Playing with her toesies

Mommy & her baby (this outfit was Chatterbox's)

You can go here to see more.

almost friday already?

This week has FLOWN by. It has been so busy for us over here! I've been meaning to blog but never did find time so this morning I told myself first thing I'm going to do is blog. I didn't even go to facebook yet! haha

• Chatterbox had a great birthday. We had Sonic for lunch and sloppy joes for dinner. One of our friends came over, bringing her a gift and cupcakes! Her friends from across the street brought a gift over in the evening, which was very sweet of them. We watched Chrissa, the new American Girl movie and I played Clue with her. She had a great birthday!
• Yesterday was her 'second birthday' as she calls it. It was 2 years ago that she was baptized, 'reborn'!
• Was hoping to get quite a bit of school done yesterday since we didn't do it on Tuesday but that didn't happen. Sweet Pea still hasn't been sleeping well at night so I finally decided to take her to the doctor. Poor girl has an ear infection.
• In addition to that Junior Squirrel has the fever thing going on now. His appetite seems better but he's still getting fevers a bit off and on.
• I thought Daisy may have hurt her leg or foot. Well, she did hurt it. She went to the groomers yesterday (its in the same place as the vet). I told the groomer how my son threw her (YES, he THREW our dog and got in a lot of trouble) and how she was limping at first, but running now but sometimes whining about it. The groomer didn't see anything wrong with it and didn't have the vet look at it or I would've had to pay. I'll just keep an eye on her and see how she does.
• I bought some Silver Biotics yesterday and took some and today I feel SO MUCH BETTER! I SWEAR by SILVER. That stuff is just amazing! I don't think I'd feel as well as I do if I didn't take it. I contemplated buying it because it was expensive but I knew it'd be worth it. After all its for our well-being.
• Going to try to get some pictures on here today. It's been awhile.

Happy Birthday to a Special Girl

Today is Chatterbox's 9th birthday. I cannot believe my 'baby' is 9! Isn't it funny how we can remember the day of their birth so clearly? Like it was yesterday. And how have 9 years gone by? I am so blessed to have her as my daughter. She's got a huge heart for others, for serving & helping and for God. I cannot imagine the past 9 years without her. What a delight she has been!

She began her day with a 'Scavenger hunt'. I just wrote out little clues on note cards that she had to find throughout the house and it led her to her card. She had fun with that. She got to open her big present from my mom- the American Girl bathtub. She's been wanting that for forever it seems and it will be nice to not hear her ask for it anymore! Haha! She is SO excited and thankful for it! I also let her open another gift from my mom- pj's for her AG doll. I made her French Toast for breakfast per her request. We will make a library trip today and have a friend over to play. No school here today! As Chatterbox said, "It's a holiday!" Last night she called it her 'birthday eve'!

Happy birthday dear Chatterbox! I love you so very much and am so thankful for you. I pray you have a blessed day and that this year brings you many blessings and that you'll continue to grow closer to God.

can't fall now...

Now guess who's sick? Yep, ME. Ugh! As if I have time to be sick. It seems like every year at this time of year I get sick. I sound horrible and can barely talk. I'd had a scratchy sore throat off and on for days and I guess finally it all caught up with me! Doesn't help that I had sick kids breathing in my face and wasn't getting any sleep.

Sweet Pea hasn't really been sleeping too well lately. She's feeling better though she does have some congestion at night. I feel like she's always waking up! I just want a good night of sleep!

We had a great time with our company Saturday night. The kids all got along great and had fun and us adults did too. We played Bible Trivia and Catch Phrase. I stunk at Bible Trivia and the guys kicked us gals' behinds in the other game. Well, it was close actually but they won. I really enjoyed the fellowship we had that night! I need to get back into having people over for dinner and fellowship.

