so not funny anymore

I don't know what it is lately with me and pictures. I try a slideshow (on slide.com) and half the picture turns out weird. I try to upload to a Picasa web album and I've exceeded something or another. I blog them and I exceed something. I have too many pictures from the trip to do them individually. I am annoyed and lost and confused. I had no issues with putting them on facebook so I just don't get it. Just wanted to share my frustrations.

spring fever

Wow, it has been gorgeous here lately! I LOVE it! Here's what we've been up to...

• Yesterday we went to a Mad Science demonstration. It was neat. I know Chatterbox enjoyed it, I think Junior Squirrel did and I'm uncertain about whether Booty Shaker did.
• I began my chiropractor sessions yesterday also. Such a weird thing but oh so worth it!
• It was so nice out that I let the kids play outside and then cleaned the inside of the Suburban once we got home. It took over 2 hours with all the interruptions! Sweet Pea was rather fussy.
• Being that Spring Break is this week Zach gets off of work early. It was nice that he was here to help with SP so I could clean it out.
• We have a great vet. I was so worn out and dinner was late because of all of the above. So I was able to reschedule Daisy's vet appointment from last night to this morning.
• That was the first thing on the agenda this morning. Before we left I'd managed to fold and put away laundry and I even made my bed! I have the windows open upstairs! It was really hot up there last night!
• After the vet I came home and threw together a lunch for the kids and I. We headed to the park where we met up with friends. What a fun way to spend the afternoon! If only it weren't so windy...there were some moments that I was cold!
• I think since Daisy was away and confined to a smaller space that she is potty trained. I'm not really sure she's had an accident since we've been back. Maybe one or two. I love it! I'm sorry, I can't remember if I mentioned this before or not.
• I got my Kraft Food & Family magazine in the mail today. Yum, everything looks so good! If you don't get it you should check it out and subscribe- its free!
• I have pictures on my computer from our trip but when I was trying to make a slideshow of them it was cutting parts of them off. So that's why I haven't shared them here yet...they are on facebook though. Maybe I'll just upload them in web albums...either way I'll let you know and try to get to it soon!

dream, dream, dream

Today I think I found my dream home. After church we drove through some fancy pants neighborhoods. The one 'my' house is in is real close to our house but I'd never driven through it before (its not even completed yet). The pictures I found don't do it justice. It is so beautiful yet simple. Oh and very expensive. But its fun to dream, right? So here's the listing I found for it. Can also see it here.

exhaustion

I am so tired. Off and on tired. It comes in waves. We got home a bit after noon today. It felt good to get home early. Most of the laundry is already washed and I'm all unpacked! I just can't stand to leave it sit around. If you know me you know I can't relax until everything is put away! So now I get to relax. I've been playing the Wii a little bit, reading and playing with the baby. She is so happy to be home. She's been rolling around on the floor like crazy!

The kids were thrilled for Daisy to come home! Thank you to the Fisher's for watching our puppy! Daisy had fun playing with the kids and is now sleeping at my feet.

Chatterbox's little friend delivered our Girl Scout cookies. Yum! Apparently its Spring Break here this week. We had ours this past week, although I don't think we'll be doing school on Monday as we have too much going on that day.

Booty Shaker is feeling better at the moment. That comes and goes too. He barely ate breakfast and just has that sick look about him. Poor kid. So I'm not sure if we'll make it to church tomorrow or not. Let's hope everybody's better!

