Cotton!

Today we went to a cotton gin! How cool is that? It was really neat. We got to see the different things that happen to cotton. The gin wasn't working when we were there and so we got to get up close and look at it and hear how exactly the process works. It looked like big bunches of snow! There was a HUGE building that held the dirty cotton seeds. It looked like mountains of snow and looked so fun to jump in. It reminded me of the buildings they have back home filled with salt to put on the roads for snow. And the huge bales of cotton! Wow! It was a real informative morning. We were able to take some cotton home, the kiddos got a coloring book and we also got a 'bundle' of cotton! It was great!

Afterwards we went to eat at Moe's with our friends. Then it was off to do some shopping. I didn't find much of what I was looking for, but I was able to get a couple of things! Now its off to a cookie exchange! So I can gain even more weight. Eh.

Slow Down

Ugh, time has just been flying. I've been so busy this week. Not really with anything special, just life. I can't believe its almost Friday! We've done a lot of movie watching this week because I've been getting these headaches that have me just lying on the couch. Princess and I watched part of the first Anne of Green Gables movie. She keeps begging to watch the rest of it but I haven't made it that far. Today Princess was sneezed on by an alpaca. We took a field trip to see some alpaca's and then went to lunch with some friends. Tonight I made more than 6 dozen cookies for a cookie swap tomorrow night. Tomorrow morning we have a field trip to a cotton gin. It is just busy all around. Guess its that time of year. That's another thing...how is it already almost December? Oh, and I posted over on my adoption blog... Well, I'm off to do some online shopping. Sorry for the boring post!

It's About the Cross - Christmas Music Video

This is really what its all about. Let's remember this as Christmas approaches.

Who knows?

God does. We didn't get the Indiana assignment but we're totally ok with that. I think we're almost relieved. We wouldn't have been by a military base for one thing and we really didn't want that. We also don't really want to buy a house this next time and I think we'd prefer to live in base housing (depending on how it is where we end up). Zach put in for base of preference today and we should hear soon on if he gets any of them or what is open to him. He has a friend who has a 'hook-up' so we're really hoping he'll pull some strings for us. Our three choices are (I'm not sure of the order):

1. near Dayton, Ohio
2. southern Illinois near St. Lois
3. near Spokane, Washington

It would be nice to be near 'home' but I'm also hoping we get somewhere different, like Spokane. We've been north, east and south now I think we're due to go west!

I know that the Lord has a plan for us wherever we go. Just because you apply for BOP doesn't mean you get it- chances are you don't get what you want. But that is ok! I'm just ready for a change of scenery and a new place to call home. I will miss my friends here, but I love moving and I'm so ready (of course we won't actually be moving until probably July). Well, off to begin school.

Menu Plan Monday

I have to admit that I never quite completely follow a menu. I make one so that I am better prepared as far as groceries and therefore more likely to cook. But most weeks I alter it a bit. Sometimes we have a lot of leftovers so we'll eat those or sometimes we may go out to eat or just throw in a frozen pizza (real healthy, huh). Then last week with Thanksgiving some things were changed around a bit...mostly due to leftovers. So, you may see some things repeated;) Without further ado, my menu:

Monday~ Sloppy Joes on hoagie rolls, peas

Tuesday~ Chicken Tortilla Casserole (probably in the crockpot), Mexican Rice, Mixed Veggies

Wednesday~ Homeade or frozen pizza

Thursday~ Meatloaf, cornbread, veggies, potatoes

Friday~ Leftovers

Saturday~ Marinated T bone steaks, baked potatoes, salad

Sunday~ Probably leftovers, fast food or something quick and easy since we have Awana

For more MPM's visit Laura.

