Say Hello to my Little Friends

Here are a couple more Christmas gifts I got. These were courtesy of my momma! I'm going for the red theme in my kitchen.


At some point I'm going to get THIS and THIS, and then of course I'll need THIS....hmmmm...maybe next year!


But for now...here is the beginning of my collection of RED!

My New Best Friend

How on earth could I have forgetten to share that I got THIS for Christmas!!!!
Isn't she beautiful?!?!?!
Thank you eternally to my MOM and my Mom-in-law!!!!!
WWWOOOOOOHHHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BLUE? Uh, Ok....

I saw this on Minnie's blog and I had to do it too!

Your Hair Should Be Blue

Wild, brilliant, and out of control.You're a risk taker with an eye to the future.

What's" Your Funky Inner Hair Color?

Ladies and Gentlemen....

The blonde has left the building!

BEFORE

AFTER

UPDATE: I've posted a better picture of my new hair. I took about a trillion pictures and wasn't happy with any of them but this is the best one I guess. I have a weird fake smile that kinda makes my face look funny but oh well. I'm rarely happy with pictures of me but here it is.

I'm a Brunette now! Much closer to my natural color, only prettier. It's a reddish brown or brownish red....with some blonde highlights....I LOVE IT! Hooray!

Baby has decided to boycott naps, and I'm with her! She is only waking up 1-2 times per night and is sleeping about 10 hours per night. I know they say around 13 hours is good but they also say it varies depending on the kid...and this is how my kid is doing it. She looks sleepy, and will doze sometimes but she is in just as good a spirits at the end of the day as she is in the morning. And she goes a million miles per hour every minute of the day. She's going to sleep very easily at night with no fight and my nights are much better...THANKS!

It might have to do with our NEW BED! How much do I love it!

I can't wait until tomorrow so I can tell about the presents I got for everyone. I LOVE CHRISTMAS! This one is going to be great! I can't wait to see the faces as they open the presents....and, it doesn't hurt that I'm getting a DISHWASHER!!!!!!! THANK YOU BABY!

My oldest brother, my neice and my sis-in-law will be here on Thursday and so will my Uncle and Aunt. They will be here through the weekend and I'm SO EXCITED! I will post pictures.

Hmmmmmmmmm.....it's been a busy few days. I'm a last minute shopper but I'm done! I got exactly what I wanted for everybody. I don't mind the crowds and the traffic this time of year. It's fun to me...all part of the joy and excitement of the season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS...yes I said it...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
It's the celebration of OUR LORD AND SAVIOR'S birth so

CELEBRATE ALREADY!

Get Down!!!!

My little climber strikes again.

This Morning's Breakfast

This table and chairs is one of my mom's Christmas gifts to my baby girl. She LOVES it! Here we are this morning eating breakfast together.

Ha Ha Ha Ha

(I now know that this website is all over the place with this video...but it's still funny!)

I found this video to be very funny. I am a big fan of George Bush, but I thought this was hysterical.

Thanks mom for telling me about this site!

Another Day

Mops was fun today. My baby had no intention of being in the nursery though. She was really upset, and I'm not talking mad...she was splotchy forehead, crying hyesterically...they came and got me and even after I had her in my arms she would just break out into tears. Not like her at all...I took her into the meeting with me and fed her some and she just cuddled on my lap. I think she was hungry and on top of that she had fallen asleep on the way there and I had to wake her up, so that in addition to new faces and a new place added up to a very unhappy little girl!

Naptime today...well, she cried again for about 50 minutes, slept for an hour then, well...she woke up due to some poopies in her diaper...I changed her and then nursed her a little and she slept another hour and a half.

Last night she only woke up 1 time! That's right...I was in my bed for all but 40 minutes last night!!! 4 full hours of sleep in a row! That's the first time in 11 months that I've gotten that many hours of consecutive sleep! She's asleep now. I'm going to bed right away hoping, and praying that tonite will be a repeat performance!

So, that was my regular old day.

3 days until my 29th! FYI................

Well Thank the Lord

Ok...so I've admitted to myself several things. One is that my daughter's problems with naptime are rooted in my inconsistancy. For awhile it was 12:00 naptime...2 hour naps...no problems...then I started changing it up and running late and trying to get her down earlier....not a good plan. She seems to really thrive with a routine that doesn't change SO...after a couple days of tears (mine) and her not napping because I didn't even want to deal with it, we ventured into the waters of naptime again today...54 min of yelling (I've decided to discontinue the use of the word "crying" because that is most certainly NOT what she is doing")....2 hours of naptime...HOORAY! I'm sorry, you didn't hear me H O O R A Y ! !

One of the other things that I realized a few weeks back but refused to acknowledge until now is that up until she was 10 months I nursed her to sleep every naptime and bedtime...I'm not saying that was a bad thing AT ALL....but when the times comes to wean her it poses a big problem...so I developed a pre-sleep routine ( I use the same for both bedtimes and naptimes...it works for us) and I allowed her to cry it out a couple nights (literally 2, the second much quicker). However, subsequently, she got sick, I began nursing her more again and we fell into the same routine of nursing to sleep...when I decided to end that habit I just replaced it with rocking her in my arms while I sang. When she would be sound asleep I would put her down...and then I wondered why she still wasn't sleeping through the night. I'm not talking 1 or 2 wake ups...I'm talking up to 5 times. She's 5 days away from being 16 months old and I'm going on 11 months of barely any sleep.

MY POINT BEING....A few nights ago, after much prayer came up with a plan. We watch her praise baby video and eat a snack...we say good-nite to everyone and everything in the house as we walk to her room, we sit and read 4 stories, i turn off the light and to the lullaby that plays (repeatedly) on her CD player I rock her...1-2-3-4, 2-2-3-4...it began by me counting up to 100-2-3-4...and no matter what state of sleep she is at the end I kiss her cheek, put her down, say ni-night and I love her, and I walk out....we are down to counting to 35-2-3-4...the last 3 nights she's awakened 2 times a night...AWESOME!....same times every night too. TONITE...I know she was awake when I put her down. It's been 18 minutes and not a peep...I put the monitor right next to her crib and I can hear her breathing...it's so cute and I know she's sound asleep. And she's been waking up SO HAPPY...in such a happy, silly mood....I actually sorta look forward to nights now.