We got Chinese takeout for dinner. I think its our tradition! It seems since we've lived here and gone on a trip when we come home that's what we do! I LOVE it! Sweet & sour chicken, crab ragoons and veggie rice...yum!

last night of 'vacation'

• We're at the same hotel in the KC area that we stayed at on the way to Dallas. We liked it so much and since the kids didn't get to swim in the outdoor pool down south we figured we'd let them do so again tonight. The staff here is so friendly and the rate is great. And I feel comfortable here!
• Zach wanted to drive the whole way but the baby would have none of that! She has come to despise her car seat, the poor thing. She is chewing on me, spitting up on me and hitting me with a hard rattle as I type. Cruelty! I bet she's so relieved to be out of her seat!
• Last night Booty Shaker got sick. Zach got off a bit 'early' so we were trying to think of something to do but BS was just laying there saying he was tired. It is so dumb because everything closed at 5! Zoo, museums, etc so there really wasn't anything to do besides shop and we'd already done that. Anyway, BS fell asleep and had a fever. He said his belly hurt and didn't eat dinner. I prayed over him and Zach went and bought some Tylenol. He began to feel better and was able to eat applesauce. He was fine today until dinnertime again. So rather than being downstairs swimming in the pool right now he's playing Wii.
• Did I mention we got a Wii? I'd been wanting one for awhile but when it came right down to it I didn't want to spend the money. On our way to Texas Zach ran to the store and came out with one! It sure helped pass the time in the hotel room! It sure is fun too! I love bowling and golfing:)
• Oh I forgot to mention that on the way down to Texas we stopped at a Taco Bell off the interstate in Missouri. A family had went in before us and when I noticed that the teen girl had on an Ishpeming sweatshirt. I asked if it was Michigan and it was! Turns out they're from the U.P. What are the chances of that? It was neat!
• Then tonight we ate at Bob Evans. Our waitress is going to a Bible college in the town we live in! She's on spring break and originally from here. How weird is that?
• Chatterbox has read I think 6 books on this trip! I was going to add up the pages to see how many it is but haven't gotten to do that yet. I love that she loves to read! She read two today alone! I wish I'd brought more for her! She read this one that I got her from the library, a Judy Moody one, a Romana Quimby book and a bunch of others.
• Today in the car Booty Shaker asked me, "Mom what letter are you?" I asked, "What do you mean?" He said, "You know, like I'm 4". Haha, I explained to him that 4 is a number, told him how old I am and that you usually ask how old a person is not what number they are (he's asked that before). He'll also see a G and say, "That's my letter" since his name starts with it.
• I haven't mentioned anything about Junior Squirrel yet. He got a Nate the Great book the other day and was reading it today. He's been pretty quiet and good in the car (they all have). It never surprises me the messes he makes with food! He is so stinkin' messy! Half the time I have to tell him to clean his mouth! The whole day he had a food mess all around his mouth.

another blogworthy moment

The cleaning lady knocked on the door. It was a prime opportunity to go and check out the laundry facilities as it was piled up. I wanted to see how many washers there were and what the charge was. 2 washers and FREE of charge- if you can believe that! I couldn't! I then had a bill to mail so we went up to the front desk. Then we went in the little Starbucks cafe' and got a couple of cookies to munch on. An older man, a worker, came and talked to us while we sat eating our cookies. He was very friendly. I realized I needed laundry soap and went back into the Starbucks to buy some. I bought 4 little pouches (they're white so I don't even know if they're a 'brand') and it cost $8!!! So that's how they get you on laundry. As I finished paying the gentleman worker came back and asked the kids their ages and talked some more. Then he handed me this huge ziploc full of cookies! He must have went into the kitchen and got us some cookies! Very nice! It's about time I feel a hint of friendliness in this place!

annoyed

So apparently your internet service runs from noon to noon in this place. So yesterday I signed us up going on 11 am and had to pay $12.95. Then in the afternoon I had to pay that again! I will ask Zach to see if he can't get the first charge taken off. It's all on his travel card but still what we don't spend we get to pocket. I am anxious to go home. When we first got here we talked about staying longer to do things. Well, the weather is cold and rainy so there's not much to do and I'm really not in the mood. I'm so tired of this 'ritzy' anti-family hotel. For some reason I honestly don't mind being holed up in here and I think its because of the looks I get when I walk around with my kids. I told Zach not to count on me joining him for conferences again! And I don't just mean the military folks here, its the workers too. Oh, they do have a Great Wolf Lodge here but I think we'd have to plan for something like that. It sure would be fun to do sometime! Well, better get the kiddos fed and get started on my day. I've gotta try to get the bills paid today. Fun.

