Babies & Crafts

The night after Thanksgiving we baby-sat for our friends. These are the ones whose homebirth I attended. The kids absolutely love the baby and I snatched this picture. Even G kept giving the baby lots of attention. Isn't she cute??? My kids are so ready for a baby in our house!!!














Last night H & J were conversing on the couch and I just had to snatch a photo!














Today we finally put to good use the leaves my mom brought down almost 2 months ago! I have been wanting to do an art project with them but kept putting it off. They colored their paper if they wanted to and then arranged the leaves and we laminated it to make a placemat. I thought they turned out rather cute.

 

Thanksgiving Pictures

I know, its been a week, but here are some pictures from Thanksgiving.


 

More Pictures

Here are the kids playing on Thanksgiving. It is an every day occurance for J to wear that Batman gear. For Christmas he wants a Superman costume.














This is the day after Thanksgiving when I wanted to do nothing. It was nice to snuggle up on the couch with my baby!



















The kids coloring together. I just love this picture.














Looks like J's neck is about to break off!

Mood Swings

Wow, I sure received alot of comments with that last post! I normally don't receive any! Keep 'em up gang! Today I was fine. Still no Aunt here visiting yet. Then this evening I got hit with the crankiness again. There was nothing that really set me off, it just clicked and I was crabby and wanting to cry! I then went out to do some shopping (of which I found nothing) and went to a friend's house. She wanted to give me a pedicure as she is practicing on her friends. She wants to do it as a ministry to ladies in her church. So, I brought some coffee and got a free pedicure! Just like she stated, "There's something about washing a person's feet that makes your friendship more intimate". We don't see one another often or even talk too much. When we have gotten together it has been fine, but just not 'close'. If that makes sense. But tonight we really got some wonderful fellowship and its like we're closer through her 'washing my feet'. It was something I really needed and I walked away so blessed and thankful for her! So, at the moment I am feeling good. Tired, but good. I am so thankful for the variety of friends the Lord has blessed me with. Thank you all!!! Even my cyberspace friends that I have never met are such a blessing to me. So, I'll keep ya posted on the Aunt, moods and all that good girly stuff!

The Crank Is In Motion

Boy, I have copped an attitude tonight. I've been waiting for days for Aunt Flo to make her visit and she must be on the brink because I am so crabby tonight. I was fine all day and all of a sudden I just feel irritable. I took a pregnancy test days ago and it was a big fat -. I don't think I'm pregnant anyway. Which also irritates me. And I'm irritated with myself for being irritable. The kiddos were SO stinkin' hyper, bouncing off the walls tonight and that didn't help matters. I've got the littlest one laying here next to me and all I want to do is read but I've gotta have this laptop on so he can fall asleep. I have a sore neck because I must have slept wrong last night. Did I mention I want a baby already? I'm tired all the time lately. I feel so fat and I'm tired of my clothes being snug since I lost the baby. I either want to fit into my clothes or be pregnant. Yeah, I'm crabby. Got something you wanna say about it??? Maybe now some of you who linger will leave me a comment! Go ahead, I dare ya! Don't worry I'll be better tomorrow...we all get in these funky moods sometimes...

Life

We had a very good Thanksgiving. I cooked for what seemed like an army because I wasn't sure how many people would show up. Turned out only 2 students came, but so did some friends of ours, so there were 6 adults and 6 kids. We had a great time and the students that were here were also Christians so we had some great conversations! I was quite exhausted when all was said and done and we've really been enjoying the leftovers! But I already stated that nobody is coming over for Christmas! It is so much work for one person to do and I feel I don't always get to enjoy the day. Maybe for Christmas I'll just make us a lasagna.

Friday I didn't want to do a thing. I didn't do a thing. Zach was itching to go shopping but he knew how tired I was from the day before so we just stayed at home. It was actually warm enough that he put the waterslide out for the kids! They sure had fun on that! I think the kids took about a 3 hour nap that day!

Saturday we went shopping. First we went to eat at Moe's. If you've never been to one you've gotta go- they are awesome! We had been to one in North Carolina awhile ago and I loved it back then too! We found a few things for Christmas gifts but not too much. I'm really uncertain what to get the kids this year- they don't need more junky toys. Legos are one thing that Zach has been getting them and they love them! It was a nice day to spend out in Mobile, but it was also nice to come back home! I've been the biggest homebody lately!

Yesterday J went to his Sunday School class for the first time!!! I was SO proud of him! Hopefully he'll continue to go from here on out. H had choir practice. Her Christmas pageant is coming up soon. I can't wait to see it all put together!

