Josiah

Last time I talked about Gabe's schooling. Today I'll touch a bit on Josiah's. I have to admit he is not always an easy one to teach, then again teaching each of my children is a challenge! They tend to whine when they don't understand something, rather than ask for help. It is something I'm really trying to work on with them.

Josiah does not like math. I'm actually quite surprised because when Hannah did this math book she really *got* it. He doesn't always get it no matter what we do and I'm uncertain of what to do. I certainly will not move him forward after this book until he gets it. While the other two children are way more than halfway done with their math books, he is not (and that is totally ok). I just wish I could get him to get it and enjoy it! I really believe they go hand in hand. I love the way Steve Demme teaches math concepts- even to me a light goes off like "Yeah!" I'd wished I'd learned math the way he teaches it! He is slowly improving though, but there will be times when I ask something simple (like what's 4+2) and he has to really think about it. Last week he learned about inches and measuring with a ruler. I thought maybe he'd really like it, but I was wrong! This week he's learning about the perimeter of things. Hopefully he'll enjoy it. I'm even sad to say that today he didn't even know what shape was what for a square, rectangle and triangle. I think maybe with him I need to go back to sitting with him at the start of the school day and doing math, while his mind is 'fresh'.

He does great at spelling! He really surprises me in this area. I really like our Spelling that the kids have. They do a test three times a week (pretest, practice test and final test). They have two workbook pages they do on Tuesdays. Wednesdays they have a dictionary skill where they learn something about the dictionary. Thursdays they write in a journal (and the words they misspell in their journal they write in the back of their spelling book to use as 'climbers' that they pick every week, which are two words they pick to learn). Fridays they also read 'The King's English' where it gives a word and elaborates on it, like sacrifice, grace, star, pure.

We've been reading Abeka readers that somebody had given to me years ago. He really seems to like the stories in them. We usually read out loud, he and I, taking turns on each page. He reads pretty well (in my opinion) but I'm not really sure how well kids are "supposed" to read in 2nd grade! I know Hannah read great, but she's always excelled in reading!

English is going well. This unit he's learned about pronouns, plural nouns and abbreviations. He's done great at it!

His handwriting is going well, he's almost done with his book. It is his favorite subject. I haven't even taught him any of it! He's learned cursive this year and he seems to just follow right along on his own! There are some times when I've had to try to show him various letters, like the Z (I think that's a hard letter to write in cursive). When he wants to he can print and write real neat, sometimes even neater than his sister! Mom, I'll have to have him write you a letter sometime!

I think I've pretty much covered everything. We also do history and science but we all do it together. Oftentimes outside of school Josiah will be found drawing. Sometimes he'll even draw things we've talked about during the day. Or he'll go and build something with Lego's that we learned about, which is a great way of remembering! I need to learn to be more patient with him, as he does work at a much slower pace than what I'd like at times!

Honesty

Wow, what a terrible week I had! It was just awful! Every single day. As I thought about it yesterday at my breaking point I realized it was total spiritual warfare. Here last weekend I'd bought a devotional book, all ready to delve into the Word of God and GROW and then my week was like that? To me it was just no coincidence.

Josiah was sick one to two days, Gabriel's behavior had me pulling out my hair and I was not looking forward to the weekend as I knew Zach would be gone all weekend. Wednesday he worked late and then we had Bible study so I felt like we didn't 'connect' at all. Thursday he got home a tad bit early, we grabbed a bite to eat and did some grocery shopping. He bought the kids a new Wii game and I was mad about it and had an attitude. So of course, we got home and the kids were allowed to stay up later. I really felt like i needed a break or I'd break, especially with him being gone all weekend, but he wanted to see the kids before he left. I wanted to spend time with him and also wanted the kids in bed! I was soooo crabby. I just wanted some time without kids, ya know? So, things didn't go too well before he left. I HATE that!

It didn't help too that I *knew* that time of month was approaching and so my hormones were just out of whack! Yesterday was just awful...the worst day and I didn't think it could get worse than what Wednesday was! Hannah was now sick, Abby was clingy, I wanted to clean the house and do school. By the time dinnertime came around things were ok, but that was after I just sat on the floor crying, crying out to God and saying "I don't want to be this type of Mom."

Once the kids were in bed I spent some time reading my Bible and just sitting quietly. I really needed that. This morning I feel so much better. Maybe part of it is that I know we don't have the 'stress' of school or maybe its just my attitude. Or maybe its that my kids are being babysat in front of the TV? I don't know, but I do feel more peaceful. You know, sometimes you just need to hit that breaking point and surrender it all to Him.

I'm hoping to run and get a few items from the store today and hit the library but we'll see how the day goes. Right now its 11 am and we're all still in our PJ's and Abby's napping. Totally relaxing! Thank you Jesus!

It pays off!

Persistence that is. Gabe is doing so well reading now! Back in November he would pretty much grumble and not want to try to sound out the words. Now, even though he has to sound out pretty much every word, he does it without complaining and does it correctly! I took a break in Nov/Dec and did some work in 'Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons'. I guess maybe that helped a bit too? It's just so cool to see when it finally 'clicks'!

On another hand I really need to look into some speech therapy for him. I dread it. Only because in the winter I want to be a homebody. It's much easier to just stay home with 4 children when the weather is nuts! Hannah had some speech therapy for a bit in Mississippi and it did help a bit. I know that they do eventually outgrow some of it also, and I do try to work with him on some of his sounds as we do school (he'll say the "V" sound as a B sound, for example). There are other sounds also. I have a friend who has her son in speech so I just need to ask her for the information. I was going to today as we were supposed to have a playdate but lo and behold Josiah's had a headache and I thought we'd better stay put just in case!

When it comes to math Gabe is awesome! He usually doesn't even have to think about what he's doing! I really love our math program! I don't think he'd do as well with a different program. Then again, maybe he's just really good with numbers. He just flies through his work and many times he'll know the answer without trying to figure it out! That was not the case when Hannah and Josiah did math at this level!

So, that's school with Gabe these days. He really enjoys the various things our supervising teacher dropped off, also. Next time I'll have to let you know about Josiah's schooling!

Sunday

Just last night I was complaining about seeing no sun. It had been awhile and for days and days and days and days it was so foggy! It was really getting on my nerves! Rather than pray about it, I just complained and felt a bit blah. This morning I awoke, showered and readied myself for church and came downstairs to notice the BLUE sky and sunshine! Thank you, Jesus!

Today was 'Sanctity of Life Sunday' in church. It was cool to see that they fill baby bottles for a local crisis pregnancy center! Our church back in MS did the same. Today they showed a video about a baby after conception. It was so moving and I had tears pooled in my eyes! Ever since losing my two babies it affects me so much more. It is just amazing how God forms us, knits us in our mother's wombs. Absolutely amazing. I'm amazed by technology, electricity and such but nothing compares to how God creates us and grows us. I was realizing recently that it's getting near the time of Malachi's birthday...well ok, its in March but it was such a long ordeal through the whole month of February that month will never really be the same, especially as I also think of my other baby whom should have been due about that time. I cannot wait to meet those precious babies!

On another note, part of me is wondering if maybe I should just volunteer at the local pregnancy center. I don't know, definitely something to pray about. I know I want to do something, I just need to see where God guides me and wants me to be used.

We sit in the very last row in church (call us the Back Row Baptists...although we don't consider ourselves Baptist). It is easy to be distracted sitting back there! It's easier to do when we have the kids with us, but they're really great. We've been putting Abby in the nursery lately as this age is a difficult age to try to keep still. It seems always about this age we put the kids in the nursery for a short time. Anyway, one time we saw a grown man/father playing on his cell phone! There's been times when we see kids who are old enough to sit still and try to listen color or read. Now I have nothing against these things. My own children have gone through the stage of taking quiet things to do in church- when they're YOUNG. But when you're about 7 or 8 years old do you really need markers and a coloring book in church? Today was the kicker- a boy had his GAME BOY!!! I was so floored! WHAT is that teaching your children about church, about how HOLY God is? This boy had to be at LEAST 7 years old! He was right in front of us so I had to keep checking to make sure Hannah and Josiah weren't watching his game! Certainly I can understand drawing in a bulletin, but to play a VIDEO GAME in church??? Obviously his parents don't want to train him or don't care about him learning about Jesus. I don't know, it was just very disturbing.

Not that I'm perfect not done everything perfectly with my children. I must say though that I am very thankful for how well they sit in church.

Another kind of crazy thing...recently I was thinking about one of my old college friends. I haven't been able to locate her on facebook, yet I know a few people who have been in touch with her. I'd love to reconnect with her and was just thinking of her yesterday and the day before. Well, then I get a prayer request from a mutual friend of ours asking to pray for V's stepdad who has cancer and is about to die. It's so GOD when something like that happens...when the person is already on your mind and then you find out why! I hope I'm able to connect with her again soon.

