other), a lady who sold shirt savers (adult bibs), a couple who did wood burning and basketry, and me. The main floor of the resort had about 35 other vendors.

My corner was COLD. Not chilly - but cold. I have been warmer in November at outdoor shows with snow on the ground. I figured an indoor show would be warm so I skipped wearing long johns, ski socks, and under armor. I never took off my jacket or scarf on Saturday. I dressed for outdoor temps on Sunday and was able to forgo a jacket until late in the afternoon.

I am looking forward to more shows in 2011. Next time I'll dress for cold and bring clothing to change into if it warms up! One thing I love about art festivals and craft shows is that people are HAPPY to be there. Helping someone to pick out the "perfect" shirt is fun. This is why I love to tie dye - tie dye makes people smile.

Birthdays and Prime Numbers

This year my baby is turning 11. Eleven is a prime number. It also looks nice when written and I have always loved numbers that are double (11, 22, 33, 44, . . .) So I am excited I will have an 11 year old - but kind of sad that my baby will be 11. He is almost as tall as me and I can no longer pick him up.

When I got to thinking about birthdays, I realized that I will be a prime number on my birthday - how cool is that! But the fun does not stop with me. I will have a 19 year old this spring. Pretty darn amazing if you ask me. Since ladies aren't supposed to tell their age, I found a photograph of two road signs that show how old I'll be.

All of this mathematical thinking made me think of math lessons. I am glad it is the weekend!

Just a reminder - I am doing a giveaway over at my friend Sharon's blog - check it out by clicking HERE! Good luck!

Giveaway at Keen Inspirations

My Friend Sharon, over at Keen Inspirations, is hosting a Tina's Tie Dye giveaway on her blog. Check it out!

Dance

Tonight I went to a ballet class with Abigail. It was mother-daughter dance night. Only one other mother came. I felt a little bad for the 12 girls without parents. Abigail and Morgan may have felt bad that their Mothers showed up.

In 1974 I took ballet. Before that I took tap dancing lessons. I was not good at either - but I liked to dance. Sometime after I started middle school I lost interest in ballet and quit, but picked it up again my freshman year in high school. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to try something and learn it was not for me.

Which brings me to my point. Daughters 1 and 2 wanted to dance but I said no. I had good reasons (I thought) - not enough time, not enough money, not a place to dance. I am glad I stopped listening to the NOTs and listened to the heart of my daughter who wanted to learn ballet.

Maybe one day Abigail will be a famous dancer (like the photo above) - you never know. What I do know is that in 30 years I won't miss the money I spent on lessons and my daughter will have fond memories of getting to try something she REALLY wanted to learn. Synergy at its best!

Homeschooling and Spelling (or why I love DSP)

I am a 17 year veteran of homeschooling my 4 children. I have a 5th grader, so I have 7 more to go. Over the years I have tried dozens (yes, really dozens) of spelling programs. Some I have liked, some I have not. 4 years ago I met the author of Daily Spelling Practice at our homeschool co-op. We were paired up to teach the journalism class. I was relieved that someone who actually knew what she was doing was going to be my helper - she was relieved that she did not have to work in the nursery. It was a perfect fit!

I was so excited to learn about Daily Spelling Practice (DSP at our house) and to try it out on Abbie, because she was very unhappy with the curriculum that I was using (and that her older sisters had liked.) You can read about the program by clicking HERE.

I love that DSP has a workbook. I am generally not a workbook lover, but I like that the daily exercises are all contained in ONE place. Just the workbook and a folder takes care of spelling now.

I wish I could say that overnight my daughter became a wonderful speller. What I did notice was that with DSP she did not regurgitate words back on a test, but was learning the whys of spelling and applying those rules to her daily work. We are now on level 4. I can say that I have seen great improvement. My children like that they can be DONE with spelling in under 10 minutes a day. I love that I can be done with spelling in under 10 minutes a day. No more word lists, no more word puzzles, and no more whining (well maybe just a little whining.)

Thanks DGP for publishing an affordable, easy to use, and efficient spelling program. I <3 DGP! Tomorrow I am going to be featured on my friend Sharon's blog - Keen Inspirations - for a giveaway. Check out her site by clicking on the link.

Today I found out that I had WON a contest with my purse cleaning blog post. Anna over at Ask Anna had a giveaway and included a bonus challenge for an extra entry. THANK YOU!!!

We are in a fight. . .

Not you and I dear reader but Walmart and I. I don't like the word, but I am going to say it - I HATE that store!

Whew, I feel better!

When my daughter Melissa was younger and got mad she would say, "We are in a fight!!" When I heard that I knew it was serious and I had better not laugh or do any of those things that mothers do and later wish they had not done. The term, "We are in a fight" has come to mean (in our house that is) - I don't like this or I am mad about. . .

So, to my least favorite store ever - we are in a fight! I know that store can save me money. I know that store has it "all" and can be a time saver - BUT by the time I am done shopping there I am mad. I rarely ever find all the items I came to buy. Usually there are not enough checkers. Heaven forbid I need to return or exchange an item (even if I have a receipt) because I will spend 30+ minutes in line to speak to a harried clerk who usually has to call a CSM for authorization.

If I ran that store things would be different!! Let's hope that never happens because I'd probably close most of them. Thank goodness for Dollar General so I can avoid Walmart most of the time! If the day ever comes where I run Walmart, my dog Zeus will be the Executive VP - he is used to being in a fight with me.