Change

I have been playing around with some design for my blog.  I thought a more simple design might look better.  So far I am liking it.  What do you say?

My goal was simplistic,  refreshing,  cute,  eye-catching...

Our main computer in the house has been extinct for quite sometime - and unfortunately it has most of my pictures on there AND it has my photo shop program.  My laptop does not -- so, I feel so trapped without it - because I love doing some photo designs in my blog posts - it was so convienant to have when designing the look of my blog.

Although - I have to admit *yes, I am fessing up here! ---  that even though the computer is sadly not working, it is difficult to even get to it.  There are mounds of  'stuff ' in the way.  My poor office is completely cluttered and the landing ground for almost EVERYTHING! Who put that stuff in there?

(I know hubby -  I am praying to get through it soon, really dear.  really, really)

So....without further ado.  I have been creative in designing my blog as best as blogger designs will allow me to tweak with it -- and as much as I even know how to tweak. Because, honestly folks, I am not a design geek.  Though, I truly aspire to be one.

Hope you enjoy the new look for now.   Seems, I am changing it often.  The story of my life.....

.....change.

Bloggy Makeover -?? Hmmm, Me Makeover

It is quiet in my house right now. All the kids and big Papa kid and dog too are sleeping snuggley in their beds. I am wrapped in my warm quilt on the living room couch with my laptop.

A candle is lit.

I was browsing through facebook a little bit, wrapping up my to-do list for tomorrow...it is the day that I am preparing for my family to head out of town for Thanksgiving getaway to my parents and I started reading through a few blogs...something I haven't done in awhile.

I thought about doing some sewing, but it is getting late and I probably shouldn't risk waking up someone with the sound of my ever so quiet sewing machine.

So, I found myself here at my blog deciding to just write. I don't really have a topic, or thought out reason to write -- but felt I just needed to start typing and see what comes forth on the screen. Do you ever feel like doing that? --- just begin to write as to let your mind breathe a little? It feels good to just spill out sometimes. I do this in a prayer journal to the Lord sometimes -- but obviously more in depth and at a more deeper level. I am not going to go totally raw here with you as I would with the Lord -- that is a relationship that is so personal and deep. He is the only place I feel I can be real and raw.

But, here I am -- I miss blogging at times. I mentioned before that I thought about going "black" - but, I am not sure if that is really what the Lord is asking of me - or my few friends that asked that I don't go in the dark have influenced me to trudge on -- I guess I do have a few followers that are amused by my ramblings.

However, I do believe that there will be changes taking place on this blog. I don't know as to what extent, but I know it will happen - it has already happened.
At first, I was worried about my blog being a "popular" place where I could hopefully earn money. I earned a little bit here and there -- but, I was so intuned with having lots of followers, that my focus was turned away from what really matters-- my family. I desired to be like those other really cool blogs that were so good at creating blog posts and having lots of followers, etc.
To be honest, it would bother me sometimes when a new blog would pop up after being "in the field" for only a short time and would have a ton of followers! I have been blogging for about 4 or more years and have yet to have the audience I desired... what was wrong with me? why couldn't I get that kind of following?

Well, I think God is working in my heart --

Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like You

....blogging was not suppose to be about the numbers for me. It was suppose to be a place to be real and a light for Christ to my children and those reading here.

So, what is changing? My heart attitude....I am just going to write when I am felt led to write. I am a part of blogher community and they require that I at least write often -- if i don't write for two weeks, they shut off the ads. Well, they may shut me off -- because I am not writing for them or rather even for you right now. I am writing for me. I am writing for my God -- the audience of ONE. If I don't make post within two weeks, I don't make it....

...I just need to stop worrying about these things and refocus on who I am in the Lord. What doe Christ require of me>? What are HIS desires for me?


Okay, enough for now--- more to come.

From Under The Laundry Pile

As you can see - my blog writing has been quite slow over the past few weeks. In fact, I didn't even post a FAMILY FUN FRIDAY for last week. Shame. I know...

