King & Queen

Today in school we talked about Queen Esther. We made scepters and goblets, and we talked about what we would do if we were king or queen. Even J participated today! Here are the stories they made. I asked them the questions and they came up with their own answers. I really got a kick out of J's.

If I Were King
J would live in a hotel.
J would wear a Batman mask.
J would eat hotel food.
J would play with Play-doh.

If I Were Queen
H would live in a castle.
H would wear queen clothes.
H would eat cookies.
H would go potty and go to bed.

From Rags...To Riches

Remember in one of my previous posts I had said something about my Kirby costing more than Zach's truck? Well, I have been wanting to post a picture of that piece of junk and haven't done it. Finally, I want you to see just why Kirby cost more.













Now you may not think it looks all that bad, but the inside doesn't have a rooftop and it is just hideous. Truly a piece of junk! So hopefully we can sell it soon because...













We decided to buy a new set of wheels! We wanted something that would be reliable and good on gas. It was to be for Zach to take to and from work. We've always bought junkers as our second vehicle. We didn't really want a car payment after just paying off the van earlier this year, but oh well. We tried to find an older model vehicle, say a 2002 or something, but there were no used vehicles around here. We found this 2005 used Ford Focus and got a good deal on it and nice low payments! And let me say that I love it and drive it whenever I can! We can even fit all three kiddos in the backseat:)

Thankfulness

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:14-16

It is time to reflect upon the things I have been blessed with in life. And to be thankful. So often I take all things for granted. I may lose it with the children or get annoyed with my husband. I may be impatient at the car in front of me. I may go to another house and envy that it is 'nicer' than mine. In this world today it is so difficult to be thankful. We often become envious and greedy, wanting more and more. How often do we really reflect on what we do have? How often are we truly thankful for those things?

First of all, I am reading about the Pilgrims to H. It is interesting to me that the Pilgrims came to America to live for the Lord, to be missionaries. They wanted to be in a country where they were free to worship God the way He led them to, but they also wanted others to know about Him. So, they endured the hardships of sailing across the big open waters of the Atlantic and arrived here, not knowing what they would find. I am thankful for the hearts of these Pilgrims. What joy it must have brought the Lord for His children to so willingly obey His command, His heart. Imagine what life would have been like back then? Say, maybe 10-15 years after they arrived. What a religious nation this was! It was zealous for the Lord! How terribly sad that is has gone so downhill, trying to take God and Christ out of everything. This nation began upon the Lord!

Now, getting back on track, I am so very thankful for my family. You see, ever since I was the littlest girl I wanted to be married. Well, here I am- married. How awesome that God knew my heart and prepared my husband for me! Just for me! A man who loves me, takes care of me, completes me. I also wanted to be a mommy since I can remember. Well, so far I have three blessed children. Wow! Now I need to be honest, more often than not these children have been getting under my skin. But as I reflect upon my life, I am so thankful for them! They are truly gifts from the Lord. The little things they say and do. My life would not be complete were they not in it. I am thankful that I have a home. Almost 3 months ago I wondered if I would have a home and my things. They are just things, but things that have meaning to my family and I. Well, God was SO good and He heard the prayers of His people and set up His angels around my house to protect it. Amazing. Then again, we should not doubt Him and His extreme power. I am so thankful that He has called me, saved me and loved me. I am thankful that He is so patient with me in my shortcomings, yet He is always there, loving me and leading me in Him. There are so many other things I am thankful for, but for these I wish to write this year. May you, too, find the blessings of God all about you. For we are all truly blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving! Have a blessed day with the Lord, family and friends! Don't forget to give thanks to the One who has blessed us so!

School Days

Kirstin had this meme on her blog and I thought I'd do it too...A trip down memory lane! Let me know if you do it!

Kindergarten: I remember going to a farm for a field trip. It was so neat and such a blast! I got to ride a bus there, see many farm animals and eat a picnic lunch! What fun for a 5 year old!