here i am

Well, we have internet in our room. Guess we just use Zach's travel card to pay for it. It still seems rather ridiculous to me. And I don't have time to blog right now because Zach should be here for lunch soon. I will try to get on this afternoon and give an update. Having a good time, although I admit I feel weird walking around with my kids and not seeing any other kids (not just with Zach's group but within the whole hotel I don't see ONE kid or family). Makes me realize how some places are so anti-child. Sad. So as I feel weird I also try to be proud of my family! And as I walk by people I hear them comment how they miss their children or wish they were here with them.

we're in texas

We FINALLY made it to Dallas. Unbelievable how long that seemed to take! I am worn right out. I was so excited to come and stay at this 'fancy' hotel but now that I'm here I miss my 'comfort' of middle-class living! This place charges for breakfast- like $12! They charge $13 a day if you want WiFi in your room. So, we bought cereal and I'm sitting in the lobby area getting my daily internet fix. It is disgusting how they try to eat money out of you! Gosh, even the alarm clock has a place to stick your Ipod! Craziness! I haven't seen any other children here...definitely a 'business' hotel. I just saw some airline pilots walk by. It is unreal...I feel so out of my element! I loved the Hampton Inn we stayed at on the way down- it was nice, the bed was awesome and it was cheap.

Today since we got here at a decent time we went to Ripley's Believe It or Not & the Museum of Wax. It was SO cool! The kids were scared in parents of the Wax Museum, especially Booty Shaker. I admit even I jumped a few times. BS was so scared when we left that section he had to use the bathroom! I'm still LOLing about it! I got some great pictures that I can't wait to share with you.

Tomorrow I'll probably just hang out here, at least until Zach's done for the day. The thought of sitting in the car again does appeal to me, even if it is down the road. I do want to shop though, there's some awesome shopping around here. It's such a 'ritzy' looking area.

We stopped in Oklahoma City and I got to visit with a friend from college! I hadn't seen her in like 11 years! That was neat! Our families went go-karting and then ate dinner at Cracker Barrel together. It was awesome to see her again!

Other than that I can't remember what else to blog about. I know there's blog-worthy material I just can't think of what. I need to get back upstairs. Like I said I feel out of my element...I am down here in my sweats with Sweet Pea sleeping on me in the Ergo. I've had a guy (turns out he's with the ROTC thing like Zach) talking to me about his son while he looks on at SP. Talk about feeling weirded out...it's not like guys come up talking to me especially about kids!

I hope to update again soon. Meanwhile pray that I somehow 'live it up' like the upper class! Ha! I can't wait to catch up with y'all soon!

Happy 'birthday' Malachi

Two years have gone by in a buzz and a whir,
So much has happened its almost a blur.
No matter that all this time has gone by
I haven't forgotten you, my precious Malachi.

What would it be like to have you,our boy
Running around bringing such joy?
What fun, what delight, what smiles you'd bring
As we'd watch you grow, learn to expand your 'wings'!

It is with a heavy heart that I think of this day,
Wishing upon wishes that God allowed you to stay.
But also I look at it with great thankfulness
That God has honored me to be your mother, even in shortness.

in honor of malachi

*I wrote this on facebook.

