The Burton Beehive

Cleaning Your Microsuede Comforter Set

2010-07-03T14:45:00.002-04:00

So you’ve finally moved into the twenty-first century — at least as far as home decorating is concerned. Your feather-filled down comforter or old-fashioned “bed-in-a-bag” has been replaced with a modern, sleek, and sophisticated microsuede comforter set.

These fashionable new additions to bedrooms worldwide provide more than a quick and easy boost to a room’s appeal, however. They are simple to clean and maintain as well. Here’s how to keep your microsuede looking its best:

◦ Once a week, while handling your general household cleaning chores, take an extra minute to smooth out the comforter’s wrinkles and check for any dirt or grime. If there are no noticeable problems, a quick spray of Febreze in the air above the bed should suffice. Do not spray directly on the comforter itself. Every two to three weeks, the comforter should be washed in your home machine, provided that there are no stains.

◦ If you do find any marks or spots; there are several steps you should take before resorting to the washing machine. As with any stain, the quicker it is treated, the easier it will be to remove completely. If treated immediately, a clean rag soaked in hot water can fix almost anything. So don’t procrastinate and give a stain time to set up camp on your home furnishings. Get up and get busy and you will save yourself time in the long run.

◦ Take a small towel and blot any trouble spots, soaking up excess liquid or solid material.

◦ Using a small amount of gentle detergent on a damp washcloth, dab any stains repeatedly. Do not rub or scrub into the material. Firmly pressing straight down and up will remove dirt and stains without spreading them and making the situation even worse.

◦ If the detergent or soap has not proved successful, rubbing alcohol is another alternative that will usually do the trick. Small amounts of nail polish remover can be substituted if you do not have rubbing alcohol available. Be careful not to use it as its name implies, by rubbing. Only pat and press it into the fabric.

◦ Spot-treat any stubborn stains like pen or blood with a specific cleanser formulated for them such as Ink Remover.

◦ Wash your comforter in the washing machine on the delicate cycle with a gentle detergent.

◦ After washing, fully inspect the stained areas BEFORE putting it in the dryer. The heat of the dryer will set any stain that still exists. Permanently.

◦ Only when you have thoroughly checked the former stains and verified that they are removed can you then machine dry your microsuede comforter set.

◦ If all else has failed, take the comforter to your favorite dry cleaners and let them work their magic!

◦ When fully clean, place your microsuede comforter back on your bed and smooth the fibers with your hand so they are all leaning in the same direction. This will leave a perfect finish that would make any decorator proud.

Hmm.. Bush didn't cause this financial meltdown

2008-10-08T08:43:00.002-04:00

The New York Times
By STEVEN A. HOLMES
Published: September 30, 1999
In a move that could help increase home ownership rates among minorities and low-income consumers, the Fannie Mae Corporation is easing the credit requirements on loans that it will purchase from banks and other lenders.
The action, which will begin as a pilot program involving 24 banks in 15 markets -- including the New York metropolitan region -- will encourage those banks to extend home mortgages to individuals whose credit is generally not good enough to qualify for conventional loans. Fannie Mae officials say they hope to make it a nationwide program by next spring.
Fannie Mae, the nation's biggest underwriter of home mortgages, has been under increasing pressure from the Clinton Administration to expand mortgage loans among low and moderate income people and felt pressure from stock holders to maintain its phenomenal growth in profits.
In addition, banks, thrift institutions and mortgage companies have been pressing Fannie Mae to help them make more loans to so-called subprime borrowers. These borrowers whose incomes, credit ratings and savings are not good enough to qualify for conventional loans, can only get loans from finance companies that charge much higher interest rates -- anywhere from three to four percentage points higher than conventional loans.
''Fannie Mae has expanded home ownership for millions of families in the 1990's by reducing down payment requirements,'' said Franklin D. Raines, Fannie Mae's chairman and chief executive officer. ''Yet there remain too many borrowers whose credit is just a notch below what our underwriting has required who have been relegated to paying significantly higher mortgage rates in the so-called subprime market.''
In moving, even tentatively, into this new area of lending, Fannie Mae is taking on significantly more risk, which may not pose any difficulties during flush economic times. But the government-subsidized corporation may run into trouble in an economic downturn, prompting a government rescue similar to that of the savings and loan industry in the 1980's.
''From the perspective of many people, including me, this is another thrift industry growing up around us,'' said Peter Wallison a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. ''If they fail, the government will have to step up and bail them out the way it stepped up and bailed out the thrift industry.''
Under Fannie Mae's pilot program, consumers who qualify can secure a mortgage with an interest rate one percentage point above that of a conventional, 30-year fixed rate mortgage of less than $240,000 -- a rate that currently averages about 7.76 per cent. If the borrower makes his or her monthly payments on time for two years, the one percentage point premium is dropped.
Fannie Mae, the nation's biggest underwriter of home mortgages, does not lend money directly to consumers. Instead, it purchases loans that banks make on what is called the secondary market. By expanding the type of loans that it will buy, Fannie Mae is hoping to spur banks to make more loans to people with less-than-stellar credit ratings.
Fannie Mae officials stress that the new mortgages will be extended to all potential borrowers who can qualify for a mortgage.
In July, the Department of Housing and Urban Development proposed that by the year 2001, 50 percent of Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's portfolio be made up of loans to low and moderate-income borrowers. Last year, 44 percent of the loans Fannie Mae purchased were from these groups.

The Great Apes at the Capes

2008-10-04T23:39:00.004-04:00

OK, here's the sad truth. Little Fido, our "surf dog", faithful compadre, catnrat chaser, four legged vacuum and walking flea experiment was eaten by the shark you see. We were all surfing when the shark jumped up and ate Fido and then spit his bones out. Dan, being the biggest, jumped on the shark while Ted bit his fins, George jumped off his surfboard and did a kunk-fu kick right in the chops!! Brad poked his eyes out with a true Three-stooges move (moe would be proud) right when Eric ripped across a wave and shredded his surfboard right over the shark, cutting him to pieces. It was a sight and the first time I saw a shark cry!! Little Fido is now enshrined at the Smithsonian Museum. And you heard the truth here....so you can share this sacred story with your children when you visit. We will always remember little Fido.