The sermon in church was wonderful. Our Pastor has been preaching on Jesus, the Miracle Man. There were also baby dedications and it was so neat how they did theirs.

I'm blank

I've had all these ideas running through my head lately about what to blog about and now they're gone. Disappeared. I feel like my brain cells have just depleted. Zilch. I'm so tired. The past two mornings I was up earlier than usual. Yesterday I couldn't' really fall back to sleep after Zach left, I was so worried about him driving to work when there was ICE everywhere! Yep, we had an ice storm. It's crazy, the public school kids have missed so much school. We've missed so many nights of our small group. BUT, the M Christian Academy carries on! Maybe this will be the first year we'll be done before the public school kids! I've come to learn, living in this climate for only a year while homeschooling, that you want to be OUT come those nice spring days! So, we're taking advantage of the cold, yucky days when we can't go out.

It was a bit of a bummer though, as we were supposed to have a playdate, I was going to get a few errands done and I was going to take Hannah to this book club at the library. BUT, we did get some academics in and will have time for a playdate later!

Ok, enough of this boring post. Hopefully I'll remember something and make my next post a bit more entertaining!

Crazy week

This week has been crazy busy, but good. Even still I know next week will be even more nuts. At least the weather has warmed up a bit more. By warm I mean 20s and 30s. It's so weird how we think that is 'warm'! Anyway, let's see...

We did our normal schoolwork at the beginning of the week. It was nice to really get back into the routine. We did just a review of history as our 'semester' had ended. I really love our history, yet the kids grumble about it. I just don't get it! I try to make it fun and we do projects and such at times. Maybe I need to try to incorporate more projects, I don't know. Then again we don't always have time to do things like that either, by the time we get other things done.

Thursday I had two friends over. There was the 3 of us moms and our 10 kids. The kids did great though! We all contributed pizza and fruit and had lunch together. I think we decided we're going to do this every couple of weeks, switching houses. The weird thing about it is that Hannah is the oldest. It is really weird to me to have the 'older' kids now. I always felt like my kids were the younger ones. Guess I'm getting older! That was something we talked about too. Like in our head we totally don't feel like we're older. I still feel like I'm a kid in my head! Sure, I feel responsible and all, but seriously where did the time go? How do I have 4 kids!? Where on earth has the time gone? Just crazy!

Zach took a half day that day so after they left he took the three older kids to the movie so Abby and I went and did a bit of necessity shopping and ate dinner at Chili's! Then we had our small group that night. We haven't had it for a long time and it was so nice to get back into it!

Friday I did school with the kiddos in the morning and then I went and got my eyebrows waxed and Hannah and I got our hair trimmed. Then I decided to run to Ames to bring my kid's clothes for consignment. It was such a wasted trip! First, I saw on the door how they weren't taking clothes in January so I brought my bin back into the truck. Then I wanted to pull my clothes that haven't sold yet and take them home, but I couldn't find a ton of them. I found 2 things with my number on them that weren't even mine! So, I asked about it and they said they'd look into it. No wonder I couldn't find any of my clothes! It makes me wonder what happened to the things I did bring in and whether or not I got credit for things that sold. So when I left I was very frustrated.

I did get to go to my friend, Jenn's though. I hadn't seen her in a LONG time! It was so nice to go and visit, to see her kids and to snuggle her baby. The baby slept on me the whole time! Sure brings on baby fever :)

Now today has been so busy...trying to clean up since I didn't get much done the past couple of days, had grocery shopping to do and STILL have bills to pay. It is so never-ending and sometimes it is really annoying! I just want a break from it all! Remember my dream? I'm really desiring that right about now!!!

Touching

Did anybody else watch Extreme Makeover Home Edition Sunday night (the one with David Cook)? I love that show! It is always just so touching and I always shed at least one tear. I was so moved by the girl in this show, a 12 year old with an incurable blood disease who is working to help kid's with cancer. Maybe the show touches me so much because at one time I wanted to be one to help people in a 'greater' or different capacity than what I do now.

For those who don't know, at one time in my life I wanted to be a social worker (hence the degree and $20k + school loan). I wanted to work in a children's hospital. Well, after seeing the show Sunday night I thought maybe I need to at least volunteer in some capacity. I've briefly looked in the past at volunteering in different capacities but never have. Being that we have a children's hospital nearby, the wheels in my brain began turning.

I just requested a volunteer form. They have a volunteer meeting February 2 that I hope I'll be able to attend. Even if I just do a few hours a week. Not only will I do something I've wanted to do for years and years, not only will I be able to (hopefully) impact children's lives in some sort of capacity (I hope NOT pushing paperwork, when I volunteered at a hospital while in college that's what I ended up doing), but I'll also be able to volunteer. IF I were to ever use my degree one day I could have this experience under my belt.

So, I will keep you posted on what happens. I'll continue to pray about it. It would also give me a chance to get out of the house on a regular basis! I'm really excited for where this may go!

Dream part deaux

Okay, Sherry your dream sounds absolutely heavenly. That's my dream also, I was aiming more for realistic :) Jamie, I'd love to grab spaghetti with you and both enjoy time away! I miss you SO much!

The other day I called my friend, Sadie, to see if she wanted to go out for dinner that evening. I hadn't really had much time away from my family during Christmas break, but I didn't mind that. I just thought I'd get a chance to get out before Zach returned to work on Tuesday. I had a coupon for Ruby Tuesday, buy one entree and get one free. I also decided to splurge and got a virgin strawberry daiquiri AND dessert! We then headed to the mall where I found jeans for Hannah for only $5! I also was able to get some deals at Bath & Body Works and Victoria's Secret! It was good shopping, but more importantly I had such a great time with my friend! It felt like awhile since we'd seen each other and it was nice to just sit and chat. I know I certainly needed it. So, thanks Sadie for being my 'date'!

On another note I think I may have broken my toe this morning. It happened in the most peculiar way- while getting dressed! What on earth! I just lost my balance trying to put on my underwear and somehow landed on that toe wrong. A naughty word slipped out, good thing the kids weren't around. It bruised up a little right away and I couldn't even bend it and could barely walk! Now it's really bruised and it really hurts. Ouch! How crappy. How do I manage to do such a stupid thing? I guess from now on I need to dress while sitting? Boy oh boy, I've always been clumsy but not to THIS extent!

Dumb as a Rock

***IS THIS BETTER MOM? MAYBE I SHOULD MAKE THE FONT BIGGER TOO! JUST KIDDING! Sorry, when I type its a white background so I'm not aware of the color issue when it posts!

So, our cable/Internet bill went up. Our year special ran out. Our bill was $150! I was like, "I am NOT paying that ridiculous price for cable & Internet!" So, I began to do some research on Direct TV and Dish Network. I know they both had specials they were offering. I decided they were both about the same price so was going to go with Direct TV and both my mom and I would get $10 off our bill for the next 10 months (I used her as a referral). So, I was going to change my Internet to Qwest. First, they tell me my computer cannot be older than 4 years. I said it was. Then I said I wasn't sure how old it is. I'm really NOT sure how old it is, but it IS older than 4 yrs. WHY on earth can I not get Internet from them just because of the age of my computer? Our laptops aren't that old, but our main PC is. So dumb. So I told them I wanted it anyway, stating I wasn't sure how old it was. Then I get a call yesterday about everything. The lady began to give me a phone number. Then she told me I needed to either rent or buy one of their modems. I thought, "WHATEVER!" We have a perfectly fine modem, although its for cable, not DSL. Then I began to think how I have NO phone line in the basement, where they'd probably have to set it up. I told the lady I ended to speak with my husband. I called him and told him what was going on and that I was cancelling Qwest and maybe DTV. So, I did. I signed up with Dish Network instead. For the same price as what we would've gotten with DTV we also get a DVR. The only thing is we'll have to stick with the same Internet company (cable) which is still a bit pricey. They charge you an extra $15 if you only have Internet through them! Oh well, I'm still saving money. And wouldn't you know when I called to cancel our cable the guy 'had an offer' but when I called a week ago to ask about my price being jacked up there was nothing they could do!

Then I felt almost harassed by the DTV lady when I told her I wanted to cancel. "But don't you understand the savings you're missing out on?" she kept asking. I did not tell her I'd get my services elsewhere! Then she told me she'd push back my installation date so I could think about it! No! And have to waste how much time calling AGAIN to cancel! What do those people not understand about that word~ cancel? Oh well, I got it all taken care of and eventually got school taken care of too.