Two years ago on March 8 I got to hold my baby boy that I will never see breathe this side of heaven. I'll never see his smile, his first steps, hear him say 'Mama'. I won't get to see how he grows or see how he interacts with his siblings and fits into our family. But I rest assured that he is in the arms of Jesus and what better place is there than that?It was February 13, 2007. I was 15 weeks pregnant and had a routine doctor's appointment. Or so I thought. They were unable to find the heartbeat, but for some reason I thought nothing of it. Until we then went into the ultrasound room. It was deathly quiet. I watched the midwife's face. Then she said the words I never imagined I'd hear. My baby was not alive. It was just weeks earlier than I saw him dancing on an ultrasound! I remember laughing about it because he was so active! What had gone wrong? Why?So I was whisked to another doctor and they tried to get me to have a D&E (basically a D&C but because I was so far along it was a bit different). There was no way I wanted to go through with something like that though. I had seen my baby alive and dancing on a 'machine'! I wasn't going to just allow them to do that to my precious child, whether he was dead or alive! We decided we'd 'induce' and they began that the next morning but it never worked! By this point the one doctor really wanted me to have the surgery but I just couldn't.It was a tough and trying time. Trying to plan. Trying to rest in God, knowing there was a reason. Trying to continue in my faith in Him. Going to the doctor for tons of blood work. If anything came up that showed I was in danger they would have had to do the surgery. But I was fine. It took my body three and a half weeks to begin to 'free' my baby!I leaned on God in that time. I grieved. It was the most difficult thing I ever had to go through. But I could feel the prayers of people everywhere, even those I'd never met. I could feel the Lord's loving arms around me even though I doubted Him at that point. It was difficult for me to pray at all, but there were so many others there helping me through it. I am so grateful for them all.My two prayers that I could pray during that time were that my baby would be intact and that I would find out whether a boy or girl. God answered those prayers! He is so good to hear us! I could see His hand in every part of that ordeal. It was the most trying time yet no matter where I turned His hand was there. From the Christian nurse to the ladies from church bringing me meals to the friends watching my children and crying with me.God answered my prayers. Even though my baby hadn't been alive for at least a month he was perfectly formed! He looked a lot like his brother, Josiah. He fit in the palm of my hand. Oh and it was a HE! So we named him Malachi Robert. Malachi means 'my messenger'. I believe my baby boy was sent to be a message to the world around me about how precious and fragile life truly is.I almost died after I'd had him because of the blood loss. I had to get 4 pints of blood! But God stood by me every step of the way! Our precious boy is buried at Biloxi National Cemetary in Biloxi, Mississippi. We hope to eventually 'move' him to Michigan so we can visit him when we're 'home'. Although I miss him and wish he were here I am so thankful I was able to carry him within, even for a short time. God has blessed me not with 4 children but 6 as Malachi also has a sibling in heaven. The recent profile picture is to honor him this weekend. I wish I were in Biloxi to 'visit' him but I am so thankful for my friends who will be there to do it for me. And I know he lives on in my heart and what better place for him to be.Thank you to all who prayed with me, grieve with me and held me through that time in my life.

another guest blogger

I wanted to write yesterday but I was too worn out to try my paws at this weird contraption. The big people got to go out the big door yesterday into the bright light and I barked and whined to go. The big lady who sometimes yells at me let me out but I ran into the neighbors yard where it was muddy and had to get sent to my kennel. I made enough noise and she put some long rope on me and had the big girl walk around with me. I tried to eat grass but it didn't taste too well. I thought maybe it was some sort of treat. Yuck. I really liked running around in all that space! What fun! Then the big people took me on this real long walk. I am so little and they are so big. The big lady was holding the long rope but I wanted to be up ahead with the other big people. Finally the big girl took me and I got to run. It was so fun!!!! The big lady sat down and the other big people got to play around on something that looked like so much fun. I was trying so hard to get off the long rope so I could go and play too but it didn't work. I fussed and whined but I never made it on that fun looking thing to play. Two little people came to pet me. Oh, as we walked I also saw some big dogs but I wasn't one bit scared! I am a brave girl! I was pretty tired out when we got back to our house. I think I slept the rest of the day. Today I got to go for a walk with the big man and the other big people. Well, the little thing that cries and the big lady didn't go. I don't know why not. It was such a nice walk. But I got dirty. Now I have to be in my kennel for awhile. That's ok because I am tired but I want the big boy to hold me. He carries me around a lot and tries to sneak me upstairs. I like to run up those stairs and try to poop up there. But then I get in trouble. And locked up. I thought I was sneaky and pooped behind the couch. The big lady was real mad about that. She thinks that maybe one day I'll get it right. I know I do get treats when I go on the white square by the door. I like my treats. Ok, I am more tired now so I need to rest my puppy brain and paws. I just was dying to tell you about my first time out the big door into the big light!!!
~ Daisy