We'll see how naptime tomorrow goes and I will be sure to let you know.

Thank you ALL for your prayers, advice and support! I'm sure this is not the end...indeed, it is only the beginning...I appreciate you ALL.

At Baby Boot Camp today I was invited by another girl I met to go to a MOPS Christmas party tomorrow. I'm excited. In the 4 years I've been here I haven't met many women my age and I've made very few friends. I've attended college with lots of kids 10 years younger than me, and my oldest daughter's friend's moms are 10-15 years older than me and very few have kids younger than 9 or 10...and our church is so big and I have yet to get really involved there since we returned to it in June. (for a year and a half we attended a smaller church but found they held some beliefs we disagreed with and that meant we couldn't be involved like we wanted, due to the fact that we had to sign a statement of faith that we didn't believe in....ANYWAY, I digress) My closest friends are back home in Virginia and that's really far from where I am now. I've never been one that just goes out and meets people easily and I very rarely find someone I would consider a close friend so that doesn't help much either. I'm excited that I've been making more of an effort lately to get out and meet people, first with Baby Boot Camp and now with this. I'm a homebody...I love being at home with my hubby and my girls and my mom. Typically I would turn down the invitation because of the akwardness of meeting new people but I'm just gonna do it.

Amanda really made me thing with her post about praying for a friend. I'm trying to do that. I've found many online (you guys rock)!! but I think I should be looking for a friend a little closer to home. Thanks for that post Amanda, you really opened my eyes to praying for things I've never thought of praying for.

So...it's 9:45 now...I'm tired. My house is clean, thanks to Fly Lady and my mom even helped me organize and declutter my desk...Thank the Lord...My home is almost completely clutter free and organized and clean.


Here is a picture of my baby and me as we found some reinforcement stickers to put on our faces.

So now I'm going to sleep. Hopefully for another good night of sleeping at least 3 hours at a time! (Now that's luxary!!!!)

Tuesday, December 20th...I am going to the salon and getting a manicure, pedicure and coloring my hair back to my natural color...I'm actually going to do it a little richer than my natural color. Something like Finola Hughes in both style and color.

ANYWAY...again...I'm tired and I'm taking forever to finish this post. Oh my goodness. It's 10:00. I'm squandering the precious time God has given me to sleep.

Love you all! Until tomorrow!

TAG!

Michelle tagged me with this so here is my stab at it.

Seven Things I want to Do Before I Die:
1. Watch my baby receive Christ.
2. Watch both girls graduate from High School and College
3. Visit the Islands of Greece.
4. Take a Cruise.
5. Go on a nationwide trip visiting amusments parks all over the country
6. Vacation along the east coast from NJ to FL…visit the towns I used to live in and my family.
7. Vacation along the west coast from WA to CA…never been to the west coast, my hubby has 2 brothers there and now my sis-in-law and neice will be in CA too!
Seven Things I Cannot Do:
1. Lie or even Keep a Secret
2. Imagine my life without my two girls and my husband
3. Part my hair on the left side or in the middle (I have a cowlick)
4. Curl my tongue (my mom, my dad, my brothers can…not I)
5. Eat seafood…any kind…yuk
6. Fly on a plane without being sick to my tummy for 2 days before hand and tearing up
when we take off and land
7. Go a day without chocolate
Seven Things That Attract Me To My Husband (Wife, Boyfriend, Girlfriend, Best Friend)
1. His sense of humor
2. His honesty
3. He’s an amazing father
4. His drive and determination to be better (husband, father, Christian, Real Estate Broker….)
5. His countenance
6. His desire to learn everything he can about everything
7. His ability to dream big!
Seven Things I Say Most Often
1. I Love You, I Love You, I Love You!
2. Time to go to Wal-Mart
3. Do you have a pee-pee diaper?
4. Time for the Teletubbies!
5. Are you finished with your homework?
6. Someone is stinky!
7. No, No
Seven Books, Or Series, That I Love
1. The Bible
2. I haven’t read an entire book since I was about 21….shhhh…except my daughter’s board
books
3. Sorry to be a bad example but at least I’m honest!
4. I’m working on it now. I have 3 in line to read.
5. Until then I have nothing really to write here.
6. I can’t even remember most of the books I’ve read. The last one was Amistad.
7. That was when I was 21.
Seven Movies I Would Watch Over and Over Again
1. Napoleon Dynamite
2. Elf
3. Hildago
4. Four Feathers
5. Man in the Iron Mask
6. Last Samuri
7. Batman Begins
UPDATE: 2 More...The Princess Bride and Labyrinth

Seven People I Want To Join In To
1. Shelley (now you’ve been tagged twice!)
2. Rebekah
3. Addie
4. Leslie
5. Dana
6. Robin
7. Anyone who reads my blog….just let me know you did it…these are just the first bloggers I came acrossed back when I started t

Too Much Teletubbies

Need I say more?

Three Things Thursday - Happy 4th Anniversary Edition

4 years ago today I married the most wonderful man on earth, and as a bonus, I got the most wonderful daughter too (at the time she was 7)! I can honestly say that 4 years later we are closer and more in love than that day. We still hold hands all the time, we still cuddle, I still kiss him goodbye every morning, we still say "I love you" EVERYTIME we get off the phone and we still are looking for ways to make it even better!

He really and truly is my best friend, the love of my life, the one God had chosen for me before I was even born. I'm so grateful for my husband, my marraige and my girls. I don't remember what life was life before them...

So here is a TTT about my wedding.
THREE THINGS THURSDAY
(1) It was originally planned for June 2002 in our current hometown. But at the time I was in Tulsa, OK and he was here so the plan was for me to move here in December, get my own apartment, go to school, get a job...SO....at the end of October 2001 he called and said, "Let's just get married in Tulsa in December...." uh, ok...so I planned and pulled off my wedding in 7 weeks. I wouldn't have changed it for the world either. It was absolutely perfect.