Then my little Abby had diarrhea for awhile and then broke out into a rash. I thought I'd better call the doctors office, just to speak to a nurse, to ask about it. I figure there wasn't anything they could do but just wanted to check. The nurse calls back and was like, "Well you missed her last two well-baby appointments" to which I just said that we had a busy year, my husband was out of town a lot and I didn't realize. I think WBA's are SUCH a waste of time! My child has been very healthy and after having 4 I think I can tell. I think they just want to try to scam your insurance money out of you for those appointments. Not to mention you go there and come home sick! She then tells me how my daughter is behind on immunizations. Uh oh. I said she hasn't had any yet and she just paused and then told me how Abby probably caught something because she is NOT immunized. What EVER lady! DUH! So, I made a 'well-baby appointment' and brought Abby in. I wasn't too worried about the doctor with the shots, but was a bit. So far she's been super wonderful about it. And yesterday all she said was something about letting me make the decision to get her shots. Well, YEAH, it is my decision, but she was real friendly about it and not pushy or anything, just said how they DO recommend them. Why is it nurses can be a huge pain in the butt, more so than doctors???

Ok, time to get off of my soapbox for the day and change a diaper! I've been on this computer long enough. It's time to do something else!

~D~R~E~A~M~

So, as I lay awake last night due to Abby's diarrhea and had a dream. A wish, if you will. I think I mentioned on here (maybe?) that I haven't slept through the night since before she was born. She turned 16 months on Christmas. I was awake often before Abby was born, not only dealing with the final stages of pregnancy but also dealing with kidney stones and a stint. Abby's still sleeping with us, still nursing and still nursing at night. I wonder, at this point (just as I did with Gabe) why I decide to co sleep. I love it, but after awhile I really want my bed back and I want my sleep! I want to wean her but now that she's not feeling the greatest it's not an ideal time to try, and I'm really not sure how to try to go about it! She does take sippy cups, but she usually falls asleep to her mama's milk. Sigh. Anyway, I began to formulate a dream in my head...

Once my little girl is all weaned I'd love to take a Friday night and go to a hotel. No, make that a Bed & Breakfast. Just me. I'd pack my Bible, a book I'm reading, some bubble bath and chocolate. I'd leave my computer at home but take my cell phone to call home and say goodnight. And I'd just enjoy myself and relax. I'd maybe go out to dinner (alone) or grab a bite to eat. I'd be sure to have some yummy java or pop. Then I'd take a nice, relaxing bath. I'd read God's Word and read my book. I'm have a whole bed to myself and sleep so well, not worrying about my baby nursing, another child crawling into my bed in the middle of the night or one of Zach's many mid-night potty breaks! Ahhh that sounds so wonderful and relaxing. Yep, it's a dream. A far-fetched one, but that's usually what dreams are. What is your dream?

I'm really hoping to have her weaned by March. There's an Above Rubies retreat in Nebraska that I wouldn't mind going to and I'd love to take Hannah but leave Abby home (I've tried a retreat with a toddler, and while it works its just not as ideal).

Brrr

It is COLD outside! I was going to run to the library to return some books and get Hannah's book and run out to mail a few things to my parents but I managed to coax Zach to do it instead. I don't want to go out in the negative degree weather! And it's so teasing, the sun is shining and it LOOKS like it should be beautiful. But just open the front door and the cold air comes flying in. Yuck.

I feel bad that the dog has to go outside to pee when it's so cold out there! She doesn't even venture off the deck on days like this, and I can't say I blame her!

Zach's supposed to be having some guys over tonight to play Risk. Just some of the neighbor guys. I totally don't mind, but then he wants to do it tomorrow night too! I really wouldn't mind, but why does it always have to be at our house? Some of the people don't have kids, or if they do they don't have nearly as many as we have, so why can't they 'host' Risk night! Anyway, I'm sure he'll have a great time.

It's a New Year!

It's so weird that it's 2010! It seems like we just hit 2000, when people were going crazy over the whole Y2K deal and stocking up on canned goods. Now here we are already 10 years later! It just baffles me how time flies!

We didn't do anything exciting last night. My friend/neighbor invited us over for games, football and food but I wasn't sure if we'd go. The kids have been coughing and having runny noses, I was tired from our drive back from Dubuque and just didn't know what we'd do. I really wanted to go though, to have something to do. I'm not sure Zach knew what he wanted to do either, until he said it was way too cold out to go out. That's when I was bummed. Even if we'd just gone for a couple of hours. I guess I'm really more the social one than he is, I like to get out and meet people. I was bummed thinking how the stupid weather ruined that and the concert a few weeks ago that I wanted to go to but couldn't because of the roads :( It is just such a bummer! Anyway, it was all good and I managed to get a good portion of my book read and I think I was asleep by like 10:30!

Today I managed to get the downstairs cleaned and took down the Christmas stuff. I did my menu and went grocery shopping. I cleaned the upstairs bathrooms and put laundry away. It was a rather successful day. I even managed to almost finish my book. It's due back tomorrow so I'll either finish tonight or tomorrow morning. I'm reading The Time Traveler's Wife. It is so weird. I remember seeing a preview of the movie and thinking it looked good bu wanting to read the book first. The book is almost trash. Way more sex and stuff in it than what I normally read. But, I wanted to see what happened and now I have about 50 more pages. So, off to watch the movie on TV and finish my book.

Happy New Year to you all!!!

The Grand Harbor Resort

Before Christmas we'd talked about taking a mini-vacation during Zach's 'free' time off of work during Christmas break. I'd looked online for a few things to do but it wasn't until after Christmas that we decided to go ahead and do SOMETHING. So, here we are in Dubuque, Iowa at the Grand Harbor Resort & indoor waterpark! We arrived yesterday and will leave tomorrow. A nice little bit of time away from home! I have to tell you that the pictures make the place look way nicer than what it is. It isn't the worst I've seen, but certainly not as nice as the pictures. We're in a Double Junior Suite (or something like that) and to me it just doesn't look like how the pictures show it! I guess resorts have that issue though. So many families probably come and go out of this place. It was the same way years ago at a resort we stayed at in Myrtle Beach.

Right now Zach and the three older kids are down playing. Abby has been really, really, REALLY fussy! I think she's getting a couple of more teeth. It's really getting on my nerves, especially when I had a headache earlier and all I wanted was some quiet! And all she wanted was me, yet she'd get me and then not want me! Here I'm trying to wean her, and I'm not really sure how to go about it, and all she wants is the boob. Grrr. So I'm hoping with the quiet she'll take a nice nap and I'll get some peace. I also hope they're down there for awhile. I went down with Hannah for awhile, as I hadn't gotten to go on the slides and really wanted to try them. My monthly 'friend' decided to come a few days ago so I haven't been able to enjoy everything as much as I wanted. Anyway, go figure that Abby was fine when I was gone but as soon as I walk in the door she is whining like crazy.

I totally didn't mind not going on the slides, it was so fun walking around with Abby. I just held her hand and had her dictate where we went and it was fun to see her explore! She'd stomp in the water, try to avoid the spraying water and then eventually went and stuck her face right in it! They have a little 1 ft. kiddie 'pool' so we splashed in there for awhile. It was so fun to see her fascination with it all! It was also cute when the kids were getting ready to go down a bit ago how Abby grabbed her suit and was carrying it around! She wanted to go play too! But I opted to keep her up here. She needs the rest and for some reason that place gives me a headache (I'm getting another one). Not sure if its all the chaos, the chlorine or a combination.

Well, I'm sure I had more I was going to say but stinker girl isn't being as cooperative as I would've liked and I really want to read more of my book. Please pray for safe travels for us tomorrow. It's been snowing today so I hope the roads are good for our 3 hr trek home!

Oh, one other thing...there's a restaurant attached to the hotel. Which meant no continental breakfast. Breakfast almost cost as much as dinner last night at Tony Roma's. The food was alright, not the best and not the worst and the service was terrible. We opted to no longer eat there while we're here!

Celebrate Jesus

We had a very good Christmas. It was so relaxing. Hannah awoke about 5 and came into my room. I made her lay in bed with us. She was whispering how she woke at 3 but went back to bed. I couldn't sleep well that night either, but not because of 'Santa' but because the rain was slamming against our bedroom windows. She also told me she thought she heard Santa's boots on the kitchen floor! Ok? It's crazy. We tell our kid's there's no Santa and yet they still 'believe' in him. I don't even write 'from Santa' on the presents, but Mom & Dad and yet they still talk about Santa. Oh well. I don't care, I know it's fun to 'believe' as a kid, but we do continue to tell them there's no such thing.

