Sew Blessed with 3

30 days of Thanksgiving - Nov 12

2009-11-12T15:41:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for God's grace. Days like today, when I don't feel like I earned it, there it is....

Much more than I deserve, and for that, I am Thankful!

30 days of Thanksgiving - Nov 11

2009-11-11T20:52:00.001-05:00

Ok, this is a double doozy....

Do you ever have those weeks, where you just feel like you NEVER stop??? In five days..my week consists of making 60 meatball subs, baking 20 dozen cookies, 80 cupcakes...1 late-nite visit by the paramedics, three doctor's visits. Don't get me wrong, there was also some social visits too...2 lunches out, 3 football games, out shopping with mom, and hubby had Veterans day off. But boy, am I wooped!

Which brings me to............

I am thankful for my handy monthly planner from my kids..if not for that... I would have hungry football players, sick kids and I would have missed out on some fun too!!!!

30 days of Thanksgiving - Nov 10

2009-11-10T14:51:00.002-05:00

Today I am Thankful for our volunteer First Aid and our local police officers & paramedics. Last night hubby had another low blood sugar episode, and they we here to help us through.

30 days of Thanksgiving - Nov 9

2009-11-09T20:40:00.001-05:00

Today....I am thankful for strangers who do nice things..

Menu Plan Monday 11/09/09

2009-11-09T20:27:00.000-05:00

I have quite a bit of baking to get done this week also. For Friday, I need to bake 20 dozen cupcakes for the Freshman football team. Then, on Saturday, I am baking 80 cupcakes for the JV/Varsity!!!

Monday - Meatball Subs

Tuesday - Grilled Cheese & Soup

Wednesday - Roasted Chicken Breasts stuffed with mashed potatoes

Thursday - Shepherds Pie

Friday - *Flag Football Game* Eating there.... :O)

For Menu Plans...visit OrgJunkie

I had to make a choice...

2009-11-09T12:00:00.001-05:00

I could have
sneaked away to my sewing room and start little guy's quilt ( which I haven't even started yet, blush!)

or
I could watch a movie with the kids and have family night....

Then,
I had another opportunity on Sunday...watch football with my men ...or .....sew.......

Hmmm...It was a pretty easy choice :O) .....

and I even was able to sneak in some cross stitching.....

Quilting can wait...it will come together...soon...

Christmas ornaments on their way....

30 days of Thanksgiving - Nov 8

2009-11-08T16:56:00.001-05:00

I am thankful for a beautiful warm day

30 days of Thanksgiving - Nov 7

2009-11-07T09:30:00.001-05:00

Today I am thankful for my Mom & Dad.

Friday Fave Five

2009-11-06T10:13:00.000-05:00

1) Christmas ornaments cross stitch kit - I stumbled on this kit a few weeks ago when I was buying fabric for my football quilt, the Ebay seller had this kit for dirt cheap. I don't normally like stamped cross stitch kits, but I have been enjoying this so much!! Working on it at night while hubby and I watch TV has been so enjoyable! The only bad part is that I intended to attach these to gifts and it looks like they might be adorning my tree.......

2) Birthdays - Even when it is not mine, they are still so much fun. It was hubby's birthday this week. I just love the getting together for big family meals, having cake, laughing with family, oh and did I mention how much I enjoy cake??

3) AA Batteries - Yes, you are prob thinking that I am nuts! But it is amazing what these little things can do....prevent me from getting off the couch if I want to change the channel, hook up to a hand warmer and give my football player hours of warm comfort on the field..and the best of them all...2 little batteries in a dollar store flashlight will give hours of entertainment to a 7 year old!!!

4) Bedtime Tea - I have to agree with Susanne's post, I was able to snag a few boxes of this stuff this week on sale at the grocery store.....One word ............ Aaaahhhhhhhhhhhh

5) Yankee Tarts - Last week I stocked on some of my favorite scents..Frosted Pumpkin, Pumkin Spice, Be Thankful, Granny Smith Apple. Man, my home is smelling so good! I just love the way it fills the whole room with such an inviting smell.....

For more Faves.... visit Susanne @ Living to tell the story

30 days of Thanksgiving - Nov 5

2009-11-05T21:33:00.001-05:00

Today I am thankful for the JROTC program at the high school. It has helped give my son such of sense of belonging and self worth and for that I am very grateful

Here it goes..

2009-11-04T16:24:00.000-05:00

I am not holding back any longer.....

My nerves will NOT hold me back......

I am going to shout it from the rooftops....

I feel PAIN FREE!!

Yup, that's right! It has taken almost a full year, but I have found the right doses of medication and my Rheumatoid Arthritis is under control!!! I have been so nervous that I would "jinx" it if I spoke too soon, but I just got back from the dr's and she agrees....I am finally turning that corner to wellness.....aahhhhh

It is amazing what little things I took for granted that became so hard to do...fold laundry, take a walk with my kids, tie my shoes!!! And it really just dragged me down, in every sense of the word. This disease was really getting the best of me, and I am so glad to be back!

So, don't be alarmed if you see any posts from me....I just may be folding laundry or taking strolls around the neighborhood!!! Woot!

30 days of Thanksgiving - Nov 4

2009-11-04T10:15:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I am bit late to start, but I have just found this great blog by Karla, and couldn't wait to jump in! If you want to join or just pop in for an uplifting visit, go to Karla's Corner

I am Thankful today for my family. Not just my family of five in my home, but my extended family also. We are so very blessed to have loved ones close by and have such a great relationship with them. My children, like myself, are so lucky to have these family memories. I know we are not perfect, but we love & support each other, even when it is not so easy.

You, however, continue in the things that you learned and were persuaded to believe, knowing from what persons you learned them and that from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through the faith in connection with Christ Jesus. - 2Timothy 3:14,15

Beat the Clock...

2009-11-03T12:17:00.002-05:00

Okay, I know it is already November 3rd.....but I am going to attempt to make a quilt for Little Guy as a Christmas present

This under normal circumstances, for any other relative, would be easy..but, not for Little Guy! To keep it a surprise, I can only work on it while he is in school and in bed! And three of the five school day, I mind another little guy, which kinda prevents much quilting activity....

Here is the pattern I chose and the fabrics...
We just switched the decor to a "big boy room". He wanted a football theme, so I thought this would be perfect. I am hoping if I start ~~today~~ tonight, I should be able to machine piece it together rather quickly, so I can hand quilt the top....
What do you think? Am I nuts?

Menu Plan Monday

2009-11-02T09:45:00.008-05:00

Well, I have slacked a bit with my meal planning the last few weeks with both boys playing football...but now we are down to one team. My November goal....get back to the "plan" No more "pizza nights" 3 nights a week here....

Monday - Football game ...Hubby has just told me... Taking us out to EAT!

Tuesday - Stuffed Peppers and Ziti

Wednesday - *hubby's choice* Roasted Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing & Corn

Thursday - Beef Stew in the crock pot with homemade dumplings

Friday - Mom's for dinner to celebrate hubby's birthday....Prime Rib!!! yumm!

Visit Orgjunkie.com for menu plans

Can it be November already?

2009-11-01T16:49:00.004-05:00

Some of my favorite Autumn days.........

Homecoming parade

Homemade Pumpkin Bread

Trick or Treat

All you need is a little Pixie Dust....

Happy Fall Y'all!

On top of Spaghetti

2009-10-30T16:07:00.005-04:00

Lately I have felt like we eat the same old-same old, so the other day I was excited after my trip to Top Tomato. I found mini ground chicken patties with Parmesan & parsley...yumm, right?

Well, sadly I wasn't welcomed with open arms when I suggested the "slider" type meal. So, into the freezer they went, until this week, that is. I needed to jazz this meal up..so I sauteed the patties up like meatballs and served them with tomato sauce and angel hair. All five of us were going to eat this meal....hopefully, so I made 2 pounds of macaroni, the faux meatballs and a garlic bread w/ cheese from the pizza shop around the corner. Sitting at the table I was more than pleased when everyone was enjoying the meal!! Then the room became quiet...as me and hubby sat in amazement watching Big Guy eat! It was like free entertainment!After his third serving, we had guesstimated that ate close to a pound of macaroni, 4 patties and 3 glasses of tea!!! And we weren't even finished with our first servings!! LOL!

If I could only have HALF of his metabolism....he is a 5'10 Middle Linebacker player weighing 155 lbs soaking wet! I have always heard what they say about teenagers..but never had really seen it in action until the last few months!

But I would not have it any other way..I could not imagine telling him he could not have another serving or another drink....and for that..we are truly blessed

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-28T16:18:00.003-04:00

So proud, my Little Guy says..."Look Mom, it's you and Daddy" !!!

For more WW visit 5minutesforMom

Sweet Dreams

2009-10-27T10:23:00.005-04:00

For playful nights........

And spooky nights..........

For frosty nights............

And nights to snuggle...........

After a busy football weekend, I was finally able to sneak a few minutes yesterday while I was baking brownies for the team....Little Guy desperately needed some PJ pants after a growth spurt!

My Point of View

2009-10-26T13:12:00.005-04:00

Ok, someone please explain......

A few months ago, I was ridiculed and actually scoffed at

for jamming out to Dirty Diana & PYT

But now that MJ has passed on....

Some of those same people have now become

so overwhelmed with him, they are tattooing themselves

and wearing one glove???

Hey, I have never been ashamed to show my love to the King of Pop...

I just can't wrap my head around some people????

*Stay Tuned*..I will soon be posting a picture of myself for your tattooing consideration ;)

Just My opinion......

One of my faves....

I have to accept it....

2009-10-25T16:25:00.006-04:00

Well, it feels like yesterday, Little Guy was trying on his pads for the first time....

Wobbling around, trying to keep his head straight with that heavy helmet

Waiting with anticipation....

Hoping the weather would hold up

Today was the day...our last game
The boys were so proud, heads held high....despite the windy rain

It was so much fun......
Something that our whole family was involved in

Bittersweet, we now have our Sunday mornings back....
But I will miss those Game Day faces for sure

Morning Woes

2009-10-23T08:39:00.003-04:00

This morning I woke up in a BAD mood. Why? I had a restful sleep (thank you Ambien), my children are all well, and it is Friday! I am always happy on Fridays!!

But not today:( I mean, OK, maybe the fact that hubby used the last drop of milk this morning, which left me coffee-less, or that the kitty needed litter, or maybe it could have been the attitude from my dear tween...Whatever the cause, everything & everyone had ANNOYED me!

But then the little guy I tend to during the week arrived and I also had another little one come for the first time. Aahh, they grounded me. It just got better from there.

My more-than-hectic weekend seemed to clear up just enough where I don't have to practice my magic tricks and be at two places at once.
My new little one that I was so worried about adjusting, did awesome!
I was able to hit the bank before that dreaded 3pm cutoff for deposits
Hubby will start his 1 & 1/2 week vacation (ok, so that one can go either way..heheh)
I am now able to attend a fun girls-nite for dinner tonight too!

It may seem like little things, but enough for me to get a grip on my emotions..no matter how many things go awry. And I am not going to let anyone get to me anymore! We don't have to get along with everybody, I just need to remind myself that sometimes.

Morning Woes have now turned to Afternoon Smiles

When will it end?

