Momma and her Soapbox

My World ~ In Pictures - 1

2011-08-23T09:00:00.001-04:00

Sometimes it's hard to sit down and actually write a post. Soooo.....I have been thinking and have decided to post pictures of my world....my world includes anything about my life. I may include a short caption...or I may not. Just because I love pictures and maybe you want to see what is in MY world. =)

These Eyes

2011-08-22T09:00:00.002-04:00

When I look into these big, blue eyes, I know that life is good.

These eyes have a way of looking at me with more love than I ever thought I deserved.

When tears fill up these eyes, my heart twists and aches and all I want to do is make everything alright again.

When these eyes are full of laughter, you can almost hear the angels rejoicing because it's such a beautiful sight.

I treasure everyday that I get to see these big, beautiful, blue eyes looking up at me.

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah...

2011-08-21T20:59:00.000-04:00

So I know I have said it before, but I am going to say it again.....I am going to do my best to get back into blogging regularly. I promise. What? Don't believe me? You'll see. I will prove you wrong. =)

The summer has flown by. It seems like all I have been doing is working. When I am not at work, I am at home working. People laugh when I tell them I have three full time job: 1. Mommy, 2. Wife, 3. Optometric Tech.

So here's a quick catch up:

Remember the hubs and all his health issues? Well he's still kicking but having a rough go of it lately. Prayers are greatly appreciated. We will get through this.....just as we have the past year and a half.
My plantar fasciitis has turned into a full blown problem.....in other words, the doc wants to do surgery. I cannot do surgery right now, so we are trying a different approach: wear a walking boot during the day and a night splint at night. Wish me luck!
The boys are good.....just as rough and rowdy as ever.
The girls are good, too. Megan is going into the 8th grade (yeah, Momma is not happy about that one), and Allison will be in 3rd grade. Where does the time go?
Oh....and I am jumping back into my classes.....and classes start tomorrow.

So that should just about catch you all up....sort of. =) There will be more to come. =)

For Your Viewing Pleasure

2011-06-29T12:00:00.000-04:00

The following is a few snap shots of our daily, crazy life. Enjoy! {oh, yeah and comment if you feel so inclined....I love comments....it makes me feel validated ;)}

Stream of Conscience....

2011-06-28T20:54:00.000-04:00

(or a bulleted version....)

I hate feeling like I got screwed over.....oh well, what comes around goes around, they will get theirs {right?}
I cannot believe {nor do I want to} that my oldest born is now 13....WTH???
My four year old talks waaaaayyyyyy too much {not sure where he got that from ;)}
it has been wwwaaaaayyyyy too hot here in NC.....I mean I am constantly sweating and I do NOT like to sweat.
really believes that patience gets shorter as one get older {at least mine does}
I have so many things that I want to get done but lack the time, motivation, and/or willpower {trying to change a couple of those pesky problems}

Oh, if you are on Facebook, please search Mom of 4 Crafts and like my FB page. I am desperate to supplement my family's {especially since I am the only one able to work} income.

Thanks! and oh yeah, I will be back. ;)

Five Question Friday and an attempt to jump back in to Blogging.

2011-06-03T22:31:00.000-04:00

Okay, it's been awhile since I have blogged....since March really. Everytime I sat down to blog I just couldn't do it. Lately, I have been wanting to do it more and more.....so to kinda jump back into it I have to decided to do a meme.....so here goes!

1. If you had to choose, how would you prefer to choose to spend money...on landscaping or a pool?

      definitely a pool! or maybe just some upgrades to our current pool and some cute landscaping around it....and a deck connected to it. That's not too much to ask is it?

2. (Scott likes to get things stirred up...) Death penalty, yay or nay?

     I am a yay on this one but the crime must be pretty bad

3. What's the worst thing your kid has gotten into when you turned your back/blogged/showered/blinked?

    hmmmm.....well......this is a hard one.....I remember one time they got in to the markers and had a field day! needless to say, I was NOT a happy Momma!

4. How often do you REALLY go to the dentist?

   Actually in the past year and a half, I have gone every 6 mths like a good little girl. I had a pretty bad case of gingivitis after having Sammy so since then I have tried to play by the book

5. What is your favorite animal (doesn't have to be a pet-type animal)?

    That would be a toss up between a dog and a horse. I just love them both. I miss having my own horse and I wish I were in a position to raise my kids around horses like I was. And we have three doggies and they are like our children....love those little boogers to death! =)

Holy Update Batman!

2011-03-19T19:10:00.000-04:00

I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted on here. I have definitely felt bloggy withdrawal though. So here I am...finally taking a moment to update about what's been up at Momma's house.

My last post was in January and Sammy had started speech therapy. Since that post, Sammy has started combining signing with speech. Now he actually speaks more than signs. He is even beginning to put two word phrases together and THAT my friends is exactly where he is suppose to be! We are so happy that he has managed to catch up to where he needs to be but sometimes I am afraid we have created a monster....LOL.

Also, when I last left you.....I was working nights between two convenience stores, desperate for hours, gone every night, and not liking it one bit. Well, in February I got a new job.....and I LOVE IT! I am working in an eye doctor's office as an optometric assistant. I got a pay raise and a steady schedule where I am home with my family every night. Did I say that I LOVE my job?!?

Now for an update on the hubs....he is still doing okay considering what he went through just a year ago. I will be honest and say that I was so scared when March 6th rolled around (the day Hubs went in to the hospital)....I was afraid that history would repeat itself. But it didn't and he is still hanging in there. He stills get exhausted over the least little thing but he is capable of watching the boys while I am at work and taking the girls to and from school.

Speaking of the monkeys....they are all doing well. Megan got her butt chewed over a crappy report card from last nine weeks but I do believe she has learned her lesson and now that Momma is home in the evenings....there is no more slacking on schoolwork. Allison is doing great in school...smart as can be but seriously downplays it...lol. And Logan....sigh......Logan is Logan. That boy is gonna drive me to drinking one day. He is as stubborn as they come and mean as a snake....but he's so darn cute people tend to indulge him. And Sammy is following in his footsteps...lol.

Oh, and finally, the school update.....I have had to drop out this semester. I was just too overwhelmed and I felt my kids were suffering for it. I didn't seem to have any time between work and school. So I made the decision to drop my classes for this semester. I plan to pick them back up later and at a much lighter load. Now I have time for the Hubs, the kiddos, and occasionally me. I was a bit sad to drop but sometimes we have to do what we have to do.

So that's all for now....until next time.....which I promise won't be so long.....

Signs....

2011-01-12T10:21:00.000-05:00

As I have mentioned before, Sammy doesn't talk....pretty much at all. So after a shared concern between us and our pediatrician, we had him evaluated by a speech therapist. And the outcome was that Samual's verbal skills are basically at a 15 month level.....which is not good considering he will be two next month. So he has been approved for therapy.

We had our first sessions last week. She is going to begin by teaching him some basic signs for communication purposes and to also get him in the habit of copying gestures. Once he has this down, we will eventually move into getting him to copy sounds with his mouth and then on to, hopefully, talking.

So far so good, he is telling us "more" and "milk" (which we use for any drink) and "eat" using his signs. It's so sweet and wonderful to see how happy he is when he uses his signs and we understand him. I love it!

Not Another Resolution Post

2011-01-09T15:58:00.001-05:00

It's the new year (okay so I am a few days late...lol...oh and forgive me, i am blogging from my phone due to lack of time to do so once i am actually at home so there may be spelling issues)! I don't know about you but I am so happy to see 2010 gone and 2011 here. The other day I was looking back at some posts from the past year and man what a crazy year! A year full of ups and downs, good and bad.....but you know what? Through it all I have felt my ever present faith grow stronger....and that my friends is awesome! God has literally been what has pulled me through this past year. His strength and support....wow! Just when I have thought that I am at my breaking point, I can feel Him beside me every step of the way, urging me onward and upward. So as 2011 is off to start, it is my hope that my faith continues to grow and I can continue to grow as a person. I am on a mission to make this year one of best ones yet! Happy New Year!

A White Christmas

2010-12-30T08:00:00.015-05:00

Being from North Carolina and living here just about my entire life, an accumulation of snow is pretty rare....and a white Christmas is just about unheard of.

Well this Christmas we were teased most of the day by a sleet/snow mix and then nothing....then about 6pm Christmas night the snow started falling....an hour later the ground was covered. When we went to bed that night we had about two inches.....and then the next morning this is what we found...

This was the view from our back porch....A very beautiful snowfall.

I had to go to work later that day so this is the only picture I took.

Christmas Wrap-Up

2010-12-29T10:20:00.000-05:00

Here it is the 29th of December...Christmas has come and gone. After all my worries, ours ended up being a good Christmas after all (thanks to some Christmas miracles that came our way) The kids enjoyed everything they received.

Logan's favorite by far has been the "monster truck" that my grandmother got him. It's remote controlled and he figured that sucker right out....and has since gone through lots of batteries. =)

Sammy hates the monster truck....he runs screaming whenever it moves....it's really kind of ~~funny~~ mean when his brother chases him with it. Sammy received this little truck with farm animals and the thing sings this same song over and over....there is NO off switch and that makes Momma very sad. =(

Allison was pleasantly surprised at receiving a gameboy advance (yeah we couldn't afford the expensive DSi) and games.....she really didn't think she would get a video game but thanks to Santa's bargain hunting she got one!

Megan received a cell phone just like Mom and Dads (it has unlimited texting so now she doesn't have to worry about going over her minutes). She was REALLY surprised because I had told her that she wouldn't be getting it because I hadn't been able to find it on sale anywhere (and I refuse to pay full price because I am ~~cheap~~ frugal like that). But, again, thanks to Santa's bargain hunting we had success and surprised that child.

All in all it was a good Christmas....I am sad to see it go and really looking forward to 2011....I am hoping things will continue to look up for us.

Here's a few pictures from the festivities:

Christmas Miracle Strikes Again!

2010-12-22T11:56:00.000-05:00

As I have posted about before, we have received a few wonderful blessings this year that has allowed us to be able to actually give our monkeys a Christmas this year. Well, Sunday we were blessed with another one.

The Women's Fellowship group at our church picks three needy families every year to do something for to help ensure they have a better Christmas. This past Sunday they announced the families during service. But because I had to work on Sunday we weren't there to receive so I received a phone call Monday afternoon asking if they could come over to our house. Of course I said yes because these are some of the sweetest ladies you will ever meet.

One of the ladies and her husband came over and delivered to us four boxes of food, toilet paper, paper towels, and a card with gift cards inside. This is one of the most thoughtful gestures. We really appreciate everything that God has allowed to be given to us this year. Our pantry is bursting and our hearts are full of joy and thankfulness.

Merry Christmas friends!

School's Out!!!!

2010-12-14T09:17:00.000-05:00

Well....for me it is anyway. =)

I don't think I have ever been so happy to see a semester over. This has been a tough one. I think I have broken my 4.0 GPA....but only by one B. And that B is in my economics class....a class I have struggled with since the first day, a class that has made me angry and frustrated, a class that the teacher didn't show up for days, a class where we got a new teacher after the halfway point....needless to say, I will take my B and be happy! =)

I am looking forward to next semester because I am taking everything online. This way I won't have to be traveling as much because life is about to get even busier.....

How busy you ask?....well here goes....

my hours have increased at work (yay for the bills...lol)
the hubs is going to be starting physical therapy this week to hopefully help him deal with his chronic pain better
Samuel is going to be starting speech therapy next week

so as you can see......I will still be running around a lot but at least I won't have to calculate school into the equation....I can do school work from the comfort of my home. =)

The girls get out of school on Friday.....they are excited and I am too....it'll be nice to have a little break from every body's homework for a couple weeks. =)

Look what I found.....

2010-12-12T08:00:00.002-05:00

The other day, the hubs got out the small digital camera to take a picture. When he turned it on, it said "memory full". So I checked it out and sure enough the memory card was full.....

Logan had gotten the camera last Saturday morning and decided to take some pictures. He snapped photos of Sammy, their room, their toys, even there tv. We couldn't stop laughing.

Here are a few of his shots:

Notice the stuffing coming out of Logan's pillow and the lack of sheet....yeah he decided to tear up his bed as well.

Christmas Miracle-----take two!

2010-12-11T09:58:00.000-05:00

In case you have read about my first Christmas miracle.....you can click here to read all about it.

Well, He and his wonderfully mysterious ways have struck us again. Earlier this week I was working and my dad called me. So when I had a break I called him back. He had news for us.....

His thoughtful, kind, and generous neighbor, who knows all about what we have been through this year, left a Walmart giftcard for us to help with the kids' Christmas. Needless to say, I was overcome! How sweet and how thoughtful that this person would take time out of their day to think about my babies and to want to help ensure that they have a Christmas.

He really does just keep right on providing for us. Sometimes we get stressed and we begin to doubt, but then there He goes, amazing us and blessing us, all over again. We really must remember to stop and appreciate all he does for us.

So on this Saturday morning I sit here with a thankful heart. Today is my day off so I plan to try to enjoy it as much as I can. My step-mother gave the kids and I a gingerbread village kit so we are gonna try it and see how it goes. If it goes well, I will post some pictures. We may also make some sugar cookies.

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

My Christmas Miracle....

2010-12-08T09:47:00.000-05:00

If you know me or read this blog then you know how crazy and stressful this year has been for us. After the hubs became sick and unable to work earlier this year, I went out searching for a job. If you know anything at all about the state of the economy then you know that this is no small undertaking. So, luckily, I have a job....although the pay sucks....but it's still a job and I am grateful. Sooooo, due to the pay sucking....I struggle to make ends meet. With this being said, to say I have been stressed regarding Christmas is really putting it mildly. I have been on my knees praying that something would give and we would receive our own little Christmas miracle.

Last Tuesday, I sat down at my desk to go through the bills, junk mail, piles of stuff that accumulates there, etc....and clean it off. Imagine my surprise when I came across two cards that the girls made to send Santa with there wish lists on them. I saw the cards and marveled at how cute and creative they were, then I opened them up and read.....that is when I lost it. The tears started pouring. My heart literally hurt....it ached. I was so sad and disappointed in myself. Even though they didn't ask for much (only a couple of things each), I knew it was going to be near to impossible to be able to get them things they wanted. So I took a breath, said a prayer, picked myself up and kept going. I knew somehow everything had to work out. It just had too!

