Lemonade stands are for sissies!

Well, the summer is short, but the days are oh-so-long! The pool has now been "over-used" according to Sam. The beach was already visited for 10 days. Away camp for Sam isn't for another 14 days, same as Fulton's day camp. And Oliver, well, poor Oliver is gettin' the shaft this year because the money tree I planted a while back never sprouted. Maybe next year. {Unless his nice grandparents, who probably won't even read this, want to spring for a baby camp for the Ver.} Actually, IMPO, I think the whole "what camps are your boys doing?" has gotten a smidge out of hand. But that's another post!

Any who... Since school got out a little over a month ago, I've been mustering up all kinds of things for these little fellas to do. So what does every mom suffering from an all-time creative low do? She puts them in charge of their entertainment. All I asked was, "ok guys, what do y'all want to do today?" And the answer is exactly what most boys would say...

"LET'S SET UP A TATTOO PARLOR! You know, like a lemonade stand, but with tattoos!"


{This obsession with tattoos goes way back. Seems like we're forever putting tattoos on! See here here here and here}

So I checked my inventory of tattoos. We were good on Lightning McQueen, Batman, and random skulls. But what ever would we do if a little girl stopped by to make a purchase? Crisis!

They wanted to dress in the most appropriate attire, of course - of which we own none - and that lead to the slashing and cutting of old t-shirts to make muscle shirts. I even allowed them to embellish deface them further with skulls, flames, yin-yang symbols, spiders, yin-yang/spider combos, etc, etc. At which point I became the COOLEST mom on the planet!

We made a trip to the dollar store for a few supplies and spent a whopping $3 on some tattoos with roses, fairies, and swirls, some poster paper for a sign, and we were ready for business! They creatively named their business... TATTOO YOU.

And what business would be complete with out some nice relaxing tunes the local classic rock station balring in the background?

And so you have it. It's what we do here in the Acres for hot fun in the summertime!

We are so thankful for all our customers. They made our vision a reality!

If you missed it, don't fret! TATTOO YOU will be open again real soon.

XO,

Christmas Music...Questionable

As I was puttering around town today, I was enjoying watching the shoppers rushing "home with their treasures". I had my radio tuned into a non-stop holiday station. And in between "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and "Little Drummer Boy" the most depressing songs were played. One Last Christmas and Christmas Shoes. HOLY COW! They truly made me contemplate becoming a self-made homeless person and giving up everything or even worse, just driving into a tree, as I was filled with guilt, sorrow, and hopelessness. I was so distraught after listening to the songs! There is NO WAY they motivate anyone, to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, or prepare our children for a celebration! When I heard these songs I counted my blessings and thanked the Lord, but I don't know how in the world these can be considered Christmas songs.

The Christmas season should be a time of joy, generosity, and preparation for the celebration of Jesus's birthday! RIGHT??? Shouldn't the song lyrics reflect that???

I am a music lover (all kinds)! I am a Christian who just loves being in the true spirit of Christmas and celebrating the greatest gift we've ever been given. I feel the above credentials make me qualified to give this critique. I mean, seriously!!! Don't we want people to be moved in a positive way? Not blubbering down Forest Drive, sad and depressed because you can't change these pitiful situations, and you can't help everyone. If you want sappy Christmas songs, that's fine! I actually like several sappy tunes. But there are plenty that have great seasonal messages. They're beautiful, you can sing along, they send chills down your spine, and you feel uplifted after hearing them. A few of my sappy faves are:

• Here with Us by Joy Williams (Those of you who have been following me over the years know that I post it every year at this time) which tells the story of the birth of our Savior
• Happy Christmas by the amazing John Lenon which promotes peace and love for others
• I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Casting Crowns sending another message of peace and change of heart
• Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant is the a beautiful song telling the story of Mary
• Welcome to Our World by various artists is a simple and sweet song about the anticipation of Jesus's birth and a message of hope

I am so not trying to be a Scrooge. Nor, do I want to devalue the plights of others. I enjoy helping and giving to others. If I can't physically or financially help, I ALWAYS lift those people in prayer. However, on the flipside I try to stay uplifted, hopeful, and festive myself for my own little family. And some of the popular tunes just ain't cuttin' it for me.
Any who...for what it's worth. Merry Christmas and for your listening pleasure I have posted my playlist with my Christmas favorites! Enjoy!!!