2008-10-04T23:33:00.000-04:00

Yes...there's more

2008-10-04T23:25:00.003-04:00

Hatteras Pics

2008-10-04T23:14:00.002-04:00

More Cape Hatteras Pictures

2008-10-04T22:56:00.005-04:00

Outer Banks Mens Surfing Weekend

2008-09-29T20:53:00.008-04:00

What can I say? This was probably the BEST weekend (or one of the best) I've ever spent with a bunch of a guys for just "man time". It was incredible! We had great times of fellowship, laughter, jokes, prayer, worship and surfing and fishing. The above picture is taken in the cottage we stayed in. Thankfully, our dear friend and former neighbor from Richmond, Donna, let us stay there at a super price. Muchos thanks to Donna and Dave!! Ted is teaching Brad about surfing and specifically how to apply wax to the board. Brad was very excited about some of the name brand waxes out there on the market. I think he took some home with him, too. For some reason Eric is trying to lick the wax - maybe it was the nice coconut scent that drew him or the fact that he was starving since his roomates ate all his food. :) More pictures to come too. See the next blog.
The surf posse after a day at the beach. This was on Sunday afternoon and we were packing up after a full morning of surfing. Dan had just bought some jelly for all of us and we were ready to partake of the finer things in life after a day of saltwater and sore bodies. :)

Here is the crew from left to right. Eric Feldpausch with the nice mohawk- (Virginia Indian style), Ted Meehan sporting the Wilmington mop, George (me) with the NC scrub brush dew, Dan Latshaw with the Georgia trucker mudflap and Brad Austin - the first Peachland resident to ever surf!

This picture was taken on Friday, September 19th from the Frisco Pier just south of Hatteras. This was the area we surfed on both Friday and Sunday. The view at sunset is breathtaking! This beach is by far my favorite.
THIS IS A GUEST BLOG FROM GEORGE BURTON:

fun friday

2008-09-19T16:30:00.004-04:00

Quick disclaimer: OK I haven't blogged in a loooonnng time. That's because I've been on Facebook a little bit each day and then don't have time for blogging. So anyway, moving on...

Today was Fun Friday. First, Brady woke up and got dressed and while I was helping everyone else, he went in my room to make my bed. I couldn't believe it! I asked him why he made my bed for me and he smiled and said, "Mommy, I'm just making a kingdom choice". See the pic for what a great job he did!

Then, we all went to school to meet Brady for his teddy bear picnic outside. The whole kindergarten was there with their bears and their families. It was awesome!!

Then, Brennan fell in the driveway while running after a ball. He didn't even cry, but look at his fat lip! I think he is totally going to be an athlete.

Brooke has been getting ready all afternoon for a birthday party this evening for one of her friends. She was dancing in her room to Hannah Montana music. See pic.

And Boone? Well he's just the peek a boo and hide and seek master lately.

We are praying for safety for George who is on a "mancation" for 4 days in Nags Head. He and 4 other guys are surfing and fishing. I think short breaks away from our responsibilities and jobs are so important and actually refuel us to come back with a renewed sense of purpose and vision. And that is why I'm going away for my break in October :)

All in all, a very fun friday. Oh yeah, and I'm not cooking for 4 days straight!!!

Summer Vacation Adventure Pics

2008-07-26T23:24:00.007-04:00

This picture was taken between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. I was sooooo proud of my kids. They smiled for every picture and I know they were sick of Dad's constant desire to capture the perfect kodak moment.
Break time after walking through the Air and Space Museum. Brennan is a happy camper with Mom.
Boone, who I've dubbed a future General or Navy Seal, is proudly standing by one of the many artistic dislays at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Can you tell me what war this was from?
In front of the Capitol. The Chinese man taking this picture had a million dollar camera and actually had trouble focusing with my cheap Canon. With four kids one out of every ten shots is a winner. Notice Brennan with the stale milk bottle. Poor little guy - it felt like a hundred degrees and he had to drink that stuff.
Boone, peering through a T-Rex skull at the National Zoo. The best thing about the zoo is it's free!! And they have the hairiest and funkiest looking bears I have ever seen. I mean really, it looks like bears mated with the hippies back in the 60's and this is the offspring. They are extremely hairy and unkempt with super long claws that look like elephant tusks hanging out of a paw. They mope and look depressed too; which would explain the generational drug use that was passed down to them.

More Summer Vacation Adventure Pics!

2008-07-26T23:05:00.003-04:00

On our way to the White House we ran into a perfectly timed "PROTEST"!! Yeahhh!! I gathered the kids and said "look, guys, a real protest - quick, get in front and let's take a picture of angry people shouting behind you and blaming BUSH for everything" It turned out it was a protest to fight for rights for Christians in Egypt. I explained to the kids what a protest was and how blessed we are to have the "right to assemble" and voice our opinions in a free democracy.
Brooke, the Dean; Brady, the Governor and Boone the General. That's what Pam and I have coined them in accordance to their personalities. We even bought Brady a shirt that said "Future President". If he's smart he'll make his old man the Secretary of Defense.
Passersby loved this one. While waiting for the girls during a bathroom stop; which us men know can take a looong time, I put Brady and Boone next to this statue about 6 feet off the deck and snapped it with Big Bird in there too.
Georgetown in the evening.
The Burton Family in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Overall, this was a GREAT vacation. A ton of walking, curious stares when you get on the Metro at 8am with four loud kids, a huge stroller and a constantly rolling and dripping milk bottle. The kids did great. It was a challenge at times but a definite bonding experience for the Burton family. Best of all it was free. All of the Smithsonian Museums are free, unless you see a movie at the omnimax theatre and i highly recommend it, but its worth it. On Tuesday nights a "must see" is the US Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps and Silent Drill Team at the Iwo Jima Memorial. Breathtaking and perfect execution!! If you have never seen them you need to go. The National Zoo is also free and the new National Museum of the Marine Corps along with dozens of others museums and places of interest in Washington. Hotels are not cheap. We stayed in Arlington at the Virginian Suites. It was affordable and not bad but the rooms were a little musty. Don't drive, just take the metro and save the money on gas, the hassle of parking and fighting the constant traffic. If you go, call Pam and I and we'll be your guides for a small fee. ;)

Happy Birthday Grandma Joan and Grandma Alice!

