Why is this so Funny???

Growing up in the South, I was taught to be a lady.  Say excuse me, thank you, may I please....etc. Hold the door open for others, offer assistance always, and more. And I appreciated learning those manners, as they were instilled at a young age and are all automatic now.  I catch myself doing the same thing with my kids to make sure they remember their manners too.

But my hubby derails that.  No, I don't mean he's a uncouth pig that came from the north (no offense).  He is very polite.  Until it comes to passing gas.

You know...tooting.

I was taught that you go to another room to toot alone, or if someone else accidentally toots, you make no note of it, don't laugh and make someone feel out of place.  That is the polite way to handle it.

But not Matt.  It's a HUGE JOKE to him.  And he has taught my kids that it is the funniest thing on the earth. I know that if all of them are giggling uncontrollably in the other room - don't go in there without a gas mask.  They laugh at noisy ones, long ones, silent but deadly ones..... sigh....so much for my well-mannered children.

And they can recall perfectly the time that mom has tooted (which is NOT that many - I go in the other room, remember?).  They just love to throw me under the bus and tell those stories.  Seriously, the one when I was pregnant is NOT THAT FUNNY!

But what can this mom do?  If I can't beat them, I have to join them.

Last night Bubba was in a singing mood and wanted to skype his "Gwa".  No one was online, and wanting to capture his song, I pulled open a movie and recorded this:



Why do I laugh uncontrollably every time I watch this movie??  Darn you Matt - I used to think tooting was shameful.  I used to cringe when I heard the F word (f*rt- ugh I still hate it!).  And by golly, I never would have thought my son tooting on camera was funny.  But now, I giggle along with them.

Oh dear, what's next?  Everyone eats with their hands???

Teaching These Girls to Love a Mall Too Soon??

Last summer it was hot.  I mean HOT.  While in the hundreds for days on end, no one plays outside.  So to get my girlie out of her "I'm soooooooooo bored funk", we created a mall scavenger for herself and a few of her besties to do one day.

So super easy and they loved every minute of it!

A quick drive to the mall while we talked over a few ground rules:

1. Must be polite, explain what we are doing, and ask permission (if applicable).

2. Can't spend more than $10.00 for the whole game.

3. Some activities were to take a picture with something, some asked a question, some ask you to gather a particular item.

4. We only have an hour!!

 These girlies are ready!

 Off they go! This picture had so much foreshadowing as to many teenage trips to the mall - was I really helping start their obsession with shopping?  Yep!

Just a few pics of some of the fun:

 Get a Massage.

 Take a picture in High Heels.

 Find a Yellow Purse.

 Eat some "Yellow" candy.

 Take your picture in Elvis sunglasses.

An item that cost $.99!

These bargain shoppers all found matching necklaces!!

Here is the complete list the girls had to do.  Feel free to use it if you like - my girlies LOVED it!!

Mall Scavenger hunt:

A hanger

Yellow candy

Take a picture in High heeled shoes

Napkin from the food court

Makeup sample (can not buy it)

How many restaurants are in the food court? ____

Take a picture wearing a Yellow purse

What 2 stores are on either side of Macy’s upstairs? _____________________________

Gumball

Best friends necklace

Hair product sample

Take a picture wearing Gold sunglasses

A card that says Happy Birthday

Name a store in the Mall that starts with the letter “G”:_________________________

Take a picture in a massage chair

Perfume sample (can not buy it)

Find a Dsi game starting with the letter L:_______________________

Salesman’s business card

What is your favorite candle scent?

An item with “Texas” on it

How much does it cost to pierce your ears?_____________________

Take a picture wearing a Dallas Cowboys Jersey

A bag from a store with handles on it

An item that cost $.99

A packet of mustard

It was the perfect activity to do on a hot summer day.  And we were having so much fun, that we ended up staying for over 2 hours.  Sis is asking to do it agin, but this time, maybe we will divide off into teams and really set a time limit.  

Fun times - teaching my girlie how to love the mall a bit to early?  Nah, just having fun with her as long as I can!!

Ferris is Back!

I love me a good 80's flick.  It takes me back to carefree fun days where we could watch a movie and think that is exactly how our life is going to turn out.

really. I did.

I was going to have my first kiss over my birthday cake on the center of the dining room table with "my jake".

didn't happen

I was going to lead the final dance of the talent show cause "nobody puts Becca in the corner."

uh. no.

Did I get sent to a Saturday Detention with a totally hot wrestler name Andrew?  Did I win a dance contest on national television?  Did I start a commotion in a small Florida town??

no. no. and no.