Then Friday rolled around. I was still without an answer but I was trying not to dwell on it. Then Friday afternoon I had another small breakdown regarding our financial situation. So I said a prayer to God to please give me some guidance and assistance....then driving home from picking the girls up from school the idea popped in my head from out of nowhere....sell the car....sell the car....it just kept repeating in my mind over and over. So when I got home I talked to the hubs about selling the car. Did he think it was a good idea? Did he think the other two vehicles would get us by...etc. See the car was just an extra vehicle....one I drove to school to save on gas...and since this semester is all but over and next semester I am taking everything online we really didn't need the car. He was in agreement. So I went outside and took two pictures of the car. Came in and posted it on craigslist (I even put my cell for texts which I never do but something told me to do it and I listened) and hoped for the best. Then I left to run down to the store for a minute.

While standing in the checkout line, literally 12 minutes after I posted to ad on craigslist, my phone told going crazy. Phone calls, texts, voice mails.....So I paid for my stuff, got in the van, and check my phone. I had a SERIOUS potential buyer. I called the guy right back. Basically he asked what the least I'd take for it was and said he was on his way to get the car. He wanted it and was bringing cash.

Needless to say I was dumbfounded. I went straight home, walked in the house and asked hubs if he'd been praying. His answer was kinda funny....he said huh? what's going on? I then proceeded to tell him that I had a guy coming to get the car!

I was beyond excited! And while waiting on this guy, I had several more interested folks. In the end, the first guy came, gave me cash, and drove off with the car.

Now my babies will have a Christmas. I have enough to get the girls one thing on their lists and some other little things and get the boys some things. It was literally like a HUGE weight was lifted off of me. We even paid a few bills that needed to be paid.

So I have learned once again that God is good and all we have to do is listen.....

I am so thankful for our Christmas Miracle!

Logan and the Christmas lights.....

2010-12-02T08:32:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday I had to work all day long.....a very long, very boring, nine hour shirt. So the hubs was super sweet, and he and Logan decided to bring me something to eat for supper (I mean there really is only so much convenience store junk food a girl can take.)

The next day, Logan and I were in the van going somewhere ( I really don't remember where) and he started telling me about seeing some Christmas lights the night before. His telling of it was just so cute! He got so excited and you could just hear the wonder and awe in his voice. The conversation went a little like this:

Logan: Mommy, last night when we went to your work I seen all deez Christmas lights. They were on the house, on the tree! And it made me sooooo happy! I really like them.

Me: Really?!? They made you happy?

Logan: Yeah, and Mommy if you seen them they will make you happy too. Can we go see them again?

So of course with all this enthusiasm we have to search out more Christmas lights for this boy to see. I just wish I could share the happiness in his voice, on his face when he was talking about it. So sweet!

It's moments like these that make me stop and appreciate the little things in life. Just hearing Logan talk about the Christmas lights made me soooo happy! =)

2010-12-01T09:32:00.000-05:00

Hello friends and followers (whom I consider friends so if you haven't, go ahead and introduce yourself to me). I know, I know.....my blogging has been so sporadic lately. BUT I've explained all that before so I won't go into it again. =)

We survived Thanksgiving!

I actually had the whole Thanksgiving post planned....you know what I have to be thankful for....in my head but just never got around to putting down on paper....er....in the computer. But I guess this will sum it up....I am so thankful for everything. My family, my job, the roof over our heads, the heat in our home, food in our pantry, etc.....so very thankful and very appreciative.

School is winding down once again for me. I actually only have three more classes left of the semester and cannot wait for this one to be done....finished! =)

Life is about the same.....still just taking things one day at a time...keeping the faith. I promise to try to be less sporadic in posting. =)

I AM Alive....

2010-11-20T16:09:00.000-05:00

For those of you that have been missing me....I am still alive! I just don't have enough time to blog anymore and that makes me sad. =(

I started a new job a few weeks ago and it is VERY time consuming.....at one point I had worked nine days straight....and then on the tenth day, they called to see if I could cover for somebody....I had to turn them down....I could've used the hours but I was exhausted plus I had promised the kids to spend the day way them. The good news is that I actually like the job and I am getting enough hours to actually get some bills paid....some not all. ;)

The holidays have really snuck up on me this year. I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is in a few days....then Christmas will be here.....and on that note...I still don't know how I am going to pull off gifts for the kiddos....but it'll happen somehow right....it has to....they deserve to have a Christmas after the year they've been through. I am determined to not kill the Christmas spirit this year so I will break out the decorations and all that crap.....just don't know when the gifts will arrive under the tree.

I only have three more weeks of school for this semester.....so happy to see this one be over. Microeconomics has kicked my butt! Next semester I am switching to all my classes being online so that I don't have to travel to school and back. Right now there are some days that I leave the house at 7am, come home long enough to grab a bite to eat, then leave for work and get home about 10:30pm.....and on these days I only see the kids one time all day and that's when I wake them up in the morning. I don't like it so I am gonna try to fix it. =)

So....that's where I am at and where I have been.....life has been busy, hectic, and stressful but I am determinded to keep pushing through....

My little goblins…

2010-11-03T09:26:00.001-04:00

As you all know, Sunday was Halloween. I don’t really by into the whole Halloween is sacrilegious….etc. To me, Halloween is a time for the kiddies to dress up in sill, goofy, or scary costumes and show them off and collecting candy along the way….you know just good fun.

So…Sunday I got all the kids dressed up and ready to go and off we went…me and my four monkeys (the hubs was NOT feeling well so he stayed behind). We went to my mom’s first and then off to a nearby neighborhood (we live in the country so we have to go pretend to live in someone else’s neighborhood so the trick-or-treating is easier on the mom…ha!) We started out about 6:30pm. Everyone did really good. Once Logan figured out that saying “trick-or-treat” was going to get him candy, he would NOT stop saying it….he would say it five or six times to the same person…even after he got his candy. Sammy just enjoyed walking around carrying his bucket. He didn’t care about the candy….just like the costume and the walk. The girls did good…as always. I joked with Allison because she ran into about half of her class…I told her we could just call her Miss Popularity….ha! Around 7:30pm, Sammy had had enough of the whole trick-or-treating thing so we worked out way back the the van with promises to take the other three to some more houses….then finally about 8pm everyone was tired and they asked to go home. All in all it was a good time and I was one tired Momma.

Megan as Candace Corn….or candy corn.

Allison as Alice in Wonderland.

Logan as a man from China….or as I called him Long Duck Dong…ha!

Samuel as Scooby Doo….he would even bark….too funny!

receiving treats

I just had to add this picture….every time I look at it I crack up laughing….it’s almost impossible to get a good group shot.

Hope you all had a good Halloween!

Yeah....It's been F.O.R.E.V.E.R!

2010-10-29T13:10:00.000-04:00

I haven't done one of these in forever....I am uninspired about what to write about lately so here goes....

If you want to join the fun, click the button and link up with Mama M.

1. If you could be a fly on any wall, which would you choose?

       probably the White House.....I'd love to have proof as to just how crooked politicians really are.

2. Do you budget your Christmas shopping or just get it done without budgeting?

      definitely budgeting......being flat broke calls for major budgeting around my house....especially for extra expenses like Christmas...

3. What is the craziest fad diet you have ever done?

     I've never really done a fad diet.....mainly because I am soooo skeptical about how they work and second, because I like food...LOL.

4. Is there a TV show that you have seen every episode/season of?

    Well...I use to be about to say that about Fringe...up until this season....the whole parallel universe thing has turned me off this show

5. What one song always pulls at your heart?

    Definitely Lee Greenwood's Proud to Be An American.....when I hear it I belt it out and the tears start pouring.

Patience...

2010-10-18T11:59:00.000-04:00

Patience is not really one of my strongest attributes.

Right now, I am trying to patiently wait to hear about a job that I really want because I really dislike my current job and really want to be able to tell them that I quit!

I am trying to patiently wait for things to turn around for us financially.

I am trying to be patient with my hubby. I know he can't help feeling bad 90% of the time and I know I need to not blame him.

I am trying to be patient with my three year old who seems to be on a mission to see how long it takes to break me.

I have a sneaking suspicion that God may be trying to teach me have more patience.

Views from the Parkway

2010-10-13T16:23:00.000-04:00

Living in the heart of North Carolina, we are literally just a few hours drive away from the beautiful Carolina coast or the beautiful Appalachian mountains. If you haven’t figured it out by now, I love my state….I truly am a Carolina girl….born and bred.

This weekend we decided to take a drive towards the mountains and see where it took us. We hopped on the Blue Ridge Parkway and went north. Usually, for some reason, no real reason in particular, we go south….so this time we decided to go north. If you’ve never driven on the Parkway, you really should. It’s such a beautiful drive and you really get to see the true beauty of nature.

Of course, y’all know I had my camera with me and here’s a few of my favorite shots.

Can’t you just feel God’s presence in nature? I could spend days just absorbing it all.

Fall mornings...

2010-10-03T10:34:00.000-04:00

I truly love Fall mornings....

Why you ask....picture it....

crisp, coolness of the morning

light, breeze blowing

morning sky just beginning to lighten with the morning rays of sun

steaming cup of fresh brewed coffee

the quiet, stillness of everyone but you still sleeping, cozy in their beds

reminds me of the true awesomeness of God.

Is it any wonder Fall is my favorite time of the year?

Questions and needing some advice (?)

2010-09-29T21:34:00.000-04:00

Sammy is going to be 20 months on Tuesday. He is our baby and while we are a little bit indulgent on some things, we really aren't too bad. He is just different.....so very different from the other kids, personality and developmentally.

He didn't start walking until just a couple months ago. He was crawling, though....boy is he a fast crawler. Then when he finally did start walking, it quickly turned into running....running on his tiptoes. Everything else seems to be developing on "time".....I guess average is maybe a better way to say it.

Everything that is except talking. This kid will not talk! Now, I know that I have joked about not teaching him to talk because the other three seem to talk ALL the time...but we never have not tried to teach him to talk. We talk to him all the time. Tell him words that represent things, you know....the usual way we teach our children to talk. As I said, Sam is now 20 months old and he does not have the 'average' amount of words that he should have at his age....in all honesty, he doesn't have any words. He will occasionally say Mama or Dada or Uh-Oh....but nothing on a regular basis. Now he hears us and responds to instruction and directions...he will even nod his head yes or no to answer a question we ask but he refuses to talk. I asked the doctor about it at his 18 month check up. She said that yes he should be talking more but to give it a little more time. I am suppose to check back with her next month if he hasn't really started speaking more and they will probably recommend speech therapy.

Has anyone else had a child that just would not talk? Any advice? I know deep down that one day he's just going to start talking in full sentences instead of words but I can't help but be a little worried.

To Wrap or not to wrap...

2010-09-24T23:17:00.000-04:00

As I watch friends and acquaintances having babies recently, I have noticed a new fad....wearing those wrap things to carry the baby next to the Momma all the time.

Am I the only person that thinks this is just a little bit weird? I just don't get it to be honest. I mean I have four kids and never had the need to CARRY each baby all the time. I am not convinced it's what's right for the baby.

Now don't get me wrong, I am all about babies needing cuddling, touch, contact, etc...but do we really need to carry them next to us all throughout the day? The reasons that I get when I inquire as to why is usually "so I can get chores and things done throughout the day." I don't know about anyone else but when my babies were babies, I would cuddle, soothe, feed, nurture, but when they fell asleep, they went into their bed so that they could sleep undisturbed. And by doing this my children developed very good sleep routines....they also started sleeping throughout the night a lot easier than most. I just feel that maybe mothers are doing more....ummmm....I want to say harm but that's not really the right word...but we'll use it even though I know they aren't really causing harm.....I digress....

I have been told several times by several different parents when, upon visiting at our house and our little ones get sleepy, fussy, or grumpy, I hug them, kiss them, tuck them into bed, and they then fall asleep...gasp!....on their own.....these visiting parents are usually shocked and amazed. They want to know how we did it. We say, "Did what?" They say "Put them in their bed and they go to sleep. You don't have to lay down with them or anything." My response is that we just do it. If my kids are sleepy, they are sleepy....therefore they go to bed and go to sleep. I refuse to have to lay down with my child in order for them to go to sleep. So from a very young age we taught them to be confident in their sleeping and also know that when you're sleepy going to bed is not an option. It's needed and expected. So I guess what I am getting at is that I don't think that mothers are doing their babies any favors by carrying them around all the time. I mean what are you going to do when they are 9 or 10 months old...still carry them around while they are sleeping?

I don't know...I just don't agree with it and I think they do more harm than good. I also feel that they help lead to very dependent children that lack self-confidence.

Just my opinion.

Bit of a stream of conscious...

2010-09-17T12:18:00.001-04:00

Do you ever feel like you are on the verge of a nervous breakdown? Or maybe not a nervous breakdown but just want to hide away for 24 hours?

That is totally how I've been feeling lately.

Between work, school, kids, hubby, home, etc, etc, etc....I just need a break. I have been running on 5-6 hours of sleep per night for about three months now and I am totally a needs-8-hours-of-sleep-per-day person. I feel like I don't know my own kids somedays. There are days when I don't see Sammy until 7 or 8 o'clock at night and he is sure to let me know it.

Wednesday I was at school and in between classes when I felt myself about to pass out. I mean I literally felt/saw the darkness coming over me and I was going to go down......luckily I shook myself out of it but it really got me thinking that it was time to take a break, take a moment to just pause.

So yesterday I called out of work and took my day to just pause....well sort of. I had one appointment that morning but other than that I was free. (It worked out too because hubs wasn't having a good day and really needed me to take care of the boys) So I spent the day playing with my boys, indulging in some Schwans home delivery (yummy food by the way), picking my girls up from school, catching up the laundry, and then ended the day by hanging the hammock and chilling out in it for a bit.