2009-10-22T16:14:00.005-04:00

Ok, so Drama Diva is going through adolescence.....ugh! I have went/still going through it with Big Guy, but nothing like a 12 1/2 year old Hormonal Girl!! I just can't seem to win..EVER! I am so not the mom who is more into being her friend than a parent, but at at this point, I would just like NOT to be called the enemy! I say up, she says down...I say now, she says later..you see where I am going with this. Will it get better? Where is my little girl who loved spending time with her mommy? Now, we can't even sit on the same couch :(

When will this end? Please tell me it will be soon

My "little" Diva

One of those days

2009-10-20T16:19:00.002-04:00

When those little things really make you content. Lately, I have realized that some days it is much harder to appreciate things and that I really need to

Stop and be thankful for what I have been given

Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 106:1

Blame

2009-09-29T16:11:00.002-04:00

Yet if we have problems with our friends or our family, we blame the other person. But if we know how to take care of them, they will grow well

- Thich Nhat Hana

Is it too much to ask?

2009-09-27T09:21:00.003-04:00

I feel like I could SCREAM!!! Gggggrrr!

Our home has an attached garage that my Father-in-Law uses to work on his antique car. This has always been the way, way before we even bought our home. I have no problem with it, yes when it was still "his" house, he always asked us to leave the adjoining door open in case he needed to use the bathroom, etc...

Once we became homeowners, it was just never an issue, well not really..

If we are home, which one of us usually is, he always knocks before he enters. We don't always have that door locked. Hubby and the kids use it regularly to head outside in the morning.

Which brings me to this morning. Little guy is sick and has to miss his Football game, but DH being an assistant coach, still went to the game. It is pouring today, so he took my van. We are having a quiet morning, just me and the boys, so to the outside world, we would not look home. So here I am, sitting on the computer, when Dad knocks as he is walking into the house. Looking surprised, he says "Oh, I didn't realize you were home!" He needed to use the bathroom, and that is fine, and it is not that I don't trust him by any means... IT IS JUST THE POINT!

Do I think he would snoop around the house??? NO

Do I think he would bring others in?? No

But could he walk in innocently while I am stepping out of the shower?? Quite possibly

Does everyone lock their bathroom door when they believe they are home alone? How many times have I ran around the house wrapped in a towel? Should that right be taken away just because it is the way it has always been?

It just doesn't seem Fair

Facebook - Friend or Foe???

2009-08-17T09:40:00.003-04:00

I have been on Facebook for almost a year now. I go through spurts..Love it..hate it..LOVE it. It does have this weird ability to suck you in, though. 30 minutes can be gone, lickity split, with just one game of Farkle and updating my status!

Crazy quizzes are always popping up..
What five things would you bring on stranded island?
How many kids will you have?
What is your idea of a Vacation?
You get the point!

But yesterday, I was intrigued by a quiz that popped up on the Home page.
Does the Internet Change Friendships? A)They're Stronger B) They're Shallower C) Not a bit
My first thought was no, or maybe a little shallower even. But then I thought about all my friends I was able to reconnect with on Facebook. Yes, some of them were the stereo-typical catch-ups..How are you? Where are you living? Your family is Beautiful! Let's do coffee one day!

But then there are the treasured connections from friends that have just drifted away, busy with family and work. If not for Facebook, I may have not had the opportunity to find a few minutes here and there, catching up and being to reconnect from my dear, long lost friends. I have thoroughly enjoyed these cyber-catch-ups, and now I am able to look forward to face to face coffee dates!

Then there are the friends that live in my town, that I enjoy talking to when we bump into each other in the grocery store, the library or school functions. But, that is usually the extent. This is when Facebook comes in..I am able to have a more "intimate" conversation with these friends. Time that we can't always grab when we are chasing kids, filling out school forms, or ordering from the deli! I have learned so much about these friends, that I never had gotten the chance to learn before, and it has led to great conversations and fun talks!

Last, but not least, there are my dear friends that I see more on regular basis. Facebook has become our weekday/weekend planner, meal idea forum, quick reminder of a date we have planned, or posted pics of the great times we recently had together! Sometimes it is easier for me to grab 5 QUIET minutes on the computer to confirm plans on their profile page, than trying to finagle an actual conversation!

So, do you think you can figure out my answer?????? I LOVE my friends, and will take any way I can to communicate with them!!!

Time Flies

2009-08-13T16:32:00.003-04:00

Boy, who was it that said August was WIDE OPEN with NO PLANS??

Hehehehe...

That couldn't have been me, because I have not stopped since August 1st! I have to admit, I have had a GREAT month so far, and have gotten TONS accomplished! We have had Weatherization done on the house, accomplished a lot of cleaning out, I have found a GREAT job for the Fall, hubby & I have gotten new tattoo's, spent lots of time at Football practice's (and carting kids around...) and have used Pool, more than any other Summer. But,now, I am ready for a break before...NO.. I am not going to say it..nope I am not going to think it...NOPE....It is ONLY August 13th!!!! No negativity here! I still have WEEKS!!!

Mid Stop Summer

2009-08-01T10:50:00.005-04:00

All 3 kids ran in our town's Annual 5K

Big Guy's 15th Birthday

(yes, he is wearing a Bow Tie!)

Well, here I am..smack dab in the middle of my summer! Boy what fun we have had so far and so much we have done! This past week we had a BLAST at VBS! I have volunteered as a Crew Leader in the past, but this year I wanted to do more! So, R and I chose to co-lead the Crafts!!! Boy, it was AWESOME! We both said we want to do it again next year! On the closing day, it also was my oldest 15th Birthday! He now has a girlfriend, so they both planned a party for the night. I was a bit nervous, but it went really well! My living room was filled with about 15 teenagers, the dining was filled with family and Penne w/ Vodka Sauce, and some of the girls even joined me in a few games of Yahtzee! All was cleaned up by 11:30, and we were off to bed, looking forward to another busy day to come!

All 3 kids ran in the towns Annual 5K and then Little guy has is first Pop Warner Football practice..one of the many to come! Then after we all re-coup, off to the town's Craft Fair/Festival Day! I wait for those Fried Oreo's all YEAR! And the rest of the crew wait for the firework finale!

Yes, we have had a busy month, but the month of August...........NOTHING! That's right! We still have half of our Summer left (the kids go back to school Sept.8), and we are FREE! I am looking forward to lazy days at the Beach, fun afternoons by the Pool, and mosquito-filled nights on the front porch with friends watching Little guy chase Lightning Bugs!!!

So....Summer HERE I COME!

For every season

2009-07-27T17:41:00.003-04:00

I have been having such a great Summer, I can't believe how much time has gone by since my last post! We had a bit of a late start, with the kids getting out later and Big Guy in ROTC camp for the last week of June. But since then, we have been full steam ahead! or maybe half steam, that is?! It has been our most relaxing summer yet.

Pool, Beach, Friends, Bbq's.. sitting on the back deck today I was thinking over past summer's and realizing how each one is different. How each year, the winning activity has changed. I can remember when all I wanted was to be at the Beach, get the kids out of the house, tire them out. Then there were others, when you couldn't pay me enough to leave (like when Lil' Guy was just born and on the Apnea monitor)

We have had some kind of pool every year for a while now, but this year, it has taken the winning activity award so far!And the most ironic part is that I almost convinced hubby not put it up this year! It is not huge, but not too small either..16'X48'. Big enough they can swim and stay out of each others way, but small enough to not give me a heart attack and I can relax with a book. So, that is what I have been doing! I jump at the chance when the kids suggest going in, and grab my coffee and my current read or crochet, depending on how rowdy they are and how many are in. Morning, afternoon and after dinner...all seem to be a sure thing. Hubby has even gotten in a few times now..but not me, I need to be sweltering to get me in that cold pool!

Lists...

2009-06-12T19:03:00.004-04:00

I can't remember the last time I have been able to complete everything on my to-do list. Yes, I have completed the impossible! I had made a long term list of things I would like to organize/clean out. Well, today I have finished! Yes it took me almost 3 weeks, but nonetheless...DONE! I cleaned out & organized TWO hall/linen closets, cleaned out Little Guys room and sorted through his clothes, cleaned my closet & clothes, re-arranged my bedroom and organized to be more of an quiet place for me to retreat to at night, finished all the laundry, sorted through over 15 bags of winter and bigger sized clothing (We are emptying out our crawlspace for some renovations)and have also read more than 6 books that I have been wanting to read!!!! I actually had nothing to do today..well nothing BIG, there is always something to do here! I feel so content! I can't remember the last time I felt so settled..So..now to make a NEW list I guess??

Don't mess with my Girls

2009-06-10T08:59:00.002-04:00

Boy, it feels like it had been forever since I have blogged last. I just have not had anything exciting to say or had anything to rant about..until today.
Today..I am RANTING! And to make it worse, I am ranting for someone else!
Does anyone else have a friend who can withstand it all..you know the one I am talking about. Her son is making his 3rd trip to the hospital in 2months, No worries, she is just planning away to keep things running smooth for the rest of her family...... ..me? I would be vomiting in the backseat, crying all the way that my kid was hurt...nope, not her. When it comes to her kids...strong as nails. Keeps it together, even when I tell her, "Dude, it's OK to cry, life is sucking right now" but no cigar..
Sooo..when I spoke to her today and heard her sobs..I was MAD! I felt like I was back in school....Let me 'at her...Where does she live? Who's got eggs????
Now, I am not going to spill her business, but the fact is this..DON'T make my friend cry! It rips me up inside to see this strong, wonderful Mom be hurt or cut down by another. Now, I know I have said my share of hurtful things to my friends, but they have always taken me back and forgave me, PTL. OK, maybe I am no different, BUT, she wasn't even a friend!!! just a person who made MY friend cry!!!
Has anyone else felt this bond to your gal pals that's get you steaming..probably more than it steamed them??!LOL!

Will it ever stop?

2009-05-29T19:22:00.003-04:00

Don't get me wrong, I love my little guy, but my goodness, that boy can talk! He talks as soon as he wakes and does not stop until he hits the hay, come to think of it..he even talks in his sleep!
Yes I know, I should cherish theses moments, and I do, most of the time! But he is the kind of kid who repeats himself and repeats and repeats..you get the idea...
Then Drama Diva comes into the picture...and it just doubles, no maybe triples! They start off all happy and fun, and then BAM, the arguing begins. They fight like crazy. So now the talking has been replaced with SCREAMING!! I can not take anymore! Please God, tell me this is not a preview of our Summer vacation! Will it ever STOP?

My latest Obsession

2009-05-24T10:30:00.003-04:00

BOOKS and MORE Books!

I always get a bit carried away when I divulge into one of my obsessions, always deciding I NEED the entire Book Series or every title by my new Favorite Author. So, I have been trying to go in moderation, like I have been trying to live by with all of my current loves and obsessions, and I am not doing too bad.. considering I am reading the books and I am also trying to borrow most of them from the Public Library. Then the Library had their annual Book Sale, who can pass up great Paperbacks for $.10???!!!

I had decided to look into great Summer and Beach themes. With my youngest at age Seven, I can enjoy another Awesome Beach Summer READING! It was great last year and I am really looking forward to it again. Finding a new Love for easy reading Friendship and Romance books, my Obsession was Fired up! I know I have over twenty Beach-themed books on my bookcase and have requests in for over 10 books over at the Library! (most of my books that are on my list to read are on my Shelfari Bookcase at the bottom of my Blog) Yikes!

But I am really moving along... I am reading a book in 2 days.. and my family is still fed, the house is still clean, and for the first time in forever, my laundry is caught up! So my only real obsession at this moment?? is what books to read right now and what to save for the Beach Days????

Wrong

2009-05-23T17:28:00.002-04:00

Well, now I am really remembering why I enjoyed this blogging thing so much.. VENTING

I am annoyed. Have you ever said something to someone, meant one thing, and had it taken another way, even after you felt you made yourself very clear? Sometimes I think it is taken the wrong way to even more benefit the "cause". I am not one to hold back my feelings, well known by all of my friends, but it is just plain annoying when they are interpreted WRONG!