...there were so many blog posts that I have wanted to write all tucked in my head, but not been able to let out. Welcome to Autumn post, Tutorial for making a CUTE purse, Planning a Crafty Party ---

Life here at the Lil Daisies household has seemed to be running with activity and busy-ness. In fact, we just got back from a whirlwind of a camping trip. I am so tired - worn thin - even me the mom has had meltdowns.

Now, I love my girls -- ALL FOUR of them. They ARE my Lil Daisies and I am blessed that God has given them to me for this short (too short, I am told) time

...but, you'd think being a mom of girls would be a bowl-full-of-cherries-with-homespun-whipped-topping-easy-as-rhubarb-pie! But, have you seen the laundry pile??? Girls come with a million pieces of fabric!

Well, this post is just a little somethin' somethin' to let you know that I am not supermom (for those of you who dream that I am), my life is not perfect yet, and I do fall and trip over my flip-flops every day, but by the grace of God and by HIS strength, I manage to get up again and face the pile of laundry set before me...

...hope to see you in a few days.

Bloggy Makeover

For all my blog readers -- I just did a quick little makeover of my blog -- I was playing with the blogger new template designs just for fun.

However..

I need your thoughts (because I am actually hoping to do an overhaul of my blog design in the near future) and I want your thoughts on what you like and don't like ...ideas, please?

Is it too busy?

Simplicity, maybe?

More pictures?

What would you like to see or not see?

Thanks for your ideas!

Celebrating Easter

GOOD FRIDAY LIL DAISIES FANS! Are you celebrating this Resurrection weekend?

This was a post that I wrote when I was a guest post HERE at Creative2xMom. I thought I would share this today with you.
Robyn at Creative2xMom has written a fantastic POST about an Early Easter Gift that promotes the idea of doing good in our own communities. It gives a chance for bloggers to give back to their own community. A fabulous idea. Go check it out!

We are in the midst of celebration activities here at Lil Daisies. Some of the activities you read below we have done or will be doing as we are celebrating our Lord & Savior! We pray that you have a blessed Resurrection Sunday!

"They will celebrate your abundant

goodness and joyfully sing of your

righteousness."

~Psalm 145:7~

How do you celebrate Easter with your children?

I have had several people ask me this question. And, I think it is an important question to reflect upon -- Let me share with you our journey of celebrating Easter in our own home.

There are some that have the unsettled feeling about celebrating Easter with baskets and bunnies with little else to pass on to their own children. I have felt this way many times.

Since my family has a relationship with Christ, I desire for Christ to be a part of our family's daily life -- not just Sunday only -- everyday. I am finding ways to to bring the message of Jesus' resurrection into our home to our children.

I do want my girls to experience some of the "fun" of Easter, but I also want them to grow up learning WHY we celebrate Easter!

Just like Christmas, we develop traditions -- traditions that celebrate Easter in a fun, tangible way that still portrays the true meaning of this season: The Resurrection!

Traditions -- especially those children can see, hear, feel, smell and taste -- provide vivid impressions on which parents can build year after year. I will share with you some of our traditions that will hopefully enrich your own family's celebration of what might be more accurately called Resurrection Day.

Choose a few traditions from this collection that you think might suit your family. Share their meaning in whatever words your children will understand. Then, keep the traditions you like as part of your family's Easter heritage.

Whatever your activities or traditions that you create for your family, they should clearly include something meaningful and pointing to the true meaning of Easter and the Gospel.

Some excellent ways to teach your children why we celebrate Easter are through books, poems, crafts, activities, and object lessons.

STORY TELLING:

Explanation of the story: Read the account from Scripture (Use a toddler bible if children are younger). Be creative with ithe telling of the story and use props such as a grave cloth, stems from a rose bush for crown thorn, 30 dimes for pieces of silver, etc.

Make a tomb out of couch cushions -- act out the part of the story to give them an idea about the tomb and why it is so great it became empty on the third day!

Use Puppets or Flannel Board if you have them. Be creative!