First Grade: I remember in 'gym' class using the 'parachute' and having so much fun running underneath it and using that. I think that was the most fun I've ever had in gym!

Second Grade: I had the coolest teacher, Mrs. Brookhouse. Then she went on maternity leave and I ended up with a totally different teacher and was bummed. Overall, I remember really enjoying 2nd Grade.

Third Grade: This was the year I tried a hand at Karate. I don't think I participated too much but I enjoyed doing it. I believe this was also the year I got into the 'Baby-sitter Club' books and didn't put them down for years!

Fourth Grade: My teacher taught us all about Hershey, Pennsylvania. I remember being so fascinated with it all since I loved chocolate.

Fifth Grade: I was a crossing guard and went to the State Fair with other crossing guards from my school. My friend, Kerry and I had so much fun together on the big rides. I still have a big blown up picture of her and I, yet I haven't heard from her since she moved back in like 7th grade:(

Sixth Grade: I remember going to a 5 day long camp with the other 6th graders. I ended up in a cabin with some other girls, some were my friends, some were not. I remember the Seniors were the counselors and would try to get us with shaving cream when we were sleeping. I had not yet fallen asleep and some of the seniors came in. They got some of the other girls with shaving cream. After they left I woke people up and they were mad that I hadn't woken them up in the first place because now they were all full of shaving cream! I was a 6th grader, scared of those big seniors! So, they took TOOTHPASTE and put it in my hair and my sleeping bag (only 2 or 3 of them). I ran to where the counselors were, crying. Then I was put in a cabin with my friends. Not a pleasant memory;0

Seventh Grade: Science class was a joke. We'd read Time Magazine. Jay and I would come to class and discuss Full House from the night before. Band was a joke too. We rarely played our instruments, but more often ate candy and messed around for the hour. I think this was the year that I choked on a hard candy and had to go up to the office and get the Heimlich maneuver done by the Health teacher! Also had Woodshop and Metals Class (was required).

Eighth Grade: Science class again. One of my closest friends and I had to 'wire' a dollhouse with electricity. It was so much fun! We even got to decorate the house!

Ninth Grade: Became best friends with a girl from church. We had such a fun time together in Youth Group and became known as somewhat of rebels... We sure enjoyed chasing the boys and Bible camp. (And people wonder why I'll never let my children go to these types of things!!!) Had a crush on the new band teacher...yuck!

Tenth Grade: My gym teacher embarrassed me in front of the whole class. He was also the basketball coach. We were playing basketball that day and he blew his whistle, stopped everything and asked me why I wasn't guarding better. In front of the whole class! Told me to sit out. I was bawling. Everybody was in shock and felt pretty bad about it. Jerk;)

Eleventh Grade: Mom got remarried. Moved to a whole new school halfway through the year. Started dating a guy and went to prom together. We dated for 2 years. He was the whole reason I switched schools. Young love...

Twelfth Grade: Went on my senior class trip to NYC, Niagara Falls and Toronto. The tour guide in NYC was totally g*y. There was a roach in my shoe at the hotel in NYC. The hotel manager in Toronto was the biggest jerk and TAPED our doors closed so we wouldn't sneak out at night (because some kid threw something out of a window at the hotel in NYC and almost hit a lady on the head). Got to see The Phantom of the Opera in Toronto.

On the Loose

G seems to be a monkey. H and J were never like him. He has been climbing everything. The changing table, the couch, the beds, the chairs. You name it, he climbs it. I guess he is trying to prove to us that he's a big boy like the rest of us. He also has this fascination with trying to get his clothes off. I hear many kids hate wearing clothes. H and J never minded, but G...seems he's been running around in a shirt and diaper lately. Oh well. I am attaching some pictures. One where he climbed into the dryer and one where he climbed into the cupboard. So if we ever come to your house beware of my climbing monkey!

Recipe Swap

Since the holidays are around the corner I thought it would be fun to post recipes and exchange them that way. I know Beth has a killer Pumpkin Cheesecake. So, fess up one and all and give us those secrets to success in your kitchen on Turkey Day. I have this recipe for some wonderful creamy mashed potatoes. Sure beats your ordinary mashed spuds. Enjoy!