I meant to write a post earlier but our computer has been really slow. I bought this new anti-virus awhile back and tried to download it on the computer recently and it had really slowed down the computer. How frustrating! I will NEVER buy that one again. It is called BitDefender and many websites I went to said it was the best. Well, how can it be good if it majorly slows down your PC? I tried to contact them and they needed me to zip something and send the report but my computer wouldn't allow the file, so who knows? I will write the company I bought it from and try to get my money back. I am very unhappy about it all. So, that's about all we've been up to. Had quite the relaxing weekend!

Thankfulness

This Thankful Tree that we made pretty much sums up things our family is thankful for.
Note: The first thing the 6 and 4 year old said they were thankful for was toys. The two year old? His first thing...Jesus! How precious is that! Also note that I did not say I'm thankful for dogs;)
We hung our tree on our closet door in the dining room to be reminded of what we can be thankful for. May you all have a very blessed Thanksgiving. I will be busy cooking for an army tomorrow, though I've no idea how many people are coming (some of Zach's students may be coming).

 

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

The Good: First of all I actually won the contest!!! Thanks so much Momanna!!! I am SO excited!!! On another good note this past Saturday I went to an Above Rubies conference in Pensacola! These always seem to occur at a time when I need that encouragement and reminder that YES what I am trying to do is exactly what God wants me to do. The world is so opposite of what God's Word teaches for wives and mothers and we are so bombarded with society's views that sometimes we begin to doubt if what we're doing is right. Not only did I get to hear the Word of God regarding His plan for women but I was able to see some old friends from previous retreats. We had a wonderful time of fellowship on the drive over as 7 of us went together. Then on the way back we ate at the Olive Garden with another group of ladies from our area. Oh, it was awesome!!!

The Bad: My poor babies were sick again. They must be catching things at Sunday School or co-op. People tell me they could get it from the store or this or that and while that is true we really haven't been anywhere! This time H had strep throat! J had a high fever last week but tested negative for strep. And G had a low fever early last week but has been fine since. At least they seem to be on the mend but I'm so tired of sicknesses in our house!

The Ugly: Tonight our van broke down on us while driving down the road. We were at a stop sign and all of a sudden it wouldn't go when you pressed on the gas. Thankfully I have some wonderful friends who have car-savvy hubbies to come and check things out (in the freezing cold). Thanks Canaan and Robin (and Paul & Randy). They didn't figure out what it was and we had to get it towed (thank God for roadside assistance). It was just nice to have somebody to call to help out (the kids and I got to stay warm in Robin's car, run to the library and the kids got to watch movies while waiting). I am praying it is nothing big and expensive...

So, hopefully later this week I'll have more good news on life...

Little Miss Betty Crocker

Lately I have just been cooking and baking up a storm. I have cooked so many meals this month. And I'm enjoying it. Normally I go through a spurt of cooking and then it tapers off. It's never lasted this long! It is so fun to try new things and see what it tastes like and if Zach likes it. My main goal is to feed his tummy with food he loves!!! Well, on top of providing good and nutritious food for us! Tonight is chicken in the crockpot. He isn't too fond of chicken, but it has also got some potatoes, onions and carrots in there with a bunch of seasonings so hopefully it turns out to be good. I've also been baking alot. Tis the season for baking! Last week I made these wonderfully chocolaty chocolate chip cookies. We made bread in the shape of a turtle for school one day this week. Today I made Pumpkin bread. Not even sure if I like pumpkin bread but I was itching to try something different. We all know that next week will be an even busier time in the kitchen as we prepare our Thanksgiving meal. Yum! I can't wait! The kids can't wait for our 'feast' as they call it either! May you also have a joyful time in your kitchen preparing wonderful foods for your families!

Holiday Traditions Contest

Here is a great contest to enter! Simply tell a favorite holiday recipe or tradition.

One tradition that we enjoy doing with our children is to read the Christmas story from the Bible Christmas morning before we open our gifts. Sometimes we do it on Christmas Eve, it just depends on how the events unfold. We also bake a birthday cake for Jesus to celebrate His birth and remember the real reason for Christmas.

One of my favorite recipes is my mashed pototoes. I know I posted this recipe last year, but here it is again:

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.

See, I'm Not So Heartless

I've actually been crying because the dog has a new home. The lady just came and picked him up about a half an hour ago. I just wonder if I've done the right thing for him and question it all now. I know that he needed a new home where he'd get more attention. The kids are sad. J hit me because he got so upset- he has never done something like that. H is probably still crying. I feel really bad for them. H asked if she could go and live with the lady who took him so she could be with him. So, I've been crying about it all. Like I said I know it is the right thing, but you know how we question ourselves from time to time? It will be a relief though. Now I can't wait to clean and have a hairless house! So, caught up in the emotions I get an email that yet another friend had her baby! I'm ecstatic but at the same time my arms are feeling empty as my babies are growing up and I keep wondering when God will place life in my womb again. I know it is in His time but at times I just get a bit sad about it all. Especially when I think that I'd have quite a showing belly by now... Ok, off to cry for awhile. See, I'm not such a cruel animal hater afterall! Spock, I'm sorry I hated you so much and I wish you the best!