(2) My Uncle Don is a Lutheran minister and performed the ceremony. His son and daughter (my cousins) each sang a song. They both have amazing voices. My cousin Jon sang The Lord's Prayer and my other cousin Kris (the one with the son a day younger than my baby) sang Ava Maria. To make it a total family affair, I wore my Aunt Dorothy's wedding dress that she had worn 44 years before at her wedding to my above mentioned Uncle Don! We took pictures before the actual wedding. I don't believe in bad luck and my Aunt Dorothy said that 44 years earlier, on her wedding day, she ran into Uncle Don before the wedding...and they're still married (48 years this year!)...


(3) My bridesmaid (my sis-in-law Cheryl) and my junior bridesmaids (my neice and my daughter) walked down the aisle to Pachabel's Cannon and my Big Brother Reist walked me down the aisle to Nocturne from A Midsummer's Night's Dream(not the traditional wedding march)...a song I had picked when I was in Elementary School as my wedding song, and I had actually written it at the top of the sheet music my mom had....all these years later she had that sheet music with my little handwriting on it and the organist played it for me! I didn't do anything the traditional way!!!


**BONUS** I can't just share 3 things. There's too much to share about my wedding.

I was 24 and my hubby had just turned 36...I turned 25 8 days later (hint hint...8 days until my 29th!)

My mom and I did all the shopping for decorations, flowers etc...we didn't hire anyone outside of our friends. The girl who did the photography was an assistant basketball coach at the University of Tulsa, and I knew her because my work study job was in their office. She was a photographer on the side. She only charged us for the film and developing! We had cupcakes instead of a traditional wedding cake, that way there was a choice of different flavors. Those were baked by the cook at the school where my mom worked. We made the bouquets and coursages (except my bouquet, I did go get that with fresh beautiful flowers, but boy was it heavy)....

I also have to add...my other brother Cody and sis-in-law Kristina couldn't come because my Kristina was very, very sick and scheduled for surgery the Monday following my wedding...but she was still my bridesmaid from all the way across the country, and Cody would've shared in the honor of walking me down the aisle.

It was the most beautiful wedding. And my dream was always to have a Christmas wedding and I lucked out, the church where we had the wedding got their poinsettias a week early so they covered the front of the church.

There you have it...MY WEDDING!

Who would've thought 4 years later we'd have this little cracker jack too!

Naptime Woes AGAIN

So she's protesting again...42 minutes so far. She protested so much yesterday that I gave up so I think she's betting on that again today. I tell you what, that child is so tired. She fought for a second when I started her pre-naptime book but then...not only did she give in and stop fighting, she fell asleep while sitting on my lap...then I stood up and rocked her...she has been screaming everytime I sing her pre-bedtime songs (I trying not to take it as a reflection of my singing) so I've decided to let her cd play and I rock her to the rhythm of the song....like this....1-2-3-4, 2-2-3-4, 3-2-3-4...all the way to 100-2-3-4....She was snoring, out like a light...then I put her down and for 45 minutes now she's been yelling at me....she takes long pauses sometimes and then starts again. UGH...I'm not giving in today...nope...not today. I'm gonna be strong. I've already cleaned my sink until it sparkles and now I'm hungry so I'm gonna eat and watch a video of food shows, and home decorating shows...hooray...and I'm not gonna give in.

She's been doing so well going to sleep without a fight at bedtime and naptime...my only problem lately has been her nightwakings....I'm not sure what this is about.

Really, I'm about to starve so I better go eat something. She has to fall asleep sometime....right?

O Lord, Please let this poor sleepy child give in to sleep! Oh please, oh please, OH PLEASE!

UPDATE #1 @ 1:36pm
At 1:00 she was still crying so...I went in changed her diaper, read 4 books, sang (she actually didn't scream once) and she was out on my shoulder AGAIN...I put her down and (drumroll please)...36 minutes and she's still crying. Except for the 15 minutes I spent in there she's been crying for 2 1/2 hours. I'm not sure why. She's not gnawing on her little hand and she is fine if I'm holding her. Why, oh, why...if I go get her I know this will continue to happen day after day, but 2 1/2 hours, come on, this is rediculous.

For those of you shocked that I've let her cry this long let me tell you one thing, when I went in at 1 (after 2 hours of crying), there was not 1 tear, no red face, no messy hair...she stopped IMMEDIATELY and even let me change her with no crying.

If you're thinking (like me), oh, she just wants mommy...probably. I think it's a separation thing. But I can't sit day after day and hold her during her 2 hour nap. My back won't take it, i get hungry, I have to use the restroom, it just doesn't work. Believe me, I've done it before when she's been sick and it ain't pretty.

So she has to fall asleep sometime. That's how I've gotten to 2 1/2 hours without losing my mind. I keep hearing her pause for about 5 seconds and I think "she's slowing down, it won't be long"....

I have no plan at this point of how long I will wait her out. I keep thinking if I give in now I'm going to be doing this again tomorrow.

It's 1:43 now. We'll see what the next little while brings me!

UPDATE #2 @ 2:08
At 1:54 she stopped crying. I'm hoping she'll take a nice long nap...ha ha ha ha ha ha

I'm also hoping this means, since I went through this torture and I didn't collapse under pressure, that she'll go down much easier tomorrow....we will see.

But Thank the Lord!

My books and Fly Lady

Ok, you guys are gonna think I'm nuts. Remember back when I ordered those books and I was so excited about oraganizing my home and my life?? Well I did get started on my home and really don't have much left to do...but I have only read a few pages in two of the three books. Unlike Leslie I just can't find the time. (ha ha)

ANYWAY...my point is, I've discovered The Fly Lady. Now, my house is not in CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) but it does get really messy sometimes and she has a great system for learning habits and how to take care and love yourself as well as how to get your home clean. I'm very excited to start doing this. I signed up for her mailing list to receive daily reminders and stuff. I think it will be great.