Saturday Fun

The Break is Over

It is hard to believe that our nice vacation is about over. I have had the laziest week, but it has been so nice. Finally yesterday we actually did something with ourselves. We took the kiddos to our local children's museum and then went to the Humane Society to see the puppies (just for fun we're not getting one). I had fun taking pictures of the kiddos at the museum. Even though we've been there many times you never know if you may have an opportunity for a new cute picture, and as you can see in the slideshow I didn't pass up the chance!
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At the Humane Society I almost broke down crying. I'm usually not one to be all emotional over animals, but to see these poor dogs' sad eyes as they sat in these tiny cages just broke my heart. I've seen it before but it never affected me then, but I admit it didn't affect me enough to adopt a dog;)
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I think part of my emotion is my 'paper pregnancy' as people call it. It is so much like a pregnancy and oftentimes the littlest things can get you all emotional. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed with emotions~ from sadness to delight to 'righteous' anger. Not anger at people for petty things but anger at how selfish and stingy people can be.
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We watched the movie Amazing Grace last night. It was very good. If only all Christians allowed the Lord to work through them and had the passion that Mr. Wilberforce did. I've always enjoyed the song, but especially so since our music minister sang it at Malachi's funeral. Now to know the story behind the song...it was so moving and as I sat and watched Chris Tomlin's video afterward I just let the tears flow (more emotion).
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It is weird that it is the end of November and it is pouring rain outside with thunder and lightning. Even though I've lived in the south for almost 6 years I cannot get used to it. It *should* be snowing and freezing! As much as I hate to be cold I really want to move back where there are seasons and I'm hoping we will find out soon where we'll end up.
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Oh and it has been declared that we are 'true Baptists'. In Sunday School we always sit in the same spot (and its in the back row). Therefore that defines us as Baptist. However, I know that people do this in any church. And I don't consider myself 'Baptist' although I do attend a Baptist church. I am a Christian following my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and I don't want any other label than that I am a follower of Him. But I thought it was funny to be declared a 'true Baptist'.

Thanksgiving at the 'M' house

We had a great day. We slept late and lounged around a good part of the morning.
I finished a book I was desperately trying to finish (I hate waiting to find out how its going to end).

The kiddos played,


Zach watched the Packers win (again),

I cooked and we went and ate wonderful food and had fellowship with friends. This morning as we all prayed and read the Bible together I got real sad and missing my baby Malachi, thinking how he 'should' be here with us celebrating his first Thanksgiving. Or even the other baby. I guess these holidays will be difficult, knowing there's a void in our family. Then there's the joyous part of thinking that next Thanksgiving our daughter should be here from Liberia with us celebrating! The kiddos had an early night so Zach and I played a couple of games together. Now we're off to watch a movie and eat some leftover mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. Happy Thanksgiving!

Elfin' Around

Thanks, Missy for this! It's so cute!

Check out the kiddos or us elfin' around!!! Don't I have the cutest three little elves ever?

Reunions, Recipes and an Advertisement

I forgot to mention that on Sunday we did get to see our friend, Josh. I'd grown up with Josh, going to the same church, along with Risa and Jodie. Who'd ever have thought that Josh and Bethany would end up together? We had a great time catching up with him and playing some games at our house. It's kinda weird to see all of us grown up with kids though. I must be getting old! We talked about how we really need to have a 'youth group reunion'. Wouldn't that be fun? I mean how many of us actually go to our high school reunions? I always hung out with the kids from youth group (until I ended up with a boyfriend). Then I kinda ventured away from the group a bit more. So guys, maybe we could plan for the summer of 2009 to all meet up in the U.P. Gives us time to think about who, where, when, etc. and to contact them all. What do you girls think?

I have a recipe to share. I'm making it for dessert tonight as we're having some company. I'm not a big fan of pie so this is right up my alley.

Pumpkin Delight

1 large can pumpkin

3 eggs

1 c. each of sugar and brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 box yellow cake mix

2 sticks butter or margarine

1 small bag chopped walnuts or pecans

Mix together pumpkin, sugars, eggs, salt, spice and cond. milk until well blended. Pour into 13x9 in greased pan. Spread yellow cake mix on top of mixture and press slightly. Sprinkle with pecan pieces. Mix butter and pour evenly over top. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes. Serve warm or cold with cool whip and/or vanilla ice cream.

