5 Weird Things

I have been tagged by Missy and I'm finally getting around to it. I have been doing much of nothing lately because I feel so sick. My house is falling apart. But here ya have it, 5 weird things about me (I think I've done this before but I'm too lazy to look).

1. I am still a mama's girl. I talk to her every day, sometimes more than once a day. Probably due to the fact that I was an only child and for so long it was only mom and I. Besides God and my husband she is my best friend and I only pray that Princess and I develop a relationship like my mom and I have.

2. I have always wanted a pet monkey. I think my children come close enough;)

3. I have never been drunk. The most alcohol I've probably ever consumed was when I was a child and my dad would give me sips of his beer.

4. Sometimes I am afraid of the dark. Not necessarily the dark, but I'm afraid a mouse or roach will crawl on me while sleeping since we've had too many close encounters. Sometimes I swear I hear mouse scratching noises;)

5. I think laminating things is a fun thing to do. I love the way they turn out when they're done.

Ok so I'm supposed to pick 5 people. I have no idea which of you to pick, so pick yourselves and humor me.

PS to last post...

We are NOT moving to a military base. This will be another special duty assignment. Which is good, then Zach won't be deployed! And remember on our list of choices to go to were Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee and Washington so it is none of those...

The more I think on it the more excited I am. I will be nearer to some friends and family and that is so cool. We won't be extremely far from larger cities. Still stumped?

A Possible Move Afterall

So, it looks like we may actually move this summer. Zach heard that he's tenatively been selected for a job somewhere. I don't know what to think about it. It is another one of those states that I think I'd never want to live in, just like North Dakota and Mississippi. Of course we go where the Lord wants us but its hard to imagine living here. To me it reeks of farm fields and tornadoes. Where is it you ask? Well that is the fun part. You all get to guess. And if I told you you cannot guess and ruin it! I don't have a prize for the winner, I'm just not up to something like that- sorry. But I'm curious to see what you all come up with. The good thing is we'll be closer to family, although still a drive not nearly as long! So, take a guess...

Pregnancy Bliss

Or not. I can't sleep. It is like I lie down at night and I'm tired yet my mind never shuts down. It goes over what I watched on TV or read or something. All these meaningless images just flying through my mind when I should be sleeping. I've never had this with a pregnancy before. I suppose I could drink some tea before bed but I'd probably just throw it up. Zach is home today and I tried to nap but it didn't work. I could hear some neighbors music, revving cars, pounding and the TV downstairs. It is so annoying. Now when I'm here alone with my munchkins I can put the TV on and lay down and nap no problem.

Yesterday was my worst day so far. I must have thrown up about 4 times, and that is with hardly any food in me. Miserable. Today is better. I forced myself to get up as we had a Valentine party with our homeschool group and I didn't want us to miss out on it. So I just kept munching on things there and stayed seated as much as possible. At least I haven't puked yet today!

I had the weirdest dream last night. So I must sleep at some point. I think usually after like 3 or 4 am I sleep the best. Anyway, I was in college and in my old dorm room. Rebecca was my roommate. I must have been married because I was pregnant. I went to the bathroom and I had two udders like a cow, only they looked like long nip*les hanging down. I FREAKED out! Then I started bleeding. So Rebecca and I began walking to the hospital and I was trying to call Zach. I hadn't heard from him in a few days and wasn't sure where he was or lived, although he was going to the same college. I got a hold of him and he said he'd meet us at the hospital. Then I must have woke up. Weird. Freaky. I blame it on the hormones! I'm so thankful for another baby growing in me but it is so hard to deal with when I feel so miserable, even though I know its a good thing!

Oh and thanks for all the love from the 28 comments you left me!!! That was awesome!

My Daily Funnies

We've been watching the news a lot in our house. My children have heard all the hype about 'Super Tuesday' and Little Man has been asking about it and what it is. This morning he says, "Yeah, its Super Tuesday and we get to go to Pump It Up!" It was so funny! As if he really understands what Super Tuesday is all about!

We went to lunch with friends after our play time. While eating I said something about Princess' hair being dirty blonde. She said, "Uh, Mom my hair is NOT dirty blonde. I wash it every night in the shower!" My friend and I got a good laugh out of that one!

Cuddly boy hasn't said much funny out of the ordinary today but he's worn out from playing this morning and awfully cuddly. I love it!

What's Happening to Me?

I watched pretty much the entire Superbowl last night, besides maybe about 5 minutes when I bathed the boys. Now I normally don't watch football and I normally don't care about the Superbowl unless its the Packers. But I couldn't stand all the hype that the Patriots were getting from everybody for their oh so perfect season...ahem I say that because they're cheaters. I only know a bit here and there from my football announcer, I mean guru, husband. But I couldn't stand that those cheaters were actually allowed to play in the Superbowl. So I was rooting hard for the Giants. I'm sure I made my hubby proud to be watching a whole football game AND cheering! Needless to say I'm glad a team that played fair won. They played a good game. And it just goes to show that when you want to cheat what goes around comes around. Sorry I'm not very sympathetic to you Patriot fans (and my best friend is one of them).