Yesterday we heard a great sermon at church. It was about the friends who carried their friend to Jesus on a mat and lowered him through the roof. WE need to be those types of friends- the kind who will be there at 3 am for those who may need us. It is rare to find people like this in our world today. Everybody's so caught up in themselves and their own lives that if you feel you have a need you even hate to impose on them because you just don't know. Especially if you've been 'burned' in the past. I had a '3 am' experience (probably more than one but this one sticks out) and I really needed somebody to come and sit with my kids. I couldn't get a hold of anybody who lived relatively close to me and the one person I called 'just put her son for a nap'. That hurt. I honestly NEEDED somebody at that time (it could have been a matter of life or death...not suicide either). On the other hand in that same experience I was surrounded by people to be there through it all. I pray that I will always be a 'stretcher bearer' to those who need it and not get too caught up in my own affairs (no, not marital affairs)!

Today we had a field trip to Hy-vee. It is a grocery store, quite a big one in these parts. I have to admit that the store seems pretty neat. I hadn't even been there for probably a good 6 months that we lived here. I heard their prices were high and that Fareway was better so I just avoided it. But I heard they had Chinese food and I just wanted to see what it was all about. I know, its a grocery store so why get excited over it? I guess that's what happens when you're cooped up all day with 4 kids!!! I was surprised the first time I was in there. It was huge. I'm telling you they had everything. Medicine, a whole foods section, paper goods, books, toys, baby items, deli, bakery, meat department. They also had a photo, floral shop, Starbucks AND they have a place to eat in there!!! You can get Italian, Chinese or some other type of food (I forget what). They've even got a salad bar! I'd seen all this before the one or two times i was in there but it was neat to get a behind-the-scenes look at it all. The kids really liked the cooler and freezer.

Afterward the group was going to Godfather's for pizza. I didn't intend on going but boy after walking around a GROCERY store I was hungry! I thought maybe I'd get to know some of the other homeschooling mother's better. But, I sat at my own table with the younger three kids while Chatterbox sat with some girls. I was reminded of the first time I went to one of their meetings and NOBODY talked to me! I had hoped they'd have put some tables together for moms to sit together and then kids. For me it was confirmation to not join this group next year. Honestly, I don't ever remember a person sitting alone at any of our functions in MS. Our HS groups down there were so friendly- I STILL remember my first meeting at each of the groups in MS and that was over 4 years ago! I did eventually go and sit by a lady I know and talk to her a bit, but only about how I'm putting together a park day open to all homeschoolers.

This being said, my friend Sadie and I have talked about starting our own group with a select number of people we know. And I think we'll do it. I've already got a date set up for our first 'park day' (open to anybody though) as I really miss park days. I guess the groups here are too large and everybody's got their little cliques. Which is fine I guess. I have made some friends here in my area and I'm comfortable with that and with seeing what happens with our group we may begin. At least I won't have to sit alone! (I can't remember if anybody from said group reads my blog but if so please don't be offended by what I've written, it is just my 'take' on it all and my experience).

I've had so many blogging ideas lately but this is quite lengthy so I better save them for another time (if I remember them).

sleepy saturday

Zach is home. Last night I took Chatterbox to a birthday party and when I picked her up I rented a Wii game. I got Carnival Games. So we put the kids to bed and tried all the games. Some were hard! Some were fun. I want to play again!

You'd have think I would have slept good last night but not the case. Sweet Pea was up quite a bit for some reason. Then she decided to awake a little after 7. Normally the dog starts whining about 7 but even she wasn't whining. So much for being able to sleep until 8. I asked Zach to bring the baby down when he got up and just lay in my warm bed for awhile. Especially when I heard CB exclaim, "It's SNOWING!" Ugh, are you kidding me? Thankfully it is not sticking but it must be pretty cold out there.

We're having company for dinner tonight. I'm excited. It seems like its been awhile since we've had somebody over. I have the meat sauce cooking now so I won't have to do it all later. I managed to go grocery shopping last night but need to run to Wal-mart today to get a few things that are much cheaper than your local grocery store!