2008-07-26T22:03:00.003-04:00

Here's a shout out to two lovely women who celebrated birthdays this week, my mom and grandma. Check out the picture of Joan with 4 of her grandkids. She looks 40!!

Our Summer Vacation Adventure Part II

2008-07-26T14:35:00.009-04:00

Brady, Brooke and Boone at the Air and Space Museum. Probably the best museum for young kids. They loved it!
Styling and Profiling in DC in front of really cool planet exhibits.
Our NC Congressman Mel Watt. He's a Democrat, I'm Independent and Pam is a Republican. I saw her writing in the guest book for about five minutes. Pam had a wild look on her face as she wrote. I think it had to do with high taxes. Go Pam!!

The second leg of our trip consisted of 4 fun filled days in Washington DC! Here are the highlights:

* Jim Henson's Fantastic World exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum was the big hit of the week for our kids. They had the most interactive and fun play area, but extremely top secret that we couldn't even take ANY pictures! They had guards walking around to make sure everyone was following the rules about cameras. So all we have is our memory to remind us of the "make a muppet face" wall, "be a muppet" stage with puppets and a video screen to see yourself, big muppet dolls to play with, and a cartoon creative area where you fill out your own storyboard with their art supplies. VERY fun and I highly recommend, it's on display through October 2008.

* The Washington Zoo was just a 2 metro train rides away and another adventure day for the kids to see all the animals, take pictures, meet their new friends Alex and Joshua, and eat ice cream and other treats. They even had a cockroach display, I'm not even kidding!

* Speaking of the metro, that in itself was a highlight. Each morning we would leave the hotel around 9 am, walk about 3/4 mile to the metro station, buy our tickets and hop on. The kids absolutely LOVED it! It was also a nice break for us not to drive for 3 days straight. I can't believe how much walking we did - on Wednesday, George and I estimated that we walked for about 9 miles! The kids too!! It was 95 degrees! We would get back to the hotel each day around 5:30 exhausted, and the kids would sit and rest for about 3 minutes, before jumping up and yelling "we're ready for the pool now!!" George and I would take turns watching them swim like crazy while the other one rested. : )

* Of course it was exciting to go to the White House, and all the other monuments and museums. We saw the Natural History Museum, the Air & Space Museum, the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Iwo Jima Memorial (right across the street from our hotel), Arlington National Cemetery, the Marine Corps Museum (in Quantico), the Marines Tuesday night evening parade and silent drill team, a protest parade about Christian Egyptians being persecuted outside the White House, and we took our picture with our House representative, Mel Watt.

* One night, my cousin Gregg and his wife Sarah took us out to dinner in a cute area of Arlington. They live and work in the DC area and gave us lots of hints about where to go and what to see. It was so great to see them and catch up on everything that's going on in all our lives. Our big impression when we left dinner: they're so smart! Their probable impression when they left dinner: they're so loud!

* We talked to a man who works at the Treasury Department. George thanked him for our $2400 check we received 2 weeks ago. I told him to thank President Bush for us for the rebate. Then I told him we were big supporters of a flat tax rate for all incomes. He said it would probably never pass. I also told him that I was in support for abolishing social security. He said, "Oh you mean that you want to privatize the accounts where the funds go?" I said, "No, I want the whole program scrapped and abolished." At that point he sort of tilted his head and laughed. Don't worry Mom and Dad, he laughed because he knows it will never happen and I KNOW you both turn 62 this year, I'm excited for you!

Our Summer Vacation Adventure Part 1

2008-07-19T11:40:00.006-04:00

I have to blog about our vacation in parts because there's just too much to write about all at once : )

Our first leg was a reunion trip to Richmond VA! We were so excited to catch up with many of our old friends from the good ole days at Franklin Street Church and living in the apartment building (aka the fishbowl).

Thank you Rebekah and girls for hosting us for the weekend! You are the epitome of hospitality.

We did a tour of the University of Richmond, it looks sooo different from when I was there in the early 90's. They have upgraded even more! We spent the afternoon at the pool with the Kleinschusters and the DeRocos and Heather (new friend) and Brooke can't stop talking about her daughter Emily and she was sad she couldn't send Emily a postcard because I don't have their address, or last name :)

So here is my update on everyone, I'll call it an

ODE TO OLD FRIENDS

Rebekah - you are such a great example of a WOW mom! 5 girls, all so young, and you make it look sooo easy. You inspire me!

Dana - Hanging out with you is always fun, it felt just like when we were roomies, like not a day had passed. You are very easy to talk to and a great friend!

Dan - okay, I always knew you were funny, but now you are raising a mini Dan who is a crack up at only 4 yrs old.

Heather - How was I not surprised when you stood up at church to make announcements about the children's ministry. Of course you're in charge, you always do such an amazing job and it is evident that you strive for excellence. Congrats on #2!!

Ray - Thank you for your servant's heart of staying to help George with the kids so the moms could have lunch. And right after preaching!

Lisa - you are as joyful and funny as ever, and oh so stylish!

Bevin - You look exactly the same age as when we were roomies 11 years ago! And you are still thoughtful and caring as I remember.

Tom - You still have such a great sense of humor, tell Jen I missed seeing her! I'm sorry George got you off schedule :)

Jen W. - What a blast to spend time with you for a whole day! Your comment is still making me laugh "ok there are the bobsey twins". And I think you're a great mom to your boys, they are soo sweet!

Jeff W. - Thanks for driving so far to meet us, we were so glad you came! It wasn't Wallyworld after all!

Rachel - My dear friend, it was so good to see you, you look amazing, a blond bombshell! Let me know when you're up for another trip to CA, I think I need it!