Thank YOU JESUS

Well, I found puppy care! It is so weird how people kept thinking they could watch Daisy but then in actuality they couldn't. I'm totally not mad about it, I completely understand but it was a bit stressful trying to arrange it all. Zach called some kennels yesterday but the hours on the one he liked on Sunday are like 5-7 pm. I'd want to drop her off well before 5 to get on the road! So I was wondering what to do. I didn't want Daisy to be stuck in a kennel. I didn't want her stuck at home in her kennel with somebody letting her out periodically. Finally the Lord reminded me about some families from church. Now if you know me you know I hate asking people for things...just hate asking for help! But what can you do?

A family from church is going to graciously watch Daisy for us. It is perfect because they have a number of children that can keep her happy and played with. It is so funny because I just had finished talking to a friend on the phone about it all and she told me she'd pray about it. Right when I hung up I called this family and we worked it all out!

Zach took today off. I was supposed to have a playdate but it didn't work out, unfortunately. That's ok though, with him being home, and I realize I have so much to do! We managed to finish school so that's a relief. It's Spring Break here at M Christian Academy! WooHoo!!! Well, I better get started on my many things to accomplish before we leave.

record breaking highs

Today we had record breaking temps. It was so nice- in the low 70s. The kids got to eat their lunch outside and play outside for awhile. Once school was done we headed to the park. It was such a nice day for a walk.

Here's the 'pond' by the park. It was starting to thaw out in places and there were Canadian geese. The geese remind me of college...you'd always have to watch where you walked as you walked to class so you didn't step in goose poop! Lots of geese around here!Booty Shaker checking out the pond...trying to get too close for this mama's comfort!

Chatterbox posing for a picture. Smile my boy! See that nice blue sky! I try not to drool over the huge houses that you see.

My 'monkey' hangin' around!

Here's my 3 older 'monkeys'. The baby was sleeping away on mama of course!

Making funny faces. Of course Booty Shaker has a funny face in the picture above too!I love this picture of CB & Daisy!

"Cheese"

On the walk home BS said, "Mom, take a picture of me!" It is rare for him to say this and pose so I quickly snapped a shot!

So of course his sister and brother had to follow suit....

He wanted another picture! I can't resist that face, nor the way he asks!

A girl & her pup

Trying to snap a photo of JS on the trail

He wanted yet another...here he's driving his car!!! Great use of your imagination my boy!

He reminds me of a prophet here for some reason! JS the prophet?
Of course once we arrived home I had to snap some pictures of Sweet Pea. She slept on me the entire time on our walk and at the park! I LOVE my Ergo & so does my baby! Isn't she so cute and smiley? I love you SP!

friends

It always seems to take awhile to make new friends when you move somewhere new (I'm sure I've said that before). Our first 6 months here was rather eventful with kidney stones, a new baby and winter (not being used to winter any longer I didn't want to venture out much). I'd joined two homeschool groups hoping I'd make some friends through those but the groups are quite a bit different than what I'm used to and it just wasn't happening that we were meeting people. I did meet one lady at a meeting back in September but I felt like she was the only one. Now, I do have our church family, but being that they're all over 1/2 hour away it makes it rather difficult to get together. I also had a friend through Zach's work, but again she lives about 1/2 hour away! So I was beginning to wonder why we'd moved down here! Sure, I have our neighbors and they're friendly but we just don't have a lot in common with them.

But over the past month and a half I've been meeting more and more people. I don't even remember if I mentioned the Mary Kay lady? I felt like she and I were kindred spirits. It was wonderful to meet somebody so down-to-earth and like-minded. Also back in January I met Sadie through our mutual friend. She lives 'away' too but will soon be moving closer to us! And I met a lady at the Valentine's party and we'd gotten together for a playdate.