I am finally feeling a bit better. I'm almost wondering if I had a touch of the flu with how awful I felt for a few days there. Zach took off of work on Friday and it was so beneficial. It wasn't until Saturday afternoon that I started to feel a bit more like myself. Sure I still have my nauseous moments but nothing at all like it was. Today the temps are in the 70s so the kiddos and I picked up some lunch and met friends at the park. It was a welcome change from being cooped up in the house for 4-5 days, although it was a bit breezier than I thought it'd be.

We found out on Friday that Zach's BOP got denied. BOP is base of preference. You put on a list the bases you want to go to and submit it. All got rejected (two in Washington state, one in Illinois, one in Ohio and one in Tennessee). I'm a bit ticked about it, but of course I know we'll go where God wants us. He did apply for a job at Notre' Dame awhile back and may find out about that this week. I don't really want him to get it because I'd really like to live on/near a base and not worry about buying or renting a house. But it is only about 9 hours from home so that would be a huge plus. I know we'll go where the Lord sends us but I just want to move. After awhile I just get an itch to move and I've been itchin' for a long time! Oh and Zach can't apply for BOP to those particular bases again for 3 months! Such is life in the military!

Um and can I gripe and say that I'm sick of the spellcheck not working. Anybody else have this problem? Ever since their outage last week mine is NOT working. So now I need to go through and reread my post...my house needs to be cleaned terribly so I'm off to do that once I'm done.

They're Growing Up

Princess opted to stay home with Mom while Dad and the boys went grocery shopping. She knew she would have to vacuum the floors and finish up her math, yet she stayed home anyway. When she was vacuuming she asked, "Mom, when I'm done can I watch 'What Not to Wear'?" She cracked me up! What kind of almost 8 year old asks to watch that show!?!? And we honestly don't watch it that often, but I think when we were at my Mom's in Michigan we watched it a bit.
Little Man is sporting a new look tonight:

He lost his first tooth!

And Cuddly Boy...well today while I watched 'A Baby Story' he said, "When your baby comes it will sleep in your bed and I'll have to sleep in my bed?" Yes that WILL be the case- the boy will be sleeping in his bed by then!

I was just flipping through the channels and guess what??? Extreme Makeover Home Edition is in Mobile- only 45 minutes away!!!! Oh I wish I felt better so I could go and check it out!

Who's the Sick One Now?

Me. Let's see the checklist:

x Extreme Fatigue
x Constant Nauseousness
x Sore Limbs
x Irritable (at times)
x Forgetful
x Acne
x Weight Gain
x Frequently using the Restroom
x Major Insomnia (this is a new one)
x Sore Breasts


Diagnosis: A new little baby will join our family in September!

I have been keeping it a secret for quite some time but more and more people are finding out so I figure I may as well finally post it. Plus my first ultrasound isn't until the end of February and I can't wait that long to spill the beans here.

I was really quite shocked to learn that I'm pregnant. I had a doctor appointment about 2 1/2 weeks ago for a yearly exam. Before I went I took a pregnancy test since I was late. Well, I messed up the first one (it is possible) and the second one I took at like 3 am. I didn't see a second line nad didn't wait around for it, assuming I wasn't pregnant. When I awoke again at 8 I decided to check out the test. Lo and behold, there was a faint second line. But not on the messed up one. What could this mean? Afterall, it says on the box not to pay attention to the results after 10 minutes. This was hours later. So I told the doctor and they did a blood test. I was shocked when he called and said it was positive! I honestly did not believe I could be pregnant! When I called Zach and told him he didn't believe me! When we told our children they were SO excited! That's what I love about them- they really want a baby in the house! Little Man clapped his hands, had the cutest look on his face and said, 'There's a baby in your belly'. A bit later he looked at me and said, "I'm so happy there's a baby in your belly!" Princess is wanting a sister, so she'll have two brothers and two sisters! Please keep this pregnancy in your prayers. For the most part I'm peaceful and trusting God in it but at times fear creeps in.