Charleston 2008

2008-06-14T14:45:00.002-04:00

What a great vacation we had visiting with Grandma Mary and our friends at Kiawah Island. Here are some highlights:

* We went to Frankie's Fun Park one night (reminds me of the date night in Karate Kid). The kids wanted to do bumper boats, so I think we'll be driving around in a bumper boat bumping each other, how fun! As Brooke and I are climbing in (girls vs boys), Brooke says "I get to work the shooter!". I'm thinking "shooter?" Well needless to say there was a gun, more like a hose, on each bumper boat that the boys proceeded to DRENCH me with. They were relentless and I'm pretty sure that George had something to do with that : ) I was in my clothes, all ready for our fun evening, and when we got off I looked worse than a drowned rat. 100% completely soaked. This girl in the bathroom just stared at me looking very concerned and asked "What happened to you!?" We also played mini golf that night, batting cages, monster big super slide, and video games. But of course the kids favorite part was the bumper boats!

* We spent 3 days at the beach and the boys especially worked on their boogie boarding skiils. Brennan and I spent almost 1 hour just kicking a mini soccer ball back and forth in the surf, he absolutely loved it! Brooke was more into digging in the sand, laying on her towel and reading a book.

* Grandma Mary, George and the kids spent a great afternoon at the Charleston Aquarium and a nice dinner out, Grandma's treat! The kids loved the seahorses the best, although George said that Boone was just wide eyed at everything and kept saying "oh my goodness, look at that big fish!"

* I had all four kids at the neighborhood pool one afternoon and we just took over! George was out visiting some of his customers in the Charleston area. We bought a new "Cyclone" wheel pool toy which looks like a giant hamster wheel that the kids stand in and try to run on without falling in the water. That and also 2 new Spiderman water shooters were the hit of the day.

* Spending time at the beach in Kiawah with our friends was really fun, and we had an amazing group date out at the Peninsula Grill in Charleston together which was honestly the best restaurant I've ever been to. It was a real treat to have lobster and shrimp and spend time with our best friends.

Check out the pictures!!

cash money

2008-06-12T22:41:00.002-04:00

No, not real money, just a cute story about the boys. They have been playing a lot of basketball in the driveway lately, they especially love playing HORSE. When playing with George, they have picked up the phrase "cash money" like when they make a shot they say "now that is cash money". Now even Boone says it. He was at the pool today jumping in and when he would surface he would look for me and yell, "now that is cash money!" People were staring at him trying to figure out what he was doing - it was so funny.

They use the phrase constantly, about everything from a sandwich at lunch to playing in the bathtub. And I don't really know if that is using it correctly, is it only supposed to be in reference to basketball? I'm not sure so I will try to find out.

A Message From Brady

2008-06-12T22:32:00.003-04:00

The other day I found a piece of paper taped to Brady's bedroom door with a message on it. Now he can't really read yet and so here's what it said, see if you can figure it out:

NO Un Iz ALD In BrADY roM uIesp For Boooone !

After studying it for a minute or so, I couldn't be sure what he was trying to say, so I asked him. The message says:

No one is allowed in Brady's room except for Boone!

The funny part is that it's Boone's room too. They share it. When I asked him how was I supposed to come in and read to him at night and tuck him in, he explained "Nooo Mommy, I mean Brooke can't walk in without knocking first". So really he means that everybody is welcome except that Brooke needs to knock first.

Interesting fact: he hung the sign up a couple of days after Brooke hung up a sign on her door stating NO BOYS ALLOWED.

I love all these signs and messages, they are so cute to me!

Month of May Totally Random Updates

2008-06-05T22:36:00.009-04:00

Well we're on vacation now so I actually have time to update our blog!!

* Brady has graduated preschool and is ready for kindergarten! We are so proud of him, he looked so handsome and dapper as he walked with his class wearing his graduation cap and singing on stage during the ceremony. Now he is focusing his daily energy on: basketball in the driveway, bike riding, playing on the new gymnastics bar that daddy installed in the backyard, t-ball practice and games, swim lessons and going to the pool. Just the way summer should be.

* Boone was also singing on stage for the end of year preschool ceremony and it was so cute! One of their songs was "My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do..." Well of course Boone shouted it at the top of his lungs and pointed out to the crowd and it was so adorable, he LOVED being the center of attention. (His class was only 6 children and several weren't having any part of the singing/hand motions.) At the end, he just yelled out "THERE'S NOTHING MY GOD CANNOT DO FOR YOU!!!" and kept his arm reaching out to the audience pointing at them for about a minute after the song was over. He had this super intense look on his face, he was so serious and wanted people to know the truth!

* Brooke has finished second grade with a near perfect report card and we are so proud of her! She received a notice in the mail last week letting her know who her teacher is for next year. Immediately after opening it, she called 20 people from her class to ask them which teacher they got. She left a whole bunch of messages. It was hilarious. One girl told her that she didn't know because they hadn't gotten the mail yet - Brooke told her that she would wait on the phone while she went to the mailbox, then her friend said, "I'm not going outside, it's raining", to which Brooke replied, "well just put your shoes on and go get your mail! It's important!" Apparently it's more important to some people than others. :)

* My friend Jessica had a link on her blog about a carbon footprint calculator http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx which is something about how much energy we use up, etc. I love internet calculators, so I took it. I am 24 tons which is above average for the US (not good). But I don't even think that's right because it doesn't ask about diapers and we have been loading up landfills with diapers nonstop since Jan 2000. Just for this trip alone I packed a whole duffel bag with regular diapers, pull-ups, and swim diapers. And 2 tubs of baby wipes. I think they should take that into account; I bet my footprint is actually higher. But I answered really good on the second hand clothes and furniture/appliance questions. I don't think we have one piece of furniture in our whole house that we acquired when it was brand new. Ok, just our kitchen table. We love hand me downs. (thanks moms and dads and grandmas and The Junior League!!)

* Speaking of calculators: 2 of my other favorite calculators are finding out your real age. http://www.realage.com and finding out your love language. http://www.fivelovelanguages.com/30sec.html#love Try them out! I love any website that tells me I'm really 31!