MEAL

Make a special breakfast for Easter morning ~
cinnamon rolls baked on a cookie sheet in a cross shape.

One way that we are using to teach our kids about the death and resurrection of Jesus is through Resurrection Cookies. Each ingredient and each step symbolizes a portion of the events that led up to the resurrection.

Good Friday - make hot cross buns.

BOOKS:

• The Parable of the Lily
• Benjamin’s Box

CRAFTS & ACTIVITIES:

• Resurrection Eggs - You can make these eggs yourself. Each plastic eggs contains an item that symbolizes a part of the Easter story along with the appropriate scriptures.
• Easter Surprise - On Easter morning, your kids will get a surprise because Jesus has risen from the tomb (shoebox) in which he was buried only a few days earlier.
• Resurrection Rolls - This project symbolizes the burial and resurrection of Jesus. The only ingredients needed are crescent roll dough, marshmallows, butter, cinnamon and sugar.
• Jelly Bean Prayer

The NEW Jelly Bean Prayer

Red is for the blood He gave,
Green is for the grass He made,
Yellow is for the sun so bright,
Orange is for the edge of night.

Black, white, brown, yellow and red is for the children He made
All of these colors receive the grace He gave,
Purple is for the hour of sorrow,
Pink is for the new tomorrow.

Give a bag full of jelly beans,
Colorful and sweet,
Tell them it's a Prayer....
It's a promise..
It's an Easter Treat!

EASTER BASKETS

We still give our children Easter Baskets. They still have some typical items in the basket such as candy, stickers, and/or stuffed animal. But, I will also throw in creativity and do something a little different. I like to create themed baskets sometimes -- that are useful, especially as we head into the Spring/Summer seasons.

In the past, I have made:

"Garden Basket" with shovels, seeds, gloves, watering can

"Jesus": Coloring Book, Bookmark with Scripture, Puppets, etc.

" Artistic" : Coloring items, pens, pencils, paints, playdough, etc.

"Beach": Sand Bucket, Sand Toys, Bathing Suit, etc.

"Spa" : Fingernail polish, Fingernail stickers, Lip gloss, Hair pretties, etc.

From LIL DAISIES, we hope you and your family have a WONDERFUL and BLESSED Easter!!

LOTS OF FUN is happening here! Join in!

How do you celebrate Easter with your children?

I have had several people ask me this question. And, I think it is an important question to reflect upon -- Let me share with you our journey of celebrating Easter in our own home......

You can finish reading about Celebrating Easter because Lil Daisies has a guest post today over at Creative2xMom! Go Check it out!

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SPRING CLEAN CARNIVAL CHALLENGE is up. Look below and find out all the details! I hope you will join with me! I NEED the support. Tell your friends and family!



Don't Forget about our sweet Lovely giveaway with Scooterbug Flair! Enter to win some absolutely adorable hair pretties!

A New Blog Face!

As you can see, I have been refacing the look of my blog! AND, I am happy to say, that I have finally been able to get three columns in blogger with the tutorial help from: Three Column Blogger

It took a little time and some adjusting, but I was able to temporarily get the three columns and this makes me very happy! I am getting a little closer to the look I like, however, I am still not sure if it is exactly how I want it in regards to design, colors, etc....but, it is a good start. Tell me what you think?

I am still working on it.... any suggestions, thoughts, ideas?

Thanks bloggy friends!

Back in Service....

Okay. You can pray for me if you think about it. I have really been wanting to write in my blog for sometime now and have not been able to muster up the energy or rather the time to do it. I think my blog sabbatical has gone on long enough....yes?
So, I am starting up again and praying that I can be more consistent about writing in it. For those of you that would be delighted to do so, please pray with me and begin to start reading Lil' Daisy adventures again!
I have not quite got my pictures back into order yet...but, that will come soon.

Are you with me?

Technology can really be a bummer sometimes...

I am having difficulty with my computer and posting pictures. For some reason when I try to upload a picture ....my pictures will not appear for me to choose and upload. Something is not quite right with my Picasa program....and well, I have a lot of pictures that I need to go through and delete too, because apparently Picasa is too full and will not accept anymore photos ( currently stored on my memory card!)