So Much to Blog About

Yet don't know where to begin. My mind is fried lately. I keep thinking of things to blog about but never get around to it. Maybe one of these days. One thing is that February looks like a pretty promising month. I was really worried about it, since last Feb. we lost Malachi. But it looks like we'll stay busy and have lots of things to look forward to. Such as,

• Zach's dad is coming to visit in the middle of the month. It is always nice to have family come and see us.
• We are supposed to find out where we're moving!!!! You all know I've been waiting for this news for quite some time. For awhile there it didn't look like we'd know until June which would mean we wouldn't move until the fall. But its looking promising that we will actually get to move this summer!!! I am SO ready to be out of this place it isn't even funny.
• We have many fun things we're doing with our homeschool groups that I'm looking forward to. It's always nice to do something different. We'll be taking a field trip to a local hospital, having a Valentine's Party (it will be a first for my children), park days, etc.
• At the very end of the month is the Above Rubies retreat. Not only do I get to go but I have the privilege of picking Nancy and her daughters (even some of the daughters she's adopted from Liberia, if not all) up from the airport, taking them to lunch and transporting them to the camp. Let me tell you that Nancy Campbell is like a celebrity to me and I am thrilled beyond measure;) She is an inspiring woman whom I have gleaned so much wisdom from (if only I applied it). The fact that I get to spend that time with she and her daughters thrills me, although also makes me a bit nervous! I think that one-on-one time will by itself be the highlight of my weekend! Although the wonderful teaching and fellowship is right up there!

Reading List

2008

I certainly am getting into lists this year! I have seen this on various blogs and I thought it would be a great way for myself to keep track of the books I read through the year. So far I'm only on my third but the first two were at least 400 pages! *You can click on the title to find out more about each book.

1. Fire By Night (Refiner's Fire Series book #2) - Lynn Austin
2. A Light to My Path (Refiner's Fire Series book #3)- Lynn Austin
3. Between Sundays- Karen Kingsbury
4. Parenting From the Heart- Marilyn Boyer
5. Cape Refuge (Cape Refuge Series #1)- Terri Blackstock
6. Sins of the Fathers- James Scott Bell
7. The Choice- Nicholas Sparks
8. Three Weeks With My Brother- Nicholas Sparks
9. Sophie's Dilemma- Lauraine Snelling
10. The Passion Promise- John Avant
11. Southern Storm (Cape Refuge Series #2)- Terri Blackstock
12. A Bride Most Begrudging- Deeanne Gist
13. Someday- Karen Kingsbury
14. River's Edge (Cape Refuge Series #3)- Terri Blackstock
15. Breaker's Reef (Cape Refuge Series #4)- Terri Blackstock
16. A Treasury of Adoption Miracles- Karen Kingsbury
17. Children of Hope- Vernon Brewer
18. House- Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker
19. Two Little Girls- A Memoir of Adoption- Theresa Reid
20. The Memory Keeper's Daughter- Kim Edwards
21. Girl with a Pearl Earring- Tracy Chevalier
22. The Sweater Letter- Dave Distel
23. In Search of Eden- Linda Nichols
24. 90 Minutes in Heaven- Don Piper
25. Sandpebbles- Patricia Hickman
26. The Shack- William P. Young
27. A Test of Faith- Karen Ball
28. Shepherding A Child's Heart- Tedd Tripp
29. Nineteen Minutes- Jodi Picoult
30. Perfect Match- Jodi Picoult
31. Running with Scissors- Augusten Burroughs
32. Fallen Angels- Patricia Hickman
33. Nazareth's Song- Patricia Hickman
34. Whisper Town- Patricia Hickman
35. Sunset- Karen Kingsbury
36. Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe- Todd Wilson
37. The Breaking Point- Karen Ball
38. My Sister's Keeper- Jodi Picoult
39. Change of Heart- Jodi Picoult
40. Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope- Jenna Bush
41. Plain Truth- Jodi Picoult
42. Never Again Good-bye- Terri Blackstock