But I did try to rhyme everything I said (thank you Princess Bride) and had a slight obsession with everything time travel related (Back to the Future I, II, & III).

And I had a slight obsession with an adorable white leather fringe jacket, wrestling shoes, and everything else related to Ferris Bueller.

Hands down, my favorite 80's movie.  Could quote every line cold, that's how many times I waned it - thank goodness for VCRs, I probably burned through that tape more than once.

So when I saw this Superbowl commercial today, I went NUTS!!!


"Calm yourself woman."

I can't wait to see it on Sunday!!

And yes, I totally thought all days skipping school were like the one Ferris had - too bad I went to high school in rural Nevada - certainly no museums, Cubs games, or parades to sing in there!

P.S. If you know all the movies I referenced up top, you are my long lost twin!!  Tell me what they are!

Best Use for a Lolipop

A few weeks ago, we had some visitors here in Texas - Our cousins from Virginia came to celebrate Halloween with us!  I really wanted to get a picture of these cuties together, but knew that posing 3 under the age of 3 would be difficult....

Until we gave them a lolipop........

Bubba Likes to Boogie

Anyone out there with a Wii try this game???

It is only the MOST FUN game on the market right now.  At least it is in my families' eyes.  

Sis & I can dance away to fun songs from Elvis to Katy Perry to N-Sync to the Cotton Eye Joe.

That happens to be Sis & Bubba's favorite song...

Bubba Likes to Boogie - Just Dance Wii from Rebecca Darling on Vimeo.

So when given the opportunity to sign up for the House Party Just Dance 2 Wii Party, I jumped on it.  House Party asks for volunteers to host parties featuring products.  They send you product samples and coupons for free/reduced $$ stuff and ask you to host a party to "get the word out".  It is a brilliant form of advertising...who doesn't like hearing about a product from a trusted friend?

In September, we hosted a Star Wars Clone Wars House Party for Bubba & his friends.  We gathered to watch the Season 3 Premiere and he received a fun game for all the boys to play.  Each boy went home with a SWCW goodie bag - instant party.  

So, I was THRILLED to find out last week that I was asked to host the Just Dance 2 Wii House Party.  Sis & I are planning a fun night with friends - we are planning a big Mom versus Girl tournament - the Ultimate Dance Off!  We received the box from House Party yesterday and was very surprised to receive BOTH Just Dance 2 & Just Dance Kids - and I am having a very hard time not opening them up (Sis would be playing it 24/7 and would end up beating all of us!! Oh who am I kidding, I'd be the one up until 2 am playing it!)

If you are looking for a fantastic Christmas present - this is it!  Everyone....even my boys (as seen above) love this game.  Here is is on Amazon.  Game Stop even has a great price. Once again, your welcome.

Happy Dancin'.  Don't blame me when you become addicted to the Cotton Eye Joe!

I'm Not a Stalker.....I'm Not a Stalker

Maybe I've mentioned a time or two how much I love Chris Tomlin? No? Well, I do. And my enabling friend, Christie from Pop Rocks for Breakfast, knows that all too well. She dragged me kicking & screaming to yet another concert with Chris (I like to refer to him on a first name basis....as if we're friends.) Yes. This was my 5th concert in 3 years, but who's counting.

So most people don't know who Chris is. Meet the fantastic Chris Tomlin:

He is a contemporary Christian Artist whom I happen to love. He writes amazing worship songs that I bet YOU have sung once or twice in your church. I have always loved his music and have jumped at every opportunity to see him in concert. His concerts are not your ordinary momma's concerts.....he wants you to be a part of the worship. All his lyrics are written on the screen (but for his greatest fan like me, I knew all of them) so you can worship along with him. And it is an amazing experience.

This past Friday, I had the privilege of seeing Chris again. This time it was at my beloved Church, Bent Tree Bible Fellowship, up in the DFW area. This was a much more intimate setting than any other venue I have seen him in before, and since I knew my way around the church, I felt like maybe...just maybe...I could run into him. Chris, that is.

Christie just laughs at me. She thinks my (ahem) obsession with Chris borders on inappropriateness.....you know, cause he's a Christian artist and I'm married.....blah, blah, blah. I don't worship the man. I think what he does to carry on God's Great Word is simply amazing and I admire him. (yeah, that's a good word). I don't think it is him as much as the amazing worship experience we receive from him that I enjoy so much. Hubby has gone with me twice to see him and I know he agrees.....but still says I'm obsessed. Ok, maybe it's a little"star-struck-itis" that I have. I tend to get all giddy when meeting stars...it's ridiculous, I know. I once was ecstatic to meet Colby from Survivor. But I digress.....