Anyway, Abby finally starting stirring after 6:30 and by that time Gabe was in our bed too so we got up. I know the kids were very excited. They all went by the tree and were grabbing at gifts that had their name on them and so Abby went over and grabbed a box so that she could have something to open too :) It sure didn't take the kids long to dig into and open those gifts! Even Abby was having fun. She wanted her toys out of their boxes right away! She sure loves her toys- a 'singing' purse, a mailbox, a phone, some baby dolls, a laptop. Hannah had kept asking about this one gift that had been in my closet and then was under the tree for awhile. She wanted to know whose it was but I never would tell her. Finally she found out it was hers. I had double wrapped it. She was so excited to get the American Doll bed she'd really wanted (thanks Nanny). It sure is a cute bed!

The boys were thrilled to get all sorts of different types of Lego's and Bionicle's! I didn't see them a whole lot as they were in the basement building their things. Josiah got a space police thing, a house and some Bionicle's. Gabe got Pirate Lego's, some K'Nex thing and some Bionicle's. Zach spoiled me with some Willow Tree figures. He got me one called Brothers with two boys together (Josiah & Gabe). He got me this little girl holding a balloon that he said is Abby and a girl with a book that he said is Hannah. It was thoughtful!

I took a nap with Abby on the couch, read and just relaxed all day. I made a later dinner of lasagna and then made Peanut Blossom cookies for Zach (they're his favorite and I'd been wanting to make them). That is one nice thing about not having people over for Christmas is you can just relax. I didn't really miss my family too much like I normally do! It was just wonderfully quiet and peaceful. Isn't that what Christmas should be? Too many people stress out about it!

I hope you all had a blessed Christmas also! Oh yeah, Christmas Eve we were supposed to go to church but the weather hadn't been too well so we decided to stay home. Good thing we did as it was cancelled anyway! We stayed home, sang some Christmas songs together and then on Christmas we read the Christmas story.

Christmastime is here!

I can't even remember when I last blogged. The kids got to open a gift on Sunday (they opened one from my mom). They opened all the ones from Zach's mom yesterday and we took them shopping with Christmas money they'd gotten where they bought some toys. These kids have already made out like bandits and it's not even Christmas! We let them open one a bit ago and they'll open another after dinner, which will be new Christmas pajamas that everyone got. Once Christmas is over I think they'll be disappointed that there are no other gifts to open! Spoiled kids!

Last night we had some neighbors over and we played a game I bought with some of my Christmas money (Apples to Apples). It's a pretty fun game. Hannah had us open the gifts she bought everybody this morning. She got Zach the new Indiana Jones movie, Abby an outfit, the boys Lego's and me a cross necklace. It came in a purple box that had a cross on it and it's got February birthstones and 'diamonds' on the cross. It was a birthstone necklace, which she doesn't know, but she said, "I got it for you because your favorite color is purple." I've been wearing it all day! It was so thoughtful and pretty! She used her own money to get all of us gifts!

We ordered pizza for dinner tonight. We were going to go to the Christmas Eve service at church but it's kinda drizzly/rainy out and I can just imagine it freezing and being slippery. I'd rather stay home and do something here. I think after our pizza we'll open the pj's, get baths, sing some songs, read the story of Jesus' birth and go to bed early. Last night the kids were up until 10:30 because of our company! They were so good though, but I can tell some of them are tired today!

It has been a very relaxing week. I got my baking done earlier in the week, and delivered to neighbors. We did a gingerbread house yesterday. I finished another Christmas book today and started a new one. Today Hannah and I made smoothies.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas! I hope yours is as wonderful and relaxing as ours will be! Remember to celebrate the birth of Jesus!!!

piggy piggy

Today was the first time I put piggies in Abby's hair! She sat still pretty well while I did it! I had to fix them a few times throughout the morning, her hair is so fine, but she looked so super cute! The reason she's crying here is that she didn't want a picture with her siblings. I dressed them all in their Christmas garb and they all looked so cute. There will be more pictures on my facebook whenever it lets me load them, but I thought I'd share this one here :)

It's been awhile since pictures...

So I thought I'd show you some of what we've been up to in school. We learned about the Vikings the other day in history. One of Josiah's requests at the beginning of the year was to learn about them. I must admit I don't remember learning about them when I was a kid (I don't remember much of anything, especially history), but it was interesting. They got to make some Viking mask helmets and here are the boys sporting theirs. Hannah said it was too boy-ish and opted out of the project.

As you know, my boys are big Lego fans. They're always asking me to take pictures of their creations. This is an ambulance Josiah made last week. In the back part was a guy laying in there, where he was attached to his 'vacuum thing', which I explained must have been oxygen! Kids are so funny!

wine & cheese

So, today is Zach's birthday. Happy birthday to him. He had to go into work as they had commissioning. I thought he wanted to rent a movie but apparently there was nothing good at Redbox. I wanted the kids in bed at 8. When he was gone the boys were just little stinkers and I just wanted to relax with Zach and watch a movie. Well instead, here I sit in my freezing cold room with Abby sleeping next to me (although now she just sat up and farted) while he watches a movie with the kids (Star Trek). I'm so not a Trekkie. I know it's his birthday. I guess I should have sucked it up and watched it with him and maybe, just maybe I would have if the kids weren't going to also. So, I'm whining. Just because I can. So, I sit in my cold room on a Saturday night like a woman with no life. I should read or something, but nope...I be bored.

Unexpected Surprises

Last night we had small group. We were told to come, with a nice shirt on. I think the words "there may be pictures" was somewhere in those directions too! They said, feed and bring the kids but don't feed ourselves, that we're doing something special. I just assumed we'd all eat together while the kids played in the basement. Before we left Zach was like, "I'm not really in the mood to go" and I was thinking "Too bad buddy". We'd missed so much, with Thanksgiving, missing a week and our snowstorm. I missed our group!

We get to the M's house and start to get settled when they come by the door and tell Zach & I to keep our coats on. Huh? They handed us an envelope and told us to open it in the car. They did this with the other 3 couples also. Had us drop off our kids and go out! I did take Abby though, as she was rather fussy when we got there. I didn't want her to be a stinker for them! So, they had a pinata and presents for the kids. They also got to decorate ornaments. How sweet!!! I get in the car and open the envelope. There was a note saying how their business was blessed this year so that they wanted to do this for us. They said they wanted us to go to this restaurant downtown, a real nice one that they'd pick for a first date, one of their favorites. There was a gift card for said restaurant in the envelope with quite a good portion of money on it!

Can you say sweet? We just couldn't stop talking about how nice that was and how blessed we felt! It's so rare to find people who do such thoughtful things, you know? So, we follow the directions and get to the place. It just LOOKED expensive! Definitely not somewhere we'd ever choose on our own! I almost felt weird having Abby with us and hoped it was 'toddler friendly'. It smelled wonderful. The prices of the meals were outrageous! To quote Zach, "And I thought Olive Garden was expensive!" I decided I was going to get something I'd never normally get and ordered Three Cheese Beef Medallions. Zach got Alaskan Halibut. It was good food. I enjoyed my medallions until Zach took a bite, said it was good and that it reminded him of liver or cow tongue. I must say I lost my appeal for the food after that! LOL

Abby was very good, thankfully. We enjoyed our meal and had a good time talking. The only downfall? There were gays everywhere. The table next to us and the next two tables both had two gay couples. I even heard the guy next to us say something about Wednesday night being date night. YUCK! You could tell that even our waiter was gay. I just tried not to look that way and enjoy myself! I must say it was a huge blessing and we were just so thankful to the M's to bless us in such a way!

The kid's had a great time! They were very thankful for their presents. Sarah said my kid's were the only ones who said "Thank you" (sorry I had to brag about it). Hannah got this Disney Princess tea set that you paint. They all showed me their gifts at home and when she was showing me hers she said, "I could use this for my Barbies or something" (it is small). Later in the night I got to thinking about it. She's not at all into Disney Princesses anymore and yet she didn't say, "Eh, I don't like this" or anything like that. She tried to find the good out of her gift! I was so proud of her. She is looking forward to painting it later. She also got a movie that she looks forward to watching (The Prince and Me). Just had to brag about my kid's a bit. Ok, I must go and start school.

Christmas-y books

I've been reading Christmas-y books lately. It all started because we were going to read 'The Christmas Train' for our book club. If you want to read it, you can find a link to it under my reading list. It was a good book. It took me awhile to get into it but it sure had an unexpected twist that kept my attention!

I've also been reading Donna VanLiere's books, albeit out of order. I guess I didn't know there was an order when I picked up the first one. And a tearjerker it was. I had to finish the other one this morning before I began school. Another tearjerker, although it seemed familiar so I'm not sure if I read it a long time ago. And it didn't get me as much as the first one. Now I have another I'm about to dig into and then hopefully I'll get The Christmas Shoes one. We have that movie but haven't even watched it yet and I'd really like to read the book before watching the movie. I also have Karen Kingsbury's collection of Christmas books on my shelf. And a few other non-Christmas-y books. Not to mention a list of books people keep recommending to me. I need to make a list! Seems I won't be searching for something to read for quite awhile!