So today is my scheduled day off and I am taking some time to do somethings I want to do but never have the time for and just pausing. It's my hope that I might be a little bit rejuvinated after today.

So you may think to yourself, "Why does she do all this? Is she crazy?"

No, I am not crazy....at least I don't think I am and I ask myself the same thing several days. But I heard something this morning that sort of helped me put it all into perspective. In these times, 1 in 7 families is living below the poverty level. That means 1 in 7 families (families of 4) are living on less than $22,000 per year. Well folks, I am a family of 6 and have been living on a lot less than that for most of this year. I do not deserve to have to struggle like I've been, my kids do not deserve to have to watch me struggle like this, we all deserve better and I am going to fight, work my butt off, whatever you want to call it, to make life a little easier for us.

I am so thankful for everything we have, and I am not one of these people that want to buy, buy, buy, and have, have, have. That's just not who I am anymore....I have learned that happiness doesn't lie in things, BUT I do want to have some financial security. I want to be able to buy my kids a pair of shoes when they need it, not tell them they are going to have to wait until next week because this week I have to pay the power bill so it doesn't get cut off. So that it what motivates me to do all of this.....we deserve peace, stability, and security.

While times have been tough, it really does make you appreciate the little things and you also tend to look upon others with a lot less judgement. So it really pisses me off when I hear someone is passing say that a real man/woman wouldn't get in the system, they would just get a job....or how is it that so and so has this car but gets food stamps. I am here to tell you.....do NOT judge a book by its cover, or judge another until you've walked a mile in his/her shoes, because a REAL man/woman will do whatever it takes to provide for their family.....even if it means setting their pride to the side and asking for help. That my friends is what a real man/woman will do.

Okay, I am going to step down off of my soapbox now.

Have a happy friday!

Gone Fishing...

2010-09-13T09:45:00.000-04:00

Saturday the hubs took the three oldest kiddos fishing. It took a lot of determination and motivation for him to get up and go because, you see, he has been having a rough couple of days and really wanted to get out of the house but just didn't feel like.....BUT he did it and was so glad he did. They all had a blast. Allison caught a couple of baby fish, Logan played with a broken fishing rod they found (he had a blast playing in the dirt and running from the fish when they would reel one in), and Megan made the catch of the day.

She managed to snag this good sized large mouth bass. Can't you just see the joy in her face?!? She was so proud that she got it in and even more proud that she actually touched it!

All in all it was a successful trip. Fun was had by all......the only down side, if you can call it that, was that Logan couldn't understand why they kept putting the fish back in the water.....that part really confused him. Ha! Silly boy...

Why are you smiling?

2010-09-05T17:14:00.000-04:00

Has anyone ever asked you this question?

I seem to be asked it quite often and I'm not really sure why.

Am I suppose to NOT smile? Would it be better to walk around frowning all the time?

I guess I smile because I don't really know what else to do.....plus if I smile at someone that is constantly frowning....it tends to piss them off a bit and they wonder what I have to be so happy about. =)

Life is HARD people! Give a girl a break.....I smile because while I have so much less than most, I also have so much more than most. I have a glorious God, whom I can lay all my burdens on and when I do...I almost immediately start to feel better. I have so much to be thankful for....therefore....I smile.

I smile because my kids make me laugh. The things they say, the things they do....their entire outlook on things....it makes me smile.

I smile because, while the past two years have been two of the hardest of my life, I've learned so much and learned how to appreciate so much more.

I smile because it makes me feel better and sometimes smiling is infectious. People will start to do it back to you....try it and see.

I smile because frowning gives you ugly wrinkles while smiling gives you distinguished looking ones.

Most of all, I smile because if I didn't smile a little everyday then I may just go crazy.....

Why do you smile? Or, heck, do you even smile? =)

Gifts from Japan

2010-09-02T08:50:00.000-04:00

As I wrote about before, my bff spent the summer here in the states and we took full advantage and tried to spend as much time as possible together. On our first visit together, she came bearing gifts. The kids were so excited and they looked pretty darn cute, too. Here's a few pictures of them wearing their gifts.

This next picture I am adding because I want to show just how much fun it is to try and get one picture with all four of my monkeys.....(did you catch the sarcasm there?)

More results....

2010-09-01T08:40:00.000-04:00

Remember my doctor's appointment that lead to several other doctor appointments? Well yesterday was my marathon of follow up appts.

In the morning, I went to the audiologist for a serious of hearing tests. Turns out I do have hearing loss in both ears and it's in the range that affects the hearing/understanding of speech. So I have another appointment next week to get fitted for a trial set of hearing aids to help correct the problem. I have 30 days with the trial pair....during that time I have to work of getting some assistance to pay for my set because my insurance doesn't cover it. But the audiologist was great and is willing to help out in anyway she can.

Then I went for the yearly woman's check up....ha ha how old fashioned was that statement. =)

Then after that, I had my mammogram. After needing a couple extra pictures......everything turned out fine and as long as there are no changes, I won't have to have another one until I am 40. Yay for the small things. =)

I did go to the podiatrist regarding the plantar faciitis. She gave me a shot in the bottom of my foot and had hoped that was going to solve the problem. It did....for about a day. Now the pain is back full force.....thank goodness I have another appointment with her scheduled for next week and we'll see what the next step in treatment will be.

Fun times I'm telling ya....fun times.

Reunion....of sorts....

2010-08-28T10:18:00.000-04:00

If you know me, then you know that my best friend (since 7th grade) has been living in Japan for the past year due to her hubby being a Marine and being stationed there. Anyway...she and the kids came home for the Summer since he is in Afganistan. Needless to say we spent as much time together as we could while they were here. I have a few posts to share about our visits but haven't had the time to write them....so I'm going to start with the end. Ha!

We planned a bit of a reunion for the last Friday that Ginger was here. Originally it was suppose to be about 14 of us.....you know...girls from high school....we haven't seen each other in ages....So the plan was to meet at this wine bar and get reaquainted then move to a restaurant around the corner (or parking lot). It ended up only being six of us total but we had a blast. We all caught up with one another and laughed and laughed and laughed. We also ate and ate and ate. Like I said....it was a blast. The night finally had to come to an end (we all have kids to get home to). It ended with more laughs and a few tears. I can't tell you how hard it was to hug Ginger good bye. This year has been an emotional rollar coaster for me and she has been my strong shoulder to cry on, lean on, laugh on, etc. We know things about each other that no other person knows....and we were reminded of that this summer. I am so thankful to have her in my life and it was so sad saying good bye.

Okay, now that I've wiped away the tears...again...I'll share a couple pictures from the night....the quality isn't the best because I didn't take my good camera...

Pictured left to right: Latrice, Me, Ginger, Robin, Becky

Left to Right: Becky, Robin, Ginger, Amy, Latrice

This is one of the desserts we shared....it was a molten chocolate cake and it was to die for! I didn't think to take a picture until we had started to chow down on it....but take my word...it was DEVINE! =)

And the verdict is....

2010-08-22T14:07:00.000-04:00

As I alluded to before...I finally made myself a doctor's appointment.

It was on Thursday.

Here's a few things that were discovered:

~ I have plantar faciitis in my feet....a very painful condition....VERY. So he is sending me to a podiatrist this Tuesday to see what can be done.

~ I have some hearing loss in my right ear and I am going to a audiologist about it in a few weeks.

~ I also have fibrocystic breast disease and have to have a mammogram done in a couple weeks to ensure that there are no other problems.

~ On the good side, my lab work came back great...so that's a blessing.

I have to say...I am NOT looking forward to the mammogram...I mean hello...I'm only 32! But if it has to be done, it has to be done. I am, however, looking forward to seeing the foot doc. My feet hurt so bad...all the time....I hobble around like an old woman....nothing I do makes them feel better, so hopefully he can treat me and I can get some relief.

So that's about it for now. I actually have a LOT to blog about, but finding the time right now is challenging....hopefully I'll get around to it soon.

Happy Sunday.

The One in which my head explodes....

2010-08-17T08:27:00.000-04:00

Okay, so maybe my head didn't really explode....but boy did it feel like it's about too.

Here's a quick run down of my Monday, August 16th...A.K.A Monday turned Friday the 13th.

-Wake up at 6am, take a shower and get dressed for school.
- Feed the one dog, grab a travel mug, and make coffee to-go.
- 7:10am...leave the house and head to campus
- 7:25am...take a curve too fast and spill my ENTIRE cup of coffee
- 7:40am - arrive at school, find a parking space, and hike to class
- 11am...walk to car to leave campus...only car battery is DEAD...yeah, I left the lights on
- 11:15am...waiting a emergency station for campus police to answer my call for help (good thing I wasn't being raped because they would've been no help at all), as I'm waiting a nice man offers help and happens to have jumper cables, I offer him my parking spot if he'll jump my car off, he did.
-11:30....finally leave school, suppose to be at work in 30 min.
-12:00...make it home, call a lawyer to set up an appointment for a free consultation regarding hubby disability
-12:30...make it to work
-1:15....realize that I am starving because I haven't ate anything all day, so I grab some chips and salsa and chow down.
-1:30...hubby calls me at work to tell me the lawnmower threw a rock and busted a window in the van...
-2:30...finally get a hold of the claims dept and set up appt. for glass company to fix the van
-2:45...have to stop and laugh at my day because on top of everything else the spoon I'm using to make chili at work....yeah, it breaks!
-5:00....leave work for home...hoping with all my might that nothing else happens....

by this point in the day, my head is absolutely pounding....I think it could have literally exploded at any moment.....

I am glad that day is over and today is a new one......praying for better things to happen today. =)

2010-08-11T08:17:00.000-04:00

What do you do when....

you have a constant headache for 5 days straight?
your kids need school supplies and shoes but you just don't have the $$$?
you've exhausted every resource?
your husband is in chronic pain?
your house is a disaster and your exhausted?
your incredibly sad because your best friend (of 20+ years) is going back to the other side of the world in a couple days?

Well, I don't know what you would do, but this is what I am going to do:
I am going to pick myself up, dust myself off, and keep on swimming! I am praying like crazy and I know (deep down) that all these trials are for a reason and eventually that reason will be brought to light (although I think I'm starting to catch on). I am searching for a better paying job. I am determined not to take my frustrations out on anyone else....it's not their fault. And I am going to spend a little bit of time on myself. I think I've forgotten who I am and it's time to find me again.

2010-08-10T21:29:00.000-04:00

Wow, life is C.R.A.Z.Y right now. Between work, home, and preparing for the new semester at school....I can barely think straight.

I broke down and made a few doctor's appointments for myself. I've been dealing with major foot pain the past month and with all that I've been dealing with....I'm seriously close to a nervous breakdown....

So doctor's visits are in order and I've got our schedule to where we've been able to get back to church (we had taken a hiatus when I started working). This past Sunday was a blessing! My husband was saved and is even contemplating being baptized. Huge changes....loving them!

Then on Sunday several negative happenings came to light regarding a few members of our family that we reconnected with when hubs was sick in the hospital. I had hoped and prayed that said members had changed but it's quite clear they haven't and as much as I am for having family in our lives, I need positivity more. Therefore, said drama has been henceforth removed from our atmosphere.