I am back.. for now ;)

2009-05-21T17:09:00.006-04:00

Well, it has been just over a month since I have blogged. At first it was a relief, like I finally didn't have a reason or need to go on the computer. But then I started to miss it, not the computer, but just getting my thoughts out. I have had a very productive month and have weaned myself away from the computer and am now hoping I can Blog in moderation!

Where can I start? Big Guy has just finished his LAX season (and will start Football in 2 WEEKS!!), Little Guy and Drama Diva have also took a huge liking to LAX and used some of their birthday money to buy sticks for themselves! They have "practicing" in the back yard every day! They also built forts on our tree house/playground in the back and have been enjoying their private time back there..pics to follow soon. Hubby and I have been really enjoying doing little things outside finally making our NEW home OURS..it is really coming along and feels great.
My little brother is officially enrolled in the Nuclear Mechanics Program for the United States NAVY and leaves in November..sniff, sniff. Dad was stationed in Washington D.C for a month. Me, mom and the kids spent a weekend their with him and had soo much fun spending the WHOLE time sightseeing! The kids were just thrilled! Their is nothing like standing in front of the White House at 12am! It is just beautiful!

I recently had a great meeting with my Pastor and have realized how lucky I am to have Him and my wonderful Church family! It is just a great feeling to have their Unconditional Love and Understanding ALL the TIME! GOD is GOOD! Big Guy has been busy preparing for his Confirmation which he will be making next weekend! It is very exciting to see him prepare to make the commitment to accept Jesus Christ in front of our family! He is also making the trek again to Kentucky for a Mission Trip in July! PTL! I have become a part of the "Chain Gang" in our church. We sit and craft (crochet, plastic canvas, knit) and enjoy wonderful fellowship together. I was also very pleased to learn a few of the member make Pocket Crosses that they bag up EVERY MONTH and send over to our Troops! They have started this mission awhile back and it really has taken off! They also bake DOZENS of cookies and send them along! I was thrilled to receive a phone call this week and ask if I would like to contribute! The kids and I were thrilled to bake THIRTEEN dozen cookies for Our Soldiers! It really was a nice feeling to be able to touch, if only a few, of our Soldiers, and show them we are thinking of them!

I, myself, have been keeping myself busy, like always! I have been organizing the house, room by room, which has felt wonderful! I am also going to be VERY busy cleaning out all of our storage spaces (attic, basement, crawl spaces) because we are going to have some home improvements done soon! My health has been good, and I have enjoyed finally falling into a great routine with my household chores and time with the kids! I have slowly been easing back to sewing, making a few dresses for myself and now some sleepwear for the kids. I have also been a Reading Machine! I have never enjoyed it so much! It had started with the Twilight series, and that renewed my love for reading! I was also pleased to learn that I have been enjoying other types of stories besides intense mysteries! I have been really enjoying lighthearted stories about friendship and romance! I have finally moved my bookcase into my bedroom and was pleased to see I have myself a great little Library! But I also have been taking advantage of our Public Library, reading best sellers for FREE! In the last 4 weeks I have read over 15 books! What a sweet escape that I have used to replace to my aversion to the Computer! My time doesn't seem to be wasted anymore and I can pull myself away much easier,but can also sneak in mini escapes, like when I am waiting at the school for the kids to come out or in Dr's waiting room and also in front of the stove waiting for dinner to finish up!
Well, I guess that is enough for now! I feel so great being to document my days again! It really is a great tool and I enjoy looking back!

Signing Off

2009-04-19T14:11:00.002-04:00

After some long consideration, I have decided to end my blogging experience,w ell at least for now ;) I have realized that i do become easily consumed with my cyber experiences and less time is being spent on the things that mean the most to me and what I started blogging about in the first place. Some women do such a wonderful job of delegating their time, but this has always been my weak point. Thank you to all my bloggity friends for making this a fun experience :)

What I've Been Reading....

2009-04-18T16:35:00.004-04:00

Twilight.....
Oh...My....Word!!!
Let me just start off by saying, I have never been a person interested in the whole vampire thing. Yes, like every other kid growing up in the 80's, I watched The Lost Boys, wanted to be just like Jami Gertz, and that was the extent of it. So, when the hype of this book started, I honestly paid it NO mind whatsoever. About a month ago, having dinner at a friends, she was telling me how infatuated she had become with the popular Book Series and offered to lend me her copy of the first volume in the series. I LOVE to read, so I accepted, not sure if I would honestly get around to it. Weeks had passed, and the book was still on the shelf by the front door, where I placed it the night it was lent to me. Then, earlier this week, I had put a call into the Church office, looking to schedule an appointment with my Pastor, when the Church secretary answered. We had grown up in the same circles and I always have a nice time catching up with her. Some how or another, we started talking about reading and she told me about her obsession with Twilight (her own words) She was hysterical how she described her interest, her infatuation, just like many others had testified. So, that night I decided to see what this hype was really about. For those who don't know, these are BIG books. I normally don't let that decide if I will read or not, but it definitely didn't help the situation when I really had NO INTEREST in Twilight! But, moving on...I started to read about 9pm. I was startled, when DH walked in from work, looking at the clock and seeing it was already 10:30pm! Where did the time go? I had indulgently slipped into "Forks County" and was quickly intertwined with Bella's story. I have never read a story written like this before. Never so enticed. So involved. So addicting! The story and accounts of the encounters of Bella and Edward, well the best way I can describe it, took my breath away. Literally. All the accounts I have heard from readers was so ON POINT! I have never felt so involved in a book's characters before. Just when you thought you couldn't or wouldn't read any more of their breathless encounters, there was the next chapter, more heart stopping than the last. I am obviously finished with Twilight, I would never had been able to tear myself away this long talking about them, yes I am referring to them as they were real, if I wasn't done or if I had the 2nd in the series. I am thankfully borrowing it tonight when I return Twilight, because I don't know if I could wait another day to start reading again. Never have I been so involved..so in LOVE with their Love

Punk?

2009-04-17T14:24:00.008-04:00

*Edited post ;)*

Well, yesterday I decided I needed a change. I am finally feeling good and thought it was about time! So first,, I went over to Mom's and decided to let her play Beautician and highlight my Dark Brown hair with one of those kits from Walmart. 40 minutes later and few hairs less, my mom is almost done pulling my hair through the flimsy plastic cap. I can also say my Mother has learned a new skill of blindly hooking my silver hoop earrings while covered under my cap! Then our Chinese take-out arrives. You don't know how much enjoyment my brother had to see me eating, donning my newest hair accessory. We finish eating and mom pulls the rest of my hair through. A little rusty on her new earring hooking skill on the left, but she did manage to find my rear canal! Now it is time for the bleaching process...in the kitchen everyone holds court. I have never seen the whole family so interested in my hairstyle. My Nana has pulled up a chair, front and center, and has gestured to the rest of the gang to follow suit! So, as my Mom starts applying the bleach, she realizes we are running out of the mixture to cover all of my hair. *I had bought a new kit that specified for short hair, but my thick hair is like a sponge* So now, my roots are developing a lighter hue, while the rest of my hair is black. So, Drama Diva brags to my brother's girlfriend that she can take a direct her to Walgreens and get another highlighting kit to finish me up. Great!

10 minutes...no girls.....20 minutes..NO girls and I am now getting very light roots....30 minutes..well, my Mom and Nan are in a full out panic! "Your hair is going to fall out!!"...NO girls, and mind you, the store is 5 minutes away! 40 minutes later, the girls arrive. It turns out Drama Diva wasn't so good at directions! She had the poor girl 20 minutes in the wrong direction!
Ok, back to business. Mom is on a roll! Within 10 minutes my hair is covered with a thick, bleach cream. We actually even have some mixture left! Hmm....what should we do with it?? Mom & I both consider our upper lip, but then Drama decided to put a few streaks in her hair, and saves Mom & I from a possible trip to the ER! LOL!

Well, after all that...I am DONE! I dry off and my Nan, God love her, lets me know how beautiful my hair WAS...but this is nice too...! Iam still on the fence...I think once the sun hits it, I will like it more. Hubby LOVES it and my Mom says I look punk! LOL! I think she is just saying that because she has some streaks that a bit thicker than others! Hmm..I think I can pull off Punk?!?! Well...I did want a CHANGE!

*EDIT* Ok, Kim, I took your advice ;)

BEFORE

AFTER

Wordless Wednesday 4/15

2009-04-15T12:27:00.003-04:00

My Dad & Little Guy goofing around while we were out to lunch last week. If you can see past the "nose picking" *notice* the red magnetic matching earrings...LOL!

For more WW, visit 5 Minutes for Mom

Out of the mouth of babes

2009-04-14T19:41:00.002-04:00

Out to dinner last week, we were all going around the table ordering our drinks.

Little Guy proudly looks up and asks "I'll have a Shirley Temper"

We had just introduced him to the Shirley Temple a few weeks ago, and he has really taken a liking to them. I think he is just in it for the cherries ;)

Blah-De-Da

2009-04-14T19:23:00.004-04:00

*Beware- This is a Grumpy Post - Those having a smiling, productive day may not to read with the risk of being tugged down :( *

Ugh, that is how I feel today..BLAH. I have no good reason to, which I guess is a good thing, but I hate it, nevertheless. I woke up in this mood, not a bad mood, just a mood, and I just can't kick it! UGH! I had such big plans set out for this week, and it is already Tuesday, and I haven't made a dent in them! And this darn rain isn't helping the situation either! And we are looking at another wet and rainy day again tomorrow! Drama Diva wants nothing more to ride her new Cruiser bike (pics to come soon), Little Guy is itching to get out back and play with his new Lacrosse stick and be like his big brother and I was just hoping to enjoy the quiet on the deck with one of my many books I borrowed from the library this week!! So, I am trying to make the best of the day, and I even took Drama to the store and let her buy the new DSi and Guitar Hero Metalica! I thought for sure after I sang a few chords of one of my fave bands from back in the day would cheer me up, but no dice. My little Bro came over and has spent the afternoon with us, which was a nice surprise, but he is now hogging the Wii!! LOL! So, I think I am going to soak in a hot bath and just put myself in my bed with a book...Blah-De-Da :(

Wardrobe Basics

2009-04-13T09:21:00.007-04:00

After reading Jo-Lynnes post on Wardrobe Basics over at Musings of a Housewife ..I decided to play along and list mine! I think it is so neat how we have our own basics that aren't ever mentioned and I loved reading about others faves too!
My list is definitely a Hodge-Podge of styles. My friends joke that I was a flower child in my past life, LOL & have Braids in my hair as soon as it gets long enough to braid! SO there really is no rhyme or reason to my basics, they just work for me!

Ok not very exciting or glamorous, but this is ME :O)

1) Birkenstock's: I have them in many colors and styles, but the sandal is my true love ;) I wear them all year long (yes, with socks in the winter) and co-ordinate them with pretty much everything. At last count, I believe, I have 5 pairs of sandals & 2 pairs of clogs, all in different shades of brown & black, some with rhinestones, some more strappy than others. Other than my Birks, I only own one pairs of sneakers for when I am feeling energetic and a pair of Crocs for quick car-runs picking Big Guy up.

2) Hoodies: Oh, how I love a hoodie! I have them in many colors and styles. I prefer one that has a zipper, but I do have a few pullover that are my faves! I am always cold, but then get warm so quickly, so they are perfect. I have knit ones for casual days, chunky cable knits for cooler days and sweaters for more dressy days. And yes, I do wear the hood! LOL! I mean, not all the time, no gangster look for me, but I have been known to walk around the house all day donning my hoodie ;)

3) Cap Sleeve Tee's: I love to layer (see #2) so these just work for me. I am always on the lookout for a great Tee with neat designs. I do have quite a few solids, but I tend to like a top with great designs. I love shirts with neat graphics. Nothing crude or too young, I actually LOVE tattoo-inspired tops! They look great with jeans, skirts..you name it!