2009

1. Light on Snow- Anita Shreve

2. The Lucky One- Nicholas Sparks

3. Eden Close- Anita Shreve

4. Second Glance- Jodi Picoult

5. Mercy- Jodi Picoult

6. A Sister's Secret- Wanda Brunstetter

7. A Sister's Test- Wanda Brunstetter

8. A Sister's Hope- Wanda Brunstetter

9. Twilight- Stephanie Meyer

10. The Secret Life of Bees- Sue Monk Kidd

11. New Moon- Stephanie Meyer

12. Eclipse- Stephanie Meyer

13. Breaking Dawn- Stephanie Meyer

14. The Christmas Sweater- Glenn Beck

15. Miserly Moms Living on One Income in a Two-Income Economy- Jonni McCoy (skimmed through most of this one)

16. Pride and Prejudice- Jane Austen

17. Handle with Care- Jodi Picoult

18. Experiencing God- Henry T. Blackaby, Claude V. King

19. The Measure of a Lady- Deanna Gist

20. This Side of Heaven- Karen Kingsbury

21. The Road Home- Tommy Tenney

22. The Accidental Mother- Rowan Coleman

23. Above the Line, Take One- Karen Kingsbury

24. Above the Line, Take Two- Karen Kingsbury

25. A Woman After God's Own Heart- Elizabeth George

26. The Pilot's Wife- Anita Shreve

27. The Rest of Her Life- Laura Moriarty

28. Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind- Ann B. Ross

29. Miss Julia Takes Over- Ann B. Ross

30. Miss Julia Throws A Wedding- Ann B. Ross

31. The Last Summer (of you & me)- Ann Brashares

32. Miss Julia Hits the Road- Ann B. Ross

33. Miss Julia Meets Her Match- Ann B. Ross

34. Balancing Act- Kimberly Stuart

35. The Christmas Promise- Donna VanLiere

36. Bottom Line- Kimberly Stuart

37. Grace- Richard Paul Evans

38. The Christmas Train- David Baldacci

39. Hannah's Hope- Karen Kingsbury

40. The Handmaid and the Carpenter- Elizabeth Berg

41. The Last Child- John Hart

42. The Christmas Blessing- Donna VanLiere

43. The Christmas Secret- Donna VanLiere

44. Gideon's Gift- Karen Kingsbury

45. Maggie's Miracle- Karen Kingsbury

46. The Time Traveler's Wife- Audrey Niffenegger (actually finished 1/1/10)

2010

1. Shades of Blue- Karen Kingsbury

2. Firefly Lane- Kristin Hannah

3. The Christmas Shoes- Donna VanLiere

4. Magic Hour- Kristin Hannah

5. Crazy Love- Frances Chan

6. Shutter Island- Dennis Lehane

7. The Last Song- Nicholas Sparks

8. Red Letters- Tom Davis

9. Boneman's Daughters- Ted Dekker

10. The Book Thief- Markus Zusak

11. I Will Carry You- Angie Smith

12. Grieving the Child I Never Knew- Kathe Wunnenberg

13. Little Earthquakes- Jennifer Weiner

14. The Bright Forever- Lee Martin

15. Shoot the Moon- Billie Letts

16. Above the Line, Take Three- Karen Kingsbury

17. Above the Line, Take Four- Karen Kingsbury

18. Barefoot- Elin Hilderbrand

19. Safe in the Arms of God- John MacArthur

20. House Rules- Jodi Picoult

21. Passionate Housewives Desperate for God- Jennie Chancey & Stacy McDonald

22. Never Tell a Lie- Hallie Ephron

23. Tainted- Brooke Morgan

24. The Girl Who Could Fly- Victoria Forester
25. The Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins
26. How To Be Lost- Amanda Eyre Ward
27. The Weight of Silence- Heather Gudenkauf
28. Unlocked- Karen Kingsbury
29. Eve's Daughters- Lynn Austin
30. Catching Fire- Suzanne Collins

You Could Hear a Pin Drop

Cuddly Boy has a cold so he and I stayed home from Awana tonight. It was so quiet with only one child in the house that I swear you could hear a pin drop! I tried to set up a video game for him that Zach has on the laptop but I couldn't figure it out. So we played Lego's, talked to Nanny, watched a bit of TV and ate a snack. It was so weird with just him, but it was really nice and enjoyable. And because I stayed home from church I'm able to watch Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I love that show and can't keep a dry eye when watching it- and I barely get to watch it since I'm on my way home from church at that time. It isn't over yet so I better go and finish it! So much for being too much of a bookworm today;)

Worms

I've been told before that I'm a worm. A bookworm that is. Until I finish this book I don't think I'll be blogging. It is so good and hard to put down. It's the third and last in the series that I started before Christmas. It shouldn't be too long before my nose appears out of the book. What books are you reading?

What's Up

For starters I want to ask you all to pray for Zach's cousin, Christian. His car got stuck in a ditch and he nearly froze to death. He was sent to the University of Michigan where he will receive the best treatment he can. He is in excruciating pain, as I'm sure you can imagine. Please pray for the family as well.

Secondly, where's the LOVE???? I had only 3 comments on my last post! Come on now stalkers...tell me you're here! I know people read my blog and I like to see comments from y'all.


I have been using this cookbook that we got Princess for Christmas.

I LOVE the recipes in it! They taste great and they're so easy (I made the BEST chicken burritos and enchiladas from it)! Princess has been helping a bit too and I enjoy that.

We went to see Alvin & the Chipmunks this weekend for a birthday party. Zach wasn't impressed, but I grew up loving that cartoon and I thought it was pretty funny. I think I had more fun watching Cuddly Boy's face as he'd laugh at different parts though. He certainly enjoyed it! He is so much like Theodore!

I did pretty great with my Pampered Chef show. I still haven't figured out what I'd like for free though! Decisions, decisions.