I start back to school on the 16th, then the girls start back on the 25th. Can I just say that I do NOT like the thoughts of having a 7th grader?!?! What in the world! Where did all the time go????

~~~more to come at a later date and time~~~

The do that is new...to me at least...

2010-08-01T00:18:00.000-04:00

A few months ago, I highlighted my hair...all by myself.

It turned out really good. I liked it.

But as we all know, some good things must come to an end.

Then a few weeks ago, (because I had some serious root issues) I re-highlighted (not real sure if that's a real word but who cares) my hair.

This time...the results...we not so good. I did not like it at all. I almost...almost cried.

So I decided to give my hair a break and condition, condition, condition.

until tonight....I decided to do an all over auburn...and I love how it turned out...LOVE it!

Now, these pictures aren't the greatest...it was almost midnight and I have zero makeup on and the dark circles of not enough sleep....but here goes.

My EVIL Plan

2010-07-30T21:31:00.000-04:00

Can someone please tell me why....WHY...or maybe how is a better word to use...okay...

HOW...is it MY fault that Bing maps doesn't give complete, concise directions to a friends house located precisely in the heart of BFE (bum fuck egypt for those of you that aren't familiar)?

Oh, yeah, and I also have complete control over what directions they do actually give? You know because I own and operate Bing....you know, cuz I am good like that.

So, since I have these powers then you just know that I planned a nice trip away for the hubby....because ~~I needed some time away from him~~ he deserves to get away and have some alone time since he's always here with the kids while I'm at either work/school/running errands.....so I planned this trip BUT what I didn't tell him is that I also planned to get him lost with half-ass directions....(rubbing hands together and smiling quite evil).....my evil plan worked....he was stuck in BFE on the CORRECT road but couldn't find the house (even though said friend told him that the house is about a mile OFF the main road)....and I had it all planned out to work like this...because, ya know, I wanted him to drive an extra couple hours and waste precious fuel. I also planned for him drive an hour back to town in order to have cell phone service just so he could call me (who is 4 hours away) and tell me how I had gotten him lost....all because....you know...

I am THAT wife.

Men! I tell ya! (shaking head because what else is there to say)

Getting to Know YOU - 07/25/10

2010-07-25T13:19:00.000-04:00

You probably already know the rules, but it you don't head over to Keely's and read up...then post your own answers and link up. =)

Now on to the fun part...the questions...

1. Thong or Granny Panties?

     well...it all depends....on clothes, my fat rolls, etc.....didn't we have this question already?
2. If you see a guy with his fly down, do you tell him?
     If I know the guy, then yep....otherwise probably not....and I'd have to walk away because I am a little childish about things like this and I would be struggling not to laugh....
3. Spanx or no Spanx?
    Oh, definitely Spanx....or the off-brand...or whatever....I love me some shapewear. =)
4. Do you sleep in your sheets?
     Well, yes I do....there is nothing like cool, crisp, clean sheets to climb into when you are dog tired.
5. What is your favorite Disney character?
     either Dopey, Ariel, and Belle...they've always been favs of mine
6. Dream vacation spot?
     somewhere tropical and nearly deserted....nothing but the sun, sand, and waves. =)
7. What is your dream job?
     owning my own business

8. Who is your hero and why?
     that would be my Grandmother Nancy....she has always been a true lady...in every sense of the word....she loves God and her family so much....she never has a negative word to say about anyone....she is good and decent and we should all strive to be like her.

Well, there ya have it. My answers.

Now, I am off to celebrate turning in my last paper for the summer semester today and then heading off to work for a few hours. Have a happy Sunday!

Backyard Fun

2010-07-23T11:16:00.001-04:00

A quick little picture post before I have to go to work.

This is how we handle 98+ degree days with almost 100% humidity….

Have a happy Friday and if it’s as hot where you are as it is here, try to stay cool. =)

Enough Already…

2010-07-21T08:07:00.001-04:00

Some days, I wonder what I’ve done to deserve all this hardship. I know I’m not perfect…..not by any stretch of the imagination…but I do believe that I am a good person and 90% of the time, I do my best, to the best of my ability, the other 10%, I’m just lazy….

But really, when am I going to get a break? I bust my butt trying to be a good wife, mom, friend, person but anymore it seems like it’s not enough.

I am in school (attempting a different career to bring some stability to my and my family’s life) and working (almost full time-trying to bring in enough money to keep our heads above water) but it feels like it’s not enough. Everyday, I hear my husband say, “I’m so tired of not having any money, not being able to do anything.” I know, in my heart of hearts, that he’s just voicing the frustration that we all feel….but man, it’s cuts me right to the core. I am TRYING here! I, too, am sick to death of being broke….I really don’t want to be rich, just stable….does that make sense?

I guess my frustration comes in when I don’t feel like my hard work is being appreciated and when I feel like it’s getting me nowhere. Sometimes, I really want to throw my hands up and say “I quit”, “I give up.” But I can’t, I won’t quit, because if I quit then who’s gonna take care of my babies….

***Deep Sigh***

There, I feel better….sometimes it just takes getting it out of my head and onto “paper” to make me feel and little better and give me a little boost.

Some Good Eatin’

2010-07-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

This is my version of a simple meal, that super easy to fix, and the whole family eats it up……plus…it’s a bit messy. =)

My version of BBQ Ribs.

Cut your rack of ribs into manageable pieces and throw them in the slow cooker. Pour BBQ sauce all over, coating the ribs well. Put the lid on and turn slow cooker on High. Let cook until the meat falls off the bone….and then serve…and this is what you get.

A plate of rib bones and…

some full and happy kids. =)

(I forgot to take a picture of the after but trust me, they look, smell, and taste delicious.)

The Great Escape – Part 5

2010-07-19T11:37:00.000-04:00

Okay, this is my last post about our vacation from June. As a birthday gift to the girls and Logan, my dad and step-mom took us all to the Family Kingdom Amusement Park. We all had a great time and here’s the proof.

Logan loved this truck….he made Allison ride it with him several times.

The girls loved this one….Logan…not so much…Sammy rode it too and he really didn’t like it.

He wasn’t happy about the swings either.

loved riding a motorcycle…definitely his daddy’s boy. =)

Allison couldn’t get on most of the big rides with us so played the good big sister role and rode rides with Logan….I was so proud of her for this.

My dad and my grandma…..love these two.

Pawpaw and his buddy!

Well, that’s it…..it only took me a month….Ha!

Getting To Know YOU - 07/18/10

2010-07-18T10:02:00.000-04:00

It's Sunday and that means ~~I'm off work~~ it's time for another round of Getting to Know YOU hosted by Keely at http://www.mannland5.com/. If you wanna play along, click the button, get the rules, and link up.

Here's this week's questions:

1. If you had to choose a country to live in besides USA (or the country you live in), which would it be?
       I guess I'd have to say England maybe???? That way I can still speak the language and still understand others...well sort of. =) and I'd be a lot, lot closer to the rest of Europe which I'd love to visit.

2. Which would be worse, wearing flip flops in the snow or wearing gloves in the summer?
        Probably flip flops in the snow.....ummm hello, frost bite.
3. Fried or Bake and why?
        baked....actually I prefer grilled but of the two choices, I'll say baked....I just don't really care for all the grease that comes along with fried.
4. If you were an entertainment reporter, which celeb would you love to interview and why?
        oh goodness....I have NO idea.....I'll get back to ya on this...
5. What was your favorite book as a preteen/teenager?
        anything....I would read anything I could get my hands on....still do actually

6. List your top 3 guilty pleasure television shows.
        guilty pleasure tv show....I'd have to say Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Jerseylicious, and Pawn Stars....
7. What bumper sticker slogan best describes you/your attitude/your life?
       Shit Happens
8. If you were to join a circus - what performer would you be?
       the bearded lady.....LMAO! I don't know, a clown maybe and a lion tamer....rawr! ha!

The Great Escape – Part 4

2010-07-17T10:25:00.001-04:00

Okay, I know I am REALLY behind in posting this round of pictures from our trip back in June. I am playing catch-up here so bare with me folks. =)

The are a few pictures from the Warbird Park in Myrtle Beach, SC. They have recently turned the old base into a shopping/living area, so as a tribute to the base they set aside this little area so that people will always remember.

On this outing, Megan stayed behind with my Dad and Step-mom and Sam was asleep, so these pictures only have Allison and Logan.

I’ve got one more post of pictures from our trip and then I am done. =)

I promise the last one will be one here a whole lot sooner.

Keep On Swimming....

2010-07-11T14:04:00.000-04:00

Yes, I am still alive. I am just swamped right now....with a capital S.

I finally landed a job...I started it two weeks ago. I like it so far....my feet are having a hard time getting use to having me stand on them for several hours at a time....and the pay sucks but it's pay, right...

My Dell crashed last week....hard drive went to hell....but luckily, something told me to get my pictures and files off of it when it started acting up...good thing I did because once I finished getting the pictures off...the thing died....thank goodness it is still under warranty so they need me a new hard drive...baddy bing...we are backing in business....with a seemingly brand new computer.

So I have lots to update on but little time to do it in, I am going to try to start scheduling some posts because I know my loyal readers missed me....wink wink...

I'll be back..... =)

The Great Escape – Part 3

2010-06-28T09:34:00.000-04:00

Today I will share some pictures from our time on the actual beach. We couldn’t have asked for a better day on the beach. The water was so calm; it was beautiful. Oh and if you are wondering why there are so few pictures of Megan…it’s because she stayed in the water the whole time and I couldn’t really get a good shot of her.

My boys…

Samuel loved the sand, he could’ve stayed there playing in it all day long, I believe.

Allison….always posing. =)

The family in the water…except for Allison….Logan hated the ocean but once Sam realized he was safe, he loved it.

My mawmaw….we love her and she is THE best grandma in the whole world.

The beautiful Atlantic Ocean….I could stare at this view for days…I really could.

I should have only two more posts from our trip….I’ll try to finish them up this week. If you missed the first two, then click here and then here.

Getting to Know YOU! - 6/27/10

2010-06-27T09:16:00.000-04:00

That's right...it's Sunday and that means it's time for another getting to know YOU hosted by Keely over at Mannland....if you wanna play along, get over there and learned the rules and link up.

And now for the questions and MY answers:

1.If you had 5000.00 to spend on plastic surgery what would you have done?

     well this is an easy one....I would have my belly fat sucked right out of me.
2. Do you watch Soap operas and if so what is your favorite and why?

     I don't watch soaps....back in the day I did and I watched ABC's line up, ya know All My Children, One Life to Live, and General Hospital

3. Favorite clothing brand?

    I don't really have a favorite clothing brand. If you know me or have visited me often, then you know I am NOT the fashionista....it just doesn't interest me....so it's what ever is on sale and looks good and is comfortable for the most part

4. An afternoon shopping spree at your favorite store or maid service for a year?

    I am gonna go with the shopping spree on this one....as long as it comes with a personal shopper...because as stated in #3....I don't have a whole lot of fashion sense but my closet could use some updating.

5. Would you ever vajazzle?

   I don't know what that is....I've heard of bedazzle but never vajazzle....is it the same thing???

6. Favorite Disney Princess?

    hmmm....probably Belle from Beauty and the Beast....she just seems like a strong princess.

7. Last movie that made you bawl your eyes out?

    the last movie I watched that made me bawl is The Blind Side....cried like a baby...but I cry at almost any movie...lol

8. Have you ever broken any bones and if so what?

as big of a klutz as I am....you may be surprised to learn that no, I've never had a broken bone....lots of sprains and strains but no breaks.....knock on wood.

There ya have it.....oh, what do you think of the new look?

The Great Escape – Part 2

2010-06-25T18:01:00.001-04:00

Another fun thing we did on our trip was take the older three kids to play putt putt. Yeah, we’re that family that goes out in the heat of the day to play in order to avoid the crowds.

The hubs instructing Logan on the proper way to putt.

Apparently the girls were trying to putt at the same time…look at that focus

Logan is checking out the lie of his ball…so very serious…

His other job was to retrieve the balls for those of us that were too lazy to bend over….

My dad….the Greg Norman wannabe…I laughed so hard at him wearing this hat but he insisted because it kept the sun off his neck

This kiddos posing beside the elephant….it was a jungle themed putt-putt course…

And smack dab in the middle of the course was a pond that was filled with these big lilly pads….aren’t they pretty…

More to come…..

The Great Escape – Part 1

2010-06-22T14:53:00.001-04:00

Last week, we took a few days and just got away. My Dad lives in Myrtle Beach, SC so after being invited, we took a trip down. The idea was to be able to get away and relax and forget our worries….needless to say, that was easier said than done….BUT overall, we had a good time. The kids had a fabulous time and that’s what really counts anyways…right. =) So here are a few pictures to start you off…..

These are from the first day…we took the kids to a nearby pool. I only got pictures of Logan because the girls stayed on the other side of the pool with my step-mom. Logan was mine and my grandmother’s buddy this day…he learned (from some other kids) the joys of pouring water on people…lol.

This little squirrel came right up to us….I think he was waiting for us to feed him….he finally moved on when he realized he wasn’t getting anything from us.

More to come later. =)

Quitting....

2010-06-12T15:22:00.000-04:00

I do not like to quit. I do not like to admit defeat.

But there are times when it's smarter and healthier to just bow out and admit defeat.

This is one of those times.

As most of my readers know, I am in school full time. Well, dummy me signed up for 4....count'em 1, 2, 3, 4...classes for the summer term. One of these classes is developmental psychology....and I did not realize that this class was only 5 weeks....and that the instructor wants us to write, write, write papers.

I have come to the realization that after 5 hours of sitting in front of this computer, and not making a dent in my workload, that I am going to have to quit. I quit this class. I just cannot do it. I can't perform up to my ability and cannot learn what I need to learn while being forced to push out this much work in this short amount of time. So Monday, I am marching my happy ass up to student services and filling out a drop form and dropping this class like a bad dream. I am going to take it again in the fall....when it's a full 12 (or 16 whichever is normal) weeks course.

SIGH!

There...how I feel better....that's one extremely heavy weight that has been lifted off my shoulders.

Party Time…

2010-06-10T15:09:00.001-04:00

Okay, so yeah, I am a bit behind on posting this but life gets crazy and right now, life is REALLY crazy….so here goes…

This weekend we had one big birthday party for Megan, Allison, and Logan. Megan turned 12 on 6/2, Allison turned 7 on 5/26, and Logan turned 3 on 6/8….hence the one big party.

So…with our financial situation in the shape it’s in (which is really bad), I had planned to have some of the kids friends and some of our family members over for cake and ice cream, and let the kids play in the slip-n-slide (which I got at Target for seven bucks)….BUT my sister-in-law had other plans. =) We recently got back in touch (when the hubs was in the hospital in ICU) and have been in constant contact….so of course, I invited her, her hubby, and their kids down (they live in VA) to the party. She came up with the great idea to get the kids a pool for their birthday. I must say this was an excellent idea. =) I had no idea the size of the pool she bought them, but boy were we happily surprised. She also bought them a GIGA ball