Oh, I have to post about my mom. She's at a Women's Conference for church this weekend. She called me all excited yesterday because she met Amy Roloff from Little People, Big World. I haven't ever watched that show but my mom watches it. She must have been really excited because she said she hugged her and told her she watches her and loves her! lol I think she got her autograph and pictures with her too. I am hoping that she did the same with Kirk Cameron, who is also there speaking. Let me tell you that I am trying to not be envious of her. As a kid I had the biggest crush on that guy! I'm glad she was able to go to this. It sounds like she's having a great time with the two ladies she went with.

Alrighty, well I need to take care of the meat sauce and try to hop in the shower. Have a great weekend!

the story of the nasty behind

Last night I found a little poop on the carpet. I was a bit surprised- Daisy has been doing pretty well, although she does like to sneak behind the couch to poop. I saw her squatting again, grabbed her and stuck her on her pad. She didn't go. So in her kennel she went. When we went to let her out later on I noticed poop stuck to her butt so had her go on her pad. Well, rather than it being some little piece of poop stuck to her fur it was huge. She kept trying to get off of the pad and rub her butt on the floor. I don't think so! Poor dog didn't like the stuck poop one bit. Finally, I got up and was determined to get the poop off. Little did I know how disgusting it would turn out to be. I had my nose in my shirt and I could still smell it. I began violently gagging. So bad that I pulled a muscle in my stomach. I managed to get a good portion off but the rest is still there. So, into her kennel she went. Which is where she'll remain until Zach can take care of it this afternoon. I tried. I did my part. I wipe enough kid butts. Puppy butts are a whole other story. Absolutely disgusting. I feel bad keeping her locked up, besides to put her potty, but I don't need poop rubbed all over my floors! Just thought I'd give you all a laugh over it while I'm still gagging over the thought!

where can i go?

I don't know what it is but I haven't slept a wink since Zach's been gone. I'm not scared, I'm just woken up so stinking much! Between Sweet Pea waking and me cleaning her nose, to Booty Shaker waking up YELLING at me, "MOM, MY LAMP'S NOT ON!!!!!!!!!" and then having to put him potty. Oy. I have no idea how I have the stamina to keep going!

Zach's coming home tomorrow rather than Saturday. Good. I need a break. Maybe Saturday I can sneak away. Alone. I doubt it, but maybe. I need to go shopping for Chatterbox. Her birthday is next week.

Sweet Pea took yet another long nap in my bed this afternoon. I love it. Oh, I didn't mention yesterday that she's now 7 months old. Where has that time gone? It is just flying by!

Anybody else having weird issue with blogger? Weird things keep happening as I type! I think its just saving constantly or something.

Oh boy, this dog and youngest boy of mine are just going berserk. I think they need to take a nap. Oh how I wish.

Chatterbox was done with school at 10 am! Unreal! Oh it was so nice though! I've had a relaxing afternoon, though now it seems everybody has too much energy.

I have some pictures to try to share. we'll see how long it takes me to share them. You know the issues I have everytime I try to share.

forgetfulness

I was also going to tell you about Zach. He's gone to Camp Shelby in MS until tomorrow night or Friday morning. That is where he'll be for like 5 weeks this summer when the cadets are training. Apparently its a roach haven there. He said he heard that when you turn on the light in the showers that the roaches just go scrambling. Sick. He said he was going to be taking sheets and pillows from the hotel because the ones at CS are roach infested. I am praying he doesn't take any of those little critters home! That is so sick!

In AL he was staying at a Marriott. What is it with the military and Marriott's? Anyway, I'm sure its much better than staying on the base like he did last time he was there. Last night he was sitting outside with some of the others and a roach went scurrying past. Yuck, yuck, yuck. ONE reason I don't like the south! Before we'd moved there I'd envision that you just see them walking along everywhere. That isn't quite the case but still. Although i do admit these days I'm really missing our house we owned in Ocean Springs.

Anyway, pray no roaches try to sneak into Zach's mouth or bag...

sssshhhhh baby's sleeping

Wow, I've managed to get Sweet Pea to take naps in my bed for the past couple of days. AND last night I put her to bed in my bed when the kids went to bed. Wow, that was nice! I was able to come downstairs and dust the living room and get some things done before I wanted to head upstairs to read. I'm going to continue this trend. It is nice to get a real break! I just got up from taking a nap with her, only she's still up there sleeping.