On another note I had to redecorate our tree today. First, it looked dumb to me and was bare in spots. Second, about 1/3 of our lights would sometimes not work. So last night when I was out I bought a strand. Well, they were too bright compared to the other lights on the tree on there wasn't enough of them. Then when I went to plug them in again half of the strand didn't work! SO, I packed up the kids and headed to Wally World! Bought four boxes of lights, just in case. Good thing too, because not all of those ones work! I was so irritated! Anyway, I got all the lights on and they're much brighter than our other ones were. I was able to fix the branches (I had Zach and the kids do the branches this year but I can see I need to stick to that task), and spread the ornaments out a bit more (again). We'll see how long before they're all clustered into one area!

busy, busy

I guess I *do* have time to blog if I can facebook but it's so much easier to facebook! I only have a minute to blog now. First to say that we saw deer today on the way to the chiropractor in a field. My kids were surprised and Hannah exclaimed, "Mom, are those deer??? I didn't know there were deer in Iowa!" I'm not sure if she only thought there were deer in Michigan or what! Silly girl!

Speaking of the chiropractor, I asked if I can stop going once a week. Now that it's winter its just more difficult. He said he's seen improvement and that I should be able to go to every other week. YES! He also said he noticed this week was 'worse' and said maybe it was from something I did. I told him I shoveled, so I'm sure it was from that. No more shoveling for me as I don't want to mess my back up any more!

We went to the library. It is connected to one of the middle schools. I know how busy it is in that area at that time of day but normally don't get 'stuck' in it. I thought we'd venture to the Dollar Tree afterwards and boy did we get stuck in school traffic! It made me thankful that I homeschool and don't have to deal with 'messes' like that every day!

Ok, must go eat and run to the grocery store, read our book for small group tomorrow night, fold laundry from yesterday and put it away, give baths...the list is endless.

snow day!

I guess I should blog about all the snow we got! It is just crazy! Last winter we got like no snow and I really didn't think we'd get much, even though they predicted this storm. Last year it seemed like they'd hype up some big storm but it never got real bad. Well baby, was this a storm! Wow! Blowing snow just everywhere! There was so much snow it was crazy! Yet in spots you see the bare ground because of the blowing! Huge drifts. We were all pretty amazed this morning and to be quite honest I wanted to have a snow day too. We did history and a spelling test and called it a day! Zach shoveled out there and then one of the neighbors was going up and down the street with a front-end loader! He cleared out most of the driveways, which was awesome! I may not *like* our *small* house (although I am thankful for it), but I sure do love our neighborhood!

Speaking of neighborhoods, my friend from MS messaged me on facebook last night. On our old street in military housing there were 5 cop cars, an ambulance and first responder (maybe a fire truck too, I don't remember). Apparently the neighbors said the couple had been fighting lately. Somebody said they thought they saw them come out with a body bag. Hmm...I wonder if I'll hear any more on that.

Everywhere we live we draw the 'record' weather (here we had record snow today) and it seems something freaky happens in a neighborhood. Our Ocean Springs house (you may remember me blogging about this at the time) they found a lady had committed suicide in a garage of a house she cleaned. It was a brand new house that was for sale. I remember walking by it and smelling something weird before she was discovered! In NC on the next street over some guy hung himself (in base housing). I can't recall what happened in ND but I'm sure there was something (maybe you can recall something Kim or Jamie). And I really hope nothing weird happens here!

Anyway, the kids loved the snow. I stayed indoors all day! I was rather lazy, but we're allowed some slack once in awhile, right?

singing 'those' songs

I could keep singing, "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow" and it will continue to do just that. We're supposed to get 10-14 inches by tomorrow morning! It's been snowing pretty much all day. The kids played in it yesterday and now already today. Zach came home from work early due to the weather. It doesn't even 'look' bad out my window but I know that doesn't mean the roads are good. I'm sure they're not. I don't remember hearing a snow plow go by at all yet today and its 3:30! And it has been snowing pretty much all day. I went out last night and shoveled. Every other house on my side of the street had their sidewalks shoveled off and I guess it's rather embarrassing not to have ours! So, I am paying for it today- I'm sore. That's it, I don't plan on doing too much of that job. That's a mans job! LOL I made my kiddos hot cocoa two days in a row and they're getting quite spoiled by that! I hope they don't expect it every time they play in the snow! Abby's been quite enthralled with it, the first night it started snowing she just kept moving the curtain and looking at it! Daisy isn't too afraid of it and actually was playing out there with the kids! She blends right in with that snow! lol I can't believe it's almost dinner time, I just want to curl up and relax on this snowy day.

time to find a new one for sure

Remember my babysitter incident this past summer? Well, if not I guess that's better for you, but I remember it clear as day. Anyway, Zach and I were supposed to go out last night for a surprise birthday party for our neighbor. Called the sitter Thursday and she said she could watch the kids. Great. Got ready, was looking forward to going out for just a bit, and even better it was right down the road! When I went to get the sitter NOBODY WAS HOME!!! I was like, "What the heck!?!?!?" I was so mad! I didn't take my phone because I thought, "I'm going right down the road to get the sitter, I won't need my phone", not like it would have done any good anyway if nobody is home. The cell number I have for her doesn't work.

So, Zach began to play Wii with the kids and I waited to see if I would her from sitter, meanwhile leaving a message on their voicemail. Then I hopped onto facebook, saw my friend was on and asked what her daughter was up to. Turned out she could babysit! I did have to drive halfway across town but oh well. And by this point we'd missed the "Surprise" of the party, but oh well, I still wanted to go out for awhile!

As soon as Haley walked in Abby smiled at her, walked over to her and reached for her. Then she hugged her! WOW! Haley has only babysat ONE TIME! That sure encouraged me though, that Abby liked her so much. I almost feel like Haley's a better sitter anyway. She plays with the kids and spends time with them, whereas the other doesn't as much, it seems.

Anyway, we did make it to the party for awhile. It was nice to get out for awhile, hang out with our neighbors that we don't see too often. But, I'm on the lookout for new sitters. I need a sitter twice this coming week so let's hope I'm successful!

Oh yeah, when I had just gotten to the restaurant, my phone rang (a number I didn't know). It was the *sitter* apologizing and saying she was on her way to my house. I told her I already found another sitter and didn't need her. She may have a good explanation, I didn't' find out, but I've already given her a second chance. I'm done! I need somebody more reliable!

Options

Zach really wants to go home for Christmas. Part of the idea appeals to me, but I'm not completely sold on it. I hate traveling in winter, especially where our family is! I'm not sure we'd have a place to stay, and to be honest the only place I'd want to stay is my mom's. I just want to be in my own home Christmas morning. I don't even know that I want to do a 'traditional' Christmas meal. Maybe I'll make lasagna or something instead? It'd be great to see family, sure, but I hate traveling here, there and everywhere to see them, and like I stated above...winter! I'd prefer to wait until the summer when the roads would be safer! We shall see though, what's in store! I also remember last year when Zach's dad was going to drive down for Christmas and at the last minute got a plane ticket due to the weather. I'd hate to 'plan' a trip home and then have to cancel because of the weather.

For some time I've been looking at The Great Wolf Lodge or some such thing, even before Zach's mentioning 'home' for Christmas. But boy, it is expensive! I remember some years ago we spontaneously went to Destin after Christmas while Zach was on break. That was so much fun! Sometimes those spontaneous trips are the best. I think our best trip yet was the the mountains in Tennessee and that too was spontaneous. So, I got to thinking, "What's to do in Iowa?" I thought maybe we could go the Minneapolis to the Mall of America but that doesn't really intrigue me right now. I could just go for a cabin on a lake. Then I thought of Lake Okoboji. Had never heard of it until I moved here. Now it seems I see it everywhere- sweatshirts, semi trucks, signs. So, I thought maybe we could get a little cabin there and just tuck away as a family for a couple of nights. Then as I search I see they have some awesome little resorts, at least one of which has an indoor water park. That would be fun! So, we'll see what we end up doing. I just know that I don't want to sit staring at one another for many days like we did over Thanksgiving. We sure had a relaxing Thanksgiving break, but it'd be nice to have something to do too!

Last night Abby was so hyper and being so silly! I caught it on camera. The video ends with a big ol' belch from Zach.

peek-a-boo

Cuteness

Tonight we were talking about how the guy that does ROTC at MTU will be cross-training come May. Pretty much Zach was saying that he could try to transfer there if I wanted to live by home for awhile. I was like, "No, I don't think so." I guess after living away from home for 10 years I don't really want to move back. They have like no summer, the winters are long and dreary, there's NOTHING there, wood ticks. BUT, FAMILY IS there. Which is good and bad! Anyway, I really don't want to move back home. I said to Hannah, "Would you like to move by Nanny and Papa" and right away Abby says, "Myeah!" It was SOOO funny and so clearly yeah! Not like the 15 month old knows what she's talking about but it was so stinkin' cute!