I put my Navigation Bar back at the top even though it's still messed up. I hate not having it because when I want to find a post of mine I can just type in a keyword and hit "search this blog" and I find it...for example, the above reference to my previous post about books. SO...sorry it's so funky...I don't know why, I know how to get rid of it but I don't know how to fix it and I wanna keep it so oh well.

No baby boot camp today. My hubby has taken my truck and left his car because he needs to have it looked at, but I did go Monday and Tuesday. It will be nice to rest today...and clean really good. I still have decorations sitting on my front porch. I've only done a little bit to the front of the house, so I can finish it today maybe.

Now I have to go Shine My Sink.

Our Family

My reason for moving the Christmas Tree 

The Christmas Tree as it is now... 

Blah Blah Blah

I guess I'm not the only one. I've read a few of your blogs about not feeling like posting anything really lately.

I've posted a couple things but no real thought ornot really talking about what't going on here.

The baby has had an icky cold again (since last monday)...plus, she just got her 2nd Molars (before her first, go figure) and those were BEARS...i had one day where she seemed like she was over the teething thing for awhile (she's gotten 12 teeth in 10 months) but then her hand was back in her mouth and she was gnawing on it again, and following me around yelling wanting me to hold her. It's been a pretty draining week.

This is the last week of baby boot camp for this session but i'm going back next session, bound and determined that on the days i'm not there that i'll be here working out to my favorite, Denise Austin.

My brother-in-law and his wife came into town Saturday and Sunday from California. It was fun to see them again. We see them a couple times a year.

I decided to put my Christmas tree on the coffee table between the couch and the loveseat so the little one can't redecorate it. It actually looks really cool. I'll post a picture, cuz of course I took one.

So, I'm tired from the baby being up a lot last night. They say not to sleep train them when they are teething...but when is she not teething? You can tell that she's miserable though. When she starts crying and I go in her hand is just soaked and so is her sleeve. I can't let her cry it out if she's crying cuz she's hurting. Some nights she'll go back to sleep no problem right away. Last night, not a chance. I'm never gonna wean her from her night nursings. Day nursings are in the past, but night nursings are here to stay it looks like.

She's so precious.

Our 4 year wedding anniversary is on Thursday. I can't believe it.

My 29th birthday is in 2 1/2 weeks. I can't believe that either. I'm excited though. I'm glad to be getting older. I look foward to my future and I can't have my future without getting older so to me it's exciting to look back at how I've grown and changed and how my life has evolved. Plus, I think really you're only as young as you feel so the numbers mean nothing to me. In my head I'm still 22. I haven't changed much since High School. Just inside.

Thank the Lord for the Teletubbies. No kidding. They make my daughter so happy. I love to hear her giggle and laugh.

Wow, it feels good to type all this out. It's stuff that's been mulling around in my head cluttering it for days.

I'm very excited for Christmas. Not so much the actual day, but this whole season gives me such a feeling of hope and joy. The smell of cinnamon everywhere you go...people shopping for gifts everywhere. Although I know receiving gifts is not the Reason for the Season, I think giving gifts is a big part of it. Putting your own needs aside to bring joy to someone else. That was one of the things that Jesus wanted to teach us. This time of year I like to see people wrapped up in giving to others. The excitement of shopping for others. It really changes your shopping experience at WalMart...in my opinion. Do you know what I mean? Did that make sense?

I must go eat now before baby boot camp.

I'm sure the day will bring many things to share.

Find x

This is courtesy of the ladies at Girl Talk. Since I have naturally dirty blonde hair, and I've chosen, voluntarily, to make it even lighter blonde, I feel that this joke is perfectly acceptable...and funny!

A Blonde's Answer to A Math Problem

Beautiful Song

I Celebrate The Day
Relient K

And with this Christmas wish is missed
The point I could convey
If only I could find the words to say to let You know how much You've touched my life
Because here is where You're finding me, in the exact same place as New Year's eve
And from a lack of my persistency
We're less than half as close as I want to be

And the first time
That You opened Your eyes did You realize that You would be my Savior
And the first breath that left Your lips
Did You know that it would change this world forever

And so this Christmas I'll compare the things I felt in prior years
To what this midnight made so clear
That You have come to meet me here

To look back and think that
This baby would one day save me
In the hope that what You did
That you were born so I might live
To look back and think that
This baby would one day save me

And I, I celebrate the day
That You were born to die
So I could one day pray for You to save my life

Three Things Thursday

Ok, I've noticed most TTT player's 3 things are related to each other somehow so I'll try that. I'm more random but I can conform a little.

(1) I attended 3 different Elementary Schools in 3 different towns. Middleburg Elementary School in Middleburg, VA...WG Coleman Elementary School in Marshall, VA and Sudley Elementary School in Manassas, VA...4 different ones if you count Sinclair Elementery in Manassas where I attended for about 4 days until they found out I lived in Sudley Elementary's district.

(2) I attended 2 different Middle Schools in 2 different towns. Stonewall Middle School in Manassas, VA and Lychburg Christian Academy (now Liberty Christian Academy) in Lynchburg, Va.

(3) I attended 1 High School (in one town). Lychburg Christian Academy (in Lynchburg, Va)

BONUS! I have attended 4 different colleges in 3 different states and I still haven't graduated from college. I have about 48 credits left. I'm almost there! I did earn my Paralegal Certificate in 2000 from Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg, VA.

There you have it. I gotta go back and finish cleaning now.

Get Down!

You just gotta love being a mom to a 15 month old!

Dancing with the teletubbies

First time I'm posting a video...i hope it works!

Awesome Christmas Lights

For those who haven't seen this you have to check it out!

HERE is some more info about it on one of my favorite websites (by the way). You can look up almost any email or urban legend you recieve or hear about and find out if its true on Snopes.

FYI!

Psalms 121

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

I heard this in a song today by Susan Ashton and it was beautiful. I wish I could find a way to share it on here. I have it on my computer and I'm listening to it now.

It applies in so many ways but today this song and this verse is comforting me in the midst of the choas of a messy house, laundry on the couch, a teething 15 month old with a cold who won't nap and a host of other things.