We did get there early and we did get great seat (thank you Lord for general admission). And we did see a few people I knew from church that were working the concert and "tried " to get me backstage. And yes, my accomplice said she would go to meet him with me...... Uh huh...I'm not the only one with a crush......

Chris put on a simply A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. concert. He is all about giving glory to God all night long. He makes it abundantly clear that it is not about him (Chris)......but all about God.
Have you heard his song Indescribable before? You have probably never heard it played this way.....

Christie had a few friends at the concert who had a connection (i was so giddy!!!!) to the band. Are you ready for this?? Christie's friend's sister's husband was roommates in college with Jesse. Who is Jesse?? Chris's bassist. So cool, right?? Guess who got to meet him??

here i am, ONE degree away from Chris.

And you know I wasn't above asking him to help me meet Chris. See? Here's the proof. He was so cool about it....said he's be happy to help me meet him, if he hadn't left yet.

Jesse had lots of friends to catch up with and as time was ticking away, I made my move onstage to the door where everyone was lined up to see Chris. Unfortunately, I was a little too late as some important person told us 'Chris has left the building'. However, who comes walking out the door? Daniel. Chris's lead guitarist. Who was so gracious and nice to talk to. We had a great conversation all about Austin - they all used to lead worship at a church in downtown Austin. They just happened to move to Atlanta the same summer I moved to Austin. Figures.

So, my dear friends, the closest I came to meeting Chris was this:

And this:

I'm standing on the X where he sang from all night.

Now I realize, he is just an ordinary guy- like the rest of us. Probably likes to eat chips and salsa and watch Lost. Probably loves to watch college football (he went to A & M) and drives a big ole' truck. He is nothing special. Just someone God handpicked to share the good news with the world in a very special way. I just want the opportunity to tell him what an amazing job he does. How he touches the church and unchurched with his music. How he is a true fisher of men. And that my friends, is NOT stalking.

Thank You!

Thank you

Thank You

THANK YOU!!

The Texas Darling's won

Second Place in the

YouTube/Kaleidoscope Kid's Toy Store

Video Contest!!

Thanks to all of you for helping us achieve over 649 views!! We appreciate YOU!

Brain Time- Nursery Items

Just a little brain time here this morning. I came across this in our Cranium Daily calendar and though it was appropriate. Can you name the following items that belong in a baby nursery?

1. quadrupedal surface of transformation

2. linearly vacillating position on board of directors

3. nonhuman life forms fed beyond satiety

Once you get these...you realize how easy they really are. Here is a hint for #3- think toys. Answers to come. Who can get them all??

Who Thought of This Stuff? part II

I have more crazy baby inventions that I find either revolutionary or a waste of hard earned $$$ for you today. If you don't know what I am talking about, catch up with the conversation here.

The first is something my friends had for their first baby a few years ago. I thought it was the most ridiculous looking thing I had ever seen! I mean, who wants to sit their baby in a chair when they are only 4 months old? This my friends, is the Bumbo:

The Bumbo, according to it's website, is "the revolutionary infant chair that is uniquely designed according to the baby's posture. The Bumbo enables babies to sit upright all by themselves!!" I received this as a gift and was pretty skeptical. Until I tried it. Man, it is a lifesaver at dinnertime!! Bubba Boy doesn't want to be in his swing while we sit around the table together. At 4 months he is already feeling left out. So we include him like this:

We Love our Bumbo- it's a MUST HAVE!!

A few weeks ago, while at the lake, Bubba Boy had a stuffy nose. Momma likes to keep his nose clean, right Aunt Ginger??? So, not wanting a hard night of him not being able to breathe, I sent Daddy to the store to find me a bulb, I mean a "nasal aspirator", which I prefer to call a nose-sucker. Do you think our local Walgreens had one of these?
No, and so Daddy (being the great hubby he is) decided NOT to come home empty handed and brought home a $20 battery-operated nasal aspirator that looked like this:
Go ahead. Laugh. I did when I first saw it. But you know what? It works wonderfully. Not only that, Bubba Boy doesn't scream bloody murder when I am sucking his snot out with it. For some reason, my little guy HATED the bulb but smiles at this thing, as if it tickles him. And it even plays sweet nursery rhymes while sucking. As if a sweet song will take away your baby's fear of this strangle looking machine heading straight for their nose!! Regardless of how silly it is, we will be using this instead of the bulb around here.