Then we got home and Abby walks straight to the steps. I walked to her and said, "Let's take off your jacket" and she started saying, "Ba ba" for bath. I hadn't planned on bathing her, but I couldn't resist her big blue eyes looking up at me as she asked for a bath!

*Note that I used their regular names again. I thought maybe I'd eventually go back to making my blog public but I don't see that happening at all, so I may as well use their regular names!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

We are truly very blessed, are we not? I know I have it so good. Good health, family and a loving and forgiving savior! Today we had a great Thanksgiving at home. Woke up and turned on the parade. The kids were kinda complaining about it at first, but then they enjoyed seeing it. I made turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole (Chatterbox actually did this), sweet potato bake, rolls, ham, gravy and stuffing. I had forgotten about the stuffing until we sat down to eat! Thankfully I had a box of Stove Top in the cupboard! For desserts I made brownies, Pumpkin Pies and Blueberry Cobbler (in the microwave). The Packers won so I know Zach is happy! After dinner I played a little Mario with the kids and then napped. I keep trying to read my book but it's near impossible- I either get drawn to the TV or get sleepy! It has been a wonderful, relaxing day! The kids were really excited about it being Thanksgiving. Booty Shaker kept asking if it was 'Valentines' and Junior Squirrel kept asking about the 'chicken'! Silly boys! Tomorrow we're going to put up our tree. A bit early for me, I usually like to wait until next weekend, but I've had to compromise. Everybody else wanted it up at like Halloween- way too early! I hope you're all enjoying family and food this Thanksgiving! Remember to count your blessings and to thank the One who's given them to you!

go figure...

Just in time for the holidays and right after I finally went to the doctor my monthly 'friend' decides to show up! I'm just glad I know and that I finally got it. It is just so weird for me to be late as normally my body is right on. I sure hope I won't have too bad of cramps tomorrow as I prepare our Thanksgiving meal!

What is it about Holidays?

I swear I had a similar post to this last year. Last year we decided at the last minute to go home for Thanksgiving. Zach's been 'bugging' me for quite some time this year to go home but I just had no desire to. I thought maybe we'd have some friends over to help make the holiday not so 'lonely'. Also, I was pretty much told not to come home!!!! The more I think about it the more I feel like we're not even wanted there during the holidays! Isn't that sad!?!? Isn't your family supposed to get together at the holidays, if they can? In all defense, I know there's some things going on right now that make it now quite 'ideal' for 'company' but STILL- we're FAMILY. That's what makes them so special! Now, we're only 10 hours from home as opposed to when we were in MS. That's a breeze! We could totally swing it if we really wanted to and were wanted. Of course this time of year isn't always ideal because you never know when the snow will come, especially up in the U.P. I hate having to travel in winter. Maybe I'm just super sensitive right now or something as I ponder it. I just thought that living nearer to family we'd spend more time on holidays with them. I guess I thought wrong. I guess it doesn't matter if we're 10 hours away or across the world, really. Jamie W, I think I've been reading too many of your posts...I'm just ready to complain and not in the least caring who reads it! So later today I'll go out and buy my food for our Thanksgiving feast here at home. Of course we'll really enjoy it, being together. And it's supposed to snow so the kids are thrilled!

new friend

Jenn, whom many of you have been praying for, has started a blog. She's on my friend's list if you're interested. Just wanted to let y'all know!

dreamin' big

Yesterday we went to some Real Estate Open Houses near us. Remember I mentioned awhile ago about the one we went to? It's in this new neighborhood near us. We pass it all the time. We saw 5 different houses. At least two of them were about $800K! Oh, they were beautiful!

This is one we looked at. The pictures don't do it justice. I think there's 5 fireplaces, 11 TV's. It would be a blast to play hide and seek in that house! Wow!

This one is the current Visitor Center. It's amazing. There's like a hidden pantry, a movie theater. Absolutely beautiful!

This here I think the kid's liked the best. Five bedrooms upstairs, at least one in the basement, a playroom in the basement, a 'wet bar', a movie theater. Although the ones I listed above have lots of these amenities too.

Then we looked at 2 smaller, 'more affordable' ones that were still out of our league. It was so fun. The realtor that was at the one that I have linked first was so nice. She's the one that took us to see the last link as it wasn't on open house that day. Apparently people go to these Open Houses often, even without being in the market for a new home. I can't wait to go back and see more! It sure stunk coming home to our little place! I told Zach it'd be fun even to stay in one of those huge ones for like a night, to 'live like a King' for just a tiny bit of time. It's fun to dream! I am sure our mansions in heaven will be amazing!

my bod

First, sorry Sara but I won't be able to do anything about those checkers. This background was premade so I have no clue how to get rid of them!! Wish I were more computer literate to be able to do more.

Second, I have no idea what's going on with my body. I was supposed to get my period a week ago. No period. Took a test. Negative. Took one a couple days later. Negative. Still no period. Took one yesterday morning. Negative. What the heck!?! Like I told Zach, I honestly don't care one way or the other about being pregnant (I'd be content either way), but it sure would be nice to know what is going on. Today I have felt like garbage all day. Nauseous and yet crampy. Maybe it's just late? I am still nursing, but I got my first period 3 months ago and it's always been regular. It's like clockwork with me. AND I've never before gotten pregnant while still nursing, this would be a first Then I can't help but 'freak out' a bit in my head about it. With losing two babies and kidney stones in the last pregnancy all sorts of thoughts have already gone through my head. I just would like to know one way or the other. I suppose I should just go to the doctor and ask for a blood test and go from there. But, for all the M family out there, don't get confused and say I'm pregnant like happened once before! LOL Just a whacked out body I guess!

bloggity blog

Let me know what you think of my new look. I did it myself. There's so many cute things out there!

pretty much back:)

Thanks to Jen at Blue Yonder Design! I sent her a message via facebook and like right away she got to work fixing my blog! I had read online that it was a template issue and had no idea what to do! Before I read about it online I just thought my blog was hijacked into! If you ever want help with a blog template she's the way to go!!! Thanks Jen!

UGH

Something was up with my blog background and now I just can't get it right!!! I hope this doesn't take too long to fix! Annoying!!! I hate computer issues because I'm really not that computer savvy!

where have i been?

I was hoping I'd have time to get on and blog today. I have no idea what I've been up to but boy have I been busy (does that even make sense). Yesterday I ran to visit with Jenn. It was weird- I'd seen her every day when she was in the hospital but hadn't since and I really missed her! Zach and I decided at the last minute to go on a date, so got a babysitter. We talked about going to see New Moon but Sweet Pea was so cranky that we just took her along. There was no way I was going to attempt to see that in a theater with her! So we tried this new burger joint and went to Best Buy and Target. I was hoping to get some Christmas shopping done at Target for the girls, but was unsuccessful. We had such a good date though and when we got home we put the kids to bed and played Wii for awhile (the new Mario Bros for Wii is a blast). Then we were up until who knows when just talking and talking. It was nice, but boy am I exhausted today! I have no idea how we made it to the 9 am church service this morning!

Friday night I went to a Pampered Chef party. She made Mexican Lasagna in the microwave! AND Cobbler in the microwave! The cobbler was only 3 ingredients and was delicious- I'm going to make it for Thanksgiving dinner.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, Zach keeps talking about how he wants to go home but I'm like "No way." It's just such a long drive for such a short time. I wish we knew of people we could invite over (we did invite Jenn but I'm not sure what she's up to yet). We love having people over for the holidays! I can't wait to have a wonderful turkey dinner! Yum!

Another Bust Buy

It was another bust at Best Buy. I know I complained about them in the past. Last night Zach & I went there after dinner (we were on a date). I wanted to look at printers and just yesterday I saw something on TV where if you bring in your old printer you get $50 off a new one. So, I was eyeing this one printer and finally somebody came over to help me out. The one I was originally looking at was a hp and $149. I wanted to know if I could get the rebate with it. Nope, only a select few, but they did have another type, an officejet, for $149. I thought "Great! If I bring in my old printer this one will only be $100 and it's a hp." I've heard great things about hp printers and the one we had was wonderful. The Lexmark piece of garbage we have is just that- a piece of garbage.