The other night I went to a meeting with Sadie. I honestly didn't even know what I was going to, I just wanted to get out and I hadn't' been out with other homeschoolers for a long time! I met her at her friend's house where another lady also met us. So, two more people I met. Turns out the meeting was for a co-op that an ambitious woman wants to start. She has a 2 year old! I am not sure I want to join a co-op next year, especially when I'll be teaching all 3 older kids! But it was nice to meet other women. Sadie and I talked yesterday about beginning our own little 'group'. It sure sounds wonderful. I miss 'park' days and Mom's Nights Out! I miss a small group atmosphere where you can get to know people. I miss people who are real and genuine. As you know from reading my blog I try to be honest. I don't try to portray that I have it all together because I certainly don't! I am human, I am who I am. I have a hard enough time with my faults that i don't want to 'hang out' with those who may be 'holier than thou' (do you know that I've been accused of such a thing???).

Anyway, I've strayed from my point. Figures. I'm so thankful that the Lord has been putting more women in my life. Like-minded women. I hope to have many life-lasting friendships that will form here in Iowa, no matter where the military may take us. So to those of you here in I-O-Wa I am blessed by your new friendships!

i'm falling apart

Today I went back to the chiropractor to get the results of my x-ray. I really didn't know what to expect. Certainly not what I was told! I am curved all 'wrong' (I don't know all the correct terminology) up by my neck...wow, you should have seen it! He said normally you don't see something like that unless somebody's had a fall or been in an accident. Immediately I remembered my accident about a year ago when I was hit from the left side (drivers side). That could totally be it. Also there were some other issues more toward the bottom of my backbone. So he'd like me to get treatments at least twice a week! He is so nice and willing to work out a 'payment plan' (its a Christian place). I hesitated for a bit wondering how we'd afford it all but also I just jumped in knowing that I need this done in order for my body to be 'normal'. I'm not that old and I don't want my bones going ka-put already! I need to remember to take care of myself! With that said I won't begin getting these treatments until after our Dallas trip. We're supposed to leave Sunday or Monday. I admit that I'm having a HARD time finding 'puppy care' so I am at a loss right now. I'd prefer Daisy not to be kenneled being such a young pup but we'll see what happens.

check it out...

Ok, I decided I'll share this with you after all. I think I told you Zach started a blog. Well, he loves me so much that he 'dedicated' it to me. Seriously, the guy must have nothing better to do. Here I thought he'd make some profound statements but I guess I had too high of expectations! Haha! Without further ado, check out his blog...

P.S. Check out my first comment also...
P.S.S. By the way Zach I'm TOTALLY kidding...all in good humor, right?

love ya!

This was taken on the computer's webcam! I love it! I know its a bit dark but I still like it!

I realize I've neglected my boys in photos lately. Most of them are of the baby! Hopefully within the next week I'll get more as we'll be venturing down to Dallas! Sorry my boys, I still love you!!! Hope you've enjoyed another abundant overload of pictures!!!

some of chatterbox's pictures

beautiful chatterbox

tummy time

rosy cheeked mama

with april & coconut

pictures from THAT night out

Here I am with rollers in my hair relaxing before I have to get readyHaha! Look at those funny curls! Real sexy huh? NOT!

I have never been able to fix my own hair decently but I wasn't about to throw $40 down the drain for this night. Somehow I managed to do this to my hair! I LOVED it!

The rest of these photos were taken by photographers who are 4 or 8 years old so keep that in mind. Here you have my head cut off, but you get a good glimpse of my dress... This was AFTER the event before Zach got back home. Talk about a plastered smile on my face as I was still reeling from such a miserable night!

For some reason my lips look black in this picture. Zach would probably laugh and call it my 'emo' look (he's teasing me for reading the Twilight series. He even started a blog and 'dedicated' it to me)

Daisy must have thought my feet were tasty or smelled delicious...

This is my favorite picture of the evening. I LOOK like I was having fun! I told Zach he needs to take me to a fancy restaurant WORTH our money so I can get dressed up again (and take the baby along)!