Off to have a movie night! PLEASE show me some LOVE and comment;))

Honoring a Hero

Today we had an opportunity to do something most people don't get to. It is not one that you look forward to, but at the same time you feel honored to be able to take part in it. Maj. Micheal Green died from a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. I never knew him, never heard of him until my friends told me about the incident. He's from a nearby town and I was told there was to be a standing procession for him, honoring his service. It was something I knew we had to do. Today is a COLD day in South Mississippi, especially when you factor in the wind. Yet so many people turned out to honor this war hero (in spite of Mardi Gras parades).

As we were sitting in our vehicle waiting for the procession I told the children why we were there and I just broke down crying. As the funeral procession slowly passed by I saw so many grieving people. Old, young, those in military uniform, those obviously grieving. And I cried for this family that lost a husband, son and friend. There was even a huge procession of motorcycles involved. And the whole thing was so silent. I think the tears really hit me when I realized how silent it was (besides my children asking questions). It was truly a chance that people had to honor a soldier.

Waiting for the humble moment to begin

I know this is blurry but I just love the Red, White & Blue

Staying Warm


Waving their flags!

Pictures of the Past

I was sent this cool email of pictures from the past of Michigan. I wanted to share with those of you also from Michigan. It is so weird to imagine the town I grew up in to look the way it did way back in the 1800s, but it is so cool. So have a look for yourself and enjoy!

Can you see it?

What a waste of time!!! I hope it works for everybody now. Now I have to add everything again. Good thing my links are still there or I'm sure I wouldn't remember everybody! Well, the munchkins are dying to go for a bike ride so off I go! Then I need to come home and clean up for my Pampered Chef party!

Blasted Blog

I am about to throw my computer out the window. Every single template I download I get an error message. Why oh why can I not just download a NICE template????? I want it done now!

my blog

So you all see 3 columns???? On both of our computers its only 2 columns. That is really strange. Looks like I may have to revamp again...

Can You Read This

Ok, so somebody said that my columns overlap. Does anybody else have that problem? It doesn't on my screen but I don't want it to on yours! How do I fix it if its a problem? Also, I don't have the option in my layout to put a footer and I'd like to add my playlist back as well as my tickers. How do I do this???? I need some serious help!!!

Lazy Day

I awoke to the rain pattering on the roof and decided to roll over and keep on with the dream I was having. I wish I could remember it, it sure seemed like a good one at the time. We didn't roll out of bed until about 8:30. I decided to make the munchkins pancakes- they wolfed those things down. Oh, Princess helped me, for awhile and then got distracted with cartoons. I just putzed around the house and we didn't begin school until about 10:30! But we managed to get quite a bit done! Sometimes I just love those cold rainy days so you can just wear your sweatpants all day and be lazy! But I did have to change out of those sweatpants as we went to eat at Subway for dinner and then we ran to Walmart where Cuddly Boy got to pick out some 'tool' (his version of cool) new toys with a gift card he'd gotten. Other than that its been a quiet day, besides many phone calls to faraway friends. Now the little ones are in bed and I can enjoy some quiet before I join them!

Eating Egypt

One of history projects was to make an Egypt cake. I didn't do it back when we were supposed to because we had so many Christmas cookies. So yesterday we broke out the cake mix and set to work. It was fun and a great way to learn about Egypt!

Little Man was the first one to frost the cake. I did the Nile River and the Mediterranean Sea.

Princess was not too impressed that she wasn't first. Notice her rolling her eyes.

Princess having her turn

Notice the little fingers trying to get at the frosting! That boy was a mess and into everything!

Cuddly Boy helping out. The other two complained because he made a mess of it, mixing the two colors (it was one of THOSE days)!

I said I wanted a picture with all of them with the cake. Princess wanted one with JUST her. She was not too happy. She had quite the attitude yesterday as you can see by her face.

The finished cake:

Enjoying their taste of Egypt!

Through the Lens of a Child

Little Man got a camera for Christmas. He likes to delete photos and I know there were some good ones and some funny ones he took but I don't have them. Well he was taking pictures of me 'working' today so I thought I'd snatch that camera and see what he had. Just thought I'd show you a glimpse of his photography!

Princess working hard!

The TV? Notice its on Animal Planet!

This was me working...vacuuming the stairs. It seems to be never ending because the carpeting is yucky blue. (Proof that I'm not lazy!)

His view of the lamp/kitchen?

hmm....I guess the shoes weren't put away like normal!

I look like such a grouch in this picture. Notice I'm wearing a Packer shirt. Not sure what my deal was or if I was deeply engrossed in the game (not really).

He is caught! Cuddly boy doing things he is NOT supposed to do! Shame on you boy!

Stay tuned tomorrow for something we made in school today.