Fast forward to today. I have Zach unplug the old laptop and I'm excited to go get my printer. When I go in the officejet is now $209!!! It's impossible to find help in there when you need it and I was in a hurry, but I finally managed to find somebody. I asked if I could get the price it was last night, saying I was in and the guy never told me the price would jump up like that! If I would've known that I would've been back in last night to get it! I was pretty ticked. Anyway, I just go the photosmart one (the first one I was looking at) and pay the $149. But boy, it would've been nice to save $50! Also, I took my old printer back! I figure I can sell it- I'm not just going to give it to those losers!

Then I went to Staples because I had $18 I could use toward ink so I thought I'd stock up before the coupon ran out. I go down the printer aisle. Guess how much that same officejet printer is there? $149!!! Now I could have gotten it and returned the other, but I really didn't mind having a photosmart. And it'd be the same price since it was a Best Buy rebate and not Staples. Boy, how annoying though! So now I have at least one if not two printers to sell and even some ink I found down there that I never used!

4 4 I's

Now we'll have four four eyes in our family. Yesterday we spent two hours at the eye doctor. Junior Squirrel now needs glasses too. I'm really worried about how well he'll take care of them when he can barely care for any of his belongings! He will have to learn responsibility real quickly! Thankfully Booty Shaker's eyes are still well, but considering how blind Zach and I are I'm sure he'll need them soon enough. And I knew Chatterbox's eyes had changed. We sit in the back row in church and she can't see the words on the screen. Pretty soon she'll be just as blind as I am! Yikes! On another note when I asked him if I'd be a good candidate for laser eye surgery he said my cornea is very steeped and that yes that would make me a good candidate. Zach was going to get it done a couple of years ago but couldn't because his is too flat. Not like I'm even considering it, the thought of it really freaks me out, but it sure would be nice to see without glasses or contacts!

the first time...

Do you know how blessed I am? I just am so glad God moved us to Iowa. I really liked North Carolina but didn't like North Dakota or Mississippi at all. Although now that I no longer live in those states there are things I do miss about them! But there is just something about Iowa. The people are wonderful. God has blessed me with so many wonderful friends here. I think that's really what helps a place feel like 'home'. Friends, fellowship and of course a great church (which we've had everywhere we've lived, but it's just different here). I don't like the cold but that's about my only complaint about this place (so far).

It is really weird to actually like somewhere as much as I do. I keep wondering if it will wear off and if in 2-3 years I'll be itching to move. I have to be honest, I wish I could move into a bigger house, but still in this city. So last night as we were laying in bed I thought on it. I said to Zach, "I don't think I'd mind us retiring here." I've never, ever said that anywhere else we've lived. I have thought that I wouldn't mind moving back to NC but not to retire. There's just something about Iowa. The feeling of 'home'. The friendliness of people. Only God could do that. It's not like we'd ever have chosen to move here (although Zach did apply for the job). He always knows what He's doing, doesn't He? Even if we move away and never come back here I'm so thankful for the time He's given us here. I'm so blessed by those who have touched my life here, for the strong friendships already formed in such a short time. I'm thankful for the different people that have touched my life in so many ways- from the families from Christ Church who prayed for us before we even moved here and who so lovingly welcomed our family into their fold to the new women I'm meeting here in "A" town through church, book group, homeschooling and other friends.

~W~O~W~

It was such a busy week and I'm sure there is much to blog about and I just can't think where to even begin. Wednesday I took the kid's to a Veteran's Day 'ceremony' at the community college. It was very short, but I'm glad we went. I explained the day to them. Junior Squirrel seemed more interested in it than the other kids, asking about thanking the soldiers and all. Zach worked a half day that day so he met us there. After that I went to the hospital to see Jenn. I was there for 3 or 4 hours, I forget how long. I was so glad I could be there for her! It was awesome to be able to see and hold that precious baby. It was also sad. The baby's daddy came to the hospital for a half an hour to meet her. At least he showed up at all, but it's still rather sad!

Wednesday night I went out to coffee with the girl's from our small group. What a great bunch God blessed us with! They were a riot and so much fun. I took Sweet Pea because I'd been away from her quite a bit already that day. I was a bit peeved that Starbucks didn't even have a highchair! Do mothers not go in there? Is it seriously not child friendly?

Thursday I got a babysitter in the morning and headed to see Jenn again. I had a playdate in the afternoon and we had our small group that evening. It was so busy!

Friday morning I woke up so tired. I couldn't wake up and feel right all morning! I was just exhausted from all the running around I'd been doing! I still managed to get a sitter and head out to the hospital again. Jenn had a free meal ticket and fed me lunch (hospital food, but it really wasn't bad). Thanks Jenn! So, we got to 'dine' together in her hotel room. That day was a bit tougher than the day before. More tears were shed as reality began sinking in. I got to snuggle the baby and change another of her diapers! Wow, when I came home and changed Sweet Pea her butt seemed monstrous compared to little Amelia's! I also was able to pray with Jenn before I left. That evening we went and cleaned her house. I also brought some items to bake per her request. Well, Blondie here forgot to add the eggs to the brownies!!! So, in the garbage then went. Good thing Sadie lives closer (for a few more days) and was able to make some yesterday and bring them to her! I have no idea how I did something so stupid!!

Yesterday I had to go out and get groceries. I just wanted to stay home. It feels like I've been running, running, running! This week doesn't look a whole lot better. I think I did stay home once I was done shopping. I managed to get some of the house cleaned like I'd wanted to. I slept so good last night, although I was still really tired in church. Today I've just sat around doing nothing but reading and being online and playing Wii and with Sweet Pea. I have had dinner in the oven for a couple of hours now (Barbecue Beef Brisket, which I've never cooked before). I really hope it turns out. It sure smells good. Is brisket like rich man's food? Boy, was it expensive! I wouldn't have bought it, but it will provide for at least 3 dinners!

Tomorrow night is the 'meeting' for my book club. I'm not sure if I'll make it or not. Tuesday the kids and I have eye appointments, I have a chiropractor appointment and that night there's a homeschool group meeting. Wednesday night is small group. I can't recall what else is written on the calendar! It's crazy because I'd like to help Jenn but have so much going on. I'd like to help Sadie, who is moving, but when do I have time!?! Maybe later in the week I can take the kids or something! On top of it all we have school! We didn't get much done Wed-Friday this past week and I have a goal I'd like to meet before Thanksgiving hits!

I think being a homebody runs in my family. My grandma is a tremendous one and never goes anywhere! You have to pull her leg to come and visit me an hour away when I'm at my mom's! My mom tends to be more of a homebody too. Well, I really enjoy staying home too. I do love to run out and do things, don't get me wrong, but when it's all in a row I just long to be home!!!

so much to say, so little time...

I just wanted to let you know I'm still around! I'm just so busy. I don't remember being this busy or being away from home so much in quite awhile! It's weird! I think it will settle down for a couple of days here (I hope). Then it will pick up and be crazy again! I've been away from my kids so much this week and it's been a nice break, but boy have I missed them! Especially Sweet Pea! I'm not used to being away from her as much as I've been! Last night I was gone from her for over 5 hours!!! My milk supply was abundant when I came home and I woke her up to feed her! She probably did better than I did!

So my friend had her baby. That's why I've been so busy! A beautiful, beautiful little girl. I went to visit her at the hospital every day. Last night Sadie, Hannah and I went and cleaned her house. It took 5 hours! Wow! It was weird being there without Jenn, it was weird cleaning somebody else's house and it was weird when she called me on my phone while I was at her house! As I was cleaning I just felt so bad for her (not like I haven't for how long now). I just thought how she was pregnant, caring for 2 other children by herself and no wonder she had no time to keep up on her house! How exhausting!

Now I need to get some attention going on my own house. I managed to get my upstairs dusted, but should clean the bathrooms up there and vacuum. I already vacuumed the downstairs because I kept stepping in crumbs. Yuck! I've got laundry to fold and all I want to do is relax. I'm hoping that I'll get it all done today so tomorrow I have nothing to do. AND I have yet to try to get a few more Scentsy orders in... Will my life please slow down!?!?

My Blessings are Growing!

Ok, let's face it. These kids are GROWING! Sweet Pea pulled herself up onto the couch on my lap last night! Oh boy! Mama didn't expect that! She just does so much and its so cute! She 'vroom vrooms' like a car, 'woof woofs' like a dog, pats her leg to 'call' the dog, says 'hi', 'hello', 'bye'. She smacks her lips together when she's hungry or thirsty and will go by her chair or by the fridge from time to time. She dances to music. When you ask her if she wants a bath she'll walk to the stairs and wait for you to move the gate so she can climb up them. She'll be so excited and go straight for the bathroom saying, 'ba ba'. She loves her baths! If you ask her if she wants to go upstairs she'll head for the stairs and sometimes make a 'ppp' sound for up. In the car when we stop and get out she'll put her hand on her red buckle, knowing it needs to come undone. Today at the library she was playing with a train. She doesn't know a train, but thought it was a car and was making her car noise! She signs more and thank you. She tickles my belly and laughs with me. She also likes to stick her fingers under the bathroom door so whoever is in there sees them (and she tries to peek under the door)! She'll climb into my lap if I sit on the floor. She's always moving around when she nurses, and more than likely she's moving a leg around or it is sticking up in the air! She loves the dog and will pat her and sometimes pull her fur and give her hugs. And she let's Daisy lick her face (yuck). She'll try to put our shoes on her feet. Every morning when she wakes up she points to her baby wipes! She uses her block bucket as a purse and will put it on her shoulder! It is so sweet! Right now she just sat her Little People mommy directly in front of her and then looked at us so we could see! She is such a joy! I'm so thankful for the blessing God gave us in Sweet Pea!!!