4) Boot-Cut Jeans: I am jeans girl for sure. The boot-cut just works with my pear-shaped body type. I like the sandblasted/well worn pairs for casual days and have some nicer, less faded pairs for more formal days. I use the word formal loosely, I don't work, so formal for me is the occasional Dr's appt or Church. Yes, I wear jeans to Church, I know some do not believe in that, but this is who I am. I do have a few pairs of stretch denim, but i do prefer regular ole' denim, and I actually favor Men's jeans over Women's.

5) A-Line Skirts: When I am not wearing jeans, comfy skirts or dresses it is! I do have a few long, peasant style skirts, but the A-Line is my favorite. It is, by far, the most flattering fit I have found. I love matching up a great patterned skirt with one of my cap tee's and a hoodie. Throw in my Birks, and there you have it folks...My signature look! LOL! The only problem I do find, is finding the right length. I do not like anything above the knee, but I also don't like them too long either.

6) Long Dresses: I have tons of dresses and I am always looking for more. I like long flowing styles and all but 2 or sleeveless (bringing in the hoodie) One of the very few garments that I sew for myself that fit great and that I wear regularly, is my dress! I have found a great pattern a few years back with a tiered bottom, that is my all-time favorite dress!

7) Yoga Pants: Yes, like others, I am going there! I love my yoga pants! These are such a great alternative to sweats! I have them mostly in black & grey and also have a few capri styles. This is another one of the few sewing projects that I wear! I love a Fold-Over style, another more flattering style for my shape ;) No, I do not practice Yoga, but do occasionally do Pilate's?! LOL! These are just my fave after a day in jeans, ready to hang on the couch with the kids.

8) Boot Socks: OK, may sound crazy, but I love the flecked & nubby boot socks! I do have some great striped & polka dotted socks, but I always favor these! They keep my feet warm, pretty much go with everything I own and still look great with my Birks(see #1)

9) Ribbed Tank Tops: I wear these all year long. I layer them under sweaters, tunics and even my Cap Sleeve Tee's! Then when the warmer weather sets in, they are my uniform! These are another one that I own in various colors, but still LOVE to find ones with great designs on them! I prefer the longer length styles, partly because they always shrink up and partly because I like to know my rear end is not hanging out ;)

10) Accessories: I do not wear much jewelry or fashion accents. My daily wears are simple and go with everything. White Gold is my jewelry of choice. Every day I wear 1)small hoop earrings, 2)cross & chain, 3)silver link watch, 4)wedding band, 5)a heirloom ring from my Nana & 6)a Sterling toe ring. Now that the warmer weather is approaching, I am wearing a silver & shell anklet and I do like to wear a Baseball cap when out in the sun/at the Beach. I do have a few beaded necklaces that I wear for my formal days, but for the most part, these are my tried & true.

I am Back!

2009-04-12T13:37:00.003-04:00

We just got in late last night from Hilton Head Island! What a GREAT vacation we had! Normally we go the week of Easter, leaving Good Friday. But this year, the Grammar school and the High School had two different Spring Breaks, so we went the week earlier so that Big Guy did not miss any school. We had beautiful weather and we stayed right on the beach! It was truly a relaxing trip..no hustle & bustle. We left a few days early, took our time &enjoyed the drive. We then spent our days with my parents on the beach, by the pool, s-l-o-w games of mini-golf, homemade dinners in our villa and soaks in the hot tubs! I also slipped in some shopping of course ;) Drama Diva celebrated her 12th birthday while we were there, which we spent by the pool and then combing the sprawling beaches for sand dollars...What fun! It was so nice to spend quality time with my family and to also enjoy it with my parents as well! We are truly blessed! But as much fun that we had, I am also happy to be home. This was our first trip as homeowners and coming back to our home was a really great feeling! I am so relaxed and I am also looking forward to another week off! This week is the younger ones spring break, so we still have a bit of vacation left! I am looking forward to some more relaxing days and hope to get some sewing projects done too! We ordered Drama Diva a Beach Cruiser bike for her birthday, which was the only thing she wanted, and it was waiting in the store when we got back! She will, for sure, be riding all week as long as the rain holds out!

Reading is FUN!

2009-03-31T07:41:00.001-04:00

I am just Lovin' the Library! It took me quite some time to really take advantage of all the great resources that were provided! It is just full of wonderful things.

*Free Access! With my library card, I can visit and check out books in all the Library's in the County who participate with the program! And the best part? They can be returned at my home Library!

* FREE Programs every week for the kids. They were a bit leery at first, but love them now!

*Special reading programs each month! This month a Great Dane is coming in that loves to be read to by children!

* Free Dvd's! You can't beat it! All the new hits and the great old ones too! And we get them for TWO days! Beat that RedBox!

* Request slips! Boy have we used up our share! Drama Diva has requested/watched two Seasons of Home Improvement thanks to those handy slips!

* Textbooks! No more "I forgot my book in school"!! They have all the books from the school at the ready!

*Books! Of course! I have been reading like crazy and no longer have to buy books! I NEVER read a book twice, so it was such a waste!

*Internet Access! Whether you need to look up a particular book or subject, the computer is at your fingertips!

*Librarians! They are so helpful always! They always seem to know exactly what I am looking for! They are also a great resource to find out what the good books are! I just love to pick their brain :O)

What a GREAT Weekend!

2009-03-29T12:48:00.005-04:00

Well, after my peaceful morning on Saturday, I was chatting with my Friend LT (I have 2 T friends, so this is to distinguish the two!) who shares the same Birthday as me! I have been teasing her all week that we should go get tattoo's for our birthday! See, I LOVE tattoos and have a few ;), but this would be LT's first! Well, I honestly thought she would chicken out and I was so excited when she called and asked when we were going!!! While I was waiting for LT to pick me up, Hubby and the kids surprised me with a GIFT! I wasn't expecting anything because money is a bit tight and I knew we were going out to dinner and also on vacation in a few weeks! Too my Sweet surprise, I was given a NEW CAMERA! My old camera wasn't very old, but seemed to take really lousy pics. I am so thrilled! This will be great for our upcoming vacation! When we were arrived, I was a bit disappointed to find out my fave tattoo artist was a bit busy and we would have to come back Sunday :( He told us to pick what we wanted so they could be drawn up and ready for us when we came back. Well, it took awhile for LT to pick something out and my tattoo, well let's just say I was lucky to have 2 artists working on my idea! Well, the stars were aligned LOL!..by the time we were done, so was my friend with his client!!! So, we are now two Tattoo-Mamma's! Oh, it was such fun! We made it home just in time to get dressed for dinner! My hubby and Hers made plans in secret for us to celebrate together! We had an AWESOME Japanese dinner at Shogun's and then back to their Tiki-Bar! What a fun Birthday! I am so blessed to have great great family and friends!

The Birthday Girls :O)

My New tattoo's!!

I am a HUGE Tea AND Coffee Fan :O)

Well I did it! and I am going to do it AGAIN!

2009-03-28T09:39:00.004-04:00

I unplugged with Kimba on Friday! Boy, was it strange! I am so used to thinking, oh let me check for that recipe, check my bank balance, peruse a blog..But I survived! I got soo much done too! I started my Spring Cleaning, stripped the Living room from top to bottom, washed a few quilts and put them on the line, washed a few throw rugs and hung out to dry, worked on sewing room curtains and all before the kids came home! Then I was pleasantly surprised to hear Big Guy's practice was cancelled, so I after played chauffeur, he came home with a few friends over, Little guy worked in the yard with Hubby, T came over and had a cup of coffee, then Hubby built a fire outside. We also realized sitting by the fire, this was a first fire as Homeowners! It was so nice! The boys stayed for dinner, we grilled burgers & roasted marshmallows and sat by the fire until it got to cold! What a nice day! I actually think I am going to unplug every Friday!
I woke up nice and early today and have been sewing and cutting my quilted curtains..enjoying My Birthday! My goodness, I am 32 today! I have been doing some math and realized that this fall I will have been with my hubby for longer than I wasn't?! Wowee! I am very curious, Hubby has told me we are going out to dinner tonight! We are being picked up at 6pm and we have reservations at a undisclosed location! Short of a few weddings, we have not been out to dinner just the two of us..in AGES! I am looking forward to spending some time together! Aahh..I am going to go enjoy this still quiet morning (well, beside the sound of my Ihome rocking my music with the doors closed!) and get back to sewing..

Can't stay away!

2009-03-26T14:23:00.003-04:00

From the computer, that is..I guess I am trying to get my fill before I UNPLUG tomorrow! I have been trying to work on curtains for the sewing room, but keep finding another reason to sneak on..but now I have a GREAT one! See, my old computer just went kaput on us back in December..we couldn't even turn it on! :( There was not much love lost, the computer was old and slow, but all of my precious pics are on it! So I was sick, just the though of them lost forever! ugh! Well, hubby has a friend of a friend who said he would take a look at it, and he was able to extract ALL of my pictures!! Yippee! So, now I am downloading them all onto this new computer so I can download them to Snapfish! I have over 5000 pictures!!! My word! Well, finally I think I had a pretty good excuse for sneaking back on the computer ;)

When were you going to tell me??

2009-03-26T09:35:00.003-04:00

This seems to be my mantra lately with Big Guy! Good Grief, he makes me nuts. He is a bright kid, and has always been very responsible, but lately he just seems like DUH!!! Yes, i know he has his plate full to the brim and his hormones..bleck, I think last night's dinner almost came up so no more thinking about the hormones. He had went from a coddling small town elementary grammar school to a HUGE High School with a big emphasis on being responsible for yourself. Yes, I am big on that, sure like every other parent on the face of the earth. But some things can't be or shouldn't be left to the teenage mind of a boy! What gets me even more aggravated is the HS has this nifty automated phone system that seems to call my home at least twice a day to remind of school events, but never the ones that pertain to US! I mean seriously! "This is the HS reminding anyone who want to twirl ribbons in the spring, meet in the gym"nah, he's not interested ..."This is the HS calling all JR's to college fair tonight" Thank Goodness, not yet... And my Personal fave on Fri afternoon " This is the HS with the an announcement that there will be no Spring dance today because School is closed" Huh? this wasn't a surprise, it is on the schedule, nobody realized it until no one showed to school that day??? So Short story LONG, they never call with the info I DO NEED! Like "hey parents we are having a football awards night, and your kid is gonna get an award, you should be there!!" NOPE! I see a mom the next day and she says"where were you last night?? They made this great little speech for Big Guy and presented him with an award, but you guys weren't there!!" So, at 6:30pm,when Big Guy finally gets home from his long day of school & Lacrosse, I casually ask about the award..alright, it wasn't real casual, more like a crazy lady who has already had a glass a wine and is furious for missing such an honor, and he looks at me, puts his head down, for sure in deep thought and and answers..."Uh, yeah, I forgot about, I thought it was tonight anyhow" smoke is coming out of my ears and my mom is giving me this look of fear knowing I am going to soon BLOW..."But wait" he says..almost relieved and proud he remembers (poor thing, he does not know it is tooo late) "It's no big deal, we can get my award at the banquet tomorrow night!!!!" WHAT? When were you gonna tell me about the Banquet? What Banquet? "Uh, I am telling you now" My word! This kid is going to put me over the edge! So, this all had transpired last night, so now I am in a panic because he also has a mandatory meeting at Youth Group tonight with his Confirmation Mentor at the same time as this banquet, which did I fail to mention is also $20 a pop!!! I guess, I can't get too mad, he does get very good grades, he stays out of trouble, and still gives me a hug & kiss Hello. Today, I need to keep reminding myself that!