Speaking of sleep, I barely got any again last night. I was up coughing as I was stuffed and up had some drainage issues. Booty Shaker had me up a couple of times. Then with SP still having a hard time breathing. Oh yea, Sherry, we do use those Saline drops but they honestly don't do much for her! I even have us sleeping 'slanted' on my pillows!

We breezed through school again today. I love it (and I know the kids do too). Chatterbox even commented to her brother how public school kids were still in school! I should really take advantage of the extra time and do extra work for when the days are nice and we went to play but with Zach gone this week I really need the time 'off'. Not like I've taken much time 'off' when I've been cleaning so much! I just have to clean the bathrooms and kids rooms. Hoping to do the bathrooms today sometime and get to the kids rooms at some point.

Yesterday we ate dinner at Fazoli's. It was our first time there and it was REALLY good! Today Happy Meals at McD's are super cheap so we took advantage of that! Got home and the kids had NO fries in any of their meals! I was a bit floored, wondering if they'd cut back on their meals. So, I got my receipt out and called. The lady was real nice and apologetic and I am able to get 3 free Happy Meals. So, we'll have our fill of McD's today (although I don't' think I'll get it again, I'll just eat something at home). I normally never call about things like that but I was really surprised- I had french fries but not the kids. So glad I called. Oh and I have a feeling when Zach's gone so often this spring/summer I'll be taking advantage of all these cheap kids days at places!

There was a man and woman standing by the edge of the McDonald's parking lot. It's a busy area. There are two gas stations you have access to as well as an entrance to Wal-Mart. I thought at first this couple was looking to walk across the street but then I saw the guy holding a cardboard sign that said they needed money for gas. You know, that just really irritates me. You are sandwiched between not one but TWO gas stations!!! How on earth did you get to this spot (there was no car RIGHT there), where's your car, where did you get the marker for your sign and your cardboard? You mean you can't put a couple of gallons in your car to take you home (or somewhere)? This was the first time I'd seen anyone in our town 'begging'. They didn't look like the normal 'beggars' either but I guess they come in all forms. It is so hard to find a balance with these types of people. I know we're supposed to help the poor and have compassion but sometimes its so oxymoron-ish to beg for money in such places! What do you think?

Oh yeah, and I've only been having like one or two comments each post (thanks Kim for your faithful commenting). Seriously, is she the only one reading my blog, besides the rare commenter? Just curious.

makin' it

Ok, so Sunday was just awful but today and yesterday haven't been so bad. Yesterday we had a productive day in school. I even spring cleaned my bedroom and part of my bathroom. I'm hoping to try to tackle the kitchen here in a bit...at least somewhat. I've got to mop this floor- it just feels so nasty to me!

I have been having sleepless nights. Sunday night Booty Shaker peed his bed so I was up in the middle of the night dealing with that! Last night I was up a lot with Sweet Pea because she's still so congested and was having a hard time breathing. I was also up with the wind and rain. Then I noticed the boy's nightlight wasn't on so I got up to check that out. BS heard me and I put him potty and he ended up in my bed again! I was having weird dreams last night (probably from reading Eclipse) and just didn't get much sleep at all! I am functioning quite well today though, but I prayed that I would!

We finished school before lunch today! That seems like it hasn't happened in awhile! The kids are playing Wii and I finished my book. Later I'm going to go get the last one from the library and take the kids out for dinner. Apparently Fazoli's has $.99 kid meals on Tuesday. I've never been to Fazoli's but it sounds good today. The weather is still yucky out there, but I just feel like I gotta get out of the house.

Speaking of yucky weather, it looks like we may get some snow tonight. You have got to be kidding me! The grass is already turning green! Good thing I didn't put away our winter clothes, although I did throw them all in the basement.