I went to B&BW today to get some new wallflowers. For all of you B&BW fans out there, they're having a great sale on Friday! I'm not a big 'black Friday' shopper at all, but I don't want to pass up their sales and a chance to stock up! Looks like online the sale may have already started.

Wishing you all a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving! We as Americans sure have much to be thankful for. While you're chillin' and resting from all that wonderful food, check out Donna's blog. If this doesn't touch you then you must be cold-hearted!

Kicked in the Pants

I think I'm being kicked in the pants today. I have been wore out all day. I had to get up early to go and get blood drawn and pick up my medicine. I'm not sure if its the medicine or what but I have been pooped all day. It's kinda nice just lounging around but I feel so lazy. Well, we did run back to the base so Zach could get a haircut and we let the kiddos play at the park. And I did run to the library for the second day in a row. But besides that and wrapping up school for our week I haven't done much of anything else.

I just finished watching the movie 'Stuart Little' with the kiddos. They watched it last night with daddy while I had my Bible study and also watched it with me tonight. I must say its quite different from the book, but it was still cute (even though I hate mice). I was disappointed, as was Princess, that Margalo wasn't even mentioned in the movie since she was such a big part of Stuart's life in the book. I just typed in a search and apparently she's in the 'Stuart Little 2' movie. Guess I better reserve that one from the library!

Speaking of libraries...the one in the town we used to live in wasn't quite so kid-friendly. Of course, its a more 'uppity' town and all. They had a pretty decent children's section (but hardly any good movies), but there was a smaller library in another 'town' that had a better selection of both children's books and movies. Well, moving to this small town I must say that I really like this library. The children's section really isn't that big but my kiddos love getting books from there. And they have a huge movie selection- including newer releases, kids movies and movies for Zach & I. I came home with 6 movies tonight! Guess we'll have something to do with all of this time off;)

Menu Plan Monday

Monday~ Taco Soup, Spinach Salad

Tuesday~ Layered Enchilada Pie, Mexican Rice, Refried beans (didn't get to this last week)

Wednesday~ Ziti, Garlic Bread, Salad

Thursday~ Thanksgiving Dinner

Friday~ Chicken Tortilla Casserole, Refried Beans

Saturday~ Sloppy Joes, Peas

Sunday~ Baked Chicken

I'm still uncertain what the plans are for Thanksgiving. If we have a meal here I'm sure this will change as we'll be eating leftovers! For more MPM's visit Laura.

Results

Well, lets see. I'm not pregnant. I have another bladder infection. I'm going to get my thyroid tested tomorrow. Next week I get an ultrasound done on my uterus. In a month I get a pap smear. Oh boy, I feel like my body is falling apart! I know that God is in control but it is a bit frustrating to be having 'issues' when I've always been perfectly fine. The issues aren't really too big a thing, but enough to get checked out. I don't want to give TMI but the thing is I haven't had regular cycles since March! I get them every month, pretty much right on schedule, but they just last awhile...about two weeks (off and on). So frustrating! I'm hoping they can pinpoint it or that my body returns to normal working order, especially before I do get pregnant.

My Wish List

When I was a kid I would make the longest wish lists. I'd sit there flipping through the Wishbook and writing down everything. How selfish of me! What was I thinking!?!? This year my list is pretty small. Part of me doesn't even want a list. I've got an abundance of things, what more could I ask for? Especially when I know that there are children in Liberia (and all over the world) in such dire need of love, food and family. Oh, and lets not forget the fact that I flew home...

1. I love this T-shirt.
2. I'd love the latest CD by Serene & Pearl.
3. I have been wanting the CD 'Still Walking in the Light' by the African Children's Choir for some time now. I'd love the DVD too, but I'll settle with the CD for now.
4. There are a few Karen Kingsbury books that I don't have yet that I would love to add to my collection.
5. I'd also enjoy this book! I have read nothing but good reviews on it!
6. I'd love a gift card or some cash so I can buy some dress clothes. I'm realizing how I'm really lacking in this area and I'm sick of it.
7. Knit dish cloths. I really need to just get my knitting stuff out and do it myself;)

And then there are the things out of my control:
1. To have our 'referral' (child) by that point (to know who she is).
2. To be pregnant.