I know I having BIG techinal difficulties --- sigh! I usually like posting pictures with my posts, because I find it more interesting and "colorful" too. But, this post will have to do without I am afraid.

There seems to be a lot going on in our lives and I have been a HUGE slacker when it comes to my blog. I am afraid I am losing my interested readers. I am praying that I will have more energy in my day to be able to start posting more regularly.... HOPEFULLY my pictures will start behaving too!

What do you wanna know???

I know it has been quite awhile since I have posted.... I guess I am having a difficulty just beginning to know what to write. I actually have lots of things to share, but I guess the motivation has not been there. I think life has taken a turn for busy here in the Lil' Daisies. I hope to get back into the groove and begin sharing all the adventures that have been going on here. Hopefully I have some faithful readers still wanting to know what's going on?
So...I think I can share some snippets of life at the Lil' Daisies.....some posts to look forward to here at Lil' Daisies are:


THE CRUISE
I went on my first cruise in September!









HANNAH MONTANA shows up in our backyard











AUTUMN IN AVONLEA -- a gathering to celebrate fall













DELICIOUS RECIPES -- Yum!










CRAFTINESS CORNER -- desires of crafty projects foretold












FALL INTO READING LIST -- my list of books!

















AND MORE!!

So, I do have lots to share with you after all!!

However, I am thinking about opening it up to you to ask me questions about me. Anything you want to know??? (I know this goes out on facebook too, so you can ask me there as well) But, ask away....and then maybe I will do a post regarding your questions! OY VEY!

Hope you will keep checking back here?

Rough Draft

It has taken me awhile to get something posted here. I have been putting it off because when I actually have some time to write, I am so tired and really can't think straight to write anything. I don't know if I should call it writer's fatigue block??
So, this is a pretty rough writing for me as I am typing while words flow out of my fingers....ha ha...I thought I need to write at least something.
I am sure some of you have disappeared from reading since ---you have clicked here too many times to just see the pic of Lydia still standing atop her mountain.

School has just started and my both of my girls are thrilled to be there! They love school...and they are so social! Rosi is just growing up too quickly for me....her little personality is blooming! She is very expressive....just not too much with words yet. She is starting to spill them out though. She is good at the "repeat" game!

I am attempting to put my house back in order, set-up some assemblence of a routine, get back on track with exercise and eating healthy....seriously, I just popped a french fry in my mouth while I wrote that. That is horrible! But, we celebrated the first day of school by eating out at tonight. Gotta love the dollar menu.

Our household has had a couple of rough years financially...which I am sure most people now days are having. It has been a struggle for me to try and really manage and budget carefully our finances. Many days I have become angered or confused at why God is bringing us through this struggle for so long. It becomes draining and I have become depressed several times. There are times I have felt no hope. But, I do look back upon these past few years and I can with all confidence see that God has been so faithful in providing for our family and I am truly thankful. God is good. I don't always know why things are falling in around me....but, I think a major thing that I have learned on this journey is that I am to be completely dependent on Him through all things ---every day. There is an understanding that has grown in my heart and daily experience over the last couple of years . I feel like I have just touched the surface of a deeper understanding that I am utterly dependent of God for everything, including my next breath.

Psalm 13

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

¹ How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?

² How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?

³ Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;

⁴ my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

⁵ But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.

⁶ I will sing to the LORD,
for he has been good to me.

Well, anyhoo....I feel disorganized and tired as of late...I have thought several times to stop blogging, but part of me really wants to keep at it. I at least got in something here today....even if it is rambled mess of words and thoughts. But, I guess that is a reflection of my life right now...pretty rambled.

That is is how we are doing here at the Lil' Daisies stable. I think we are trying to adjust back into the routine of school life. No more sleeping in and staying up late and busyness of Summer activities....swimming, camping, visiting, traveling....etc.

Okay. I need to get my kiddos into a bath then Bible and bed! TTFN!!