Sweet Pea threw up last night and today, I think from all the junk in her throat. At first I was able to suction tons of snot out. Now its like its stuck. She even has a hard time nursing. I feel bad for her. Last night she fell asleep on my bed way before bedtime. She slept there for over an hour and I got so much done! It was wonderful!

Ok, off to clean up from lunch and hopefully get my kitchen somewhat cleaned.

all alone

Zach's gone to Alabama & Mississippi for the week so we're all alone. It is so funny how Chatterbox cries every time we drop him off at the airport. I'm not sad in the least and yet she cries and is so sad when he goes. She's fine now, but as soon as she says good-bye the tears fall! And wouldn't you know it I get home and it seems like all you-know-what breaks loose. After lunch I had to send the kids to their beds because they just wouldn't listen and were so hyper. They want to play Wii and I suppose it would keep them from getting into trouble but they need to learn to find other things to do too! So right now CB is playing with the puppy and the boys are playing Legos. In a bit I'm going to go and read with them or something and then maybe allow them to play Wii. Here Zach & I thought his flight took off at like 8:45 this morning and I was a bit disgruntled that I'd have to get up so early to take him, but it turns out he didn't leave until 1:15. Much more manageable! I didn't want to drag the kids out of bed real early, especially when they're still a bit under the weather.

Last night we watched Twilight. The kids brought their blankets down and just plopped down expecting to watch it with me. I didn't really mind, but we were all up until about 10 watching it! It was really good, though not as good as the book! If you've seen the movie but not read the book go and READ THE BOOK!!! They're SO good. I need to finish Eclipse so I can be ready for the 4th one when the library calls and says its in.

Shoot, I thought the kids were hyper...Daisy is running around the house like she's possessed! It is really funny but boy does she need to settle down!!!

Sweet Pea is feeling much better. Still a bit congested and snotty but not at all like she was! She's still a bit clingy but when isn't she? Right now she's on her belly on the floor. She can't stay on her back anymore but she gets mad on her belly. Stinker! STILL no teeth and she'll be 7 months in a few days.

Well, I'm off to spend some time with my kiddos and not in front of the computer!

A recipe to share

I just shared this on facebook and figured I'd blog it for those of you who aren't on there. This has become a family favorite over here. EVERYBODY love it. And it is so easy so I don't mind making it!

*Taken from Southern Living Busy Moms Weeknight Favorites Cookbook

Sloppy Joe Squares
1 lb ground beef

1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

1 c. water

1 (1.5 oz) pkg sloppy joe mix

1 tsp. dried onion flakes

2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls

1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1 tbsp. milk

1 tbsp. sesame seeds (optional)

Preheat oven to 425*. Brown beef & drain. Return to skillet & add next 3 ingredients. Bring to boil and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Unroll 1 can of crescent rolls into lightly greased 13x9 in baking dish. Press seams together to seal. Spread beef mixture over dough; sprinkle with cheese. Unroll remaining can of rolls over cheese, pinching seams together. Brush dough with milk and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.

Note: This recipe is easily doubled. My family loves it and devours it so I've doubled it. I've never tried it with the sesame seeds only because I never have them on hand.

super saturday

Sweet Pea is still under the weather. She hasn't had a fever for over 12 hours now but she's got a lot of snot. I have suctioned so much of that junk! It's nasty! She does seem a bit better though. Thankfully she's still nursing pretty well, even though its a bit hard to do so. I woke up this morning a bit sore and really should pump.

Chatterbox said her throat hurts and she's stuffy. But I know sometimes when I wake up I'm that way. Apparently she was up in the middle of the night though and her throat hurt. So something is going around our house. Just in time for Zach to go out of town...

He leaves tomorrow for Alabama. I wish I was the one getting on a plane and going south to warmer temps. He hates to fly. I love it. I am trying to not be jealous of all the flying he'll be doing this year!

Speaking of Zach, he ran out to Redbox before 9 am this morning and got me a copy of Twilight. I didn't even ask him. He says hes not going to watch it but he seems more excited than me that its out! So we'll see if he watches it! I almost don't want to watch it because I know movies are never as good as the book. And I have these characters pictured in my head the way I picture them...now Hollywood will have their pictures stuck in my head for the remainder of the books (I'm in the middle of the third one now).