There is nothing I can't do when I remember from where my help comes. There is nothing that will happen to me, nothing that touches my life without touching the hand of God first. He is the Maker of the Heaven and the Earth...and HE watches over my life too? My little life? Wow!

New Winter Coat

 


With the onset of this cold weather we decided it was time to get our little one a new winter coat, and she loves it...as well as the mittens. She doesn't want to take it off! 

How Much Do You Love YOUR Mother?

Ah, a son's love for his mother...

Merry Christmas From My Brother's Family

This should make anyone smile. Even if you don't know my brother, check this out.

If you don't know the story of my brother and my sis-in-law check out this website.

They adopted my neice from Guatemala after being told they would not be able to have children biologically. It was a long, sometimes painful process but they finally brought her home in April (after my sis-in-law stayed in Guatemala for 14 months!). 4 weeks after it was all over and they were back home, they found out my sis-in-law is pregnant!!! Truly a miracle.

You can read all about them on my brother's adoption website. He has a blog, and a journal that they both kept through the months of the adoption.

So there you go!

Softy

I gave in. She's standing beside me now happy as a lark (however happy larks are...)She was screaming hysterically and since that's not normal for her I figured there must be a reason. I gave it 50 min. We'll try again in an hour.

Free Therapy

I'm writing this post as a sort of theraputic outlet. My daughter (15 months) has been doing pretty well the last 2 months or so going to sleep without crying. Well, it all started yesterday when we went to mom's for dinner. The baby had slept so well the night before and actually slept later than normal so her naptime, I figured, would be a little later. Well, we were at mom's for a long time so I decided to nurse her to sleep because she was so sleepy but she's never napped anywhere but home and I thought it would be easier. Well, it was like from 345-600 she slept on my lap...which then made bedtime be later...940 to be exact....well, little miss "I don't need no sleep" woke up this morning at 645. Her little sleep schedule is all messed up and she's very attached to her schedule. I never had a schedule when she was a little baby but I've found as she's gotten older more consistant nap and bedtimes have really made a difference. Well, now she's all off...

ALL TO SAY...I took her in at 1141...read a few books, sang and put her down...she cried. I came out of her room at 1202...I went back in at 1207 cuz I couldn't stand it and I sang to her and she began to doze, only to scream as soon as she felt me put her down. I came out again at 1216 and she's been screaming and crying every since. The last few minutes it was off and on but now she's full force again. 10 minutes so far. I've been through this before for longer periods of crying but when you haven't done it in awhile it's hard to listen too.

So typing this is helping me by sharing my frustration, stress and guilt (I know I shouldn't feel guilty but I can't help it)...I'm drinking hot chocolate to try and comfort myself.

La, La, La...I know she'll stop any minute.

I'm gonna go sit on the couch and watch a video my mom brought me and drink hot chocolate.

It will be over soon...I hope.

Playing Hooky

Today is Baby Boot Camp day....I am not there. It was a long night and I was moving slow this morning. By the time I should've been walking out the door I still hadn't eaten. Not a good idea when you're working out. So, besides the fact that I didn't get much sleep last night so I am quite sleepy, I am moving slow this morning and just didn't go.

I have cleaning to do today. The house isn't that messy, just little messes here and there.

We had Thanksgiving AGAIN at my mom's yesterday. Hooray for more leftovers because I was almost out! I'm going to eat leftovers for breakfast this morning. Yummy. We had fun. It was me, my hubby, my 2 girls, my mom and my mom-in-law. I could eat Thanksgiving dinner every day I think.

Now I'm typing a post instead of cleaning or eating. My daughter is very cute today. I have to put her hair in a clippy now to pull her bangs to the side because they are so long they get in her eyes and bug her. When it first started getting long I did a sprouty ponytail in the middle of her head but now that just looks silly because it's so long. She has torn her toast to shreds and it is all over my living room floor. Silly goose.

This is a boring post.

It's really really cold outside. The windchill was 13 earlier this morning. Right now it my desktop weather says the windchill is 16. Actual temp is 27. Crazy. Just last week it was still getting to 60. I doubt we'll see that again until spring. UGH.

Ok, tummy is growling. going to eat.

New Template

I did a brand new template and the top is still messed up on my computer. It is really irritating me. Oh well, could be worse.

Can you guys see my "Blogs I Read" list on the right side?

Blogrolling

I'm attempting to add a blogroll to the sidebar of my blog. It will take some time for me to add everybody as there is about 25 blogs I read regularly.

I'm not exactly sure what the main purpose of blogrolls are because there are a lot of options I haven't checked out but currently I'm using it to create the list on my site.

This is for you Ann.
(1)Go to Blogrolling.com I just went there, set up an account.
(2)I added links by clicking on "Add Links" (again, I've only just begun), one after the other.
(3)Then I clicked on "Get Code" and copied the code
(4)I went to my blogger template and added them in the same area that you find "edit me" in your template. This is the "links" section.
(5)I pasted the code I copied from blogrolling.com after the links and I copied the HTML code used for the title of the links section. Put this before the pasted link you're putting in.
(6)Then I saved changes and republished.

Does that makes sense. If anyone has another way, an easier way or can explain it better please feel free.

Anyway. Thanksgiving was great. I miss hosting it because I like having all the leftovers at my house! We are already out of gravy, green beans, stuffing...hmmm...that sure would be yummy right now. Oh well.

Gotta run. Baby is asleep and the house is clean! PRAISE THE LORD!

Thankfulness

I have been reminded lately of how much I really have to be grateful for. In the midst of this holiday season there are several things that have happened that will change some peoples lives forever that have really stuck with me as a reminder that what I call my "problems" would be joys for these people. The family in Pennsylvania who have to face Thanksgiving, Christmas and the rest of their lives without their parents...a young man at the school my oldest daughter attends took his own life last week and the funeral was yesterday in the school gym. As I was sitting waiting to pick up my beautiful, happy daughter and thinking about the pies I was gonna make today, they had to ask me to move so the hearse could pull up. After I began to move and repark I began to cry thinking of the pain this poor kid's parents and friends were feeling at the same time I was anticipating the joy and fun of today. And, the neighbors of my friend Rebekah who's home caught on fire the other day. Thank the Lord that they have wonderful friends and a wonderful church family to help them through, and Praise the Lord that no one was injured.