Bits 'n Pieces

You know you've been indoctrinated into the Baptist church when:
The other day J walked into the room with his Spiderman blanket about him like a royal robe and a Darth Vader helmet upon his head. He then exclaimed, "I am the King of the Baptists!"

Last night Zach and I went on a date. First, we went to McDonald's (we weren't very hungry). We just got their delicious snack wraps to munch on. Then we went bowling. You pay by the half hour or hour so we thought we'd bowl for an hour. The cost? $21! That is robbery! So, we just did the half hour. We played two full games and got a bit into the third. We each one a game and by the time our time was up Zach was kicking my booty. I remember the day when it cost about $5 to bowl. Am I getting that old?

I figured it out. I have an aura that just draws bad service to me in a restaurant. Yesterday we went to Mobile and we ate lunch at Steak & Shake. The waiter brought our drinks and was standing quite close to me with the tray. I inched over a bit. Then I thought, "Boy, that is going to spill on me. Will I have to go shopping for new clothes?" No sooner did I think that and I was drenched in cold water. I was pretty shocked, mad, alarmed, wet and cold! Even though I knew that was going to happen! I handled it gracefully. Thankfully it was water. And it was an accident. So, guess we'll continue to eat at home.

Speaking of eating at home I've been doing great with cooking meals and eating out less! We seem to be saving money plus we are eating way healthier! I really enjoy it as I know I'm doing the best thing for my family.

I'm listening to some wonderful tapes by Reb Bradley. I enjoy reading parenting books and listening to tapes even though most of the stuff is common sense or I know it. I guess it just encourages me to walk the way I need to walk and train the way I need to train. They are so wonderful...I highly recommend these!

I took G to get his hair cut the other day. He did so well- sat perfectly still the whole time and just watched. This is the same boy who will not eat a bite of food to save his life! It is very frustrating! He can still fit into some 18 month clothes at 26 months!

H has been a little mommy to her baby doll lately. One day we went to our friends' house and I open the door of the van and her shirt is half off! She was nursing her baby! She is so funny!

I have been having some weird pains. First I had sinus headaches. Then they just turned into headaches, but mostly just on the left side. Then one day my leg was numb and I thought I had a pinched nerve. Then I thought, no it must be my sciatic nerve. The next day that was better, although my left 'cheek' hurt a bit, but since then my left arm has really been aching. I am dreading going to the doctor but I just may have to cave in. I am tired of being sore and wondering what is going on. I've also been feeling dizzy at times (mostly after I eat). It's so weird.

Well that recaps our past week in a nutshell. Now, for another busy week...

The Last Straw?

=

A dog + puke = a grave


I've said in the past how much I do NOT like the mutt we have. I'm sorry to all of you animal lovers... It's not that I hate animals. I like animals. They're cute. I'm just not fond of them in my house. As pets. It has been over 3 months and I'm still not used to having a pet. I hate seeing the dog hair everywhere and feeling like I constantly have to clean it up (because otherwise I think its gross lying around). I hate smelling dog. I hate the fact that he has dug up our backyard like you wouldn't believe, chewed the kids toys, chewed part of my couch and stained our carpet. I am not sure how many puke stains we have going on now, but the latest one has got to be the worst. And it smells like poop. And puke. So, the entire house smells like that. I hate it. I am a neat freak (too much so) and the fact that my house ROTS ticks me off. Zach's had it too. Will that mean we get rid of the mutt? I can only keep wishing. Everybody in the house knows how much I don't like him. Most of the day when the kids and I are doing school I have him locked up in the back or outside so I don't have to deal with him. And I just keep praying that the day comes when he can go and live elsewhere. I know the kids will be sad. But, I just want my house to feel clean again. I just want the burden off of my back.

The Studious One

Ummm....you think this is learned behavior with seeing mommy and daddy on their computers? Oh boy are we in trouble! He just carried the little computer into the kitchen, plopped down at the table and thought he was the greatest thing as he played on his computer!

Sleeping Angel

Look at my baby sleeping. He still climbs into our bed at night. I finally had to capture some shots while he was asleep because they're so stinkin' cute when they sleep. Today was the first time in a LONG time that he fell asleep for his nap without mama or daddy. I hope it will continue to get better from there. Was going to do it for bedtime too but daddy wanted to lay with him. It is so precious to snuggle up next to the boy. He's such a cuddly thing! Normally he doesn't sleep with an animal, but on this night he was clutching Barney upside-down and he was not letting go!