Out of the mouths of babes

2009-03-26T08:27:00.002-04:00

A few nights ago, we had a hectic afternoon. So for dinner, I served Fish Sticks, Fries & Carrots
Little Guy comes walking into the kitchen with his cleared plate and says..
"Yumm, Can I have more?"
So I say sure, Do you want more fish sticks, fries and carrots?
He quickly replies " No thanks, I don't like Fish!!!" ROFL!
Quickly, I say "ooh my mistake, would you like more chicken fries?"
"Yes, please!"

Relief, somewhat

2009-03-25T15:43:00.003-04:00

The Doctor has finally called. The tumor has not changed in any way and he is referring to it as stable! Whatever the heck that means, I will take it! He wants to see us next month and he said he still wants to repeat the MRI in a few months, but this a good thing! Right? Goodness, I wish I could say I feel 100% better, but I don't? I still have this lingering, suffocating feeling. I thought this would subside, but no? I think because we are still at the same place we started? I was praying this would just be gone, disappeared..I need more concrete answers, but I can't have them. I am leaning on the Lord for guidance and some relief. I have so many things heavy on my heart, I feel like I could burst.

Besides all the illness that has surrounded my family over the last few weeks, I have also had a long-time friendship come to an end. This was my doing, It was not caused by an argument or falling out, per say, just because I felt like this friend became someone I did not know or understand anymore. The biggest difficulty I had was trying to not let it consume me, but it did. I had cared for this person and the family very much so and for a very long time, at one point I even opened my home to her and her family when she needed a place to stay. That is the problem, I get too involved, too worried and then in turn I can't understand the choices that are being made. I was not being judgemental, just confused and upset. It worried me so, and I knew that were was only one way to handle it...End the friendship. I have never done that before with a friend. I don't fight much with other friends; I speak my mind, we disagree, then we have cake & coffee the next day ;) She was different, we were so close, that when I would have discussed my feelings, she would have felt betrayed and angry. I didn't want that, even though, in the end it all came out anyhow. So, this has been weighing heavily on my heart. What's done is done now, but it still sad to lose the friend I have grown with and had for all those years. Well, my emotions are raging right now, so I am going to go back to Hot Tea & Pepto Bismol...

Why do I torture myself?

2009-03-25T11:21:00.002-04:00

I do it all the time. I am a glutton for punishment. I am Notorious for IT!
~at 6pm "Sure I will make 48 cupcakes for both 6th grade by tomorrow morning!"
~"Bake for the WHOLE Lacrosse team? No Problem!"
~ "Run to 2 birthday parties within 2hrs, SURE"
~"Hem 6prs of pants for you by morning? You got it!"
Well, today took the cake. I am waiting very impatiently for the Neuro to call about Little Guy today. My heart has been beating about 200 beats per minute since I woke, which is mostly all night long, because I couldn't sleep a wink filled with worry. Well, here is the glutton part..I decide to put a call in to the trusty doc and talk to my fave nurse. I ask if there is a possibility that the Doc can look over the report today and she replies "If he hasn't already looked at them last night, then yes, for sure by today" Great I think! Here it goes, I couldn't leave well enough alone....I chime in "Well, that could be a good sign right? If there was a change or problem I would have heard from last night?" She quickly says "Oh No, sometimes he just gets so caught up in the hospital at night, it becomes to late to call!!!" UGH!!!! What was I thinking???? I should have just left well enough ALONE! Hubby still assures me that this is a good sign we have not heard from him last night, but it is not helping!!!! Ring Phone, RING!

Many Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-25T08:52:00.007-04:00

Still in good spirits, even after the IV!

Getting ready to go down

My mom, who stayed with me and helped keep my sanity

Me & Little Guy, right before he goes in

Still sleepy after the procedure

Awake & Feeling Great -Ready for a SLUSHY!!

For More WW, visit 5 minutes for mom

What I learned this week

2009-03-24T19:12:00.002-04:00

This has been quite a week, and it is only Tuesday!!!
So , I am going to keep my list light this week :O)
1) I have learned that my 6 year keeps having accidents in school because he has been using the Bathroom Hands Free!!
2) I have realized that I can no longer serve "mini" Knot rolls with the Pulled Pork with dinner because Big Guy just ate EIGHT sandwiches!!
3) It doesn't matter what time I try to eat a quick bite, Big Guy always calls to be picked up as soon as the first bite hits my mouth!
4) That Pineapple Express is not about a train...What?? I guess I live under a rock?
5) Little Guy can go until NOON without breakfast any day until I tell him "no eating after midnight" then he wants to eat at 8am!!!
6) No matter how many times you see it done, watching your child be sedated is Heart-Wrenching :(

For More...Visit Musings of a Housewife

Home at Last

2009-03-24T14:35:00.003-04:00

What a day...I am so emotionally and physically drained, I feel weak to the knees. Everything went well, but I have to say I was a bit annoyed at a few of my nurses. Our "usuals" were off today and well, they were just..ugh! I hate being treated like I don't know what I am going through.because I do unfortunately.. STOP talking to me like an idiot, Please! Then this one nurse start about Little Guy being sedated...Yes, I know the risks and NO he will stay still that long and Yes he will be scared out of his mind if he was awake and to top it off...he needs an IV anyhow for the Contrast for the procedure...so Leave me ALONE! I am his mother, I think I know him best! Well, I am just cooling down after her 3rd Degree when the Resident Doc we see all the time comes in. Well, she runs over to him and pulls him asides and starts whispering in his ear...grr, I am getting angry, I know what she is doing.. Doc slips back over and casually asks "So, you wanna try this awake?" Grrrrr!!! Good Grief, is this Nurse for real?? After talking to the Doc and explaining my concerns and refreshing his memory about his previous procedures, he lets me know he agrees with ME! See, when they first started doing these tests, they would sedate him in the holding room. Then at his last one, they took him all the way into the MRI and put him in first, well he lost it immediately! He was terrified! So short story long, he was sedated today, all went smooth, and now..I just sit and WAIT..ugh..Tonight I am trading my Pepto for a nice glass of White Merlot..

Avoiding..

2009-03-23T20:07:00.003-04:00

Well, I decided I needed a project. We are going away in a few weeks and I need to pull out my summer clothes..Well, what a project. I have piles all over my bedroom. Keep, too small, thrift shop, what might fit Drama Diva but sadly no too big piles...LOL! My new doc keeps pumping me with meds and I have gained quite a few pounds, the heaviest I have been actually. Now normally this would really depress me, put me in a rut, but I am surprisingly OK with it. I don't think I am unhealthy heavy, just heavier for my normal. Over the years, I have stayed pretty much the same, but my clothes never fit right, never! Well...now they fit perfect! I did buy a few things in a bigger size, but I am ok with that, I never minded sizes or really weight, just as long as I am comfortable! So anyhow, I am procrastinating over the project I planned for myself to keep my mind busy and here I am again..worrying. I just told Little Guy about our plans for tomorrow and he got sad..:( I have borrowed a few movies from the library and I have a neat little gift for him (a real steal at Walmart) when he comes home tomorrow. So I am now sipping hot tea and chugging Pepto Bismol...ugh...

Worry, Worry..go away

2009-03-23T11:18:00.005-04:00

Ugh..I have had just about enough. My heart is so heavy right about now...having your children not well is the pits.. Last night I got a text from T that her little guy was back in the hospital, she does not get a break..And mostly emotionally..ugh..I feel like I can't breathe today...I wish I could just close my eyes and fast forward a week or two, to when everything/everyone will be well. I am worn out and tired, and leaning on the Lord to carry me through..

Trying to keep up my spirits

2009-03-22T17:12:00.003-04:00

I get like this every time....it starts a few days before...Ugh..Little Guy goes into the Hospital Tuesday for more MRI's. The procedure itself isn't too bad. He does have to be sedated for over an hour, but this seems to be like old hat around here lately..it is the RESULTS that don't get any easier waiting for. He has been experiencing more and more frequent headaches, has been put back on the meds for the pain, and what makes me even more uneasy is hearing the Doctor referring to "it" as a TUMOR..No one wants to hear that word in the same sentence as their child's name. I know we have a great Doc and have already met with a wonderful Neuro-surgeon (another word you wish not to be associated with your child's name) and we will do what we have to do, but..Ugh :( When me and my husband decided that we should have any more children after complications with Little Guy after birth, it was not a decision we took lightly. Now looking back, I thank the Lord for guiding me to that difficult decision. We just knew, well, I knew myself that I was not able to give myself to any more than children the Lord had blessed us with. I could not emotionally and physically be there if I was to have another child. Some mothers can and do, but for me, I knew that it was not fair to my kids if I couldn't. And Praise God we did, because shortly after, Drama Diva was diagnosed with Diabetes & Little Guy's health became more of an issue. I once had a friend who sadly, just couldn't understand that. So, now I am trying to keep my cool until Tuesday morning...the upside is that I stress..I CLEAN! So, the silver lining?? I guess a sparkling house and hopefully a wonderful report from the Doc...

Busy Bee

2009-03-21T15:01:00.002-04:00

Boy, I have not gotten to the computer to sit and blog for what it seems like weeks! It has been so busy around here! Big Guy has been keeping my running with Lacrosse, Drama Diva has had some issues with her Diabetes..UGH.., Hubby has been working non-stop, and as for Little Guy, well, he is just BUSY! LOL! Now that Spring is here and the warm weather should be approaching, we have been really enjoying the "perks" off finally being a Homeowner! We have been working hard on our curb appeal, and to help, my parents bought us a Beautiful new front door! It is such fun! We have re-painted our shutters, tore down our old fence, spruced up some furniture for our front porch and I can't wait to start planting flowers! I have been enjoying sewing at night while the house is quiet, and I am getting a jump-start on summer wardrobes! Now, if we just had some more consistent Spring weather, I could start keeping the clothes on the line....

I feel Loved :O)

2009-03-12T18:44:00.004-04:00

Amy has given me my FIRST AWARD!

This is SOOO Exciting!

Considering I have no idea what I am doing in Bloggity World!! This is AWESOME!

So, Amy has tagged me & sent me this award!

Rules: List 7 things you LOVE and then pass this award to 7 people!!

My family

Coffee

The Beach

Jesus ><>

Hooded Sweat Jackets

Birkenstock Sandals

Sewing

7 people I tag...

Kim

Jen T

Psych Mommy

Neena

Christin

Susanne

Jo-Lynne

What I learned this Week

2009-03-10T08:32:00.004-04:00

Well, I have been this awful cold for about 2 weeks now, and I still have this yucky cough :( Ya know the one that keeps you up ALL night long! I don't like to take a medicine that will knock me out during the night, DH and Drama Diva are both Diabetics and I usually roam in the middle of the night to check on them.

Anyhow...What I Learned this Week!!

Vics Vapor Rub on the bottoms of your feet before bedtime does the trick!! It really does! It is a bit potent, DH said he had to make sure his head stayed above the covers because of the stench, I happen to like the smell :D This may have been posted before, I actually may have read it? I am not sure?Blogs seem to run together after awhile for me..but I find this to be a valuable tip for any Mom who would like to get a good night sleep with the harsh cough syrups!!