100

I thought this was pretty interesting. I use Bible Gateway a lot of the time to look up a Bible verses. I stumbled across their blog. Who knew Bible Gateway has a blog?
I am thinking about taking the next 100 Days and reading through each verse. It would be even more spectactular to memorize them all....but... Um, I think I will just take wittle bitty steps...

Here are the first 10 from the top 100 most-read Bible verses on BibleGateway.com (all verses quoted from the NIV):

1. John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
2. Jer 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
3. Rom 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
4. Phil 4:13: I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
5. Gen 1:1: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
6. Prov 3:5: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
7. Prov 3:6: in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
8. Rom 12:2: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
9. Phil 4:6: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
10. Matt 28:19: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

On an island

I am currently using a remote computer at the moment. When it rains it pours? Well, my computer is currently under surgery at the Computer Doctor. Fortunately, the Dr. accepts homemade Grape jelly as payment.
The Doc is not allowed to open the jar until the computer is back in my hands....and let's just say the Doc LOVES Grape jelly. :-) So, hopefully this week we will be back up and running.

I have had many people wondering if I had fallen somewhere in a remote island drinking some exotic drink and enjoying the smells of the ocean and the warmth of the sun. I wish.

Actually, the weather has been extremely beautiful here these past few weeks and our family has taken advantage of that about everyday by spending most of our time outdoors. We are loving the beautiful Spring weather in the midst of January.

Sidenote: You can all stand and clap. I have officially lost 9lbs since I started not eating. I have one more pound to shed before I can treat myself to a reward.
Okay, that makes me ponder...do you all have ideas of rewards that would be good for me when I reach specific goals? What would you want as a reward? Do not say Chocolate cake...because that just wouldn't be right.

Alright friends. Just a little chicken (check in) to let you know that I am not on that island, rather I am actually cleaning my house as I await the arrival of my newly fixed computer. I am sure my computer will be happy to come home to a clean house. Me too.

Beer Belly

I am awaiting for Ric and myself to figure out my Picasa picture situation. Apparently we have used up our maximum space for pictures. So, I can't put any pictures on my blog until we get that all worked through. Blogger says I have reached my limit. I wish my stomach would do the same to me. I wish it would say: "Bella, you have reached your limit of food consumption for the day." But, it doesn't and so I eat...

Well, not being able to post pictures really is hard on me. It makes me feel naked. What is a blog post without a picture of some sort? So, I hope you will just enjoy words. Words. Just words.

Random Sidenote: Lydia comes into the kitchen while I am writing this and matter of factly states: "I want more beer!"
Of course, I am caught off guard, confused, and stunned at what she just said. "Oh, ha ha ha! Honey, you want more ROOTbeer."
"Yes M-aaahM! I want more Beeer!"

Back to reality of this post:
So, I have begun the ever treacherous trek of "eating healthy"....meaning I am trying to lose my 6 years of baby pudge! Now, it is not really a New Year's Resolution (though, I suppose it could be). I don't want to put it on the list of resolutions, because most of the time it ---okay all the time I never complete my resolutions.
I have actually wanted to join WW (weight watchers) for awhile now, but I wasn't able to because of the moolah issue. But, thankful to Grandma's who hand out Christmas money, I have been able to start.
Why am I letting you know? Because I am hoping that you can at least join me in prayer, motivation, your thoughts, encouragement etc. I don't want your criticism, so leave that at your side of the computer web!
It is week two and for my first week I lost 3lbs. Hoo-rah! So, it is a start. So, I celebrated with eating a piece of cake! Ah, I know. Acutally, it was my friend's birthday and I made a cake and a pie---and of course I HAD to eat it.
Well, thankfully, today is anew and I am not quitting, but trying again.

Okay friends,
Any tips?
What has kept you motivated to keep exercising, eating healthy, etc.

I am off to drink some water, not Beer! Yeah me!