I'm not trying to put a damper on your Thanksgiving or bum you out. I know that all of these things can be worked together for the Glory of God...They have just been on my heart as a reminder of how good God is to me and how I find myself complaining and being upset or irritated over small things and really, I have NOTHING to complain about.

I AM THANKFUL FOR
(1) My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A wonderful, patient God who loves me through my imperfections and saved me from myself and my sins by putting Himself in my place. What a wonderful friend He is.

(2) An awesome, handsome, patient, loving, very funny, husband, who has loved me through some hard times and supports and encourages me and dreams with me. He works hard to give us everything we have and so I can stay at home with the girls. He always tries to make me laugh when I'm down and I'm so proud of him. He's honest and always wants to learn new things. He is my perfect match, my best friend.

(3) 2 beautiful, smart girls who bring me joy everyday. Who teach me about life and unconditional love on a daily basis. They make me laugh (and occasionally cry!) and they make me a mom...what could be better.

(4) My mom living right down the road in a town we never thought we'd live in, and we can't imagine living anywhere else. Someone to bake with, go to Whataburger with, go grocery shopping with. Someone to do my dishes and fold my laundry when I just can seem to get them done.

(5) My brothers. Silly, goofy, overprotective, teasing, wonderful Godly brothers. They have been there through my crazy life and never given up on me.

(6) My sis-in-laws. More like my sisters. They too have never given up on me and they've been there for me, never treating me like I'm anything less than a real sister. They couldn't be better sisters even if my mom had given birth to them. And they've brought into my life my 2 beautiful, hysterically funny neices. They really are 2 jewels that God blessed my life with.

(7) My husband's family. They took me in like I'd always been a part of them. They have been supportive and fun and come to all my parties!

(8) My blogging friends. I have found so many people who I've come to care about and pray for, who are also praying for me. What an awesome tool the internet can be to connect with people we would've never met or known otherwise.

I LOVE YOU GUYS!

Three Things Thursday

Ok Ok...everybody else is doing it so I've gotta get mine in. I'll try to tie it all to Thanksgiving but I don't know...we'll see...

(1) I don't know when it began but I have had chocolate in some form every day that I can remember. Today (THANKSGIVING) I have already had a huge glass of chocolate milk.

(2) I love pumpkin pie. I have never had a pumpkin pie I didn't like. Never too spicy, never too bland...to me they are all delicious. Whipped cream is good on it but sometimes I just want it plain.

(3) I think I love leftovers more than I like the actual Thanksgiving dinner. I love Turkey sandwiches with gravy and mashed potatoes and stuffing after it's sat and then you reheat it. YUM YUM....

Ok, there you go.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

The Heading on my page

Do you guys see the Blogger Header the same way I am? All bunched up on the left side instead of straight across in a bar? Why is it like that or is it just my computer? I haven't seen anyone elses doing that.

Hired Help

If I had a nanny or a maid...either one, that would be just great. Actually, the maid would only have to do my dishes. We live in a an old house (we're renting) and no one along the lines has ever installed a dishwasher. Not cool!

My daughter is demanding a lot of attention the last few days. My dishes have piled up from the sink to the other end of the counter. It's really bad. I can have my whole house clean and it just doesn't feel clean unless those dishes are done. My mom said she'd come help after she gets off work, but I am going to try to do a few at a time in between my daughter's needy moments. She chases me down yelling with her arms up in the air. She's biting everything (including me) that she can get her hands on. Her finger is chapped for shoving it into the back of her mouth, I really feel bad for her. I just gave her ibuprofen so I hope that helps.

But, for now, I'm doing what I can to make my home a little less tornado-like...it takes so long to get it really clean and nice, and in a matter of moments it is a wreck again. Such is life I suppose....

I could use your prayers today as I'm trying to stay sane. I hate a messy house. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it! It makes it hard for me to think and the messier it gets the more sluggish and tired I feel and it gets hard for me to get motivated, SO HERE I GO....

Busy, Long Days

As a mother of a 15 month old I guess you're always tired so I won't even tell you that I'm tired again.

The party was wonderful fun! I put colored christmas lights on the back porch and we lit a log in the fireplace that is back there. I made hot chocolate from scratch and made 10 quarts of it! I put up some Christmas decorations and played Christmas music. My hubby requested Strawberry Shortcake as his birthday cake so we stuck a big 40 on it and he put it out with whipped cream...silly hubby! It really was a lot of fun. I think about 15-20 people came.

Saturday my mom came over and helped me clean up, and Sunday we just relaxed. I've been on reading all of the blogs I read and reading all of the comments I've gotten but I haven't gotten around to writing a new post.

I'm about to go make breakfast for me and the little one, who..by the way...slept pretty well last night. 2 spans of 4 hours straight. Hooray. I realized I was still giving her cough and cold medicine before bed because she had been sick for so long, so last night I just gave her regular Ibuprofen, and I think it actually helped her sleep better. The other stuff made her sleepy but then when she woke up she was fidgety and it was hard for her to go back to sleep. Last night it barely took 10 min each time and she was back to sleep. It was pretty nice.

I have some funny pictures of her to post later. I put her hair in two ponytails, one on each side of her head and then put a barrett in to hold back her bangs. Too cute for words.

I'm so excited for Thanksgiving. We are going to my mom-in-law's house. I'm making the mashed potatoes...i love making mashed potatoes! I love pumpkin pie too and turkey and gravy and stuffing! yum yum...i cannot wait!

I'm doing my tree in purple and gold this year. We already got some decorations. for the last 7 years I've used blue and silver and used the same everything so this year we are going to have new colors. Purple is my all time favorite color and it looks so pretty with gold.

Ok, here I go. I am hungry and I think she is too!

I'll write more later. I have 3 days to catch up on for goodness sakes!!!

Birthday Boy 

Actually...