The post with lots of ( ) and links

For Christmas Zach got an electronic dartboard. For the record, Mom, he said he thinks its the best gift he's ever gotten from you guys. So after we both burned off some calories on the treadmill (I went 2 miles) we played darts. I was much better last night than the first time we'd played! I won 4 out of 11 games. Not bad, huh? So now I'm thinking I'd like to turn our tiny playroom that doesn't get played in too often into a playroom for us! I'd like to get an overstuffed chair or a loveseat and a little TV to put in there (both used of course, I want to check our local freecycle). I think it would make a great place to play or study.

After feeling like I was so lazy yesterday (besides going my 2 miles), I had a productive day today. I folded clothes and got them put away (they'd been there since Thursday- are you shocked Canaan), went through the boys toys, vacuumed half of the upstairs (Princess did the rest) and did a few other little odds and ends around home.

I had to make a trip to W*Mart (I've only been there ONE time since we've gotten back from Michigan if you can believe it) today and I also wanted to do something special with one of the kiddos. Princess and Little Man rarely have the chance to use their Book It coupons so I thought I'd take them for pizza. It was so much fun! They were excited to order their own kind of pizza- P got bacon and LM pineapple. Then it was off to do some shopping.

Princess helped me cook dinner (Cincinnati Style Chili- my recipe is a bit different from this). In college I spent two of my Spring Breaks at Mt. Mission School (if you click on their site you can hear great music from their choir) in Grundy Virginia. On the way we stopped in Cincinnati and ate the best 'chili' ever! After dinner Princess and I put our rotting bananas to good use and made Banana Bread. I think I found a new recipe (in HER cookbook). This bread is way better than the recipe I've been using for the past 8 years!

Recently Rebecca posted about her daughter's cute mispronunciations. I love the way my Cuddly Boy mispronounces things. He says 'wubbo me'. He loves his belly, leg, arm to be rubbed as he falls asleep. He likes to watch 'partoons' which are Cartoons. He liked my boonana bread. There are so many more but I can't think right now. It's late and this post is long enough! Hope I didn't bore y'all to death (I was just trying to pass time while Zach watched football all day...oh yeah way to go Packers).

It Just Makes Me SO Angry!

I heard about this on Tuesday or Wednesday and was just baffled. Just because you get in an argument with your wife (which is what I'd read one of those days) you do that to your children? I guess that is what happens when you're addicted to drugs (another thing I remember reading). I have been checking our local news station online for updates. Well, Zach is watching football today (he's happy the Packers are whooping butt) and updates keep coming on about the case. When I heard that they found the infants body I just lost it. I couldn't help but break into tears (and I still am periodically). That poor child. Those poor children. What were those poor babies thinking when their daddy held them over the open water, so far below? And I must admit that I can't help but keep saying I hope that man rots in hell. Really I know he needs Jesus but I think he deserves 100 times worse than what he did to those babies. And so my heart is breaking tonight as I think about that poor mama. Boy, I hope she knows Jesus.

Ode to Blogland

Not really...

I'm so grateful for it though for I feel I have so many wonderful friends that I wouldn't have if it weren't for this addicting blogging. My point being, my dear friend Angel whom I've never met in person had quite the blessed day today. They recently became licensed foster parents and you've got to look what God brought their way! I'm so happy for her family!!! Congrats Angel! Continuing to pray for you!

Oh and by the way...I WANT one of those soon...

A Fresh Look

I finally found something I think I like! I was really wanting a change! Of course I lost a lot of goodies on my sidebar (hope I can remember what so I can put them back). Tell me what you think!

How CAN it be January?

When the person behind our house is MOWING their lawn!?!? And its been in the 70s. It just doesn't seem like January, ya know? I have windows open today!

We began our normal school routine yesterday. It is nice to be getting back to 'normal' (if there is a normal). We read about Samson in History today and the kids are drawing a picture of him. Then we will move on to Math. We have friends coming to visit this afternoon but the kiddos don't know yet. They'll be thrilled to play with their friends!

Well they're finishing up so I better get ready for Math time!

Point of Grace - How You Live

I think this is my new favorite song. I LOVE it. Make sure you turn my playlist off below before you listen to it!

A Wish

This was going to be a post on 2007 but if you want to know what happened through the year you'll just have to go through the archives;) It was a difficult year for our family as we lost our son/brother, but it also drew us nearer to one another. It also opened the door to our adoption! And of course there was so much more that happened, but those are the highlights.

For 2008 I'm hoping that our daughter will come home. I'm wishing to have a healthy pregnancy. I'm praying that I'll be a more gentle mother and more giving wife. I'm desiring that there is a move in store for our family. I'm looking forward to drawing nearer to the Lord and by being blessed by the friends He's given me, both in real life and through the internet.

On that note, Congratulations Zach~ today marks 9 years that he's been enlisted in the Air Force! It is so hard to believe its been that long, in so many ways it seems like just yesterday. Next month he should test for Master Sergeant! He's already been studying quite a bit and it would be a huge blessing both financially and career-wise.