Busy Busy

I apologize to my few dedicated readers because I have not produced much material for your reading enjoyment of Lil' Daisies.
In all honesty, it has been a very hectic month. And, if my assumptions conclude me rightly, it will most likely not get any less busy. I wanted so much to share with you all the wonderful things we do over the holidays: baking, 12 days of Christmas, decorating, traditions, etc. However, we have not been able to do much of that yet. I am hoping to do a little baking this week. I have all my ingredients and recipes ready. And, my little helpers too!
Because of our "busy-ness" here at Lil' Daisies, I'm taking a short Winter sabbath from a few things, and I think blogging has to be one of them. My nightstand is full of books I want to read, Christmas presents to sew and purchase and wrap, a home to manage and clean, guests to prepare for, baking, spending time with my kiddos, etc. Something has to give a little bit and I think it will have to be blogging for a few weeks. I will keep track of what we did and make sure to share with you all that we did.
I hope your holidays are beautiful, bright, and blessed! Enjoy the rest of the year, and I'll see you back sometime. Blessings!

Here is what has been going on that has kept me:

• Lydia & Sophia had dance performances in The Christmas Carol.
• Rosalia has Chicken Pox and Pink Eye is both eyes (She is miserable)
• Christmas school parties
• My Birthday

Ado

I'm currently having writer's block, which is a good thing because I have enough to do that I'd just feel guilty for writing, anyway. A house to clean, a cake to bake, laundry to be folded and put away, groceries to buy, outfit to sew, party to plan....

....so without further ado.

I am lighting a candle.

And off to work on crossing off my list. That is such a good feeling.

Procrastination

I am fighting the urge to close my laptop...because I know that I need too. I am Procrastinator (with an Arnold Schwartz voice)!

I have SOOO much to be doing right at this moment. But here I am on the computer and listening to Mickey Mouse playing in the background. Where has my common sense gone?

I should be...

• Folding Laundry --I have a HUGE mountain of about 5 loads
• Planning Party for Rosalia
• Cleaning Kitchen
• Paying a bill to Lydia's Preschool
• Getting Extra Barbie Stuff together to give to a friend (Yes! We are downsizing toys!)
• I have plenty of spaces in our home that needs a HUGE De-clutter make-over! Too many Hot Spots!
• Finishing up some sewing projects.
• Oh, there is more but I really should digress and go do one of these...

Anyone else with a list of to-do's a mile long and no motivation to do them?

Sorry Folks!

I have been inconsistent these last couple of weeks (honestly, I have been most of my life) trying to find balance and organization at home in our family schedule.

So, if you were wondering if I would have some sort of blog that would contain some substance, sorry it will have to wait just a bit longer.

I do have several posts that I want to share with you. So be looking forward to hearing about

• our recent family night
• sewing projects
• journey

And, of course, I always have some photos to share with you too....

Strike A Pose

We have been without a camera for over a month or so. I can't really remember. But, I miss having one. AND...I am so excited that our new camera will be arriving next week! Hooray. (Thank you family fans of Lil Daisies!)

I think I have lacked in blogging a bit because I have not had a camera. I wanted to blog about something, but I didn't because I did not have a camera to capture the moment. I know. I know. I could write about something without having to post a pic, but most of the time what I wanted to share had usually something to do with an event I wanted to show you with pic or movie too.

It has been hard not having a camera to capture all our life cherishing moments.

We had birthdays, anniversaries, firsts...
1> Lydia had her first haircut
2> Rosi had her first swim
3> Girls swim lessons

And of course there were just fun/funny moments that I really wanted to grab my camera and shoot. There will be many more moments coming up when my camera is here and I hope to capture it then and share.

So, now you just have to read this lame post about my complaining about not having a camera, but not really complaining, but rather excited about getting a new camera to share with you all future up-coming extravaganza at Lil Daisies.

That previous run-on sentence probably did not make a bit of sense.

Ah well. Maybe you get the point.

And, now I leave you with not a pic.