Go out and get one? If you want to. It is nice to be able to get the job done with out Ian squirming everywhere, but not absolutely necessary. And it beats this one:

Lastly, I had to include this little gem I found online. Brace yourself:

Ahhhhh! It scared me too the first time I saw it. It is a specially made cap for baby's naptime. What kid is going to let you stick a cap all the way over their eyes to sleep? Not to mention, it is a little creepy looking......

And have you heard of Babysteals.com? Everyday they sell baby/toddler items for half the price. I got a pair of RoBeez for $12 a few months ago. Right now, their Hooter Hiders are just $15!! It's a great website for new mommies to subscribe to and a great place to get shower gifts.

Well, my prince is calling for me. Gotta run! Have a super Thursday!!

Friend Makin' Monday- Fall TV!!

Friend Makin' Monday is back- actually, it has been back for a few weeks thanks to Miss Amber at aefilkins for hosting! This week, the question is:

What Fall TV shows are you most looking forward to seeing?

I've been known to like my tv time...ok...I love my tv time, but shhh don't tell anyone! Just a few of the "dramadis" I can't wait to have start back up:

Will McDreamy & Meredith EVER tie the knot??

What's gonna happen to Violet?

Will Kitty & Robert make it?

And of course, I love the reality shows. Our favorites in this house include:

My kids love to watch the challenges! Eww Gross! Their eating bugs!!

As a family, this is our favorite show- the kids love watching the different countries and Matt & I only wish we could be contestants!!!

Thanks Amber for a fun FMM!!!

One last thing, if you have a second, would you mind visiting my kid's video at the below link? They are in a contest for a toy store gift certificate and the most views wins! We are a little behind and we could really use your help!

Morganne & Jack's Frog Story

Thanks!!

Help Please!

Well, I'm at it again! The kids and I need your help! We have entered into a contest at a fabulous local toy store, Kaleidoscope Toys. We made a video of our silly frogs that we got from there this summer. And the video with the most views on YouTube wins $100 gift certificate. I know it's not a million dollars, but my kids think it is a fortune!!

Please help us out by going to YouTube and viewing our video (click the link below)! And if you really like our video, would you pass it on to your friends and family to view it too??

Kaleidoscope Toys Frog Story

Hurry!! Contest ends on September 30 and we are about 250 views behind!!!

Thank you!

A Serious Swap!

It was my first attempt at a Bloggy swap and it was such great fun!! Shawn from Seriously! hosted it in honor of her birthday last month and this week we all received our fun packages in the mail! It was fun to receive a box of goodies...but even more fun to send one away! I had more fun shopping for the Birthday Girl. Lucky me, I had Shawn to buy for!!

My box arrived from Della at Della Grace's Life. Della filled my box with all sorts of relaxing things for a busy mom of 3 to do!!

A delicate pink mug with 2 gourmet hot chocolate mixes. YUM!

Birdie notecards to keep in touch with those I love. FUN!

A pretty pillow to rest my weary head on. COMFY!

Hot Pink nail polish to perk myself up with a fun pedicure. LOVE IT!

A gorgeous shell bracelet from Hawaii for Date night. WHAT's THAT?

And lastly, a Virginia postcard for the kid's summer postcard challenge. THANKS!

Della, I loved it all! Thank you so much for the great gifts. And Shawn, what a fun idea! Thanks for hosting!!

Where did my summer go?

I can not believe that summer is over here in Texas. In less than 6 days, my 2 oldest head back to school. It seemed like only yesterday that we were celebrating the last day of school with this:

I started out with so many grand accomplishments for the kids like journal writing each day and quiet reading each afternoon. But something, or rather, someone got in the way..... Ian joined our family at the end of May and we haven't looked back. Who cares if we had a little less sleep this summer??

So what did we do this summer?

We collected a few postcards....update on that coming soon! We are almost there!!!

We attended a few camps in 100 degree heat.....

But we always got to cool down in one way or another!

We attended our very first sleep-away camp!

And jazzed-up some skateboards in Art Camp while Brody was learning to play golf...

The most important thing that happened to us this summer..... Bonding with our newest Darling. He has been the sweetest little guy. Totally a third child. Goes along with the crazy daily life we live around here. He trudged along to all the camps and activities we had planned. Stayed up at the lake house many times this summer (can't wait for him to be old enough to go out on the boat!). And fit into the groove of our busy but totally fun lifestyle!

And now the last week of summer is here. And of course we have big plans to celebrate it! Gattiland, bowling, swimming at the YMCA (waterslides!), the Ringling Bros Circus, Wicked, and movie day all before we head back to school next Tuesday! Whew! Summer is going out with a bang here in Texas!