I've always wanted one of these

Not like I ever win these things, but I have been wanting one of these for some time.


A Cowboy’s Wife is having a contest on her food blog! You can win a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer and she’ll ship anywhere so everyone is eligible!
The Prize:

The winner will receive a brand new Hamilton Beach 4.5-qt. Eclectrics Stand Mixer, Pineapple Yellow!!

About the mixer:
From Hamilton Beach’s “Eclectrics” line, this all-metal stand mixer comes with a host of accessories - a Flat Beater for cakes and cookies, a Dough Hook for bread and a Wire Whisk for whipped cream or pudding. The 4.5-qt. stainless steel bowl comes with a Pouring Shield that helps prevent splattering while in operation. The pouring shield has a built-in chute for adding ingredients. Powered by 400 watts, the stand mixer has a two-way mixing action to ensure all ingredients are incorporated into the mix. The quick-release, tilt-up head assists when removing the bowl. 9 x 14 x 14-in. When you’re ready for a kitchen re-do, don’t call in the carpenters! Instead, “counterscape” your kitchen with Hamilton Beach’s retro-designed, affordably priced electrics in happy, sun-saturated colors. Their “Eclectrics” line includes updates to those classic appliances from the 1950s. All of their “Eclectrics” are available in six colors: Apple Green, Moroccan Red, Pineapple Yellow, Intrigue Blue, Sugar White and Licorice Black.

What a great contest, huh? You can join in too!!!

WHAT is IT?

Nope, its not what you're thinking.
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No baby.
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We haven't gotten a referral yet.
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It's not a new puppy or anything like that.
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Well, what could it be????
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A 2008 Suburban! We were really outgrowing our van (the trip to Michigan proved it). It was also on its last leg. It had been a great vehicle for almost 6 years but it was time to get something bigger- with more people space and cargo space. And it had begun to leak oil (which was only one of the minor problems with it...there were other things that would soon need attention). It is still weird to me to have it- its huge and I am kinda freaked out driving it! But boy is it nice! The kids LOVE it! We're enjoying the XM radio and every time we get in it (which hasn't been often, we really need to conserve on gas now) we discover something new! Oh, maybe its so exciting because our van was so basic- no power anything!

Trip up North

Ok, I have been putting this off for some time but I have been really busy and just can't get into blogging lately. We had a great trip home. We had fun in the snow, but more importantly we had a blast seeing all of our family. We saw more family in that short time than we do when we're home for a lengthy period of time!

It was fun to get together with Zach's family at his dad's. All 12 of the grandkids were there- a first! It was great to see them all together and to try to capture pictures of them! What a challenge. The best one I got with all of them in the picture is this. We were missing Zach's brother, Adam, who is stationed overseas but otherwise we had a great time.

We got to see Zach's mom. We went sledding with her. It wasn't even that cold! I had planned to go along to take pictures but ended up sledding too! My stepdad, Kim, ended up coming along as we went on somebody's property and he had to show us where to go! It was so fun!!

We saw my Dad's family on Christmas Eve. I hadn't seen one cousin in probably 5-10 years! I can't remember the last time I'd spent Christmas Eve with them! My Grandma was there and I got to see my cousin's kids. We ate wonderful food that my aunt made and had a great time!

Christmas morning the kiddos had fun opening their gifts. Princess was thrilled to finally get her American Girl Doll. Cuddly Boy wasn't all that thrilled with a drum he received and Little Man got a digital camera and can't stop snapping pictures!

We also saw most of my Mom's family. W spent Christmas day at my stepdad's parents house. That was fun. I was worried how the kids would behave there but they were great! I thought maybe they'd be bored with no other kids to play with. Grandpa Ralph and Princess shared dessert together! It was adorable!!! Princess took well to everybody- whether she remembered them or not. She sat and played around with my Grandma and I'm sure that made Grandma's day! It was great to see my family- cousins and their kids I hadn't seen in awhile, aunts, uncles. There were a few I didn't get to see, but we pretty much saw everyone! Like I said, it was great!

I had fun making some Christmas dishes to share at our dinner on Christmas. They were a huge hit, thankfully! It was nice to hang out with my mom. Zach got to go and visit with his dad and friends a bit, but I pretty much hung around 'home' with family. Oh, I did see some old friends at church on Sunday and that was awesome! These are friends from youth group that I hadn't seen in forever~ Henry, Zach & Lisa, Josh & Bethany, Mike G not to mention their parents and all the others!

On our drive back to MS we stopped in Green Bay at Lambeau Field. That was fun but crazy! It was the day before game day and so it was packed! We did manage to buy some paraphernalia though!

I have a web album that you can all check out for all of the crazy pictures! And stay tuned to see our Christmas gift to ourselves!!!