Creamy Mashed Potatoes
5 lbs. Potatoes, peeled & cubed
1 c. Sour cream
2 pkg. Cream cheese, softened
3 tbs. Butter, divided
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Onion Salt
1/2 tsp. Pepper

Place potatoes in pot, cover with water. Cover & bring to a boil. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until very tender. Drain well. In a large mixing bowl, mash potatoes. Add sour cream, cream cheese, 2 tbs. Butter, salt, onion salt & pepper; beat until fluffy. Transfer to a greased 2 quart baking dish, dot with remaining butter. Bake uncovered at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Who turned the heat on???

It cannot be November. How is it that Thanksgiving is next week? Not only has the year flown by, but it is SO hot here today. We had some errands to run and I was sweating get the kiddos in and out of the vehicle! I came home and cranked the AC and it is STILL running and I'm still hot and its been at least an hour since I have been back. I also threw on a pair of shorts. I'm normally the kind of gal who likes to be warm and gets easily cold, but today I'm so hot! I really would like to see the difference of seasons...a bit of autumn would be nice. I am not cut out to be a southern gal and I'm thinking/praying/hoping our next base will be either Ohio or Illinois. Seasons. Snow. Family. But, that's another 2.5 years away, at least. Guess I'll have to settle for the heat. And back home today is the official start of Deer Season. Who can think about hunting down here? It's more like, "Let's head to the beach." Oh, but we have no beach... Oh well. I will send all you Northerners some warm weather!!!

MeMe: 20 Random Things

Well, I've been tagged for the first time ever by Anne. So, here goes.

1. I am an only child.
2. I have always wanted to be a wife and a mommy.
3. I have 3 dads.
4. I used to cut people out of catalogs, make families out of them and write stories about them.
5. I loved to play Barbies and have lost a few of them in Lake Superior.
6. I have been luging on a homeade luge track.
7. I have never been overseas.
8. We never really had a 'real' honeymoon because Zach had to be back in Texas the day after our wedding because he wasn't officially released from Tech School. I snuck back to Texas with him.
9. I know how to correctly pronounce the word 'sauna' and I know what a pasty is.
10. I have always wanted to go on a cruise and to go to Australia.
11. I once had a crush on one of my band teachers (ick).
12. I had a pet parakeet that could say my name and flip over playing cards.
13. I have went skinny dipping in the frigid waters of Lake Superior with the girls from His House Christian Fellowship in college.
14. I knew Zach's brother and sister-in-law well before I even knew who Zach was!
15. I went to New York City and Toronto, Canada for my high school senior class trip (boy was my mom crazy).
16. I would never let my children go to these places without me, most especially on a senior class trip.
17. My best friend has the same name as I do.
18. I hate being stuck in traffic, but I don't even know what traffic in a real city is like!
19. I love to read books and get so sucked into the story.
20. I have a social work degree and at one time I wanted to work in a Children's Hospital, sometimes dressing as a clown to make the children laugh.

Okay, I tag Marisa, Amie and Heather.

What a Scare!

Like usual last night I had a difficult time falling asleep. I usually do. But I heard J cry a bit a few times and wondered if he was ok. Then I think I hear all these noises and my mind starts swirling. I am tired but just can't seem to fall asleep. I wonder if somebody will break in. I wonder if some child molester will take my child. Very unlikely, I know, but that's what happens when I'm overtired and can't seem to fall asleep. So finally I must have dozed off. I was out cold. All of a sudden the smoke alarms start going off! I jump up and try to reach for my glasses, turn on the light, and mumble, "What the h*#@!" Now I never swear, so I was pretty freaked out. Zach jumped up just as quickly as I did and ran into the hall, turning on the lights and checking for smoke. There was nothing, of course, thankfully, so we determined our batteries must be running low. Why do those things feel the need to go off in the MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT???? So we go back to lying down, but my heart is still pretty much out of my chest. About 10 minutes later again we hear, "Beep, beep, beep". And those things are SO loud. This time it woke up the baby. I was very surprised that J didn't wake screaming. H woke up, but she wasn't real frightened about it. So, poor Zach had to change the batteries at like 1:30 am! At least they didn't go off again and we were able to get some sleep. Sure was scary though!