Ok, Ok...so I wear glasses and I hate wearing them in pictures...but just for you guys...that's it though...no more pictures with them on...

Whatever...I'm actually sharing this one because I love the look on my daughter's face. She was about to try to jump out of my arms for the camera...silly girl!

How am I getting any work done if I'm taking pictures and messing with my blog all day? Actually, I've gotten a ton done...not much more to do! HOORAY! I went to WalMart (thank God for WalMart) and got everything I needed, and more than I planned, as always.

Gotta go, more to do...can't wait until tonight! 

Me and my baby girl

 


Here we are today, about to go to the store. I just wanted to share a picture with you guys! 

The Big Day

Ok you guys, tonite is the party. I love throwing parties but the day of I don't really stress, I just get really busy and focused. My mom made a tape of the Teletubbies (we don't have TV, we just watch tapes my mom does for us of HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Discovery Home etc...) I know it might be a little wierd but it works for us. ANYWAY...my baby has discovered and come to love those cute little Teletubbies!

Luckily mom just dropped off a tape full of them so today I will park the baby (please no one yell, it's just for today) in front of the TV with that tape in and hopefully I can get everything done. Usually I have the help of my mom and my oldest daughter but since this is a weekday it's all me, by myself!

I'm not really stressed, I just have a ton to do to get the house ready and the food ready and I have to go to the store....i know I can do it, i just need to get started. I have a list....somewhere...hmmmmmm....It's on this mess of a desk I have. Something I always wonder...I'm a SAHM. No outside job requiring paperwork, so what is this stuff that keeps getting piled on my desk? I can never quite figure it out.

Oh well, ok, here I go. Pray I have a calm mind today and I don't allow myself to get crazy.

Thanks you guyS!

Big Girl

Ok, here are the stats on my baby girl
15 Months Old (today by the way)
25lb 9oz
31 inches (doc said she's probably longer but wouldn't stay real still for measuring)
She's actually evening out now. She grew in leaps and bounds for her first 12 months. Now, in 3 months she's only gained 1lb 5oz....thank the Lord!

This is how her first 15 months have gone...
Birth 7lb 14.5oz
1 week 8lb 4 oz
2weeks 9lb 11oz
2 months 13lb 10oz
4 months 18lb 6oz
6 months 20lb 3oz
9 months 23lb 5oz
12 months 24lb 4oz
15 months 25lb 9oz

Someone at church said I must make cream! I guess it's in our genes. My brothers and me were all really big (I was the smallest of the 3 at birth at 9lb 6oz...both my bros weighed in at 11lb!) My cousin's son is a day younger than my baby and he's even bigger than she is!

She has at least 11 teeth but it's too painful to keep my finger in there too long to count. The doctor said she had several molars coming in and NO WONDER she's up a million times a night right now.

Last night was actually really good. She slept 4 hours 12min, woke up and nursed, then slept 3 hours 20min, woke up nursed then 25 min...just enough time this morning for me to shower and get dressed.

She is napping now. She went down an hour later than normal because we went to lunch with mom.

I need to go get all the loose ends for this "surprise" party wrapped up. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

My hubby is 40...who would've thunk it! You don't look (or act) a day over 29! :-D
I love you baby! Happy Happy Birthday to you!

Well, here I go.

Three Things Thursday

This is my first time participating in Three Things Thursday. This was started by Sheila and I've seen in on several other sites so I'm joining in.

1. I love the smell and taste of cinnamon. I think it is one of the greatest smells God put on earth. I put so many of those cinnamon pine cones in my house that my hubby asked me to get rid of some because it was making him nauseous. And I was thinking I needed more!

2. I love having parties. For my daughter's 1st birthday I invited about 100 people and 65 actually came. They were all people close to us. Family and close friends. For my other daughter's birthday I go all out with the cake and decorations and invitations. I'm already planning her birthday in my head and it's not until January. Tomorrow I'm having one for my hubby's birthday. I just love it!

3. I have to be able to cross my big toe and the next one in my shoes or I feel claustrophobic. I will not wear shoes a second time if I can't do this. It makes me almost as crazy as if I were in a tight space myself (I am claustrophobic big time)...If I'm sitting in church and all of a sudden I realize I can't cross my toes I start to stress out...

So there you go. Three facts you didn't really need to know about me...but now you know!

What am I doing???

Please check out my post from yesterday if you have ideas on quick easy meals or meals that can be prepared ahead of time. And also if you have idea of free or inexpensive things to do with a 15 month old at home or out on the town...

Ok, I just realized today that I had both Haloscan comments and Blogger comments turned on...so I have turned off blogger comments in order to use only Haloscan, although I don't know exactly why I'm using Haloscan. I saw it on other blogs so I thought I'd try it. I was reading my Blogger comments and didn't even realize I had Haloscan comments until this morning! And I don't know how trackback works....

Also, Feedburner...really don't know how it works. I understand bloglines because it's just bloglines, but I guess through Feedburner you can subscribe using one of many different subscription sites....again, I saw it on other sites so I went and got my little pretty "chicklet" and put it on here. Sad to say there is a big fat zero in there.

I do know how my guestmap works (see right side of blog)...I like that and have a few faces on there...check it out.

Today must be the deadline for all the trees to get rid of their leaves. I can hear them hitting the roof, it sounds like rain. My truck is COVERED with them...I will take some pictures and attach them...it's crazy. They are just falling and falling and falling...Kinda cool, except my poor doggy Chula is freaking out...she's not sure what's going on.

Last night wasn't so good. This time I think it was mainly my fault. We have a new heater in the baby's room. Last night she woke up and was really fussy so I gave her some cold medicine and let her walk around her room for a few minutes. She hit the power button on the heater without me realizing it (I told her no-no but didn't realize she had turned it off)...So, the main house heater was turned down to 60 because our gas bill was literally 5 times what it had been! Well, at 3:30 she woke up crying and I went in and it was 60 degrees in her room! SO....I realized the heater was off and I turned it on and wrapped her in a blanket and I turned on the fan we use for white noise, which can also be used as a heater. I thought if I had two going it would warm up quickly....i blew the fuse in her room....I had to wake up my hubby to go fix it. I turned the other heater back on to what I thought was 70 (it was dark, I was going by instinct..ha ha)...I fell asleep in the chair nursing her and an hour later I woke up and it was 89 stinking degrees!!!! I had to put her down, turn on the light only to realize I had turned the heater on max/high....OH MY WORD!!! So I fixed that, nursed her some more but poor thing, she was so hot....by this time it was 5:15 and I was in tears. But we're alright now. We made it through.