which is really fun, and water balloons, water guns, dive toys, etc. It turned out to be a really awesome pool party for the kids birthday. Everyone had a blast….adults included. I made a rainbow cake and thanks to MckMama’s recipe and Mama4Real’s tips… I have to say it turned out really well and it wasn’t as hard as I expected. Oh, and SIL brought a SnoCone machine and a cotton candy maker…..it really was a blast…

So without further ado….here’s some pictures from the day…

The yummy good rainbow cake.

Cousins..

Samuel – taking it all in

Logan – ain’t he cool…

Pool time..

the birthday bunch…the wind was blowing so we only pretended to blow out the candles. =)

Logan – on the slip-n-slide

more pool fun

They asked my mom for a bow and arrow and of course she came through for them.

Water balloon fight.

Hashing it out....

2010-06-04T08:54:00.000-04:00

EXHAUSTED......physically and emotionally...

I am so tired and fighting to keep it all together.....so tired of struggling constantly.....so tired of getting kicked while I'm down.

When am I going to get a break? I desperately need a break.....

I'm so ready to just throw my hands up and give up.....

I have a headache everyday....I mean literally...everyday....and I know it's from stress. I am stressed to the max and don't know how much more I can honestly take....

We are still waiting on the hubs disability to be approved.....this process is taking far too long....

I should hopefully find out on Monday if I have a job....Please God, let me get this job. We are desperate and need it.

I am angry and frustrated with school (and myself a bit too). I received a grant for summer term...I signed up for 11 credit hours (which is four classes) but because I don't have 12 credit hours they are considering me 3/4 time student for the semester and therefore took away 25% of my grant. GRRRRR....I was so counting on that money....now I'm at a loss of what to do......

***sigh***

Getting to Know YOU! - 5/30/10

2010-05-30T09:25:00.000-04:00

That's right....it's time for another edition of getting to know YOU....hosted by Keely....you should totally head over to her blog and link up if you wanna play along. =)

Here the questions.....and my answers:

1. Have you ever snooped around someone else's house?

      sure....I think we all have if we're being honest.

2. Can guys and girls be friends? ( thanks Jen!)
      it depends on the guy and girl
3. Can you curl your tongue?
     yep
4. Have you ever stolen anything?
    when I was little....a pack of gum....but my folks made me take it back....lesson totally learned....now enter adulthood....was accused of stealing but didn't do it.....couldn't even prove myself innocent...but I know the truth and that's all that matters. =)

5. Would you rather talk on the phone or text?
   definitely text....I am not a phone talker

6. Memorial Day plans?
   homework and maybe soaking up some rays in the backyard

7. What do you do to relax?
    read or crochet or make jewelry....that relaxes me. =)

8. Do you do anything to honor those that have died fighting for our freedom
   remembering and giving thanks for all that they did for us....and honor those still serving, praying for their safety.

Have a happy Sunday.....

Inspriing....

2010-05-28T13:06:00.000-04:00

Whom in the blogosphere inspires you?

Why do they inspire you or what do they do to inspire you?

There are a few bloggers out there that really inspire me - inspire me to do things, make better choices, become a better person. I feel that it's time to start recognizing a few of them.....each deserving of their own post. =)

I'm gonna start with Mama4Real.

She is mama to two cute, but typical little boys (I have a few of them myself...lol). She never seems to sugarcoat her life and always comes across to me as REAL. This is so refreshing. It's so nice to know that my life isn't the only one that isn't full of rainbows and sunshine. Her amazing faith inspires me, too. No matter what goes on in her life, how many curve balls she is thrown, she KNOWS God will pull her through, and He has....time and time again. And the part I truly love....she is not afraid to share it with the world....God is good! A final thought on Mama4Real is that she is not afraid to stand up/speak up for what she believes. If you want an honest opinion on something, ask her....she'll give it to you.....and she'll be honest.

So this shout-out is directed to you, Mama4Real....YOU ROCK! =)

I am planning do to more shout outs.....so look out for yours. =)

And then she turned seven.....

2010-05-27T13:58:00.000-04:00

My little Allison turned 7 yesterday!

My baby girl.....SEVEN....

Where does the time go?

She had a good day yesterday....she asked to open up one present on her birthday and she asked that it be a new pair of sandals....so that's what she got. =) (her party will be next weekend...along with Megan and Logan)

Then her daddy took her to get a haircut....she wanted bangs and layers and that's what she got....then she got to pick what we were eating for supper...she picked pizza....then Megan and I made her pink cupcakes with pink icing...by request.

I love this girl so very much and can't believe how fast she is growing up.

2010-05-21T08:52:00.000-04:00

It's Friday morning here....school's been back in session since Wednesday and I can honestly say that I am feeling overwhelmed! If I didn't need these classes to boost my score to get into the nursing program, I would surely drop one (or two).....but....sigh...I must keep pushing on.....so I sit here writing this blog post, taking a break from my school work and house work.

Time for a little update and some thoughts:

my three oldest monkeys' birthday are sneaking up on us....I really can't believe it.
Megan and Allison will be out of school in 18 days!
I think I may have fractured a bone in my foot....I really need to go have it xrayed......I may break down and do that later on today....we'll see...
I have been secretly concerned about the hubs health......he has been experiencing abdominal pain quite frequently here lately, he's been throwing up about once a day, every couple days....this REALLY worries me because the pain and vomiting are major signs of another attack of pancreatitus.....on top of everything else, I am just NOT satisfied with the level of treatment he has been getting from our doctor...I feel like he doesn't listen to us, he only wants to draw his own conclusions and get us in and out of there as quick as possible....for example...3 times now we have told the doctor that the hubs is still having numbness and tingling in his legs...the doc totally ignores it, never addresses it...ever!....hubs tells him that he is still having pains in the abdominal area ( the fluid build up was clearly evident on the last CT scan he had done) and he just shrugs it off.....I know I am not an expert, but ignoring abdominal pain after such a severe (and almost deadly) case of pancreatitus just doesn't seem too smart to me....so I am thinking we are going to be making some changes here....
Our financial situation is getting worse by the minute and I am getting so frustrated....I was suppose to have a job interview on Wednesday but they called and had to reschedule it for week after next...long story......could you all keep us in your prayers? Please pray for hubs health, a financial break (doesn't have to be a big, a small one would be great), and my sanity. =)

I also have a question for the Momma's out there.....Samuel is 15 1/2 months old....he is not walking....pretty much refuses to walk (he will cruise holding on to furniture). If we hold his hand to get him to walk, he'll drop to his knees like he wants absolutely no part of it. All our other monkeys starting walking right at 1 year old but not him...should I be worried? He also isn't talking much....he'll say mama or dada or bark at the dogs but that's pretty much it.....I remember the other ones talking more at this age....should I be concerned? If nothing else, I guess I just need some reassurance. =)

On a happy note, my BFF is coming home in two weeks. I cannot wait to see her. She moved to Japan last summer and is coming home for the summer. Her hubby was just deployed to Afghanistan so please keep him in your prayers.

I am.....

2010-05-18T15:54:00.000-04:00

frustrated
irritated
out of patience
headachy
worried
stressed
tired
angry
irritated (oh, I already said that...)

Even though I am all of these things and I still very thankful and trying very hard to appreciate the blessings I do have.....I just don't feel like being very nice right now...that's all. =/

Monkey Minute - 5/17/2010

2010-05-17T09:27:00.000-04:00

It's Monday and time for ~~Monday~~ Monkey Minute. Hope over to Ian's and link up to play along.

Here's the questions and my answers:

Have you ever peed in the shower/bath/pool?

Okay, we are being honest here, right??? In that case, yeah, I have....all of the above...well, except the bath....but then I probably did that when I was a baby...I mean all babies do that.. =)
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People lying to me....especially when the lies are so obvious and they think I am stupid enough to believe them.....I have a lot of pet peeves but that's probably the biggest.
What's the story behind your blog title?
I'm a Momma to 4 monkeys and I tend to get on my soapbox every so often about certain topics....and also, being a Momma I am constantly cleaning and need the 'soapbox' for that too. =)
What is your definition of success?
Raising happy healthy kids, doing what I love, and having financial peace and stability

If you were famous, what would you want to be famous for?
Probably for writing....it's my secret....okay not so secret passion....I'd love to be able to make a fortune writing....

Getting to Know YOU! - 5/16/10

2010-05-16T10:39:00.001-04:00

It's Sunday and that means it's time for another getting to know YOU post! If you wanna play along, get your fanny over to Keely's (click the button above) and link up!

This week's questions are:

1. The most expensive thing hanging in my closet is.....?

     Goodness...we are talking to the queen of cheap here so this is a hard one for me......probably some of my shoes...I have a pair of Clarks and Nine West that I LOVE.

2. Have you ever played a team sport?
back in the day I'd play some volleyball, basketball, and softball....heck I'd even play some football on occasion...lol

3. If you were a bug, what kind would you be?
first off, let me say EWWW! I hate bugs! but if I had to be one, I'd be a butterfly....they are the only bugs that are remotely pretty....as long as they stay away from me...lol

4. Where on your body is the worst place to get sunburned? (thanks Ian)
for me, it's my back....I can't stand to get sunburned on my back. I can't reach it with the aloe and then it inevitably ends up itching like crazy.

5. Are you happy?
what a deep question.....I think for the most part....yes, I am happy. I have my kids, my health, my hubby (even though we weren't sure he was going to make it just over a month ago), my faith.....now if I could just get some financial stability and peace, I'd be a force to reckon with... =)

6. People are always abbreviating..are there any abbreviations that make your skin crawl when people use them?
   I don't really get too annoyed with abbreviations....probably because I use them a lot. =) One that I think is stupid, though, is one my oldest daughter and her friends use when texting....WRUD....what are you doing....I just think that one is stupid....just my opinoin though

7. Do you love where you live..or could you live anywhere?
   I love where we live...the area...the town....but I really want to live at the coast one day....and I'll get there...just you wait and see. =)

8. What, if any, extreme measures do you go to to keep yourself from overeating when you're full?
   nothing really extreme....just put down and the fork and walk away....LOL

Getting My Craft ON...

2010-05-15T15:02:00.000-04:00

I have been feeling like I have lost my crafty side somewhere with everything that has gone on over the past couple months. So while going through some of my stuff (while cleaning out for the yard sale), I rediscovered my crafty side. So at night, when everyone is asleep, I have been getting my craft on.

My mom gave me these cute little "bill" boxes that she found and I decided to do them up a bit. I've managed to complete one so far....

Here's the before:

And here's the after:

Simple but pretty, I think. =)

There will definitely be more to come.....I have this cute little recipe box to fix up as well.

Samuel's First Haircut!

2010-05-14T16:37:00.000-04:00

Earlier this week, I finally bit the bullet and we cut Sam's hair. It was so long and curly, people were confusing him for a girl (which was quite frustrating). Plus the back was constantly matted up and I can't stand that, so I broke down and decided that it needed to be cut.

So here's a before the hair cut (but it doesn't really show the length that he had):

And here's the after:

It's shorter than what we were going for. We had a guard on the clippers but his hair was so thin and fine that the clippers wouldn't cut it so we had to go with no guard. I think he looks so much older now and alot like his brother...lol. (Logan got a hair cut too)

It brings back memories of Logan first hair cut.....boy time sure does fly....

A Little Bit of this...

2010-05-12T20:56:00.000-04:00

and a little bit of that....is what I'm going to give you...lol

I realized that I haven't blogged in almost a week! That's just crazy...but you know how it is....life gets busy.

I finished up Spring semester on Friday, well technically Monday but we weren't doing anything so I ddin't go to class. All my grades were turned in today and I aced it! Made all A's, that's a 4.0 people! I was so proud of myself considering everything that I went through this semester with the husband's illness and hospitalization.(patting myself on the back)
We are in the last month of school for the girls and I think we are all excited! I am glad to not have to deal with waking them up in the mornings and they are glad to not have to get up in the mornings...lol. Megan has EOG testing this week.
I cannot believe that it's birthday party time again for 3 of the 4 monkeys. I am in the process of trying to get something planned for them, nothing major because we'll be heading to see my dad (the beach!)the week after their party.
We finally cut Sammy's hair this week! I almost cried because he looks so much older now without the long hair and little curls. He looks like a little man....now everyone asks if he and Logan are twins. I will try to post pictures tomorrow. (right now I'm too lazy to get up and get the camera)
I am going to the women's banquet at our church this coming Saturday. I am really excited about getting to know the women so much better and getting more involved in our church. I can't describe the sense of peace I have felt since becoming involved in church again. I love our new church family and love the pastor, he always has such a meaningful message to share.
I have a couple good job possibilities that have come up....I am hoping and praying that one of them come through for me....we could really use it.

I reckon that's about all for now.....I'll try to be a better blogger. =)

Off to bed sleepy head....

2010-05-06T09:27:00.000-04:00

This morning....okay it's still morning but it was so darm cute and I have a moment so I just had to share this.

I have been doing laundry and attempting to finish my final paper for school. Logan is gone with Daddy, so it's just me and Samuel this morning.....Samuel was playing in his room and then all was quiet except for the squeaking of Logan's bed....so I peak in there and find Samuel in Logan's bed with his (Sam's) blanket over his head, on his knees, rocking back and forth....it was too cute....a few minutes later the squeaking stopped and all was completely quiet so I check again and this is what I found....

How cute is this I ask you????

P.S. I checked and he can breath, but he's sleeping so good I decided to leave him be, no point in disturbing him.

Have a great Thursday folks!

Monday Minute....my first ever...

2010-05-03T09:08:00.000-04:00

Get on over to Ian's and link up; and if you haven't checked him out before, do it now. He's too funny!

1 - How much would you have to be paid to eat a human cadaver's finger?

Oh my lord, I'd hope that this really wouldn't be an option but if I had to, I would have to be paid 20 million and not a penny less.....and that's tax free too. =)

2 - Describe the worst physical fight you've ever been in.

it's probably the only physical fight I've ever been in and it was with my sister. It was the morning of her 16th bday, for some strange reason (she must've been looking for a fight) she came up to me out of the blue and smacked me right on top of the head (HARD), I said what was that for, she said because I can, then proceeded to do it again....I lost it! We started swinging, then she started trying to push me down the steps (we were on our front porch), so I swung myself around, picked her up and threw her off the porch...then I realized what I did and saw how PISSED she was, so I chickened out, ran in the house and locked the doors until she could calm down....lol