Is Preschool Harmful?

While I am a big advocate for homeschooling, I know it is not for everybody. But, I read this interesting article and wanted to pass it along. And it is amazing to me that the ages of children that attend school is getting younger and younger. I don't remember 2 and 3 year olds going to school when I was a child, yet that is now how things are. Anyway, this article was just interesting and you can read it by clicking here. I know many of my friends and family that read my blog send their children to preschool so I hope to not step on any toes...like I said it was just an interesting article. And to me it makes sense... If you read it, what do you think?

My Boys

Here are pictures of my boys that we had taken last month. Aren't they adorable?

Friendships

Last week I went to a Pampered Chef party. While there I met another woman about my age. Her son looked about G's age, so we struck up a conversation. Turns out she has two other children that weren't there with her. All of her children and my children are the same ages! You may be wondering, "So what?". Well, I haven't necessarily been praying about this particular thing, but its been on my heart and in my mind for some time. I don't have a lot of close friends here, and of those I am close to their children are older than mine and they are quite a bit older than me. Which is totally ok, but sometimes I just wish I had somebody my age, in the same boat with me, so to speak, going through the same things at the same time. Does that make sense? And poor dear H hasn't had a close girlfriend since we were in North Carolina- well over a year ago! Well this lady, Casey, and I exchanged phone numbers and they came over to play yesterday. Let me tell you it was totally God to work this out. I wasn't originally planning on going to the PC party (afterall I didn't even really know the lady having it), but I went anyway. Anyway, I wasn't sure if Casey was a Christian, pagan, Buddhist... Not like it mattered at that particular time, but it is important to me to have a friend of the same faith. Well, it turns out she is a Christian also. Her 5 year old daughter goes to 1/2 day Kindergarten at a Baptist church here right now, but she wants to homeschool. We just really seemed to have a lot in common and it is SO nice to have a new friend. Now I know we only got together one time, but we really hit it off! And the kids had fun playing too. So, thank YOU Jesus for my new friend;)

On another note, why are we women SO sensitive? Why did God make us this way? Now I'm not nearly as sensitive as I was years ago, but I still am. You know, your husband jokingly disses dinner, but deep down it hurts, even if it is a joke. I'm not saying that is the case here, its just an example. How much do you reach out to somebody and try to be their friend? I have a friend here and I thought we were getting quite close. We'd get the kids together to play, we've gone out "kid-less" a few times and really seemed to be hitting it off. Now I know that this friend has had a rough year here and gone through some things. And I know she recently has as well. I have tried to reach out to her. I have called her numerous times. She never returns my calls. This is where the sensitivity kicks in. I begin to wonder, "What did I do?" She has caller ID, or did last I knew, so she knows when I call. I've left messages on her machine, emailed, etc. If this was just anybody I'd 'blow it off' as best I could. But, she was special to me as a friend and I enjoyed getting to know her. So, what do I do? See what I mean...I'm so sensitive! I know a lot of women would be like, "Forget it" or whatever, but it is hard to come across people who have the same beliefs and convictions that you have, and like I said this woman is special. I guess I just keep praying for her, for her healing and for peace. And I guess I just need to pray for peace for myself in the situation as well.

So, what are your stories? Are any of you other ladies just as sensitive to things like this?

Bible Books

I took this quiz to see what book of the Bible I'm most like. Interesting. Ephesians is one of my favorite books!


You are Ephesians.

Which book of the Bible are you?
brought to you by

Lookin' Good

Well, Zach finally got an answer we wanted to hear from the insurance company yesterday. I guess our check was mailed out a couple of days ago! Yipee! Now I just hope it covers the majority of work and supplies that need to be taken care of.