And I'd also like to do more. Sure, we give extra to Compassion (we have two Compassion children that we sponsor). We're even going to pick something out of the Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog again this year. I'd like to help out with the military packages they're putting together at church for deployed families. But I still feel like there's something else I could do. Something more personal for somebody. I just want to give what I ca to bless others.

See Mom, I can keep a minimal list;) Guess I've grown up!

Bullets

Wow, I can't believe I haven't blogged since Wednesday. I guess I haven't had a whole lot to share. Let's see...what have I been up to?

• Yesterday we went to the Mobile International Festival. Let me tell you that I second guessed our going when I saw the parking lot- cars waiting to pay to park and a line almost to the end of the lot. I didn't expect such a big crowd! I really wanted to go to see things on Africa. We got to eat foods from other countries and walk around and see different exhibits. W also watched a few of the performances, although it was really difficult to do because there were just too many people. I hate 'people congestion'. Especially when they're rude and just stand in the middle of the 'road' or don't move so other people can see the displays. The kiddos enjoyed getting their 'passports' stamped from each country, but by the end they were cranky and tired.
• Zach wanted to drive home for Thanksgiving! That wouldn't be so bad if we would've left on Friday! But, I have a doctors appointment tomorrow and we also have nursery next Sunday. It just isn't feasible to drive so far in such a short time. If only we had family a bit closer!
• We were invited somewhere for Thanksgiving!!! This is a huge relief for me. Holidays are hard when you're not with family (or even good friends). I am not sure if we're even going though, Zach hasn't given me his answer. I love to have a meal at home, and especially leftovers, but sometimes its nice to have a break from all of the work involved in it and to offer to bring a few dishes to share! KWIM?
• Do you know that I have not been very hospitable since we've moved in to our new house back in August? I hate that we haven't had anybody over for dinner in that whole time! At the same time, we always wonder who to invite! Well, this week we're trying to have quite a few people over throughout the week, especially since Zach is off.
• Tomorrow morning I go to the doctor. I haven't been since a couple of weeks after I had Malachi. I just have a few things I'd like to talk to him about. Now that I'm finally desiring another baby I guess I feel like I want to talk with my doctor about it.
• I have been on the treadmill almost every day for a week (let's hope I keep it up). I didn't get on it yesterday but I cleaned the night before and in the morning and then we did a lot of walking at the festival. Hopefully I'll see some results soon.

That's about it. Nothing really exciting to write home about.

A NEW Day

Today was 100% better. I'm not sure what the deal was yesterday. I seriously felt under oppression and attack. I went to a homeschool group meeting and it was wonderfully refreshing, as always. It's so nice to have fellowship with like-minded women, where I can share my frustrations knowing I won't be judged.

This morning we did our Bible time and then I talked about Respect. The kiddos really enjoyed talking about it and acting out different scenarios. We've all been trying to respect one another today. I've also been a lot more patient and gentle. I decided not to do a whole lot of school as we all need to get our behavior squared away before we move forward. I don't want to be in the middle of school and then end up frustrated because some little boy is doing something he shouldn't be again. So I'm simply working on training. And its enjoyable.

Before lunch Little Man and Princess were talking about Jesus and such. Then Little Man asked Jesus to live in his heart. I've been trying to explain to him all day what it means, to make sure he really understands!

I decided to play Uno with the kiddos. Boy, I forget how long that can take! It took awhile, but it was fun. Even Cuddly Boy participated. That boy blows me away with his skill;) He almost won, but mommy did in the end!