Another growing one is Junior Squirrel. Just this summer at garage sales I bought him a few pants. Sunday I gave him a pair of nice (but casual) church pants to wear. Can you say holy high waters!?!? When I had him try on another pair, same thing! Yesterday when he put on some pants those were too short too! I swear they just fit him a week ago! So it looks like he'll need a new wardrobe here soon. I was able to pull out a few size 8 pants from the bin, thankfully! As he was sitting at the table next to me doing school today I realized how much his face is just changing. His adult teeth are coming in more and his face is beginning to look more grown up. Unreal. My kids sure are getting big!!!

Maybe another day I'll share how the other two are growing! Just wanted to share these little glimpses into two of my blessings for now!

I need food

Chatterbox's sleepover went well. I gave the girls some of my old makeup and boy did they have fun (and make a mess, both of themselves and the makeup). Yesterday morning CB, her friend, her friend's mom (my friend) and I went to the local craft sale. I ended up buying some hair ribbons for Sweet Pea for Christmas and some American Girl clothes for CB. She saw some of them but oh well! I also changed around our living room last night. What a nightmare! I don't know why I get myself into that stuff. It takes forever and I really didn't want to do that on my Saturday but it feels so much better to have a 'fresh look'.

We went to the early church service again today. It is nice to get out of church so early! I'm really enjoying church. Great sermons, great worship. I do, however, miss our "Story City church" as the kids call it.

On a side, Zach just turned on the 'game' and the announcers were all with the deployed troops. It sure did choke me up. Why do I get so choked up over stuff like that? Am I the only one? You know something that's messed up? Zach doesn't even get Veteran's Day off! How ridiculous is that!

Today I'm having a little 'open house' for Scentsy. That's what my cousin, Sherry, sells. I'm hoping at least somebody turns out! I didn't invite a whole lot of people though. I'm currently having a catalog party. Sherry sent out pretty much every scent so people will be able to smell them. Have you heard of Scentsy? Well, I may have mentioned it before. Check out their site and order something from Sherry!!! I don't even care if it's 'through me' as I'm only doing this to help her out! Remember, her husband is the one going cancer and going through treatments right now. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

Speaking of prayers, my friend, Jenn, is supposed to have a c-section on Wednesday. Please continue to pray for her also. Her children were finally 'told' yesterday that Daddy moved out and the 4 year old just said, "Okay." They stayed at 'Daddy's' for the first time last night and apparently said 4 yo came home and sat in mommy's lap just crying. Does that not just break your heart? She must be so confused! Please keep praying for them.

Ok, it's lunchtime in the Mleko household and there's nothing to eat. I'm starving. I have been so ravenous lately. I feel like I could just eat and eat and eat! And no, I'm not pregnant!

the weekend's here!

It is so weird how it seems the weeks keep flying by for me! It seems like it just was the weekend and now another one is here. I guess that's a good thing, huh? I wish time would slow down though. My kids are growing up too fast.

This morning we did history and did some map work with it. The kids got to make a treasure map too. We only had a little school to do and then I was just too itchy to get out and do something so we went out. I was chatting with my mom online and put on the webcam and we talked also. She got to see Sweet Pea and Junior Squirrel got to read to her. It was pretty neat to be able to do that!

For lunch I decided we'd head out so we went to Sonic. I had to run to the post office and then Chatterbox wanted to run somewhere to get one last Christmas present so she could be done shopping. Then ran to the library and Wal-Mart. I bought some dye and t-shirts as I'd like to try to tye dye t-shirts with the kids. When I told Zach he was like, "How gay." Huh, here I thought it'd be kinda fun.

We also went to the park by my 'dream house'. We weren't there too long because it was so windy. I stuck SP in the swing and she had such a good time! Then I took her over to the little slide and she wanted to keep going down. When I took her to another slide she started to crawl over to the other one she had just been at! It was her first park experience where she walked around!!! I just look at her and I'm so startled at how big she already is! What a little blessing!!!

Tonight CB's friend is going to sleep over, but I haven't told her yet. Kathryn's mom watched the kids a couple of weeks ago when we went to small group so Zach mentioned we should have K spend the night. After all, Sonja watched 3 kids as opposed to her 1! So CB has been asking for some time when K could do so. I finally talked to Sonja last night and today and looks like tonight will be the night. Ohhh, I hope I get some sleep!!! I'm not going to tell CB until K gets here. She's going to be SOOO excited!!!

Enjoying each other

Sweet Pea likes to empty the tupperware cupboard. So then her brother thinks he can climb in said cupboard. This is what they were doing this morning!

Sweet Pea

Our week in History

We learned about Attila & the Huns. They're pretending to 'sweep' the land on their 'horses'!

We learned about The Dark Ages. We talked about how bloodletting was common and how barbers would do this job in addition to doctors. So we made Barber Shop Poles. Chatterbox is also dressed up like a Queen as we talked about King Arthur. Junior Squirrel was trying to be a King.

Real Quick...

I must finish school. Distractions. I had to finish my book. Wow, it was so good. Inspiring, happy, tear provoking and just plain good. I was browsing the section of the library 'recently returned books' and had come across it. I read a bit of the back and inside cover and thought I'd try it. Now I can't wait to read this author's other books. Boy, I have a list of books to read lately it seems! Anyway, the book is called The Christmas Promise. It is by Donna VanLiere. She also wrote The Christmas Shoes. I haven't read that one, but I think we have the movie (I need to check). If we don't have that movie I know I've seen it around, though I'm not sure I've watched it. So, if you are looking for an inspiring, good Christmas-y book, this is one I'd recommend. Have you read anything good lately? Ok, off to finish teaching my pupils:)

Manic Monday

So apparently back 'home' all the schools are closing due to the swine flu. Lovely. I hope my family all stay healthy! They're not in school but good still use good health:)

Speaking of flu, I am not feeling like myself. All of a sudden last night I got nauseous, dizzy and just didn't feel right. I laid here on the couch with my eyes closed trying not to move. I thought I was going to lose my dinner and was doing all I could to keep it in. Finally, after maybe 1/2 hour the worst of feeling like that passed. I took my med's I'm on, some Tylenol and headed up to bed. I ended up reading up there and felt alright. Still not 100%, but not how I had felt at first. And today too I feel not quite 'right'. I'm so thankful I don't have the swine flu but it is very difficult trying to take care of kids when you feel off. I was just up to put clothes in the washer/dryer, print some papers and do a few other things and I'm starting to feel dizzy again.

We had a good weekend. I can't even remember what we did! Oh yeah, Saturday I took the girls shopping. At Kohl's I got Chatterbox 2 shirts and myself a shirt and only had to pay $11! Then we went to Bath & Body Works. All I needed was hand soap and it was on sale for $3! I bought tons! That afternoon I had a Mary Kay 'class'. I think that was the same day I ended up giving Zach his Christmas gift. See, Friday night my aunt was online asking him what game I got. She didn't know it was for him or for Christmas. So he came up to bed and asked me what game I got him! I just decided to give it to him that afternoon then. It's American Idol. He loves to karaoke so I thought he'd like it. We all had fun with it Saturday night! I should try to sing again:) haha

Sunday we went to the early church service. We were home by 10:30 and it was so nice to have the whole day free! I had two dinners to make because my neighbor had surgery on Thursday so I wanted to make them a meal. Zach had to 'go to work' because he had to meet the new 'troop'. Other than that I don't think anything too exciting happened (if you can call all that exciting).

This morning my poor little Sweet Pea woke up with some sort of bite on her face. What on earth!?! She sleeps in my bed so I have no idea what bit her. It's weird. But it doesn't seem to bother her at all, she's happy as ever, walking around, digging in cupboards, making a mess. But I love to see her play around and explore! Boy, they grow up so fast, don't they? Oh yeah, Saturday morning when we were going to leave I was saying, "Bye, bye" and I swear she said, "Bye Dada." It was soooo cute!!!

Ok, enough for now. Hope I'm not boring my whole 3 readers to pieces with my updates...