3 - Name one song that if you never heard it ever again, you'd be thrilled.

that stupid Tick Tock song by Kesha.....I am so tired of hearing it....all the freaking time!

4 - Describe the "drunkest" situation you've ever been.
at a friends birthday party, I was a little drunk.....okay, really really drunk. I started making out in her yard with this guy....in front of God and everyone....then gave my number to some random ugly guy....finally my friend's boyfriend rescued my from doing anything incredibly stupid and made me go sleep it off....by myself....I have never been that drunk again.....ever.

5 - What's your biggest regret?
trusting the wrong people 2 1/2 years ago and then having it come to bite me in the ass....big time....

It's Friday!!!! & a 5QF post...

2010-04-30T12:47:00.000-04:00

That's right....it's Friday and that means it's time for another Five Questions Friday! If you wanna play along, get on over to Mama M's by clicking the button below, read the rules, and link up. You'll meet all kinds of groovy (yeah, I said groovy...he he he) bloggers. =)

This weeks questions are....

1. If you could, would you go back to high school?

Wow. I've often asked myself this question and honestly I enjoyed high school but I don't think I would do it all over again. I had great friends, learned a lot, and had good experiences (for the most part), but that is such a confusing/difficult time in your life that I know I don't want to do it again. BUT with that being said, I do wish I could go back and give teenage Ann a little bit more self-confidence and tell her to love herself more.

2. If a genie appeared and granted you two wishes, what would they be? (And, no saying "more wishes".)
If I could have two wishes they would be a million or two dollars and a peaceful life. I say a million or two because all I really want is financial peace.....a cute little house (not BIG because I dont wanna have to clean it all...lol) and a lot of land, no bills to worry about and a little left over to travel to all the places I've always wanted to go. And as a peaceful life, I mean no conflicts, no angry words, just happiness in each other and the things we surround ourselves with.

3. What kids show do you secretly like?
Dora and iCarly....lol I can't believe I finally admitted it! =)
4. What is your beverage of choice?
Non-Alcoholic - a mocha frapp, no whip topping, I ♥ those things and could really drink one on a daily basis, good thing I can make it at home....lol.

Alcoholic - it's a toss up between a Rum & Coke, I love me some Captain, and a frozen strawberry margarita

5. What is something that you would change about yourself (or are working to change in yourself)?
I'm going to take a clue from Mama M and do physical and non-physical:

physical - hands down, my belly, if I could take it off I would in a heartbeat....lol...but I am trying to work on it. ;)

non-physical - I would say my relationship with God...I am working on a closer relationship with Him and depending on Him only, nothing else. As I work on this, everything else seems to follow and fall into place.

Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend!

Duh, Which Way Do I Go?

2010-04-27T16:05:00.000-04:00

Do you ever feel like this?

I do....all the time in fact! There are so many things I enjoy doing or want to try to do that I generally overwhelm myself. I was reminded of this today....

I am in the process of trying to get stuff together to have a yard sale week after next in order to raise funds for my empty bank account. So I started going through the closets and plan to start on our storage building, too.....but as I go, I've come across my crafting stuff...ie, yard, cross-stitch, fabric, beads, scrapbooking material, paint, etc...(you get the picture?) and I am reminded of all the things I REALLY like to do but never seem to have to time to do them anymore or when I do have the time, I seriously lack motivation. Yeah, I hear people tell me, "Hello, Ann, you have four kids and you're in school, when do you have time?" I know, but as I've mentioned before, I think I have some adult ADD issues....I feel like I have to have several things going on at once or I get bored (gasp!). How ridiculous is that?

As I write this, I think back to when I was a young girl and would read three different books at the same time, plus do crafts, plus schoolwork, etc.....yeah, now we know where Megan gets if from. =) (love ya, Meggy, I know you're reading this, now you know Momma is to blame....ha!)

Sometimes I wonder: 1. whether or not I'm a glutton for punishment or 2. just simply crazy...LOL.

The sad part is that no matter how frustrated I get while trying to do everything, I will almost always refuse help. Now that is just sad! LOL I am working hard to improve this one....like handing out chores or errands for others to do.....but that still doesn't help me with the hobbies and things that I enjoy or want to at least try, nor does it help me with developing motivation. I guess this one I am going to have to continue to work on.....

Sorry if this is more rambling than anything....I just needed to get these thoughts out of my head. =)

Have a great Tuesday and I am off to begin my final paper of this semester.

Observations....

2010-04-26T15:47:00.000-04:00

Living in the South you see all kinds of goings on....

especially when you live out in the country like we do...

This brings me to a little observation I made today.

When needing to crush cans (beer cans to be exact), grab a buddy, a truck, and a rake. Pour the cans out in the driveway, have your buddy get in the truck and back over the cans, then you take the rake and shuffle said cans around, then have buddy drive over the cans again, repeat as many times as necessary until all cans are suffiently crushed.....because who has time to actually crushed them one by one and where is the fun in that.

In case you were wondering, NO we did not do this but YES I did happen to witness a neighbor (about a half mile down the road) performing this task. I couldn't help but laugh my head off once I realized exactly what is was they were doing....

Summer Survivial List

2010-04-26T13:19:00.000-04:00

Mama4Real came up with a marvelous idea....write you summer survival list and link up....so get on over to her blog and link your list up with hers. =)

So here's my list:

1. flip flops - these are a must have for me and the kiddos...we leave them by the back door and slip 'em right on when it's time to go out.

2. a yard - this is a definite must! my kiddos will stay outside playing for hours and it helps keep the house clean. =)

3. ice cream - in any shape, brand, and almost any flavor....we love us some ice cream

4. water toys - either a sprinkler or little swimming pool, these a defiinite musts for the summer

5. good books - we take several trips to the library during the summer, books are a must

6. daycations - we try to take cheap, little day trips to get everyone out of the house and experiencing places around home that we've never been to before.

7. grill - a definite must because I hate to turn on my oven in the summer....I love to grill as much as possible.

Have a great Monday everyone!

Getting to Know YOU! - 4/25/2010

2010-04-25T14:02:00.000-04:00

It's Sunday! and we all know what that means....yep, another Getting to know YOU! hosted by Keely. If you wanna play along then hop your fanny on over to her blog and link up with us. =)

1. If you could star in any movie genre..what would it be..romance..horror..comedy..suspense or action?
    I would probably pick a romantic comedy....because I love romance and I find myself quite funny at times...LOL and I am such a clutz/dork/nerd that I would make a good heroine of a romantic comedy...lol.

2. Do you recycle?
   Since moving here in August, we haven't been recycling and I feel terrible about it. We just talked about it the other day and I hoping to buy an extra trash can or two soon that is just for recyclables.

3. Have you ever been to a strip club?
   Nope. If you know me, then you know I am SUPER old fashioned and therefore have no desire to go to one....not even a male strip club....

4. Do you have a nickname?
   Growing up my nickname was Annabelle or AnnieFannie....I've mostly grew out of those but I am still called Annie (especially by my BFF) or Bitch....HA! (not in a bad way, in a you-don't-take-shit-off-of-people way...lol)

5. What's a name you can't stand to be called?
   Laura...in Steve Irkel's voice....my first name is Laura and my mom still thinks it's funny to call me Laura in Steve's nasally, whiny voice

6. What are your Summer staples?
   flip flops, sandals, shorts, ice cream, good books, beach music...by the Beach Boys, the Embers, the Part Time Party Time Band....I could go on and on. =)

7. What was the last thing you bought for yourself?
   My baby....aka my camera...my Nikon D3000 that I bought in January...I ♥ it very, very much.

8. Are you happy with your boob size?
   hmm, I would say sort of....my size (38DDD) is okay, I mean I've dealt with them my entire life almost, I would just like to make a few changes to them such as: a lift and evening them out (one's a cup size larger than the other so I would bring the left down to the size of the right then I could go down a bra size....TMI???)

Starting early….

2010-04-24T08:52:00.000-04:00

Here lately when the boys’ room gets quiet, I immediately think “uh-oh, what are they up to?” So the other day, the older kids were outside and I was preparing supper (that’s what we call where I come from ;)..) and Samuel was playing in his room. I noticed that I hadn’t heard him yell “mamaaaa” in a while so I snuck a peak to see what he was up to. This is what I found:

Sammy playing with his brother’s Hot Wheels Cars and car track. It was so cute! He would put them on the top and push them down and watch the entire descent….

“Where are they going???”

“Mom, did you see that?!?!?”

I guess I find it so cute because I never expected him to be so ‘in’ to cars at this age. =)

Clarification and a 5QF....

2010-04-23T11:05:00.000-04:00

First things first....I wanted to take a minute here to clarify some things regarding my last post and tell those of you that commented thanks for sharing your opinion. =) In regards to my last post, I don't think I was clear in my meaning of clubs/bars......I was talking the clubs and bars where the hoochies go...lol...or the ones full of college kids, dressed in their sluttiest attire. I really wasn't meaning karaoke bars, sports bars, that type of thing, and I also want to clarify that I am not in anyway against "girl time" or "guy time". We all need our own time, my version of girl time would be going out to dinner and drinks or the karoake bar...something along those lines, but not dressing in my skimpy (not that I have any..lol) clothes with my boobs hanging out or my ass shining and getting with my fellow hooched out girls and going "dancing". In my opinion, that is just not appropriate behavior for a married mother. This is the behavior I was referring to in my post and I am sorry that I wasn't more clear on that.....again though, thanks for your honest comments. =) I love hearing other people opinions.

Okay....now on to a litte 5QF fun! =) If you want to play along, click on the button below and link up with Mama M.

This week's questions are:

1. What was the first car you owned?

my first car was a 1978 Ford Fairmont. not familiar? well, here's a picture for ya!

Ain't she a beaut? Mine was ~~rusted gray~~ silver with burgandy vinyl benchseat that burned your fanny when the sun was out. She had an AM radio....yeah AM, so I was all cool listening to "Que Pasa" radio and Swap Shop. That baby had a V8 and some serious get up and go...a little too much power for a 16 year old to be honest. And she had one hell of a big trunk, could easily stuff 4 or 5 friends in there...lol. Yeah she was a hot car and everyone was totally jealous....totally. (wink wink)

2. What song are you embarrassed to know the lyrics to?
   Oh my gosh....I know lots of song lyrics....to lots of songs.....but it's pretty embarssassing that I know ALL the words to Vanilla Ice's "Ice Ice Baby"...lol. I was going to say I was embarassed that I know all the New Kids on the Block songs but I'm not really embarrassed...I loved them! LOL especially Joey. ;)

3. Have you ever had stitches?
   As big of a clutz as I am, you would think I've had stitches like crazy....but nope...no stitches yet....well I did have staples after my c-section with Samuel, does that count?

4. What was your first job?
   My first job was in the ShoeMart at Kmart. I was responsible to stocking the shoe dept., setting up displays, straightening shelves, etc. It was a good job because it was only my manager and me so we hardly ever worked together and as long as the work got done, all was good. I ended up having to quit when they cut our hours and I was only working 8 hours a week.

5. Who is your favorite Sesame Street character?
    my favorite Sesame Street character is Ernie. I love him....I often felt sorry for him for having to put up with Bert's crankiness. When I was little, I would compare Bert and Ernie to me and my sister. She was grumpy like Bert and I am laid back like Ernie....and I had to put up with her crap like Ernie put up with Bert.

Clubs/Bars/Marriage????

2010-04-22T14:06:00.001-04:00

My husband and I were having a conversation this morning about being married and still going to clubs and bars. Apparently a friend of his on facebook that was married a couple months ago is still going out to clubs and bars at least once a week with friends. So he asks me, "What's your opinion on this, do you think it's ok?" Okay, well first he probably already knew what my answer would be since....HELLO....we've been married for 12 years. But I indulged him anyways and answered that no I do not think it's right for a woman, already married, to be going to clubs and bars without her spouse. Personally, I wouldn't go to clubs with my spouse but definitely wouldn't go without him. In my mind, a club/bar atmosphere is for picking up members of the opposite sex or "hooking up" for the night....again this is just my opinion. I have noticed lately though that several female aquaintances (married ones) spend every other weekend at the clubs/bars and without their S.O. This just really bothers me and make me think they must not be happy in their situation to be doing this. Is that a niave outlook? Also, last month (actually the day hubs was hospitalized) a large group of girls I went to high school with were planning to get together...now these are women in the 30's, most are married, and most have children. I was all excited about going until the finallized plans were announced. The plans were go to dinner and then start hopping different clubs downtown. I have to say I was disappointed. How would we catch up with one another in that atmosphere??? So, needless to say, I cancelled and didn't go.

What's your opinion on this? I am interested to hear how other feel about this. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think....

Post-It Note Tuesday

2010-04-20T12:59:00.000-04:00

It's Tuesday and that means it's post-it note Tuesday. I am not really playing along with anyone or linking up (yeah, I know, I am no fun), I just wanted to do a post-it note post. =) So here ya go...

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

P.S. Can anyone tell me how to "edit" the tabs at the top of my blog? I can't figure it out to save my life....any help would be appreciated. =)

Looking Out My Back Door….

2010-04-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

On a beautiful spring day, this is what I see looking out MY back door….

What do you see out your back door?

Getting to Know YOU! - 4/18/2010

2010-04-18T10:15:00.000-04:00

That's right folks! It's time for another Getting to know YOU Sunday! If you wanna play along just visit Keely, grap the questions, answer them and link on up.

Here are today's questions:

1. Mens chests..hairy or hairless?

      definitely hairless and nearly hairless. I do not like a hairy man....for some reason it totally grosses me out. Yuck! If I see a stray hair on the hubby's back, I am plucking that sucker...ya know, don't want to give them a chance to take over...ha!
2. How often do you run red lights?
     Very rarely....I do not need a traffic ticket and I definitely don't need to get into an accident
3. If you could raid any celebrity's closet..whose would you raid?
    I have no idea on this one! Sometimes I wish I was a little more of a fashionista but it's really not who I am so I really, really have no idea.
4. Would you rather have more followers/friends on Facebook, Twitter, or your Blog?
    definitely my blog....I love having followers, especially when they leave comments. =) When I get a new follower I jump for joy.....well silently jump for joy...=)
5. What makes you feel sexy?
    an outfit that fits well, you know not showing off my fat, and my hair did up and my hubby's look telling me he appreciates the way I look
6. I get excited when...........?
     hello...didn't you read number 4???

7. Are you the "outdoorsy" type or more "indoorsy"?
      I am a little bit of both, I love to do stuff outdoors like fishing, hiking, four-wheeling, but I also love spending time indoors doing crafts, cooking, etc.