Snow Much Fun

Here are the first of many pictures. I'm only going to highlight a few here and there and I'll post a link to my web album also for you to see them all. The kiddos all had fun in the snow. Who am I kidding, Zach and I did too! It had been awhile since I'd romped in the snow and went sledding! It was so much fun and surprisingly not too cold. Cuddly Boy didn't like trying to walk in the snow at first, but it didn't stop him from playing in it pretty much every day.

Little Man tasting a bit of snow

Princess is having fun sledding for the first time in Nanny's yard. It was much better when we found some decent hills to go down, but this suited them fine for the time!

Self-portrait

Ugh, I'm SO ready to MOVE

We pulled in around 5:30 tonight. Although we're glad for the warmer temperature and its nice to be 'home' I want to move!!! We've unpacked everything and when I went upstairs to shower what did I see but a nasty roach. Great. Where are the other ones hiding??? In our other house we'd be gone for weeks at a time and never came home to bugs. Why do we have them here? Guess there goes another night of not sleeping well... Then when I took a shower the water reeked. I thought it strange since I've been washing laundry since I've been home and didn't find that water to stink. Even Little Man commented on it when he walked into the bathroom for his bath. And Zach has declared it smells like 'Sh%*'. And this is from a man who watches his tongue! So while we're home we're really hoping that its only home for about 6-7 more months. I can't take it anymore!!!

Almost there

We're on our way home. We left yesterday afternoon and drove to Milwaukee. Tonight we're staying in Arkansas. We aren't really pushing ourselves to get back as much as we pushed ourselves to get to the U.P. Its more relaxing this way though. I'm thankful that the hotel we're at tonight is nice. Last night our non-smoking room smelled like a smoking room. Right after we got in there Zach started hacking (he's allergic to cigarette smoke). I had to ask if we could move to another room. That place wasn't as great as where we're at tonight. The bed is super soft and much bigger. It's cleaner. I think I'll get a good nights rest tonight. No worries of mice or bed bugs. Then on to the deep south once again. It is nice that the weather is warmer. It was crazy how right after we got out of Chicago there was like no snow. Our van needs to see a car wash- talk about nasty from the salt and sand on the roads. That will be the first thing we do in the morning. Sorry I'm rambling, I'm exhausted. I have much to post about from our trip and took almost 300 pictures. Hopefully I'll get to it soon. I'm not sure I'll have time to post tomorrow, so if not I pray you all have a safe and happy New Year.

Home Is

Home is cozy. Home is warm. It is full of loving hugs from a mother's tender embrace that has warmed the heart for 30 years. It is full of laughter at children's antics as they play and romp around. It is the smell of the woodstove as it creates a cozy atmosphere, a haven of warmth from the cold outdoors. It is peeking out the window to see the tall pines laden with beautiful white snow. And to catch a glimpse of the deer munching on apples in the yard. It is the sound of snowmobiles dashing through the white fields. It is the taste of foods you can only find at home: mom's spaghetti, pasties, mashed potatoes to name a few. And it is the sound of mice scratching and climbing the wall of your room in the wee hours of the morning, making you believe they're nibbling on your items in the room. This is home.

Merry Christmas

Through the Fog

Here we are back in Michigan. Most of the trip was spent driving through fog. We arrived here last night after 9. All day yesterday we drove through fog. After Green Bay the fog was so bad that we drove about 50 mph almost the whole way, which is 4 hours! When we hit the Baraga County line it wasn't foggy anymore. Zach went and spent the night at his dad's last night. He had fun hanging out with him, playing chess and eating venison jerky. This morning after breakfast the kids got bundled up and played in the snow. They saw quickly how hard it is to walk in snow! At least it wasn't too cold out! We're supposed to get snow tonight. Hopefully we make it up to church tomorrow! Then we meet up with Zach's family at his dad's house! I can't wait! All 12 cousins will get to play together, including Amie's kiddos! We'll only be missing Zach's brother, Adam. It is so nice to be out of the car! I was exhausted last night, and not the most pleasant person to be around. That's what happens when you are sleep deprived and drive for so long in such a short period of time, staring through the thickest fog!

Off we Go

In a couple of hours we will be heading from the wet south where we're experiencing thunderstorms to the cold and white north. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel. I'm sure I'll have time to blog at some point. I have been wanting to blog about our Christmas we celebrated here at home but I just haven't had time. I have pictures to share also.

I must say I haven't gotten many Christmas cards this year. Its really weird. I guess we're all trying to save money and send them through email like I did but I do miss the cards coming in my mailbox too. And I am so frustrated. We were supposed to get Zach's last Christmas gift today through UPS. I tracked it and it said there's an exception? I sure hope by some chance they deliver it before we leave. Last it was detected in Jackson, MS. Too bad we couldn't just pick it up on our way through there!