If you would like to read more or write your own, go to Musings of a Housewife

Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-03-09T10:31:00.005-04:00

To see more Daybooks, Visit Peggy HERE

FOR TODAY .....Monday, March 9

Outside my window... Dreary weather with a threat of rain

I am thinking...that I should be off the computer and on the couch sipping tea to nurse my cold

I am thankful for...My husband. He has been working some insane hours and is such a wonderful provider

From the kitchen... Chicken soup and sandwiches and Drama Diva will probably make some some choc-chip cookies after school

I am wearing...Warm socks, Grey Yoga pants, My fave Life is Good Tee and a my fave black hoodie

I am creating...I am still diligently working on my patchwork curtains for the sewing room

I am going...I hope to stay home all day today

I am reading...a Lydia cookbook I borrowed from the Library

I am hoping... That my Nan comes home from the hospital today

I am hearing... the heat kicking on for the first time in three days..it has been unseasonably warm!

Around the house...our bedroom really needs a good straighten since I started weeding out some clothes for the Thrift Shop and of course the ever growing laundry basket..ugh!

One of my favorite things...B12 injections! I just had my first one last week and even despite this nasty cold, I can feel the boost of energy!!

A few plans for the rest of the week..Sil's for dinner on Tues, HUMC Lenten Family on Wed, Youth Group on Thurs and Friday Big Guy has a Lacrosse scrimmage and then me and hubby are off to a good friends wedding

Here is picture thought I am sharing:

Fun & Board games with our neighbor M!

This was taken almost this same time last week, while we were enjoying 10 inches of snow!!!

Warm Weather Fight Fun???

2009-03-08T14:09:00.004-04:00

This warm weather we are having is great, but has brought up a problem. Little Guy. Where does he fit? Or rather where does he want to fit? Now that everyone is outside, it has broadened the playing area, making it more difficult for him to find his place.
Big Guy (14) wants to do his thing..Practice spinning his rifle for ROTC, Practice Lacrosse, and be with his friends.
Drama Diva (12) want to Ride her bike in the street and around the block and play with her friends.
Little Guy (7) wants to do whatever the other two are doing, even if he has a friend over to play.
When the older ones are out in the neighborhood, it is not to hard to deal with. It is when Drama Diva is riding her bike in front of the house or Big Guy is playing a tough game of Lacrosse in the back yard. When they are right there, in his face. Yes, I know, the older ones need their space. And I also know that they should sometimes compromise with Little Guy. And I also understand how tough it must be for him to be this "big kid" stuck in this Little Guy body!
So this brings me to my dilemma..what to do? He gets himself so worked up, wanting to do nothing else. I can't do this all summer long! I mean I have tried it all to distract him, short of standing on my head! He carries on something awful, so keeping him the house is not an option or fair for him (or myself)!

Feeling Great!

2009-03-08T01:25:00.003-05:00

WOW! How different from this afternoon. I was procrastinating so bad over those darn curtains because I had a project to do for a friend. I knew it had to be done (by Tuesday) but I wanted to work on MY curtains! But of course, it was then not enjoyable! So this afternoon, I started the project before me & DH went out. We had so much and I was having such a good time, I didn't even realize I was drinking Caffeinated Coffee!! I have not have High Test at night for months!!!! So, when we came home, I was of course NOT tired! I do think my B12 injection is also kicking in, but the coffee was a big factor! So..I hit the sewing machine! What fun I have had! I have not sewn late at night like this in ages, and I just really enjoyed myself!! I finished the project and I am happily back to the curtains! Aaaawww......I just feel great....for now....tomorrow morning getting up for worship with the time change is going to stink!!!!

My favorite line from 'Goonies'

2009-03-07T23:45:00.001-05:00

Me and DH laugh at this line evertime one of us or the kids says "That's what I said"!!!

"Booby Trap, that's what I said!" We love Data! He is my fave character

Procrastinating.....

2009-03-07T13:17:00.004-05:00

Yes, hard to imagine..NOT I am the biggest procrastinator EVER! I have been wanting to make new curtains for my sewing room for ages, but it is such a task! I have 4 windows and they are all 65inches long! That is a lot of fabric! I have finally decided that I want patchwork curtains! I have tons of scraps and what better theme! Well, do I have my work cut out for me! I have decided on a 4inch block and am going to make valances and tiers. That is One Thousand and twenty BLOCKS!! Yikes! It will look great (I hope) when done, but the Lord only knows when that will be! My dear Coco even realizes it will some time and has found a nice resting spot on my strips...

Show and Tell Saturday

2009-03-07T12:20:00.003-05:00

This week's topic is Our Favorite Vacation.

This fun meme is hosted by Kim over at

Homesteader's Heart

Well this is hard, we have many favorites. But if I have to pick one, it would be our Disney Cruise back in 2004. Boy, it was so much fun and we treated like royalty! This was before all the prices went sky high, or we would have done it again by now :( I almost didn't chose this trip because all of my pics are on my PC that broke down on me 3 months ago, and I just dropped it off to see if they can extract all my beloved pics..

So be prepared......

Cheesy Alert!!!!

I was just too lazy to take it off the wall and out of the frame!!

Friday Fave Five

2009-03-06T11:52:00.006-05:00

To read more Friday Fave's or write your own, Visit Susanne's Place!!

Wow! After a week I have had, I actually thought about just skipping this week..then I realized the whole importance for this meme and even more the reason to write it!

1)Snow Days - Yes, I know, last week I was praising warmer weather, and right now I would prefer it, but hey! When God gives you snow...Build a Snowman!

2)Laughter - While in the ER waiting for my Nan to be admitted, my mother and I, possibly from lack of sleep and stress, were able to laugh! And without her and her laughter, I would be a lost soul. Not to mention, it sure did lift my dear Nan's spirits!

3)Weekend Plans - Aaaahh, the silver lining of a not so wonderful week! Mom, Dad, DH, T & myself our going to a dinner/gift auction Saturday night, which should prove to be some wonderful celebration for this darn week to come to an end

4)Sweet Victory - For Big Guy, that is! Saturday, we went to what may be his last ROTC Drill competition in his Freshman year. He had worked so hard to be one of the few Freshmen on the Trick Team (the guys who spin the rifles, I had no clue until this year either!) and out of 15 very talented schools, their team won 2nd place in that competition! He was so proud and that made the 2 hour drive there soo worth it!

Big Guy is the one in the middle with the BIG smile!

5)Chamomile Tea - I am battling a terrible cold and HOT tea with honey seems to be my only relief!

Maybe not the most exciting list of the bunch, but this has sure proved to make my not-so-hot week look not-so-bad! Thanks Susanne for hosting!

What a Week

2009-03-05T21:45:00.005-05:00

We had a short one, the kids had a snow day on Monday, but boy did it feel LONG! I can't say I am not thrilled that Friday is approaching! The kids got antsy, because after the initial snow, it was not the snow to play in, then my Nan became ill, and that sent me spinning! Not to mention, I have a gazillion sewing projects to do, for myself & my friends! But my Nan has really got me down. My Mom and Dad always worked full time and Nan pretty much raised me. She lived across the street from us until I was 8yrs old, and then my parents turned their big 2 story house (it used to be a boarding house back in the 40-50's!) into a Mother/Daughter and Nan moved upstairs. So, we have been very close and it pains me to see her this way. I know the Lord has his plan and I don't think he is ready for her to come home, she is feeling better, but I just never know. I am not ready for that, that's for sure. But I guess, who really is? So that pretty much sums it up! I am looking forward to tomorrow. My good friend T & the kids are coming for a play date and dinner. We are going to make our own pizzas! The kids should have a blast and us grown-ups should be able to relax a bit, I hope!

A pic of the kids on their Snow Day..

Notice the photographer won't walk out the front door!

Warning LOL!

2009-03-05T07:59:00.002-05:00

For my 7 wonderful & Faithful readers..I am putting out a warning..I had taken all of my "Blogs that I read" list last week and figured out how to run a live feed of them to computer all day long..Very cool, I know. But Then I wanted to remove a blog from that list and well, I only learned how to add them not remove 'em! I had been trying for 4 days now, and couldn't understand how to do it without deleting them all! (I know, I am so Blog-challenged!) But I figured it out and now have also discovered the wonderful world of Google reader! So, I am now on this mission to organize all "feeds" and all I can say is last time I tried to organize my Blog, I deleted all my posts!!! So, If for some reason, you come around and I have zero posts, DO NOT WORRY..I will be back and start all over!!

What a Terrible Day

2009-03-05T00:48:00.003-05:00

Well, it didn't seem to start bad. My Nan was not feeling well, she hasn't for a few days, but she is 86, we just thought it was a lingering cold. This morning I went to my Mom's (where Nan also lives) and she wasn't too bad or so she said.. Until after I left, I ran back upstairs real quick and saw how bad she really was feeling. That is when I had to make the 911 call..ugh! My mom was a wreck, I was, but couldn't dare show it, even more when Nan was willing to go to the ER, when she normally isn't. I knew then she was not well :( Her blood pressure was really low and so was her temperature and she was very dizzy. Well, after 14 hours in the ER, they have finally admitted her to a Heart floor. We still really have no answers besides the fact that more docs will be checking her out. I think what makes this even harder is that she is pretty darn healthy for a Nan of her young age! Really, it has been years since she has been in a hospital! So, We, I, am not used to seeing her like this...I am off to bed, & try to get some sleep, the AM will come up fast...then start all over again..Boo Hoo :(

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-04T08:34:00.002-05:00

This weekend we had a get-together with all of my cousins on my Mom's side. Boy, it was so much fun! It seemed like we were only seeing each for Weddings & Funerals :(

This pic is Me & my 2 little cousins! I used to baby sit these boys every Saturday night. The one on the right was in DIAPERS! Goodness, where does the time go!????

For more Wordless Wednesday go to 5 Minutes for Mom!

What I've Learned This Week..so far

2009-03-03T14:01:00.010-05:00

*UPDATE* Sorry Girls, I forgot to add the details!

I use 1/2 cup for Whites & 1/4 cup for Colors

I have found a little really goes a LONG way :)

Well, this is my first time trying this, but I figure, I sure hope to learn something new each week!

Bleach or Vinegar for Washing Whites?

For as long as I have been doing laundry, I have a been a bleach lover. My kids always had the whitest undershirts! But I have noticed my clothes looking dingy and looking on the web I learned that bleach can do that after time! Then I also discovered Vinegar was a better choice for the kids Asthma (all 3 have it!) and their sensitive skin and not to mention it is a Green Living choice! So...I took the challenge 2 weeks. I figured that enough time for everything to cycle through the wash at least twice and I could see the progress or disaster! Well, I am pleased to say that Vinegar won me over! My whites are brighter for sure, I can use on color clothes to get out tough stains, and all the clothes, surprisingly, come out smelling sooo fresh!

What I've Learned this week? - Vinegar works better then Bleach!

To Learn More this week.... visit Musings of a Housewife

Out of the Mouths of Babes..

2009-03-03T12:23:00.005-05:00

Every now and again, the kids will come up with these things that just crack me up!
Little Guy has bloomed into quite a comedian, even when he doesn't realize it!

Drama Diva was lying on the couch one morning before school, and whined out.."Mom, I don't feel a 100%" hence the name Drama Diva. Now, Little Guy is lying awake in his bed in the next room, and slowly walks out with a frown and says "Mom, I can't go to school today because I feel 100%" ROFL! Once big sis explained what you are meant to say , he now walks around saying he only feels 1%! LOL!

Last night, as I was finishing up folding laundry, I told Little Guy to get started on brushing teeth. He comes out with a big grin and states that he can not brush tonight because he is all out of his Spidey toothpaste! So I quickly respond "Just use mine tonight" and he quickly responds "I don't like to share other people's toothpaste"!!! too darn funny, this one!