Booty Shaker has FINALLY broken his habit of peeing his pants at night! He's only 4 1/2! This boy has the smallest bladder and is always going potty...but at last he's wearing underwear to bed and staying dry (besides one night).

Thursday it took Junior Squirrel 3 hours to do a math page and math test! He was still doing school after 4 pm! Yesterday he did much better but I had to sit there with him 'holding his hand' so to speak. I don't know what it is but my kids do not like Math-U-See's Alpha. They liked Primer and Beta but there's something about Alpha. I hate that last year he loved math and this year he grumbles about it. Hopefully when he moves on to Beta next year his love for it will return.

My calendar is filling up. Between chiropractor appointments twice a week and field trips it seems like there's no room for anything else! Not like I have many field trips planned but there are some weeks that are just filled up. May will be fun- I'm taking CB to a Little House on the Prairie play and we're going on a field trip to a farm. I keep meaning to plan 'park days' but with the weather still uncertain (after living in the south for so long sometimes its still cold to me out there) I'm not sure what to plan!

I can't wait to start hitting garage sales. I guess the town we live in has awesome ones. If only I had money I'd be out there this morning! Well, I need to run to the library and grocery store today. Guess I should get ready for the day here soon and get those trips over with.

accountability

While at the park with my friend Emily the other day we got to talking spiritual matters. It was so nice to have somebody so open and down-to-earth to talk with! Sometimes we get so caught up talking with our friends about our kids or homeschooling, our week or food that we often forget to get to what really matters- our spiritual walk. So it was a huge encouragement when somehow the subject arose. I have such a hard time getting into the Word. I can sit and read a book no problem. But why is the Word, which is to be the most important book to a Christian, so hard for me to get into??? Emily said she has an accountability 'partner', where they read the same chapter of scripture and email one another what verse stuck out to them and thoughts on it. She asked if I wanted to do it also. I jumped on that! I knew I needed to get back into God's Word. This would kick me in the pants to do just that. So the past few nights before bed I've been reading Romans. Wow, what a book to start with after neglecting God's Word for so long! I love the book of Romans! I love what God is showing me! So often I listen to the great deceiver and I'm deceived into believing I'll never break free from my sins, that I'll never amount to anything, that I'm just not good enough for God. BUT even in my sin God's GRACE is greater! I SO want to break free from the sins I feel bound in. Emily, if you're reading this, thank you for allowing God to use you to get me back in the Word, back to following God!

Dallas pics

OK, so I think the only way I can share some pictures with you is through my web album. I was going to put just a few on here but its so hard to decide what to put! Enjoy! I leave you with this...

Oh and you can view the pics we took on CB's camera here...

another go

Happy Spring Sweet Pea!

Talk about some love from her brother!

Sweet Pea, how I love you...

and here I thought I was getting somewhere

I don't know why those pictures didn't turn out! I thought I'd had it all figured out! I am so disgusted with pictures lately! Check back later and I'll try to fix those pictures of SP. Anyway, please pray for Sweet Pea. She must have whatever her brother had last week. It was weird, as soon as we went upstairs to sleep last night she sounded all congested. I was up with her a lot just checking on her and trying to keep her comfortable. She seemed ok this morning and at lunch I was feeding her peaches when she threw up everywhere. Not spit up but tons and tons of puke. Poor, poor girl, I just felt awful for her as I sat there helpless. She seems better now, she's sleeping on me. She's not real feverish. I gave her a bit of Tylenol and the kids and I all prayed over her. She's a bit pale too. Please pray it doesn't last long! And pray for the rest of us! Zach leaves on Sunday for the week and I really don't want to be sick while he's away!

Noah's Ark

These are from Noah's Ark that we went to see before we left for Dallas.

A Red Skunk...yuck!

They loved the puppets...silly kids

What a resemblance!