Then we made Apple Muffins. I've got the easiest recipe and thought we could all do it together. What, you want the recipe? I suppose I could share;)

Apple Muffins

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/3 c. oil

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 c. butter or sour milk

1 c. applesauce

2 1/2 c. flour

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. soda

Heat oven to 350. Combine sugar, oil, egg and vanilla in small bowl. Combine buttermilk and applesauce in another small bowl. Combine flour, salt and baking soda in a larger bowl. Add brown sugar mixture and milk mixture and stir until just blended. Optional: Top with sugar. ***I also added a bit of cinnamon to the mixture due to the request of a little girl.

Bake 15-20 minutes.

Well I better get ready for Zach to come home and begin preparing our dinner.

Where is MY joy???

Have you ever just been so mad? Not mad at this or at that, but at yourself.

I feel like I will never get it right. You know, the whole parenting thing. I am so sick and tired of fighting children. I'm sick of whining. I'm tired of disobedience. I'm tired of repeating myself a trillion times before my voice is heard.

And I know that the fighting, whining and disobedience is a result of MY parenting, or lack of. And it makes me mad. WHEN will I get this whole thing right so that we can all be happy? I mean when you obey (even as a parent/adult) you're much happier. Things seem brighter. But today I don't see the brightness. And therefore I'm not obeying my Heavenly Father, right?

And it makes me so angry. Last night we had a great night of Bible Study about mothering. About being guardians of our homes and joyful mothers. Where is my joy? Why do I allow Satan to suck it out of me? How do I get it back? Sure, I feel like I beg and pray and yearn for joy in mothering but I feel like I'm not getting very far.

Today I said forget it. No school. I am not going to do school when all you do is fight or you don't listen to me. So, we've eaten our lunch and here I am while the kiddos watch a video from the library. Some mothering, sitting them in front of the TV (but I really don't care right now). But before that they were running around like wild animals while I was finishing cleaning the kitchen. I'm trying to discipline the first time (like I know I should always do) which is part of why we're not doing school. It is so hard being consistent. If I'm in the middle of reading something very important to a child am I really supposed to get my fat butt up to discipline my child for climbing on the table the 5th time in a minute? Of course I am but sometimes I don't want to! I'm so lazy. And I need the training. We really need to train ourselves before we can train our children. It is SO hard.

And I know tomorrow or next week might be a great day or week. Sometimes we just have these moments of wanting to scream, 'AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH'. And now is one of them. So I thought I'd tell you all about it. I just hope I don't get flamed for being so honest again. And if I do, well...so be it.

Ok, now that I've vented I think its time to spend time in His Word. What better way to seek wisdom, peace and patience!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday~ Cheeseburger Meatloaf, Potatoes, Salad

Tuesday~ Crispy Onion Baked Chicken, Vegetables, Rolls

Wednesday~ Homemade Pizza, Salad

Thursday~ Broccoli Cheese Soup, Salad, Bread

Friday~ Leftovers

Saturday~ We'll probably be gone all day so we'll probably eat out

Sunday~ Baked Enchilada Pie, Refried Beans, Mexican Rice

This is very tentative as I'm not sure when we'll be seeing Josh yet or what we're doing. But, I had to give myself somewhat of a menu! For more menu plans check out Laura's site!

Miscy

A variety of things to post about today.

This morning Princess and I went to see the play Aladdin. It was great! She'd never been to a play before. We knew a couple of the kids in the play from our homeschool groups. I also took her to lunch. It was our date day.

Speaking of dates, on Saturday Little Man and I went for some ice cream for our date. Then we hit the dollar store and we visited with a friend for awhile. Good fun.

Today I didn't even do school with the kiddos. By the time I got back home it was after lunch so I decided to clean our vehicles. What a job! Who would think that you'd be outside in the middle of November in shorts and sweating while cleaning cars!?!? Crazy! It's nice but at the same time I really miss seasons. We should be finding out soon about a job Zach applied for that is in the Midwest. We'll see what happens if he doesn't get it.