Meal Plan Tuesday

2009-03-02T23:36:00.004-05:00

Yes, that's right. I am no longer going to beat myself up, it is now my official Meal Plan Tuesday! I just can't seem to get my act together to have the meals down for Monday or I do and just don't have the time to blog them! So, the way I look at it, I am ahead of the game! (it is still Monday for 23 more minutes!)

Monday - (Seems redundant, as dinner is over,but oh well!) Chicken Stew in the crock pot with biscuits
Tuesday - Drama Diva's Request! Potato Soup & Baked Chicken Legs. Perfect for our snowy weather!
Wednesday - OFF - Lenten Family Night @ HUMC, Dinner will be served!
Thursday - OFF - Going to Mom's for Dinner! :D
Friday -Shepherd's Pie - Another Drama Diva request!
Baking Plans: Choco-Chip Cookies & Baked Oatmeal *edit* I am adding Irish Soda Bread :O)

Geez, after writing, I can't understand why it takes me so long? That was easy!

Unfortunately Melissa

2009-03-02T12:22:00.002-05:00

I read Kim's blog and had such a good laugh, I decided to try it myself! The game is to Google Unfortunately (insert name her) !!! Boy, was I surprised to see what I was unfortunately up to!!!! Like Kim my comments are in (comments)..

~Unfortunately Melissa can't stop thinking of how bad Jerry looks naked, and the relationship is ruined (Oh dear! )
~Unfortunately, Melissa doesn't have time to look after her own pets because she is training every day. (well, we all know how hard I work on my girlish figure)
~Unfortunately Melissa didn't grow up with a paintbrush in her hand (sadly, how true, artistic I am not)
~Unfortunately, Melissa is just not that popular in the States anymore ( but I am still rockin' with The Hoff in Germany !)
~Unfortunately, Melissa was wrong in her judgement and Grrr hates people who can't cook eggs (I am happy as long as they are not runny)
~Unfortunately, Melissa isn't accepting new clients right now. (but I am taking all applications)
~Unfortunately, Melissa didn't know her own phone number (Well, I don't call myself....often)
~Unfortunately, Melissa cut her finger while she chopped cucumber. (now this actually happened!)
~Unfortunately, Melissa was called fat (Even after all that training while someone took care of my pets! see above !)
~Unfortunately Melissa and I are going to be out of town this weekend (Now this is fortunate!I would love to be away!)

And the number one Unfortunate Event.....

~Unfortunately, Melissa was unable to wrestle tonight :D

Thanks, this was fun!!!!

Simple Woman's Daybook - March 2nd

2009-03-02T09:57:00.005-05:00

FOR TODAY ..........March 2nd

Outside my window...There is 10 inches of SNOW!

I am thinking...The kids will take 30 minutes to get their snow clothes on and then only stay outside for 15 minutes!

I am thankful for...Having a wonderful "family reunion" of sorts with just our cousins..It was such fun to catch up!

From the kitchen...Peanut Butter Brownies with a choco-pnt butter frosting & Chicken Stew for dinner

I am wearing...My fave sweatpants, warm socks , & a cozy flannel that I snagged from Big Guy ;)

I am creating...Patchwork curtains for my sewing room

I am going...No where TODAY!! :D

I am reading...Living a Life of Balance Bible study & James Patterson's Quickie

I am hoping...That we will have a heat wave in the next 24 hours so I won't have to shovel all this snow while DH is at work Plowing the town!

I am hearing... swish, swish, swish.....the sound of Little Guys Snow pants as he is pacing the house waiting for the big kids to go outside with him

Around the house...Laundry, Laundry, Laundry & I would also like to clean out Drama Diva's closets this week, she has had a growth spurt overnight!

One of my favorite things...Snow Days!! Our first one in THREE years!!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Lenten Family Night on Wednesday, a few errands around town, and Me & DH have a night out on Saturday for a fundraiser for the Fire CO Tour of Italy Dinner & Gift auction!!!

Little Guy just loving the Snow Day!!

For More Daybook entries visit Peggy at Simple Woman's Daybook!

What a nice day it has turned out to be...

2009-03-01T20:08:00.005-05:00

I was awakened at 3am to the phone ringing, after jump starting my heart, I was relieved that is was just DH's work calling in for overtime..PTL! Then it felt like as soon as I was back into that deep sleep, DH came home and awake again..Which lead to me oversleeping this morning for Worship. When I got out of bed, I thought "this is going to be a day" After I dropped Big Guy off at Church for class, my Mom called and asked if the kids wanted to come over and watch HSM3 with her, she was coming to get them at 1pm. Awesome! Big Guy decided he would go to after his bowling plans fell through, but when my Dad heard, he decided to take the gang to the Bowling Alley before their movie date! DH was called back in and I had the house to myself! very strange! At first it was a nice treat. I have been working for 3 days on re-arranging/organizing my Sewing Room and for some reason unknown to me, I decided to make patchwork curtains for the room. Doesn't sound so bad until I measure the windows and realize I need 1,020 4 1/2 inch blocks to make 4 sets of valance & tiers!!!! YIKES! That is when I thought, I gotta get out of here! I called my good friend T, and we strolled through our beloved Thrift Shop and then headed into Village Coffee and we had such a nice, quiet time to catch up after our busy weeks. I came home refreshed, started up the laundry again, and back to sewing table. Now I just sat down with a cup of tea for a minute and realized what a nice day the Lord has blessed me with. And another great addition to the day is now the great possibility of a huge snow storm and a possible snow day tomorrow! Doesn't get much better that that!

Friday Fave Five

2009-02-27T08:43:00.009-05:00

Another week that has flown by me....Not much as gone on here this week, so this won't be one of my most exciting lists. For More Exciting Lists..Visit Susanne's Place

1) Our local Ice Cream Shop - Not feeling well after a long day on my feet, a humongous Banana Split did the trick! I might need some more of that magic tonight ;)

2) My Church Family - With Lent starting this week, we have more time together that we usually do, and I have had a blast with them! Not to mention, the Youth program has been so good to my Big Guy, I am forever Thankful for having them in our life!

3) My new friend Kim - She has become such a good friend to me and I am very grateful that the Lord had led me to her ;) Oh, and just in case you haven't noticed....She also created my new Rockin' Blog!!!!!!

4) Our little Thrift Shop in town - I think I may have posted this once before, but since I accidentally deleted most of my past blogs....I am starting anew! I have been finding such treasures there, I have really enjoyed going. From finding my treasured rocking chair to clothes for the kids & myself to little crystal serving pieces..... My only problem is, I enjoy going to much and find myself just stopping to see what is new every day!!! Now, that I think about it, I haven't gone yet today...hmm...

5)Warmer weather - Yes, the wind is still kicking and warm to us right now is 50 degrees, but Thank Heaven for it! I the kids were in desperate need of going outside to run and play and get rid of some that energy!

Big Guy doesn't seem to get as much Blog time as the littler ones, so I thought I would post a pic of him this week :O) The funny part of this Pic is that right before and right after this pic was taken he was laughing hysterically, but went into ROTC mode as soon as the camera turned on!

Thankful Thursday

2009-02-26T15:59:00.004-05:00

Four Generations!!! Me, Nan, Mom & DD

Together for Nan's 86th Birthday!

Today, I want to just take the time to write about My MOM. I love her...yes I know, Duh!
* I LOVE our Friendship ~ We talk about everything, really! I enjoy her company and we spend a lot of time together..(yes, now that she is home, sometimes she makes me a little crazy when she wants me to trek in the snow to come for a cup a tea!) But I end up going 99% of the time anyhow!
*I LOVE our Honesty ~ It did take us awhile, but we can both tell each other how it is..
* I LOVE our Humor ~ Some things only her and I will laugh at, sometimes until we are close to wetting our pants..LOL!We have so much fun together
* I LOVE our ESP ~ Just today, I had a conversation with her friend about a craft I was doing for our upcoming dinner this weekend. My mother entered from another room, and almost quoted me to word without even knowing it! It was hysterical!
* I LOVE our Relationship ~ With our families, we mesh together so well. Well, most of the time..LOL! My mom is always looking for me and the kids to come over. I think she would be pleased if we stopped in every day. The only problem is, I always end up staying for hours, my house would be a pig sty!
I am truly blessed to have my mom. I feel so lucky that I have her to tell her everything, even when I know she doesn't approve, she listens and is honest. I don't have to hide anything, nor does she. She is truly My Best Friend, and I am THANKFUL

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-25T08:36:00.002-05:00

He was laughing like crazy the other in the bath, I had to go see what he was up to...Little Guy is too funny :O) I love this pic!

Check out more Wordless Wednesday here!!!

Piles of Pancakes

2009-02-24T20:10:00.004-05:00

Boy oh Boy, that is what I was looking at tonight at our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper! What fun it was to see the Pastor dancing in the kitchen with his Ipod flipping pancakes, the community coming together and the youth acting as "waiters/waitress" serving everyone.It was a fun night for all, even for our little friend A who doesn't eat pancakes but we packed him a turkey sandwich so he could enjoy the night with us! I was a bit nervous about going because I am not feeling well at all today and spent most of the time the kids were in school in bed! (Boy, gotta love them all in school! Hehehe) But, Praise God, I was really feeling OK for most of the supper :O) And thank the Lord I am in a much better mood today, and realized it was due to a visit from AF :( Blek.....All my medication has made me very unpredictable..But enough with the TMI, Thanks for the Prayers to save me from my grumpy self! LOL! I am now going to find my warmest quilt and curl up in bed with my book from the library

Grr..

2009-02-23T20:16:00.002-05:00

I am agitated! annoyed! cranky! I need to vent before I explode! It is just me and the kids and if DH was here, at least I could complain to him, but no dice.....grr.... I had been very sore last night and was up until after 2am..then I was up and out of the house early. So in turn, I have felt more sore than usual today, I am guessing from the lack of sleep. The worse part about being nasty...I have no good reason to! I actually had a GREAT day with my Mom! After my 30, yes 30 X-rays, I went to Mom's for bagels, then we went out shopping for the rest of the day until the kids got out of school (well, the shopping actually has quite a bit to do with my sore day today!) then we went to Mom's for dinner to celebrate my Nan's 86th Birthday. So I should be happy, rejoicing in the wonderful life my Nana has led.....NOPE, I am just flat out MAD!

Weekly Menu Plan

2009-02-22T22:49:00.007-05:00

I figure if I don't plan my menu now, goodness knows when I will get the chance. Monday seems to be a trying day to begin with, and now I have a 8:15am Dr appt! I don't know what I was thinking taking that appt time??? Well, back to the task at hand...it is actually quite an easy week for me ;)

Monday: Dinner @ Moms! PTL after a busy day!

Tuesday: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper @ Church

Wednesday: Potato Soup & Sandwiches (I never made this last week, we stayed for dinner @ Mom's!)

Thursday: Baked Chicken Legs, Mac & Cheese & Fresh Green Beans

Friday: Pizza night! We will prob have T & the kids over, so this is a crowd pleaser!

Boy, I feel better about the week already!

I Feel the Earth Move under My Feet.....

2009-02-22T12:45:00.003-05:00

That is what keeps playing in the back of my mind..Because that is how I am feeling right now...MOVED! I have not felt this way in quite some time now. And I don't think it is for just one reason or individual, but I think a collection of all the blessings I have been given over the last few days.