8. Would you rather have your dream home or a million dollars?
     I would rather have the million dollars....that way I can make some smart investments and make more money off that million and buy my dream house and still have some left over....because let's be honest here folks, my dream home doesn't cost anywhere near a million bucks.....because who would have to clean....me that's who! LOL

Springtime Cuties...

2010-04-17T15:11:00.000-04:00

About dang time...and 5QF!

2010-04-16T10:26:00.000-04:00

That I am sitting down and taking the time to blog. =)

First off, a little update...the hubs has been back home a little over a week and things are going well. He still has his good days and his bad, but overall things are progressing in the right direction. He is eating like he is suppose to, taking ALL his medicines, checking his blood sugar (on his own!), and begining to get around and do things (although he still gets tired easily). We have started putting his Jeep back together, which is wonderful since he had taken it all apart the day before he was admitted to the hospital. The kids LOVE having daddy back home and getting back into our normal routine. My school semester is almost over and I have to say I am glad....even though I'll just be going right back for summer term. The girls have like 40 days, or something close to that, left. Can ya'll believe how fast this school year went by???

So...now for the fun....on to Five Questions Friday!!!

If you wanna play along, click on the button below and link up.

Now the questions

1. What words do you use on your blog/online that you don't use in real life?

     hmmm, well I usually try to write as I would speak so this ones hard....maybe LOL....I don't say that...ever...but I DO say ya'll....a LOT more than I write it...

2. Do you still write checks?
     yes...well since I just recently opened a checking account again (first one is a few years) I do write checks but only for bills and for field trips and other school related issues....everything else I use the ole check card.

3. Who was your favorite President and why?
   hmmm, this is a hard one....too bad the question isn't least favorite...lol. but I'm going to go with my favorite during my lifetime....and that, for me, would be Reagan....in my opinion he is the last good president we've had.....and that's all I have to say about that.

4. Are you a yeller?
   I'll admit it....no matter how hard I try not to be, yes I am a yeller....I know I shouldn't be but sometimes I just can't help myself....

5. Have you ever dumpster dived?
    hahahahaha! I'm going to fess up and say yep, I've done it before....well really things just outside the dumpster....now I'm blushing....lol

Have a great Friday folks!

It's a MIRACLE!

2010-04-06T23:07:00.000-04:00

Well my dear bloggy friends.....it appears that a miracle has occurred!

And I am so stunned I can hardly believe it!

So, as you know if you follow me on twitter or facebook, my hubby was transferred to another hospital yesterday.

Today, the performed an endoscopy test on him and looked all around inside of his body and guess what.............................

WAIT FOR IT.....

The pseudo-cyst on his pancreas has completely HEALED!!!! OVER THE WEEKEND!!!!!

Do you know what this means? It means exactly 1 month from the day he was admitted, he is deemed healthy enough to go home to recupperate!

Finally, I get to take my hubby home....(if something happens tomorrow and I dont get to, I'm going to be soooo unhappy and disappointed).

God has truly answered our prayers. I am so thankful......still a bit shocked but oh so very thankful.

Well, that's all for tonight, I will let everyone know more later.

What If.....

2010-04-04T00:43:00.000-04:00

(FYI: This post has been inspired by this post by Mama4Real, check her out, she's awesome.)

Do you ever find yourself asking this question? Boy, I sure do. On a weekly basis, if not a daily one. I know that I really shouldn't dwell on the past, but sometimes I cannot help it.

Sometimes I think where would I be if I hadn't got married so young? Where would I be if I'd followed this path? Where would I be if I hadn't quit this job? Where would I be now if I hadn't trusted this person? Where would I be if I hadn't made this mistake? Where would I be now if I had trusted that person? Etc, etc, etc....

Don't get me wrong, I don't regret my life as it is now. I love my husband more now than I thought I could. I love my kids more than life....I mean I'd kill for them, I really would....I love the love we all have for each other.

I love the path we have finally found ourselves on....not so much financially because goodness knows we could stand a break finanically, but the path we are on as far as what it takes to make us happy.

But I still can't help but wonder at times, how would things be different? If I hadn't lost my job in 2008, how would we be doing? Would we even have Samuel? Would I still be working there even though I was stressed to the max?

I don't know the answers to these questions and I don't know that I want to really know the answers to these questions, but I do know that everything happens for a reason. Do you know that old Garth Brooks song "Unanswered Prayers"?...."some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers...." How true is that? Think of all the things you've begged God for, prayed for....things you thought at the time you desperately needed God to give you but you never recieved them.....unanswered prayers.....hmmmm. I believe there is a reason for them going on unanswered......just my opinion.

So all this deep thougtht leads me to this......I have found myself peering down a new path.....a path I once dreamed of a long, long, long time ago. A path that I got off of that long time ago for no other reason than pure laziness....taking the easy way out. Well, I've looked down this path quite a few times over the past two years but put it to the side because I thought, once again, that it was unattainable for me right now. Then my husband was hospitalized on March 6th with pancreatitis and the "experts" thought he would only be there a week. It's been 28 days now. I have spent time everyday at the hospital, usually twice a day, making sure he is getting the care he deserves, checking his meds, inquiring about what they are giving him, why they are giving it, inquiring about different body functions, different tests results, etc, etc, etc. This experience made me realize that I really need to get on that path that I dreamed of a long time ago....and that path is the path to nursing school. With my husbands support, I am going to take the plunge, finish up my pre-requisites, and apply for nursing school! I am so excited about the prospect of finally walking down this path. I know it will take time, but I feel like I have to do it. I miss working in the medical field, I need a stable, good paying job (because let's face it, my hubs is not going to be able to return to the extremely physical job he worked before he got sick (he will be disabled)), I need a job that I will absolutely enjoy working, and I need the knowledge required to help my hubs take care of himself. And I really and truly believe that said job is being a nurse.

Missing...

2010-04-02T23:29:00.000-04:00

My husband.....man, I am missing that man like crazy! I miss our talks, or just having an adults to talk to, I miss his help with the kids, his jokes, his sarcasm, heck, I even miss his moodiness. =)
the smiles on my kids faces.....they miss their daddy so much! We (the 5 of us) went to the hospital this evening to see him and Allison finally broke down, she got in bed with her daddy, hugged him, and just cried.....heartbreaking I tell ya....heartbreaking.
my patience.....I am so fed up with the hospital....it's not even funny! Today, one doc tells us the following: Come Sunday night or Monday morning, we'll be transferring you to _____ hospital. They will do surgery there. Thirty minutes later another doc says, we're going to try something else and see how he does......bla bla bla...you're not being transferred. So I freaking lost it. I tried to keep calm, I really did....and even managed it for about an hour....then Bitch Ann took over...I called the hospital and informed the charge nurse that she better get the GI doc on the phone and tell him to call me. Needless to say, I got a phone call back almost immediately and a concrete plan....well concrete for the next couple days. They are moving the hubs to a MUCH better hospital, so some docs with serious experience can take over. And on top of it all, said doc tells hubs, "Mr. Hale, you were much, much sicker than we realized or anticipated." Well, duh! Ya think! I mean this IS day 28 of hospital stay.....geez....
sleep....I can't seem to find it! I have the hardest time going to sleep at night, but then cannot get up in the morning.....sigh.....

Post-It Note Tuesday.

2010-03-30T22:17:00.000-04:00

This is my first time playing along. If you want to play along too, hop over the Supah's for instructions and to link up.

Live like....

2010-03-28T23:10:00.000-04:00

"Live like you'll die tomorrow, die knowing you'll live forever"

I love this....it's from Rich Mullins' song Live Right.

When I was younger, I had a t-shirt from our youth group that had this saying on it. I liked the t-shirt, but I love reading these words and what they reminded me of.

I was reminded of this saying again today. At the hospital today visiting my hubby, we all go to talking about age. My dad stated that he was "double nickels" but only for a little while longer and how he had thought being 55 was so old when he was younger. Then my grandmother piped in that she was 73...almost 74, and how she thought that was old when she was younger. Then the hubs spoke up and said, "Hey, what about turning 38 and then a week later being admitted to the hospital...and still there 22 days later."

That statement REALLY made me stop and think. None of us are ever guaranteed a tomorrow here on Earth. I feel that too many of us spend too much time focusing on tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, etc. We worry about planning for this or planning for that, when for all we know, we could just be wasting our time.

So that thought, then lead me to remembering that t-shirt from back when I was 14 and the lyrics screen-printed on it.

"Live like you'll die tomorrow, Die knowing you'll live forever."

I plan to try to remember this on a daily basis and live like I'm going to die tomorrow, but die knowing I will live forever!

Getting to Know YOU! - 3/28/10

2010-03-28T11:12:00.000-04:00

I am finally participating in another Getting to Know YOU-Sunday! Hop on over to Keely's to link up if you wanna play along.

This week's questions are from a man's perspective and here they are:

1 - Why did you start blogging?

       I originally started blogging almost 2 years ago mainly as a way to share pictures with friends and family and as a way to document our lives....then it eventually turned into a healthy outlet for me.

2 - Who's the one blog friend that you would want to meet most in "real life"?
     Probably either Kimber or Julie or Mindi

3 - Why are you always concerned with losing that "extra 10 pounds" when chances are your husband/boyfriend/friends tell you that you look just fine the way you are?
     ummm, probably because I don't agree with the whole "you look just fine the way you are"....can we say low self-esteem at times. =)

4 - What's the one thing you wish guys could understand about you?
     that sometimes I want to be taken care of instead of always taking care of everyone else.
5 - Tattoos. How many do you have and how many are visible when you wear your "everyday" clothes?
      I have one and it's on my ankle so unless I'm wearing shorts you would never know it's there.
6 - What was the best year of your life and why?
      Ooooh, good question.....I'm going to say 1998, 2003, 2007, and 2009...the years my kiddos were born. =)
7 - Name three things you would do if you were a man for one day.
      Pee standing up, grab myself in public, and cat-call....LMAO! I don't know, never really thought about it.
8 - What's your alcoholic drink of choice that usually raises a few eyebrows?
      Captain and Coke.....I know, not real shocking but considering I'm not a drinker it usually surprises people that I enjoy a good Captain and Coke.

There ya go!.....now I'm off to spend some time with my Dad and take them to the hospital to see the hubs!

Have a great Sunday everyone!

5QF! - 03/26/10

2010-03-26T23:15:00.000-04:00

Okay bloggy peeps, I am sick of being worried, upset, frustrated, worried, tired, etc...so I have decided to participate in 5QF brought to us by Mama M.

As fas as the hubs is concerned, he is still in the hospital. He has developed a pseudocist on his pancreas. They have inserted a tube and it is draining. Monday they will do another CT scan to see if it's shrinking or healing on it's on....if not then a "serious surgery" (as the GI doc called it) is next. Either way, we are looking at some seriously long recovery time for him. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, as of right now we have so source of income. I am surviving on what is left of my school money for this semester. Once it runs out, I don't know what I'm going to do. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it, I guess. In the meantime, I am trying my damnedest to come up with a solution.

Geez, I didn't mean for this to turn into a pity party....sorry 'bout that. Now on to the fun stuff! Click on the button below if you want to play along and link up.

Now for the questions!

1. Did you pass your driver's test on the first try?

    Heck no! And I totally blame the tester guy....he's the jerk that failed me and it couldn't have been my fault, right???? Well anyways, after the 3rd try, I got it. So it sucked to be 16 for 5 days (my birthday that year was on a Saturday) before I could legally drive on my own.

2. What is your most embarrassing moment?
    do I have to pick one??? I'll just name a few....falling UP the stairs freshman year of high school in front of some seriously cute senior boys.....farting in class on accident....farting in front of the Hubs for the first time....failing my driver's test.....falling asleep this week in the car rider pick up line....As you can tell I do a lot of embarrassing stuff....so it's a good thing I can laugh at myself, right?

3. What TV show would you like to be on- Oprah, Biggest Loser, or What Not to Wear?
    Oprah if she giving away stuff or money
    Biggest Loser if I gain anymore weight
    What Not To Wear because I know they would have a ball with me, I am NOT a fashionista...not one bit.

4. Would you ever get plastic surgery and what kind?
    I would get a tummy tuck with some lipo and maybe a boob lift because them babies are hanging low...LOL

5. What are your favorite jeans to wear?
    a brand new pair that my Mom bought me for my birthday a few weeks ago....BandolinoBlu....I love the color of them and the way they fit...super comfy but nice looking as well

A Picture Post....

2010-03-23T22:35:00.000-04:00

Just thought it was time for a picture post....

My Dad and Logan

Megan and Lilly Bear....LOL

Logan, the stud...lol

Paco was checking out the camera....

Mama's little Sammy....ain't he cute?

Allison with her cousin, Kamryn (first time they met, long story)

So there's some picture, hope you enjoyed them.

The hubs is still in the hospital....he took a few steps back but he is still determined to get better and get out of that hospital. Please continue to pray!

Thankful...

2010-03-19T21:58:00.000-04:00

My husband, whom I've loved but with the craziness of life sort of forgot just how much and what all he means to me and my family, has been in the hospital for 13 days now.

13 days ago, we (including the hospital staff) thought he'd only be there for a week.

12 days ago, his body began to give up.

11 days ago, his kidneys almost shut down.

10 days ago, we thought he was going to have to be put on dialysis.

9 days ago, he stopped breathing.

8 days ago, he finally realized just how sick he is.

5 days ago, he moved out of the ICU.

4 days ago, fluid was drained out of his abdomen.

3 days ago, he walked for the first time in 10 days.

1 day ago, he was given two pints of blood for low hemoglobin (the reason for the lowness is still unknown)

Tonight, the doctors are saying that they are planning to stop his IV's tomorrow and let him eat more and see how he does.

I cannot put into words how wonderful, great, fantastic this news is!

I am so thankful.....thankful for everyone's thoughts and prayers, for God listening and deciding to let me keep him for a bit longer, for God reminding me how much this man means to me and our family, for God reminding me that we MUST do our part to take care of our bodies, for all the help from friends and family members......I could go on and on and on....

So I sit here tonight reflecting on all that has happened over the past 2 weeks.....and all I can seem to say is

I AM SO THANKFUL!!!

Updating.....

2010-03-17T21:31:00.001-04:00

I realized that I haven't blogged since my birthday.

I guess you could say that I've had good reason....between the kids, school, the hospital, the housework, and the worry it's no wonder... =)

So I'll start with an update on the hubs....