* Speaking of hand me downs, this is a cool tidbit of info. About 5 years ago, we wanted a kids table and chairs for the playroom and so we looked on the Give and Take list from Central Church of God (all free). And we were given an awesome set from another member there which we still use today. The member? Dell Curry, well known basketball player with a really well known son now, Stephen Curry who played in the recent NCAA tournament for Davidson. So our kids color on the same table that little Stephen used. Isn't that cool? That is, if you follow basketball and have a clue what I'm writing about; I didn't really get it until George explained it to me. The short of it: they are a great Christian family, very generous, very good at basketball and have nice taste in tables.

* For those of you who watch "The Office" like me, were you as disappointed in the season finale and lack of proposal of Jim and Pam? I mean I know it's just a tv show, but c'mon!!!

* About a week ago, just for fun, we took the kids and went to a HUGE RV sales center by the Speedway and checked out about 25 RV's and campers. The kids LOVED it. They tried out bunk beds, were playing house, looking in closets, I can't tell you how much fun they had. They want us to live in an RV now permanently. Maybe we'll rent one for a week someday, but I don't think we'll be buying. One that the kids loved was $87,000! I told the salesman, I can't believe it's so expensive! and he showed me another one that was $400,000! Plasma TV's, hot tubs, the whole nine yards. You really have to see it to believe it. But if you're looking to entertain your little ones for a couple of hours for free, this might be it! (Note: for all you Northerners reading, an RV is a recreational vehicle that is like a little home that you can drive. Think "Meet the Parents #2.)

* ok i'm really tired now so I'll add more this week - remember I'm on vacation and loaded with time :)

beware of false prophets

2008-04-01T09:49:00.003-04:00

I must confess, I like Oprah, I have watched her show before. But this video definitely opened my eyes to some dangerous teaching that is going on. You can view it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA. My friend Lisa said it really well, so I'll just reference her comments:

As Christians, we should always remember the verses below so that we can defend our faith without being deceived by "false prophets."
John 14:6 says, "Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

Matthew 7:13-23 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them......"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"

That is or should be a scary thought for those who do not believe in Jesus being the ONLY way! Many will believe that they are on the road to Heaven, but many will not make it.

Like Oprah, many APPEAR to be godly, but sadly they will not be with us in Heaven someday unless they decide to believe that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. 2 Timothy 3:2-5 says, "In the end times....People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. "

Oprah is one who has that form of godliness, but she vehemently denies the power of God and eternal life through His Son, Jesus. Many will appear to be godly, but many do not know the one TRUE God. Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic or Lord! Which one is He if He told us that HE is the only way to God? Acts 16:31 "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved."

Family Research Council newsletter

2008-04-01T09:42:00.001-04:00

An Embarrassment of Riches
March 2008

While most companies have started to feel the squeeze of our sagging economy, business has never been better for Planned Parenthood. Although the organization couldn't be more controversial, its profits have never been higher, according to the group's just-released 2006-07 annual report. For the first time in history, Planned Parenthood has surpassed the $1 billion mark, a milestone made possible by the government's hefty $336 million investment. Despite the rash of bad publicity, Planned Parenthood was entrusted with a $31.4 million raise in taxpayer funds - a 10.8 percent increase in the nonprofit's government revenue. Adding to the financial windfall, Planned Parenthood's clinics performed an extra 24,707 abortions in 2006, six times the number of casualties from the entire Iraq war. All together, its abortion mills put 289,650 unborn babies to death in the year 2006 alone. And let's not forget that Planned Parenthood also makes a tidy sum sowing its wild oats in the next generation of abortion customers. The group sold more than 1,400,000 emergency contraception kits, in many instances making transactions without as much as a medical exam. While the public is increasingly skeptical of Planned Parenthood's operation, it has yet to put a dent in the organization's bottom line. For that, we need your help. The majority of Americans wouldn't invest in a company that conspires in sexual crimes against children, accepts racially-motivated donations, promotes pornography to kids, devotes millions to the election of pro-abortion leaders, and uses unsanitary equipment to treat patients. Unfortunately, through Title X and Medicaid, the federal government is forcing taxpayers to do just that. On our website, www.frc.org, FRC is circulating a petition to the White House, urging President Bush to approve new Title X guidelines that would ensure no federal money goes to refer women for abortions. In addition, the federally subsidized sharing of abortion facilities and birth control clinics must end. If choice is the mantra du jour, then taxpayers deserve one in how their money is spent.

I don't like PC

2008-03-15T18:59:00.002-04:00

Okay, I'm sorry that this isn't G rated, but it really bothers me. I read the newspaper, I watch the news when I'm exercising at the Y and the TV's are right in front of me. Why is everything so politically correct? Why do they call it "exotic dancer", "call girl", "high end escort", and "hooker"? Because it's more politically correct and doesn't sound that bad. But that's such a lie. It's prostitution and it's a sin. And so is free adultery. Proverbs 5:5-6 says, "(an immoral woman) Her feet go down to death, her steps lay hold of hell. Lest you ponder her path of life - her ways are unstable; you do not know them." It goes on to say that the entrapped wicked man will be caught in the cords of his sin and he shall die and have greatness of folly. Actually, this topic is covered by all of Proverbs 5, 6 and 7. I think they should require all politicians to read it before swearing in to office, but I guess that wouldn't be politically correct. Hmmm, "her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death", that doesn't sound very "high end" to me.

Free Fee concert !!

2008-03-15T18:46:00.002-04:00

Steve Fee = awesome worship. And he is coming to Charlotte on Tuesday April 1 at 7:00pm at First United Methodist Church uptown. And it's free! I probably can't be there :( because our babysitting budget is busted for the month, but you never know how much I can sell on Ebay until then, I have 2 weeks!