Moms for Modesty

Something we all need to take a stand on- the modesty of our nation, of our children. I finally got around to actually doing this and even putting the button on my page! So, check out the Moms for Modesty post!

'Facing The Giants'

We went and saw this movie yesterday. It was so very good. To sit in a movie theater and hear the word of Jesus proclaimed over and over again just floored me! Why can't they make more wholesome Christian movies like that? It was real emotional in some parts and I was really crying- although holding back tears too. There was one part where the coach got in one of the players faces and it was intense. It was about endurance and it really made me think how Jesus is our coach. We may have moments, days, weeks or months where we just feel in a rut and don't want to go on. Yet Jesus is in our face telling us we can do it, just keep going, hang in there, etc. That part had such an impact on me. I still get teary eyed when thinking about it. I mess up continually and so often just want to give up on things, yet the only way I get through is with Jesus helping me, encouraging me. Oh, we serve a great God. If you haven't yet seen the movie- let's support the works of a wonderful film, stand up and show the world that we CAN succeed in making good wholesome CHRISTIAN movies!

Kid-bits

G peed on the potty for the first time today. He has got to be my first child to do that at 26 months! I just hope he continues to do that! We made a big to-do about it and gave him a treat and all of us were cheering so hopefully he'll try again tomorrow. He still ends up in our bed at night and we still need to lie with him for him to fall asleep. Sometimes this drives me nuts, but I forget the annoyance of it when his little arms encircle my neck and he sticks his head near to mine. He's such a sweet and cuddly little thing! We will definatly keep him! He's been quite a stinker lately, I'm not sure if he is teething or what his deal is. But when I watch him sleep or feel his cuddly body all of his stinkiness is washed away! I'm smitten!














H has been praying for a baby sister. She said she is going to keep praying. She has such a big heart! Their Awana Fall Festival was this past Sunday and they were to dress up in what they want to be when they grown up (the closest we've ever come to doing anything for Halloween). She dressed up as a Mommy. I'm so proud of her! I keep telling her that is the highest calling and the best thing she could do! She wants 8 kids, all girls. She just flies through her schoolwork and is so bright and really remembers things. The questions she comes up with sometimes really stump me! I am so proud of her and I am so thankful the Lord blessed us with her!



















Tonight when J said his prayers he told Jesus he's going to hug him tomorrow. I just love the faith of a child! Sometimes in the morning he will tell us that Jesus slept with him! How precious! Tonight while putting away groceries he held up a bag of pads and asked, "Where do these band-aids go?" I busted up laughing! He's doing great in his school and often asks to do school. He loves to write and he is really retaining things I teach, even though we only do it for a short time. I am amazed he remembers letters and numbers after only going through them one time. He often listens to H's questions and I know he also learns that way. She has so many questions and often they are about God. He enjoys a good laugh and loves to be 'tickled hard' as he says. He really thrives on love and praise (must have the same love language as his daddy). He's growing so fast and it really makes me sad to see that happen (in a way), as I try to remember all of the baby days with him and his sister and brother. It seems children just grow too fast and I often forget to just stop and enjoy them. I'm so proud of J and love him with my whole heart.

I am a blessed woman. I pray the Lord blesses us with many more children! 

Dining In or Dining Out

It has been on my heart for some time to not eat out and to try to dine in our home and to provide a healthy meal for my family. Although it has been on my heart I haven't necessarily acted on that desire. We would still eat out many times. About 2 months ago I began making a menu and it helped me to know what to cook, what to buy, etc. I didn't necessarily adhere to it every day, but it did help. I have been getting Kraft Food & Family in the mail and those have some wonderful and simple recipes that I've been trying.

The past few times it seems we've eaten out (particularly at one of my favorite restaurants) I have not been very pleased at all. One time I was there with a friend and we had the worst service. The other night we went there as a family and it was terrible. Took forever for our waitress to come and greet us, probably took about 10 minutes after that to get our drinks. My food was not cooked how I wanted it, my dressing tasted like it had dish soap in it, etc, etc. I felt like such a complainer but when we go out and pay about $40 a meal I want to be satisfied! While going through it all I really realized it was almost happening for a reason. I enjoy being home. Lately I have hated to go anywhere because I've just been enjoying our home. I enjoy eating at home with my family. Sure, I love to eat out too, but I think maybe on more special occasions, just so to make them more special. I don't always enjoy cooking, especially when I have 6 hand trying to attack the food I'm preparing, but I'm working on that! But I know how important it is to eat a meal at home as a family and to make some memorable moments from those times. So, instead of wasting so much stinkin' money to all of these dining establishments I'm going to try to do what I am supposed to do and cook a good, healthy meal for my family. So with that said- I have a November menu to plan!