This weekend one of my friends from youth group is coming down here on business. He married another friend from the youth group. It's weird, I never would've seen those two together back then, but now I couldn't see them apart! It will be nice to see Josh for a bit and to catch up with him!

This weekend we went by the cemetery to see our baby. Being that its a National Cemetery, it was a bit 'decorated' for Veteran's Day. There were purple flowers on EVERY grave. It was neat. The kids love to go and 'talk' to their brother there. It's really precious.

As I was cooking dinner I was thinking how funny it is how we eat things as adults that we never ate as kids. I was the pickiest eater. Now I eat peas, I like potato soup and spinach and a variety of other things I've never eaten as a kid. And it wasn't my mom's cooking, because she is a good cook~ where else would I have inherited that trait from;)

I need to figure out my menu for part of the week. Payday is approaching so I'm not certain what the entire week entails. Thanks to Anne who posted a link to this I may not have to do so much shopping! I've always got a full cupboard of things I don't always use. Now I need to inventory what is in there and USE it!!!

Well, I've got to finish dinner, laundry and I have Bible study tonight. But before I go I've got good news. My friend from church, Kathryn, is having her first baby! I am SO excited for her!!! And my friend Kim that is also adopting from Liberia got her I171h on Saturday!!! She already knows which child she's adopting so hopefully it won't take too much longer for Janet to come home!!! Wonder what other good news is around the corner.

Stay tuned. Maybe there will be more soon!

The Itsy Bitsy Spider

This is what was on our front porch today. I have not taken my own picture yet because it is still alive and I'm afraid of it;) Isn't it amazing how these come in so many different shapes, colors, sizes, etc. Of course, being the nerd that I've become I had to look up what type it was!

Three-spotted Jumping Spider(Phidippus audax)
Description: Excellent hunters thanks to a combination of great eyesight and spectacular leaping ability. A pair of prominent eyes in the centre of the head. Will enter houses to hunt flies at windows.

The Bike Blessing

Today was an eventful one for us. One of our stops was the commissary. The Airman Readiness & Family Center was outside of the building, I was assuming having a drawing of some sort. I only needed a few things before I took the kiddos to the park for park day with our homeschool group. Well, when we came out of the store the two guys at the ARFC table stopped us and asked how old the boys were. Turns out they gave Little Man a FREE bike! I'd thought maybe they were having a drawing or something, but nope they just gave it to him (sometimes I guess it pays to be a military family). It is NICE. The coolest thing is that he's really been needing a new one as he outgrew his. I was floored at how the Lord provided!!! Now I'm praying He'll provide a coat for Princess. I have looked numerous places and still can't find a coat for her!

Oh I can't forget to mention that Princess got a cute teddy bear and Cuddly Boy a cute little Teddy Bear box with all sorts of treasures inside.

When we arrived at the park Little Man exclaimed, "I'm going to tell my friends that Jesus gave me a bike!"

Indeed, God has provided my son!

To poke or not?

Tomorrow Zach will be taking the kiddos to get updated on their shots (again) while I get my hair cut. While talking about it I told him I really didn't want them to get the flu shot. He began to question me on why not (but was joking, I guess). He has to get it for work. I've never had it, nor have the kiddos and we've all been reasonably healthy (sometimes I like to think more so than those who get it). Then again, we're not out and about in all those public places where the germs multiply- daycare centers, public schools, etc. I go a little crazy when we go to Wal-Mart, explaining not to put their hands by their faces and as soon as we're in the car they're being offered hand sanitizer. Sometimes I'm even leery going to church because of the germs that spread throughout the children. Anyway, I looked up some information on the flu shot.

I am not big on vaccines and all as it is. Well, I cam across this article by Mary Starrett.

Take the flu vaccine. You're being encouraged by your doctor, the media and the federal government through all points "sky is falling" flu news bulletins to get a flu shot- a chemical mash including formaldehyde, aluminum and mercury cultivated on chicken embryos. The animal byproducts in vaccines carry the risk of viral contamination. Vaccine companies cannot guarantee the purity of animal cells used in vaccine culture.