Fact # 8

2008-02-15T21:43:00.002-05:00

I thought of one more "little known" thing to add to the last post that is really funny so I might as well share it:

When I was 23, my friend Rachel and I flew to CA for vacation and we went to a Jars of Clay concert in LA. She is friends with them, they all went to high school together in upstate NY, and so after the concert we were hanging out on their tour bus, just the band, Rachel, myself and 2 friends that we were staying with out there. Anyway, sometimes I tend to speak before thinking (no!) and I saw this other guy hanging out near us and so I said very loudly "Hey, I'm Pam, you must be the bus driver!" He just looked at me and told me he was their manager. I think I insulted the manager of Jars of Clay! Not that there's anything wrong with being a bus driver, but c'mon. Everyone was laughing and Rachel told me much later that for a long time they would call him "hey bus driver!" as a joke.

p.s. Happy Valentine's Day everyone and I haven't posted because I was sick for a couple of days and so were the kids and I've been playing catchup around here this week :)

I've been tagged!

2008-02-09T14:37:00.000-05:00

Ok, my friend Nikki has "tagged" me in a game where I have to list 7 little known facts about myself. So here goes...

1. I was in a commercial on MTV when I was 20.

2. For 8th grade, I was in a special program in Montreal where all my classes were in French; Religion, Science, Math, History, EVERYTHING!

3. I came in SECOND place for Friendliest and Most School Spirit my Senior year of high school, no wins though :)

4. My first missions trip was to Germany when I was pregnant with Brooke and we had to eat sausage and other nasty German food all week. It was horrible!

5. When I was 8, I hit a "home run" (or so I thought) in softball which was actually a pitiful grounder to the pitcher's mound who then overthrew first, who then overthrew second, and so on and the umpire didn't have the heart to tell me that I had to get back and stay on first base because I was screaming and crying with joy and elation!

6. I used to play the clarinet, flute and saxophone. Now? Only the guitar.

7. When I was very young, all I wanted to be when I grew up was a moviestar!

Okay, now your turn Jessica!

More Ski Pictures

2008-02-07T16:10:00.000-05:00

Boone goes to Boone !!!

2008-02-07T15:44:00.000-05:00

Well, we went on our annual family ski trip this past weekend to Boone and Blowing Rock NC. It was so much fun! We went with the Skinners who live next door to us and the Latshaws of Atlanta. Also 2 babysitters. And we even brought our other next door neighbor Alan. So it was a total of 12 kids in a great house only 3 minutes from the slopes at Appalachian Ski Mountain. In a nutshell, Brady did amazing, Brooke and Alan did average, Boone screamed and had a temper tantrum on the bunny slope, and Brennan slept through the whole thing. Note to self: always bring a babysitter when you go on a trip, George and I and our friends were able to ski, really ski, on the hard slopes and not have to watch the little ones. Brady and his new friend Lauren did so well they were able to be on their own with no help! He is such a super stud, we can totally picture him being a ski instructor someday because he is really comfortable and at home on the slopes. He told me that he wants to ski every day, and did not want to come home in a MAJOR way. Check out the pictures...

My Day With Grandma Alice

2008-01-26T12:46:00.001-05:00

Ya gotta love New Yorkers! I got to spend the day with my Grandma Alice (my mom's mom) on Thursday. We had so much fun; she is one hip 87 year old. She is staying with mom and dad for a couple of months to get away from the snow and ice. Brooke had her class chapel on Thursday, so they got up extra early in Fort Mill to drive all the way to Hickory Grove Christian School and be there by 8 am! WOW! Then we came back to my house so mom could go to work. When we got here, I hadn't eaten breakfast yet, so I was eating and gave Grandma something really high maintenance and fancy like toast :) and she said, "I didn't come here so you could wait on me!" Then she asked for tea, oops, I don't have tea and I've never had tea, I don't know how to make it either. So I gave her a glass of orange juice. After struggling over the newspaper Jumble puzzle and getting nowhere, we decided to go to Macy's and shop. She wanted a short sleeve blouse with a Peter Pan collar and buttons like some girl on her soap opera wore last week, well I couldn't find one. The store had mostly winter clothes. I suggested the Junior League, and she looked kind of concerned at the thought of wearing used clothing! Oh yeah, I forgot, New Yorkers! Then we went out to the grocery store where she insisted on buying my kids ice cream and other sweet treats. I knew I'd be in trouble later when they had their sugar rush! Next to Jason's Deli for lunch, and all she wanted was a hot dog, at least it came with chili on the side. Then we picked up the boys and played at home with them for awhile, Legos and cars I think. She is so good with kids! When I left to pick up Brooke, she insisted that she would stay back with the boys and I could go by myself. I said "that's too much work for you". She retorted, "you're crazy!" So I made some excuse to take Brennan with me and left her with the other two. When I returned about 40 minutes later, they were all fine. Then we had our treats, (I had TWO Hostess cupcakes) and we left a little while later to take her to Mom's office. All in all, a very fun day. Here's what I love about New Yorkers, or more specifically, the New Yorkers in my family:

1. They say what's on their mind, they don't overanalyze.
2. Can do attitude, Just do it!
3. Great story tellers, Grandma had me laughing all day with the stories about my cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. She keeps me connected and in touch with what's going on with everybody.

I'm sorry I didn't get a picture of her to post here, so I'll get one when we head down there to play bocci in a couple of weeks. Thanks everyone up North for lending Grandma to us for a couple of months!!

How Much?

2008-01-25T20:40:00.001-05:00

ok, so I go to fill up the gas tank today... $85.40! Yes, you read it correctly - $85.40!! Wow, wow, wow. So in honor of our high gas prices in Charlotte, (I guess it's the whole country) here is the BIG sale, my favorite sale of the year. Now this will save you some moolah:
The Junior League Wearhouse, located at 1412 East 4th Street just southeast of uptown, has DOLLAR DAYS!!!! All skirts, shirts, and pants are $1. Dresses and suits are $2. I am not exaggerating. It runs February 22-23. If you can't wait until then, they have a regular sale of
40% off Jan 28-Feb 2
50% off Feb 4-Feb 9
60% off Feb 11-Feb 16
75% off Feb 18-Feb 21
They are open from 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday. Maybe I'll see you there!