Last night we had some nice fellowship with one of the only families we know here. Well, we know many people but only know few, if that makes sense. Their children are ages 17, 15, 13 and 2, but my kiddos just love them. It is so nice because being that their girls (they're all girls) are older, they really help out with ours and I barely see them! We could hear them hootin' and hollerin' upstairs so we knew they were having a grand ol' time. Us adults had a blast making fun of each other. They're from Alabama and us being from Michigan, we sure have quite the different accents. It was a riot! I am somehow going to coordinate with their older girls and Logan (the dad) to throw a surprise shower for Sheri. She is pregnant with their 1st boy and we're all pretty excited;) So, looks like a nice ending to a crazy week. I think today we're going to head to Mobile to do something as its such a dreary rainy day and we feel a bit stir crazy!

Have a happy weekend!

Complaining

First off let me just say I am so sick of these insurance companies *screwing* people over (pardon the language, but that is exactly the case). Thankfully we didn't have as much hurricane damage as others, but we're still counting on our insurance money that we're entitled to. Have we seen it yet? No! Zach called yesterday and the lady tried saying that maybe the adjuster that was here doesn't work for them anymore or that Zach gave the wrong claim number. What does that have to do with us getting our money? The adjuster was here at least a month ago if not longer! I have been meaning to call but have been hopping on my toes all day long I haven't had a chance yet. It is ridiculous how they keep thinking they can get by with swindling people out of their entitled money. Zach's dad is supposed to come and help us get everything back together, but he's waiting until we find out how much the insurance is giving us. Well, at this rate he won't be here until next year! I am so sick of it...here we dish out this money every month and we can't even get our entitled money!?!?

On to my next complaint...

Last week I arranged with my baby-sitter to baby-sit today. The kids haven't seen her in well over 5 months and I wanted to volunteer so I thought it would work out. Well, I should have called her to remind her...she forgot. I guess that's what happens. She's a teenager, was homeschooled, still lives at home and is taking college courses. She's a sweet gal that we've had for a little over a year. So, I called her and she said she'd be here in 20 minutes. Luckily I was just volunteering and didn't have an appointment or something. By the time she gets here all the kids are up from naps and by the time I explain the whole drill with her its almost 3 o'clock and I'm almost an hour late. I'm sitting there doing my volunteer work when the cell phone rings. Uhoh. It's Sarah. Turns out H took the 'lip' thing that goes on the potty chair and flushed it down the toilet. I guess first G had gotten a hold of it, so Sarah was washing his hands when H did this. Lovely. What a fun phone call! I just told her not to flush the toilet anymore and we'd take care of it. Not much more we could do at that point. So, by the time I get home Zach's home and has heard the story. H's in her bed and I need to finish dinner (luckily I had put pork chops in the crock pot). So, Zach tells me that he got home to the kids watching Star Wars (and I had told Sarah I really didn't want them watching it) and that there were crumbs caked on the wall and on the floors. After asking H how her time with Sarah was it sounds like Sarah played on the computer. I asked if she played with them at all and H said no. Well, since Zach had gotten home before me he payed her. She was here for 2 1/2 hours at the most. He paid her $20!!! Of course, he wouldn't know how much to pay a baby-sitter but I was floored! Especially after the poor job she did today. I'm uncertain of the baby-sitting rates these days anyways, but I don't think I would've paid that much! It is so hard to come by a good baby-sitter nowadays. I remember I had when I baby-sat I watched the kids, played with them and made sure the house was somewhat intact before the parents came home. Things aren't that way anymore it seems. So, I guess I will be searching for a new baby-sitter. I'm so disappointed. It isn't the first time she has been late or that I've had little issues, but before I could overlook it. Now I am just tired of it. Not sure how we'll get the 'lip' out of the toilet. Guess its a good thing we have two toilets so we don't have to use that one for now! Not like its a horror baby-sitting story, but it could've went better.

So, that's my complaining for the day. Instead of taking it out on someone or something else I thought I'd blog about it. Isn't this what my blog is for?