On Sunday, the 14th, Allan was moved out of the ICU to a monitored bed. They decided that since his vital had stayed stable for 3 days that it was safe to move him upstairs where he could have a bit more privacy and rest more. So Sunday night, the kids got to see their Daddy. It was the first time in a week.

Since moving to the monitored bed, he had some fluid removed from his abdomen and it relieved some of the pressure on his diaphram and he is breathing much better. Now they tell me it's a wait and see and maintain game. They are still fighting the infection raging inside his digestive system, still trying to regulate his blood sugar, allowing him to have sips of clear liquid, waiting for his pancreas to heal itself, still keeping his pain down, and trying to maintain his stable condition to prevent anything else from going wrong. Oh, and they also have Physical Therapy working with him to get him stronger. We are taking it one day at a time and hoping/praying for the fastest, best recovery possible.

(Deep Breath)

Okay that being said....this has been one heck of a week for me so far. The hubs pain meds make him a little loopy, grumpy, and confused....and I am the lucky one that gets to bear the brunt (spelling???) of it all. I had a break down yesterday, ready to give up....but then today, I realized that I can't take any of it personal, he can't help it, and never remembers any of it. For instance, this evening I was up there from 5:45-7pm, I had to convince him that it was 6pm, not 6am.....then I made him sit up and talk to me instead of laying there like a vegetable....we had a nice conversation....then I straightened him and his bed and tucked him in (he was ready to go to sleep he told me) and left. An hour and a half later, he called home and wanted to know what time I was coming up there.....he had totally blanked on my being there and thought it was the next morning. (sigh)

With all this going on, I had to put my job search on hold. There is just no way that I can get a job right now. I can't work, go to school, take care of the kids, and visit the hubs.....there's just not enought time or energy...so that take us to my worrying. I have NO idea when more money is going to come in or where it's going to come from. This has me seriously stressed.....I try not to dwell on it too much because deep down I know it will all work out eventually....but there are times, like when bills come in or I have to balance my checkbook that I start to hyperventilate and freak out......(sigh)

When all is said and done, I am so thankful for everyone's thoughts and prayers. I truly believe that if it weren't for all those prayers going up, that we would have lost him last week....and if that happens, I don't know what I will do....so thank you, thank you, thank you.....

You Say it's Your Birthday.....

2010-03-12T00:20:00.000-05:00

well it's my birthday, too!

Yeah, so today is my birthday. Honestly, I could really care less. I think I have one of the unluckiest birthdays ever. Every since I was a little girl, I have felt this way. I have lost two great-grandfathers and a grandfather right on or before my birthdays....if it was before, then my birthday was spent at the funeral.

So this year, I have gotten the WORST birthday gift....my hubby of 12 1/2 years in the hospital, in ICU, and expected to be there for quite some time.

Although things are better today than compared to two days ago, he is still very sick.

So, I thought I'd be spending my birthday heading to Myrtle Beach for the weekend, enjoying some relaxing time with the family, worrying about turning 32, realizing I have so many more gray hairs this year than last...

But instead I'll spend it being a single mom, albeit a temporary single mom....I'm telling you, I was not cut out to be a single mom of four children, (I need help, I need my partner here. I envy all you single mom's even more now after going through what I've dealt with this week.) shuffling back and forth between the hospital and home and other homes...never getting to really spend much quality time with my babies, reasuring them that their Daddy is going to be okay, etc, etc, etc.

So dear birthday of mine......please hurry by and when you come around next year....make it a good one, hell, make it a dull, boring one...

Feelings....

2010-03-08T23:00:00.000-05:00

I want to organize my thoughts and get them out of my head but I just don't know that I have the energy. So I just gonna go with it here....I hope it makes some sense...

worry....it's what I am suffering from constantly
torn....I feel so torn between my children who need me and my spouse who needs me. He has always leaned on me quite heavily for support, encouragement, etc....now one of my fears is that he will feel alone and abandoned. I feel that I must not let him feel abandoned or he'll give up.
frustration....because when he was admitted on Saturday night everyone (medical staff) was thinking he'd be there for a week....now they are telling me a month or more...
fear....that he has given up, is giving up, just doesn't care anymore. I know my husband's mind and I know how it works and this is a very real possibility...
exhaustion....from trying to everywhere at all times...

I know that everything does happen for a reason. I know that whatever happens, it is God's will. But that doens't mean I'm gonna give up or go down without a fight....

Admitted.....

2010-03-07T13:39:00.000-05:00

That's one word I totally didn't expect to hear last night but I did.

My hubs was admitted to the hospital last night with pancreatitis and critically high blood sugar.

He has been sickly for over a month now, thirsty all the time, fatigued, no energy, etc. He also lost 25 lbs in one month.....we really didn't put two and two together until Friday. I got home from school and took out my glucometer and check his sugar....it was over 400....took it again...with the same result. So we went to a local pharmacy that was having free cholesterol and glucose screening, it was over 600 there.

We the hard-headed hubs refused to go to the hospital....so he spent to evening feeling like crap.

At 6:30am on Saturday morning, I check it and it was over 400....after fasting all night....so off we went to the urgent care clinic....they confirmed he has diabetes and put him on Metformin twice a day. We get home at 10am....and at 11am, he was in full blown agonizing pain....he lasted until 4:30pm, when I made the decision we were going to the ER. Took the kids to mom's, then we went to the hospital, where, after a bit of persuasion from me, they got to work on him.

After a battery of tests, the diagnosed him with pancreatitis....as well as the "critically high" blood sugar, and an inflamed spleen.

So they admitted him. He can have nothing by mouth, etc....

So this morning I go up there with the kids, they wanted to see Daddy.....he's been in pain all night, the pain meds aren't doing anything, they been giving him insulin all night but his sugars still won't come down.....his heartrate is elevated....etc etc etc.

So they moved him to a monitored bed and I brought the kids home for a bit....I am about to take them to my mom and head back up to the hospitial..

Please pray guys, I've NEVER seen him in this much pain....the doctor say this is VERY serious and he could be there for a while.

Pray for health, guidance, patience, etc.

5QF! - 03/05/10

2010-03-05T12:06:00.000-05:00

That's right folks! It's that time again...time for Five Questions Friday! If you wanna play along, click on the above button to hop over the Mama M's and link up and play along.

This weeks questions are:

1. What's your guilty pleasure?

     hmmm.....well, I would have to say Keeping Up with the Kardashians is mine. I love that
   show and am secretly obsessed with the Kardasians...lol.

2. What is your favorite TV series?
   Do I have to pick just one? Well, I'm not gonna.....my favs are House (is it just me or is he sexy?), Fringe, and The Big Bang Theory.....love, love, love these shows!

3. Can you speak any foreign languages?
   does Spanglish count? what about Italian-English (not really sure what you'd call it, but similar to spanglish but with Italian....does that make sense?)? I know a little bit in both these languages but not fluent at all.
4. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
   hmmm....probably around 15.....goodness that sound bad.....well, I have scaled it down quite a bit....I love shoes but just don't want to waste the money on them any more...

5. What's your favorite kind of M&M's...peanut, almond, straight up regular, etc.?
    peanut....definitely peanut....I love the sweet-n-salty mix.

Just...

2010-03-04T12:57:00.000-05:00

some recent pictures of a few of my favorite people and things....

my little Sam Sam

my Allison....ain't she beautiful? =)

Sammy again...

the hubby's birthday cake (it was a M&M ice cream cake....yummy!)

and my little chi chi, Paco....love him like he's one of the kiddos.

After looking through my pictures, I realized that I don't have near enough pictures of Megan....time to remedy that...;)

Have a happy Thursday folks!

This Morning....

2010-03-03T16:20:00.000-05:00

I woke up at 6 am (the usual weekday time) and turned the news on only to discover that the girls' schools were closed today due to "inclement weather", which if you live in NC, you know that means either some snow fell or the roads were damp and the temps were down to the freezing point.....well, we actually got around 5 inches and that's AFTER the weather dummies said that we would only get a dusting AND that the rain was "melting it away as we speak"....anyways....I digress...so I reset the clock and go back to sleep because I still have to go to school. So the clock goes off again at 7:20am...the news comes on again...now MY school is delayed which means I don't have class today!!! Yay me! But why couldn't they decide that at 6am???? So I settle back in because the house is miraculously still quiet....then 10 minutes later, Logan comes busting into our room...I then tell him that I'll be up in a sec....

So I get up and our first conversation of the day goes a little something like this:

Me: Good Morning, Logan. Did you sleep good?

Logan: Mmm,hmm...But Momma, I'm burning up!

Me: Your burning up?!?

Logan: Yes, feel. (I feel his head....he is NOT burning up) I need some medicine. (which means he wants to take his temperature)

Me: You need medicine? Okay, keep it under your tongue.

(I give him the digital thermometer, he holds it under his tongue until it beeps. Then he hands it back to me.)

Logan: It's seventy-nine!

Me: It's seventy-nine?

Logan: Yep, here go...

Then he hands the thermometer back to me and walks off like all is well with the world.

Kids.....sigh.....you gotta love 'em!

Do you.....

2010-03-01T13:40:00.000-05:00

ever feel like you are the ONLY responsible adult in your household?
ever feel like you are the only one doing EVERYTHING?
ever get tired of having to do things that the 'man' is suppose to do?
ever get tired of asking for help, only to have it thrown back in your face?

I get so tired of doing everything around here.....and I mean EVERYTHING! If a drains clogged, I fix it. If the oil needs to be checked in the van, I do it. If one of the boys needs changed, I do it (except when Megan's home, she always helps me out). If a bill needs to be paid, I do it. If something needs worrying over, I do it.

I am just so tired of being married but feeling like I'm a single mom. It shouldn't be this way, it really shouldn't......

***SIGH****

To Do....

2010-02-26T12:50:00.000-05:00

The following is my to-do list for this weekend:

Laundry
Clean bathrooms
Complete 3 spreadsheets for accounting class
writing assignment for Business Law
another assignment for Business Law
online Quiz for Business Law
Finish Interpersonal Communications paper
Study for Interpersonal Communications class
finish assignmnet for computer class
Do math assignment
clean the inside of my van
haul a load of crap off the Goodwill
celebrate hubby's 38th (hee hee, he's 38!) birthday and try not to rub it in too much that he's 38!
grocery shopping
did I mention the mountain of laundry???

So there you have it.....my weekend in a nutshell.....now that I read this all I want to go bury my head somewhere and hope someone comes along to do it all for me.....think I'll get that lucky?? Highly doubtful.

One Minute Inside This Momma's head....

2010-02-26T09:18:00.000-05:00

The following is one minute inside this Momma's head during a typical day....

6am:

Huh! Wha tha....oh...the damn alarm clock. It can't already be 6 am.....guess it is....do I really want to get up? okay, better get going.....I hear Sammy. Better grab a quick shower.....okay I've got to get the girls up, feed everyone breakfast....mmm..this shampoo smells so good.....man I hope Logan isn't in a whiny mood this morning.....do i have time to shave? eh, who cares..not this morning...gah, I really wish I was back in bed......damn, Sammy's getting louder and louder.....

That my dear friends is one minute inside this Momma's head.

Stay tuned for more minutes to come....

Getting to Know YOU! - 2/21/10

2010-02-21T11:52:00.000-05:00

It's time again for Getting to Know YOU Sunday! (Aren't these just so much fun?)

So if you wanna play along, click the button above and hop over to Keely's and link up.

Now for the fun:

The questions..

1. How often do you wash/change your sheets?
    once a week....I hate changing sheets but can't stand to go longer than a week with dirty ones.

2. When is your birthday?
    March 12....a VERY special day indeed... ;)

3. Have you ever met a bloggy friend in real life?
    Nope, no one that I've meet while blogging....some of my bloggy friends were friends before blogging though

4. Brad Pitt or George Clooney?
     hmmm...can't I have both??? If I have to choose, I'd choose clean shaven, clean cut Brad Pitt....and George Cloony at any time....I don't think he ever looks bad.......well, I guess I really didn't make a choice though did I?

5. If you could change one thing about your body what would it be?
    well there's a loaded question...lol...I'd give my boobs a lift and cut off my lower belly fat, or suck it out, whichever is easier....I just want it gone!
6. How often do you wash your hair?
    I'm an everyday kind of girl, every once in a while I will skip a day but when I do, the hair will be in a pony tail or under a hat....I have very oily hair AND naturally curly hair. Have you ever tried to brush out thick, curly hair? The results are not pretty....unless your going for a 'fro....which I usually don't...
7. Do you have pets?
   why yes I do....3 chihuahuas....the male is Paco aka Foofers, he is almost 6 y.o, then with have the female, Zoey, Zoey Louise to be exact, and she is a little over a year, and lastly we have their baby, Lily Bear and she is 3 months
8. How many social networks do you belong to..if you had to give up one, what would it be?
     3 - Blogger, Twitter, and Facebook. If I had to give one up it would be Twitter

Alrighty....there you have it. Now you know a little more about me.

Have a great Sunday everyone. I plan to go outside and enjoy the sunshine....it's been so long since we've seen it....and I need my vitamin D.

In case you were wondering....

2010-02-20T09:26:00.001-05:00

Remember our chihuahua puppy that Zoey and Paco had??? No, well you can read about her here and here.

Any whoooo.....in case you were wondering...

Here's what she looks like now

We did finally name her.....well the hubs named her. He named her Little Bear....which I have managed to turn into Lily Bear.....or just Lily.

She is completely weaned....eats like a pig...very playful...super smart for her age....peeing on the puppy pad....and scared shitless (excuse the language but she really is...) of strangers....she will scream like someone's killing her if someone she doesn't know comes near her....it's kind of funny...

So there ya go....our baby is growing up.

Trying to Jazz it up a bit

2010-02-19T19:52:00.001-05:00

That’s what I’ve been trying to do to our house.

We have had the same living room furniture since before Logan was born. There was nothing wrong with the furniture we had….I just got tired of pushing the cushions back in to place constantly….and we were ready for a change.

So we decided to start looking for some ‘new to us’ used furniture. Then my grandmother passed out and fell in her house….long story short, it was agreed that she would move in with my aunt and uncle, and my aunt would care for her full time. It’s been almost a month now and it seems to be working out great. My grandmother is her old self again, happy and loving and healthy (I think she was just lonely)…..anyways….I am digressing….So my grandmother decided to sell most of the things that were in her house….needless to say, I called dibs on the living room furniture and offered her a fair price for it. She accepted. =)

So after 3 weekends of snow, we FINALLY got to ‘new to us’ furniture to our house last weekend.

Can I just say….I L.O.V.E it!

Here’s the stuff we had before:

And here is our living room now: (ignore the vacuum in the pictures…I forgot to put it up before I took the photos)

What ya’ll think? An improvement?

P.S. The loveseat and couch-ends (whatever you call them) also recline. Oh…and I managed to sell our old stuff on craigslist and it almost paid for the new stuff. =)

I have also been doing some work in the girls’ room…I will be sharing that later.