Club Libby Lu

2008-01-19T21:47:00.000-05:00

This afternoon was Brooke's birthday party: a makeover for her and her best friend Hanna at Libby Lu in Northlake Mall. They have been looking forward to this for a long time! The girls chose the princess look, danced to Hannah Montana music and made their own lip gloss (Blue Angel) and facial mud packs. I didn't even need lights to drive home, they were so sparkly and shiny! Brooke took a 2 hour bath tonight with her new mud pack on her face, soaking in Libby Lu bath gel. Unbelievable! They didn't have anything like this when I was 7, at least not that I knew about. When I was 7, I think I still wore pigtails.

Anyway, we paraded around the food court for awhile to show off the new look, then came home to have a wedding. I think Brooke married Brennan, I'm not sure because the adults were all hanging out in the other room away from the festivities. What a great day! Check out the princess beauties...

motherhood is never boring!

2008-01-13T19:15:00.000-05:00

WARNING: IF YOU GET GROSSED OUT EASILY BY LITTLE KIDS' BATHROOM STORIES...DO NOT READ THIS POST!
so where do I begin? Bathtime this evening, 4 kids, by myself. No big deal, I do it all the time. Just last week though, I think it was my friend Tara? can't remember, told a group of us moms about kids pooping in the bathtub. I laughed at her funny story and then thought to myself "wow do I have my act together: I bathe 4 kids and it's easy!" So tonight was God reminding me yet again that I have nothing together and it's all by His grace and favor that I can do ANYTHING.

OK, I put Brennan and Brooke in the kid's bathroom tub, water is running, things are great. I put Brady and Boone in my bathtub with their toys, like I said - easy! I take turns moseying back and forth, scrubbing shampoo, rinsing, etc. I take Brennan out, and as I'm lathering him up with his prescription lotion for his eczema, I hear the boys laughing. that is not a good sign. Ok, put Brennan to bed "love you, gotta run!" and check out the boys. Oh my, a tub full of poop (diarrhea no less) and Brady is laying flat on his back in about 1 inch of water. He is covered in...not water! And he's laughing, and boy does it smell in here! There are also about 20 toys, also covered. Boone is the culprit and no he's not fully potty trained yet. What to do? Ok, stick the boys in my shower and tell them to stand under the water flow and rinse off. I grab bleach and get to work on the toys, one by one rinsing and gathering, scrubbing and trying to wash it all down the drain. As I'm doing this, I'm being serenated by the boys shouting their song from church this morning "Praeeee aaaaeeee aaaeeee aise the Lord!"

Meanwhile, they've turned the shower on high power, I hear Brooke's water flowing again (she loves to fill it up super high), I've got the tub running, and oh yeah the washing machine is filling too. So much for a drought in Charlotte!

ok, tub clean, toys clean, like I said, easy! Then Brady yells from the shower, "mommy I have to go poopie, can I just go down this drain?" NOOOOO! I grab him, stick him on the toilet, and tell him to stay put until I come back. Pick up Boone, as I'm carrying him into his room for bed, I step on one of those little kid's puzzle pieces that have a little stick coming out of the top. WOW PAIN!!! But I hold it in, bite by lip and smile. No use upsetting anyone. And then, as I lay Boone in bed, I feel God's presence, total peace in the room. It is so sweet. We just talked this afternoon about thanking God always. There is so much to be thankful for! Thank you that Boone doesn't need a pacifier anymore, not even to sleep. Thank you that we have 2 bathtubs. Thank you for bleach. Thank you that Brady was laughing and didn't get upset, he has such a great attitude! As I leave Boone, peacefully asleep already, I find Brooke and Brady already dry, in their pajamas, with brushed teeth and reading a book together. That picture was worth 2000 words. Aah, this craziness will not last forever...but sometimes I wish it would!

Powerful Song

2008-01-10T15:42:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite songs of all time is Love Song by Third Day. I was reminded of it as I did my homework for Bible Study (Breaking Free by Beth Moore). I don't know how to link a song yet, so if you want to listen, go to Itunes. But here are the words which by themselves are even so powerful. The ultimate sacrifice of love which was given by our Savior Jesus Christ. So read these lyrics as a love song from Jesus to you:

Love Song

I've heard it said that a man would climb a mountain
Just to be with the one he loves
How many times has he broken that promise
It has never been done
Well I never climbed the highest mountain, but I walked the hill of Calvary
Just to be with you I'd do anything
There's no price I would not pay

Just to be with you I'd give everything
Oh I'd give my life away

And I've heard it said that a man would swim the ocean
Just to be with the one he loves
All of those dream are empty motion
It has never been done
Well I've never swam the deepest ocean, but I've walked upon the raging sea
Just to be with you I'd do anything
There's no price I would not pay
Just to be with you I would give everything
I would give my life away

And I know that you don't understand the fullness of my love
How I died upon the cross for your sins
And I know that you don't realize how much that I give you
And I promise I would do it all again

Just to be with you I've done everything
There's no price I did not pay
Just to be with you I gave everything
Yes I gave my life away
I gave my life away
Just to be with you

Kids Say Funny Things

2008-01-07T12:03:00.000-05:00

Brady is so cute! This morning, he was sitting down while I was tying his sneakers and he started touching my arm. Then he looked at me and said "Mommy, your arm feels just like eggs." When I asked him how my arm was like eggs, he answered "oh they're so soft you know." I have had a smile on my face all day thinking about his comparison. Just had to share :)

The Burton Ladies

2008-01-04T23:10:00.000-05:00

Pam and Brooke taking Christmas pictures, and loving every minute of it! Brooke will turn 8 this month and is such a joy to me everyday! We are excited to see how God will use her this year to bring joy to others as well. Brooke is doing extremely well in second grade and absolutely LOVES school!

One Handsome Three Year Old!