Dr. Sherri Tenpenny cites research done by an immunogeneticist named Hugh Fudenburgh who's been studying the flu vaccines and reports that if someone has five consecutive flu shots his or her chances of getting Alzheimer's disease is ten times higher.

FluMist, a live-virus nasal vaccine is being pushed in a $25 million dollar ad campaign. You may have seen the tv commercials for FluMist. Oddly, the very same symptoms the vaccine is supposed to prevent are mentioned as side effects of taking the highly contagious vaccine. The package insert warns recipients to "avoid close contact with immunocompromised individuals for 21 days". The number of those considered "immunocompromised" is huge-people on steroids, cancer drugs, folks with eczema, who've had organ transplants or who have HIV are considered at risk. I think it's safe to say that shooting a foreign substance into your nose can usually elicit a sneezing response…the very response that could serve to spread the LIVE VIRUS that is contained in FluMist.

Could this be a self-fulfilling prophecy? No wonder they're predicting a worse than usual flu season!

Brilliant marketing I say- just make people think they can't get something and they'll line up for hours to get a toxic fluid shot into their arms that DOESN"T EVEN CONTAIN THE VIRUS THAT"S GOING AROUND! That's right. This year's vaccine doesn't completely match the virus that's supposedly going to make this a record-breaking flu season.

Each year between 20,000 and 40,000 people die from "flu-related" illness. These are people who are already immunocompromised. In other words, they're sick already, even if they're not showing symptoms. It is disingenuous to attribute all these deaths to the "flu".

One more informative article is here.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't get the shot. That is up to each person/family. But as for us, we will not be giving this to our children!

Treasures in Trousers

The other day I actually remembered to check a certain boy's pockets before doing the wash. These are the treasures he had stored away in his pockets! Lots of paper, a lei from the art show, a coin purse (not sure where that came from) and magnets he stole off of the calendar!

Productivity

Tonight was a productive one. Well, after we 'played' a bit. We had a movie to return and then Zach drove to the mall (which was right there). We browsed the bookstore and headed to JCP. I am still trying to find a coat for Princess. While there I decided to look at the dresses. Zach's work Christmas party is approaching, although he's not sure if we're going yet. I decided to have a bit of fun and try on dresses I would never buy. Zach gave me this one to try! I CRACKED up! I did try on two that I liked but I feel like I'd need to lose a bit of weight before actually wearing them. They're really not something I'd usually wear but they're cute and I never really get anything fancy, whether its a special occasion or not. If I decide to go with a dress, it would be this one or a black one that's a bit longer and to me a bit more modest. Some of the other dresses I tried on were hilarious...something you would never catch me in.

Then Zach decided to try on some suits. The only time I've ever seen him in a suit of any kind was our wedding. He rarely even wears ties. Although, he does wear his Blues when he has to and I admit I like those! He tried on a pinstripe suit. It was really funny. Then he tried on a vest over a dress shirt. Even funnier. It was fun...and we didn't even spend any money! What a way to spend a Tuesday evening!

We then came home and went through the boy's toys. Their room was driving me insane. Toys everywhere and never put away right. The toy box (which is in the closet) just heaping. Broken toys everywhere. I couldn't stand it anymore. We had a whole garbage bag full and you can actually see in the toy box! Then I thought, since I was at it I'd go through the playroom. Another garbage bag full plus some! Plus I had tons of clothes to get rid of. Now I need to figure out if I want to attempt another garage sale or yet. I'd really like to make a bit of money from it all for our adoption. I even added at least 40 books to paperbackswap! I've got to go through Princess' room as she collects things like you wouldn't believe!

News...

Check out my other blog....linked on the side!!!!!!!

Dancin' Man

I have a dancer in my house. The other night at the end of a movie there was music, and Little Man just went to town. The video is rather dark, but it gives you an idea of how this boy can move. You'd think he was of African descent! He and his Liberian sister will certainly be able to bust a move together!!! Please note I have links to three different videos. Just ignore the comments and laughing, I'm rather embarrassed by it! But please enjoy the show like we did!!!