Driven to Distraction

Hopefully, not anymore by a cell phone glued to your ear while driving. TODAY is the day. If you live in California or even if you plan on visiting CALI ---You better get familiar with a hands-free phone device. Here is the info below. So, if you decide to hold your phone and talk while driving, you may just end up paying what it would cost to fill up with a 1/2 a tank of gas. That might be worth it just to invest in an ear piece. Gas is golden these days you know!
Oh, but don't worry....you can text message if you like (that is not specifically prohibited in the new law)---weird! (Read the last question). That is just dumb. Why would you not specifically prohibit that as well? That seems to me to be a little bit more dangerous.
I am actually happy with the law. I have an ear-piece for awhile and let me tell you it is much better to drink my lemonade that way! But, honestly, how many of us get annoyed that we are stuck behind a person going 20 miles under the speed limit and think it might be an older granny, but when you pass them, you see it is a young person chit chatting away on their cellphone? I have a lot more sympathy and grace for the poor old people who can't see where they are going than to the cellphone blabber.
So...there you go friends. You can eat, drink, chew gum, sing out loud, dance, all you want while driving --even all of them at the same time if you wish. But, you can't hold your "friend the phone" up to your ear and chat with your mom all day.
Update: My darling husband pointed out that I forgot to site my source. Here it is.


Wireless Telephone Laws FAQs
Two new laws dealing with the use of wireless telephones while driving go into effect July 1, 2008. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning these new laws.
Q: When do the new wireless telephone laws take effect?
A: The new laws take effect July 1, 2008
Q: What is the difference between the two laws?
A: The first law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while
operating a motor vehicle. (Vehicle Code (VC) §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a
hands-free device. The second law prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a
wireless telephone or a hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124).
Q: What if I need to use my telephone during an emergency, and I do not have a handsfree device?
A: The law allows a driver to use a wireless telephone to make emergency calls to a law
enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services
agency.
Q: What are the fines if I’m convicted?
A: The base fine for the FIRST offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent convictions.
However, with the addition of penalty assessments, the total amount will be more than
triple the base fine.
Q: Will I receive a point on my drivers license if I’m convicted for a violation of the wireless telephone law?
A: NO. The violation is a reportable offense: however, DMV will not assign a violation
point.
Q: Will the conviction appear on my driving record?
A: Yes, but the violation point will not be added.
Q: Will there be a grace period when motorists will only get a warning?
A: NO. The law becomes in effect on July 1, 2008. Whether a citation is issued is always at
the discretion of the officer based upon his or her determination of the most appropriate
remedy for the situation.
Q: Are passengers affected by this law?
A: No. This law only applies to the person driving a motor vehicle.
Q: Do these laws apply to out-of-state drivers whose home states do not have such laws?
A: Yes
Q: Can I be pulled over by a law enforcement officer for using my handheld wireless telephone?
A: YES. A law enforcement officer can pull you over just for this infraction.
Q: What if my phone has a push-to-talk feature, can I use that?
A: No. The law does provide an exception for those operating a commercial motor truck or
truck tractor (excluding pickups), implements of husbandry, farm vehicle or tow truck, to use
a two-way radio operated by a “push-to-talk” feature. However, a push-to-talk feature
attached to a hands-free ear piece or other hands-free device is acceptable.
Q: What other exceptions are there?
A: Operators of an authorized emergency vehicle during the course of employment are
exempt as are those motorists operating a vehicle on private property
Q: Does the new “hands-free” law prohibit you from dialing a wireless telephone while driving or just talking on it?
A: The new law does not prohibit dialing, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while
driving.
Q: Will it be legal to use a Blue Tooth or other earpiece?
A: Yes, however you cannot have BOTH ears covered.
Q: Does the new hands-free law allow you to use the speaker phone function of your wireless telephone while driving?
A: Yes.
Q: Does the new “hands-free” law allow drivers 18 and over to text page while driving?
A: The law does not specifically prohibit that, but an officer can pull over and issue a
citation to a driver of any age if, in the officer’s opinion, the driver was distracted and
not operating the vehicle safely. Text paging while driving is unsafe at any speed and is
strongly discouraged.