2008-01-04T22:53:00.000-05:00

Well we just had an awesome birthday party for Boone last weekend. He is now our big three year old, our Christmas baby. I was overjoyed at the amount of people that came, and to think that I was afraid nobody would come since it was during Christmas break! I think we had around 30 kids, but I never got an exact count since they were all running around the whole time. I am so thankful and appreciative of our wonderful friends and family. George read a Bible verse over Boone before we ate: "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity..." 1 Timothy 4:12. Boone is truly growing up right before our eyes, and he is a great example to all of us, of joyfulness, obedience and cuddly sweetness :) We are so proud of him!

Summer 2007 Beach

2007-10-11T20:26:00.002-04:00

Kids at the playground; including Boone "wildman" Burton!! Girls at the beach - PAM, WENDY, DONNA - taking a break while the Dads play with the kids, get buried in sand and build sand castles. These women are living the good life.

More of Summer 2007

2007-10-11T20:11:00.001-04:00

More Hilton Head pictures. Enjoying the summer evening after a day at the beach. Pool picture in Atlanta with the cousins.

Summer 2007

2007-10-11T19:52:00.000-04:00

The above pictures are from our vacation in August 2007. Brooke, Brady and Dad went Shark Fishing off the coast of Hilton Head Island, SC and Dad had a blast!! Brooke did not want to touch the bait or get near it and Brady was a little more interested in the snacks than the fishing. Afterwards we went to a local restaurant and the kids posed with the Pirates.

Brian and the boys

2007-07-17T02:24:00.000-04:00

Here is Uncle Brian (Pam's twin brother) and Patrick and Sean. They played baseball on the beach everyday that week. Get a good look at these boys, America. I think their dream is to play for the Atlanta Braves. I have to say - they are very good, and made the Little League All Star team in Atlanta. Patrick is having a slightly bad hair day - no worries, though - they are not into girls yet :)

Summer 2007 Beach Pictures

2007-07-17T02:01:00.000-04:00

Here are some more pictures of our trip to Duck, NC. Brady and Boone - brothers and best friends. The picture of Boone screaming into the camera was typical of him as everyone on the trip learned. He does not really have an "inside" voice and his communication to the world is - "Hear me roar!" As you can see they were having the time of their life chasing waves and then waves chasing them.

Summer 2007

2007-07-17T01:31:00.000-04:00

Here are several pictures from our beach trip to Duck, NC with Pam's family from New York, Atlanta, Boston, and California. We all had a blast and the kids were crying when we left. We built sand castles,played baseball with future Major Leaguers - Patrick and Sean Comerford and even George got to boogie board on some nice size waves. Much bigger than those in SC beaches!! Pam, the SUPERMOM, got a break by having Grandma Joan, Grandpa Pete, Aunt Dorothy, Aunt Jane and Aunt Eileen there to love on the kids, take them for walks, feed them, etc. The first picture is the Comerford - Burton family. Grandpa Pete, Grandma Joan, Brian (Pam's twin brother), his wife Molly and their 3 boys; Patrick, Sean and Casey. Also, George and Pam with Brooke (aka Hollywood), Brady, Boone (the wildman) and Brennan. The couch pictures show the kids in the media room after a long day at the beach. There is one big kid in there too named Aunt Dorothy. She looks and acts 30 but think she's about 40! You wonder where Brooke gets her good looks from and the nickname Hollywood?.... here's my beautiful wife..Pam! More to come....

Brennan is 6 months old!!

2007-06-09T22:05:00.000-04:00

Summertime Part 2

2007-06-09T16:11:00.001-04:00

This is Brady playing with our puppet show area. He is posing with Marcella the monkey and Templeton the rat.

Summertime

2007-06-09T16:00:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures of us at home playing inside and outside. This is Brennan at 6 months old! Yes he is always that happy. And yes, Boone is always that serious. They've been playing with their Geotrax train set every day and love building new setups for it. Saturday, June 2 was a big day for us, Brooke and Brady both learned how to ride their bikes without training wheels. Now they are riding nonstop like real pros!!!

Brennan

2007-06-01T23:59:00.000-04:00

Here is our latest addition. I know this is late, but for those who have not seen Brennan Peter Burton, born on November 30, 2006. Also, some more pics of the family.

2007-06-01T23:39:00.000-04:00

Here are some more pictures of the family. This summer Brady is loving his scooter and rides it everyday. Boone, who turned 2 in December chases after him pushing his lil tykes car and Brooke keeps both of them in line.

Camping Pictures

2007-06-01T23:24:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day Camping Trip

2007-06-01T23:02:00.000-04:00

Brooke, Brady, Dad and yes our faithful dog, Bear all went camping in the Linville Gorge this weekend. I was so proud of the kids. We camped in a remote site with no running water, bathrooms or even paved roads. It was primitive, but the kids loved it....and so did Bear. We explored new trails, ran on the rocks, ate lots of s'mores around the campfire and then went to bed to the cool breeze blowing across the mountain. Bear stood watch as a faithful companion and guard dog.

The next morning we got up, ate breakfast and drove to the trail head for the Spence Ridge Trail. This trail goes down into the Gorge itself and right to a picture perfect swimming hole on the Linville River. It's a good 30 minute hike down and then we all jumped in the water to cool down and refresh ourselves. For Brady, it was more like a bath. After camping for a night and playing in the dirt Brady looked like a 3 foot tall coal miner. He was covered in soot and dirt. He washed off in the river and then I grabbed Bear and threw him in the deep in. He quickly emerged and dog paddled like a champ to the shore. The water was about 50 degrees I would guess, maybe colder. After that we hiked back up the trail and this took about one hour. I was so proud of Brady and Brooke. Brooke, with her long legs, hiked up the trail - no problem. Brady was ready to give in at the end but he persevered and made it to the suburban with Dad cheering him on. Check out the pics.

The Burton Beehive

2007-05-13T01:41:00.000-04:00

This blog is about the Burton Family. We named it the Burton Beehive because our 4 children all have names starting with "B". Brooke is 7, Brady is 4, Boone is 2 and Brennan is 5 months old. Our dog is Bear and he is around 6 years old. My wife is Pam and my name is George. This blog is for all of our wonderful family and friends out there who may, from time to time, want to log on and see what's up with the family and view new pictures of the kids. More to come.