Menu Plan Monday

I have been wanting for some time to add Menu Plan Monday to my posts. Not sure how consistent I will be on it, but since I already have a menu planned it can't really hurt to try to add to my blog! I've had to do some rearranging on things, but here's my menu for the week. For other menu's visit Laura.

Monday: Sloppy Joe Squares, Salad

Tuesday: French Onion Pot Roast with carrots and potatoes, rolls

Wednesday: French Dip Sandwiches, Salad

Thursday: Leftovers or some frozen meal (I have a Mom's Night Out)

Friday: Chicken Cordon Bleu, vegetables

Saturday: Homeade Macaroni and Cheese, bread, vegetables

Sunday: Leftovers (we have Awana this night so we don't have a set dinner)

All of these recipes come from my new cookbook. I'm excited to try them all!

Coastal Living

We've had an eventful weekend. Friday Zach was off so he took Cuddly Boy out for the morning. The other two did school. We watched a couple of movies that night, including Evan Almighty. That is a cute movie!

Yesterday a local church had a little family festival with inflatables and food. So, we took the kiddos there for a while. Then we took a drive across the new bridge. Remember when we stood in front of the bridge from the damage Hurricane Katrina did? It is amazing how they've already completed part of the bridge! It is pretty nice and it's a big deal down here, but I even saw it on the national news!

After that we went to the Peter Anderson Festival. It's a big, annual arts festival and we haven't gone before. So I said we needed to go this year because chances are we won't be here next year for it. I didn't think it would be so huge! The streets were filled with all sorts of art- pottery, paintings, jewelry. Not to mention music and food. The weather was nice and my face even got a bit sunburned! We walked away empty handed, but with full bellies;) It was nice to do something different! We came home and had dinner and then I went to an 'open house'.

Our housing area isn't very big and it seems once in awhile I get an invitation in my mailbox to some sort of party (even though I don't know anybody). This open house had many of the home business/parties all in one- from candles to scrapbooking to make-up to food. Not to mention they had a catalog for things of the adult nature I would never buy. I picked it up not knowing what it was and quickly laid it back down, quite embarrassed! It was nice to meet some new ladies, one of whom was even from Michigan. There are many who live in this housing from Michigan, it seems. I even walked away with two prizes!

Well, I'm off to prepare our week's school lessons. What did you do this weekend for excitement?

Kiddos havin' fun

There's a first for everything

You would think after 30 years that you wouldn't do it. But then one Sunday morning you awake and get ready for church just like every other Sunday. You sit at the computer to eat your cereal and somehow the clock on the computer stands out big and taunting. 7:20 am.

7:20 am? WHAT???? Oh no, last night was 'fall back'. We forgot to set our clocks back! That's the first time that has ever happened. But I kind of like it. I have time to blog;)

And the winner is...

Liz over at Scrapbooking Mama. Congratulations!!! I hope you enjoy the book! Thanks, everybody for participating!

Fall, Y'all bloggy giveaway

I know I'm running late on this one, but I figure I'll give it a chance! From now until Saturday at midnight you can sign up for my prize. I will randomly pick a winner on Sunday. Please note that I will only be able to ship to the U.S. Rocks in my Dryer is hosting this carnival. I will be giving away Sheila Kippley's book, 'Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing'.

If interested in winning just leave me a comment with a valid way to contact you (blog address or email address). Don't forget to check out the other great giveaways going on!

Holy Bologna!

Yesterday at the commissary I found Ring Bologna!!! I have not been able to find this anywhere but the U.P. Of course it wasn't Vollworth's, but it was ring bologna. I had to buy it! It was a bit expensive for how little it was but I didn't care. Maybe next I'll find pasties. Yeah, I won't hold onto that hope!

I know how unhealthy this is but it is just so good and brings back memories of home. Now I need to just cook up some potatoes, cook my bologna and reminisce about my childhood;)