To start, I had a great week sharing with good friends, then I finally had a Dr's appt that ended with hope. No, I don't have any relief physically yet, but emotionally I feel like an incredible weight has been lifted. Then my week continued with good times sharing and seeing my oldest turn into such a young Respectable, Jesus loving man. He has taken great pride in participating in the R.O.T.C. and it had shown during his parents night on Thursday and he then was off to a Youth Retreat this weekend with our church, another one of his great prides...being a part of a wonderful ministry. I was originally filled with guilt this morning when I told the younger ones, we were going to sleep in today and not attend Worship this morning. I knew my Pastor was on the retreat, and selfishly I did not attend partly because of that (and the dreary,cold weather didn't help either). Then, this morning I was lead to Roberta's testimonies, and Praise God, I felt the Earth move. Through her journey and her reference to scripture, I felt like I had witnessed a sermon this morning even though I did not attend worship at UMC. Of course, Roberta's testimony will not take the place of my weekly Worship, but as for today, it was just was I needed and where the Lord had guided me to.

So, with all these wonderful experiences this week, I have been transformed. I feel this wonderful sense of hope that I have not felt in quite a long time. I have missed it. I have longed for it. I will bask in it.

At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation - Daniel 4:34

Show and Tell Saturday

2009-02-21T10:01:00.004-05:00

Show & Tell Saturday

Fave Kitchen Gadget

Thanks Kim for letting me choose this weeks topic!!!!

Boy, I thought this week was tough! When I first suggested it, I thought "What A snap" but, that was not the case! I wanted to take a picture of everything! or better yet, just a pic of the whole kitchen!LOL! Then, I thought, can kitchen gadget also be a small appliance? Oh my, I know...I over think everything!!!! So, after tough deliberation..I was able to narrow it down to two! One small gadget and one small appliance..........Drum roll please....

OK, this is what first came to mind! My all time FAV Coffee Pot, my Keurig! I have been through many, many makers, until I found this one! I am a huge java drinker, and was always looking for the best one. Then DH bought this for my 30th birthday:O) And the best part is I can just make hot water for a cup of tea at night!

Here is my gadget, my Pampered Chef Kitchen Shears! Yes,they are a mess, a piece missing off the handle (thanks, DH) but they are a gadget I use constantly everyday. My favorite us is to cut up little guy's pizza, but it is also great to cut up chicken and chuck roast when preparing dinner (Yes I wash with HOT soapy water & then run through the dishwasher, B4 I cut up the pizza!) and then later in the day, Drama Diva is using to assist her with her homework project.

No more drama...PLEASE!

2009-02-20T22:40:00.002-05:00

Goodness, I have had enough of the drama! Seriously, my "tween" daughter is close to putting me over the edge of sanity! Boy, I thought my son was a bit difficult with the mood swings, but boy was I wrong!! She takes the cake! She can go from happy and giggling to screaming and crying in seconds flat. I thought I would have an easy night because DS1 is on a Youth retreat & DD was going on a sleepover. So, it was just me, hubby & Nate and we invited T and her son over. Well, it was nice and relaxing until the first call of the night (well, actually a text message! LOL) Oooh, did I forget to mention there are THREE girls included in the sleepover, need I say any more? Good grief! I have had it, when will it let up? Please tell me soon? Praise God I only have one girl!

Friday Fave Five

2009-02-20T08:36:00.007-05:00

If you would like to read more Friday Fave Five, Visit Susanne's place

Boy, after reading a few others, we are all in agreement, this week flew by! Which leads me to my first favorite...

1) Four day weeks! - Aaahh, yes. We actually had a 4 day weekend and then a 4 day week, it was so nice. For some reason, it just changed the whole mood of the house to calm...well, as calm as it can be :D

2) My new Doctor - Yes, I think I have found her! I have been searching for weeks now for someone to help me and gosh, I think I have! I hear see the road to recovery in the distance....

3) Lunch - Yes, that is not a misprint! I have enjoyed all of my lunches this week! LOL! each day with someone different :O) It just seems like the best time of the day to sit and enjoy you friends/family company. (and the yummy sweets after aren't so bad either!) Absolutely priceless

4) My new friends here in Bloggity-Ville - I have had a blast meeting new friends and getting to know each other. What fun and what an honor for them to let me into their daily lives ;)

5) My Rocking Chair - It has been such a nice treat to sit in it during these windy days wrapped up in a quilt working on my crochet...And it also helping my back pain ;) *sorry for the bad pic*

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-18T09:23:00.003-05:00

I love Wordless Wednesday..If you would like to join in or see more, go here

This is one of my favorites, taken over 8 years ago of my two oldest. The Best part, they were NOT posed!

Menu Monday Tuesday

2009-02-17T08:49:00.005-05:00

I had good intention of posting my Menu plan for the week yesterday, but I never made it back to the computer. Now, that I am home for an indefinite period of time, I realize I would like to make the most of it. Anyone who knows me, knows I over-obsess. I have been so obsessive over what I will miss when I have to go back to work, that I am MISSING it all now! It is the little things that fall through the cracks, that lead to a hairy day, like my meal planning. I really enjoy laying out my menu and most of the time stick with it, but lately it has been thrown out the window, and then I am spending the time when I can be hanging with kids after school, scurrying around the kitchen, throwing something together...Well NO MORE! Even if it took me an extra day! Menu Tuesday it is!!!

Monday- Steaks on the grill, White cheddar macaroni, & whatever veggie the kids choose

Tuesday- Day off! Kids are going to SIL for dinner and hubby will eat at work tonight...Seafood Alfredo for ME!

Wednesday- BBQ pork in the crock pot, mini-knot rolls & Applesauce & Carrot sticks

Thursday - Cheddar Potato Soup and sandwiches

Friday - Italian Chicken and Veggies in the crock pot

Wow! I feel like a weight has been lifted...Aahhhh...but sadly it has landed right on my hips :D

A Beautiful Noise...

2009-02-15T16:23:00.002-05:00

Over the last two years, we have faced alot of difficult times with DS2. It all started one night in Nov '06, when he collapsed to the floor complaining of pain and then loss of feeling in his legs and arms. After tests and more tests, we heard the dreaded word....Tumor. Well, at first they were not sure, and actually they still aren't. But, it had progressed from "Lesion on his Temporal Lobe" to "Tumor on his temporal Lobe". And through these grueling months, he has experienced terrible, debilitating headaches. He had been taking medication for them, for about year, but then we were able to wean him off this September. So, during this time, he spent many of his days home and we ended taking him out of school last year, and with our Faith in the Lord, we entered him back into Kindergarten this year. We have continued to follow-up with our Neurologist and have MRI's taken every 3 months. He is doing great in school, with much noticed improvement in his behavior and attitude. Then, about 3-4 weeks, I noticed the headaches have slowly worked back. At first, i tried to just treat them with Tylenol, but they were becoming more frequent. So, when I called last week to schedule his next "Pedi-Day-Stay w/ sedation MRI" for March, I mentioned the headaches to our nurse and the doctor has decided to start the meds back up....So I thought, Here we go again....I don't know if I have the strength to do this again....
That was, until this morning..... I have noticed that he has been reading certain words through the house..on magazines, TV, books,etc. So, this morning I pulled out one of his books and asked him if he would like to try to read it to me.....Then, to my sweet surprise...my son read an entire book to me all by himself! Yes, to most mom's of almost 7yr old, this may the normal musings of the day, but not to this mom...What a Beautiful Noise.......

What a long way we have come..

2009-02-14T18:49:00.005-05:00

Me and DH, that is. Years ago, even already having just one child, Valentine's Day was such a big day and goodness knows I would be upset if we didn't go out to dinner and if I didn't receive some sort of present from hubby. As the years have passed, little by little, things have changed. I think out to eat was probably the first to go...as DS1 was blessed with another sibling, then the showering of gifts also came to an end. Not that I don't LOVE to go out to dinner or receive a thoughtful gift as much as the next person, I just prefer them now all year long! LOL! But they are different meals out and more priceless gifts. Yes, every once in a blue moon, beside the occasional wedding, me and DH do get to a meal out alone, and yes, he stills surprises me with gifts now and again. Now I love going out to eat as a family, especially now that the kids are a bit bigger, and I love those those little gifts, like dandelions from the backyard or the picture that one has drawn that I dare not ask "and who the heck is that potato shaped person?".I had given DH a little friendly reminder that chocolate would be nice (as long as it wasn't sugar-free, like last years last minute shopper picked up!) but that I just wanted a quiet day with the family. ALL of us! So, this morning, when I walked into the dining room, I saw 2 piles, both with "Mom" cards atop. The first card was a great Mickey card (we luv Disney here!) but when I gazed down to the from it only was signed by two of my three children??? Maybe they forgot to include DS2? Then the little guy prompted me to open the next card.... and there it was..just from HIM! And remember he is only six!

DH informed me that DS2 was not thrilled the "saying" in first card, and made him read aloud all the cards until he found the perfect one for me! It is this, that I want for Valentine's every year! OK, yes, I did receive two pretty nice boxes of Chocolate loaded with sugar! And now that I think about it, it really should be titled "what a long way I have come" but hey, everything we do, we do as a family!!!!

Show and Tell Saturday - SHOES!!!!

2009-02-14T10:59:00.003-05:00

Today's Show & Tell is SHOES!!! Yes, I LOVE shoes, but pretty much just one brand/type! I am a Birkenstock junkie! Clogs or sandals, they are my favorite! And yes, I wear my sandals ALL year long and with socks!!!! :O)

These are fairly new, and they are my Birk of choice right now!

I want to thank Kim for hosting this fun post! If you would like to join in visit Show & Tell Saturdays

I am a Moron

2009-02-14T10:32:00.002-05:00

Yup, I am a "Blog Newbie" for sure! I was trying to change some labels on my posts....and Prest-O Change-O .......... I deleted ALL of my posts!!!!! So, here I am, back at square one! Well, on the bright side..I know how to make labels now!!! *Thanks Kim! :O)*

Sew Blessed with 3

30 days of Thanksgiving - Nov 12

30 days of Thanksgiving - Nov 11

30 days of Thanksgiving - Nov 10

30 days of Thanksgiving - Nov 9

Menu Plan Monday 11/09/09

I had to make a choice...

30 days of Thanksgiving - Nov 8

30 days of Thanksgiving - Nov 7

Friday Fave Five

30 days of Thanksgiving - Nov 5

Here it goes..

30 days of Thanksgiving - Nov 4

Beat the Clock...

Menu Plan Monday

Can it be November already?

On top of Spaghetti

Wordless Wednesday

Sweet Dreams

My Point of View

I have to accept it....

Morning Woes

When will it end?

One of those days

Blame

Is it too much to ask?

Facebook - Friend or Foe???

Time Flies

Mid Stop Summer

For every season

Lists...

Don't mess with my Girls

Will it ever stop?

My latest Obsession

Wrong

I am back.. for now ;)

Signing Off

What I've Been Reading....

Punk?

Wordless Wednesday 4/15

Out of the mouth of babes

Blah-De-Da

Wardrobe Basics

I am Back!

Reading is FUN!

What a GREAT Weekend!

Well I did it! and I am going to do it AGAIN!

Can't stay away!

When were you going to tell me??

Out of the mouths of babes

Relief, somewhat

Why do I torture myself?

Many Wordless Wednesday

What I learned this week

Home at Last

Avoiding..

Worry, Worry..go away

Trying to keep up my spirits

Busy Bee

I feel Loved :O)

What I learned this Week

Simple Woman's Daybook

Warm Weather Fight Fun???

Feeling Great!

My favorite line from 'Goonies'

Procrastinating.....

Show and Tell Saturday

Friday Fave Five

What a Week

*Warning* LOL!

What a Terrible Day

Wordless Wednesday

What I've Learned This Week..so far

Out of the Mouths of Babes..

Meal Plan Tuesday

Unfortunately Melissa

Simple Woman's Daybook - March 2nd

What a nice day it has turned out to be...

Friday Fave Five

Thankful Thursday

Warning LOL!