ANYWAY...so I can't say much for our night. Today is her 15 month appointment, so yet again..I will miss Baby Boot Camp. This makes twice, but lukily they have a week at the end for make up days.

I'm gonna go take some pictures of these leaves and my dogs and I'll post them in a little bit.

On another note. I heard this beautiful song by Nicole Nordeman the other day. It address people who don't believe in Jesus. I just think it's an awesome song and so beautiful. Here are the words.

What If
Nichole Nordeman

What if you're right?
And he was just another nice guy
What if you're right?
What if it's true?
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it's true?

What if he takes his place in history
With all the prophets and the kings
Who taught us love and came in peace
But then the story ends
What then?

But what if you're wrong?
What if there's more?
What if there's hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He's more than enough?
What if it's love?

What if you dig
Way down deeper than your simple-minded friends
What if you dig?
What if you find
A thousand more unanswered questions down inside
That's all you find?

What if you pick apart the logic
And begin to poke the holes
What if the crown of thorns is no more
Than folklore that must be told and retold?

You've been running as fast as you can
You've been looking for a place you can land for so long
But what if you're wrong?

I'll post my pics soon!

Foiled

I was planning a surprise party for my hubby's 40th birthday. it was going so well. then he made plans for us on Friday night and could tell by my reaction that i had something planned. I tried to be so cool, he saw right through it. I was so close.

I just spilled it. Just like that. AAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 years we've been together. I don't think I've ever surprised him.

So close....so close....

Oh well.

Help, I need Ideas

What do you do with an energetic, smarter than average 15 month old? I'm at a loss. Maybe it's because I'm tired but I need ideas. Things to do at home, things to do out....INEXPENSIVE OR FREE...

Oh yeah, while I'm at it...I need ideas for meals that I can mostly prepare on the weekend and fix during the week. I already have some thanks to my mom, but I'm looking to have a lot of choices and diversity. again...I'm looking for INEXPENSIVE solutions!

THANKS GUYS!

Teething Toddler Troubles

My daughter is getting some more molars. She was up every hour and a half last night. Today was Baby Boot Camp. I have spent the majority of the last few days consoling a screaming toddler who has her hands jammed in her mouth. My mom bought her some new teethers that seem to help. When they lost their appeal today I packed some grapes into her Teething Feeder and that helped but it made her shirt really wet.

I'm really sleepy. She went to bed at about 745 tonight. She has been asleep for 2 hours....and there's a helicopter flying really low....holy cow that's loud....ugh...that should be outlawed. Whew, she didn't wake up. I should go to sleep.

I just wanted to post something. I hate opening my website and seeing a page from 2 days ago. Baby Boot Camp was good today. My trainer told me I sould consider becoming a trainer.

Oh yeah...I got the results from all those testing things she did. Overall I did really good. My body fat is suprisingly 21.6%. Not bad considering I am 10lbs heavier than I should be. I was pleased.

I'm considering the trainer thing. It depends what it involves. My hubby is all for it. I'm gonna find out more.


I bet as soon as I climb under my nice warm covers she will cry and I will go to her...one day she'll be 10, have all her teeth, and sleep through the night...and I will miss this...RIGHT?

Here I go.

Here is a link to a great article about how God Answers Prayer.

Sometimes I randomly find things like this right when I need them. Hmmm....

Knockin On Heaven's Door
(BY AVALON)
In my closet
A spot is worn from hours and hours upon my knees
I step inside
The quiet's like a doorway to a world of peace
One thing I don't worry 'bout
I can't wear my welcome out

I keep knock, knock,
Knockin' on heaven's door
I keep talk, talk,
Talkin' 'cause you answer Lord
Won't be stop, stop,
Stoppin' so be listening for me
I'm knock, knock,
Knockin' on heaven's door

I'm not a poet
No, it's not like me to speak in flowery words
Not a prophet
Not at least in these parts
That would be unheard of
But my heart speaks loud and clear
And since my prayers are answered here


Whisper what you're feeling
Shout it at the ceiling
Nothing's gonna fall on deaf ears
Ask Him for His mercy
Pray away your worries
What do you want heaven to hear
Whisper what you're feeling
Shout it at the ceiling
Nothing's gonna fall on deaf ears
Bless the world around you

Pray His peace surrounds you
What do you want heaven to hear
Whisper what you're feeling
Shout it at the ceiling
Nothing's gonna fall on deaf ears
Thank Him for His favor
Sing and praise the Savior
That's what I want heaven to hear

Random things and a Good Night

Well tonite had been better. For most of my daughter's little life I've not had a schedule for her. Naptime was when she seemed tired, she nursed whenever she was hungry and bedtime was whenever she seemed tired (no pre-bedtime routine WHATSOEVER except nursing). HOWEVER...I had to wean her from nursing to sleep because I'm slowly weaning her completely. So, I came up with a short routine (a couple books and a couple songs) and then let her cry it out. It was really hard but she after about 2 days she was going down without crying and waking up much happier (still no set bedtime, naptime, mealtime). THEN CAME THE TANTRUMS....before naps, before bedtime, she would not let me read or sing...she would just scream and cry when we'd sit down in our chair or when I'd stand up to sing to her....if you look back about a month ago, you'll see how stressed I was.

WELL, then I began to put her down at the exact same time every day and every evening and BAM!...she sleeps a little better and longer and doesn't make a peep when I put her down...no crying involved whatsoever...hallelujah! Now I have to work on the 3 times a night waking up to nurse. I keep saying that. I haven't even read the I got a month ago by Elizabeth Pantley called the The No Cry Sleep Solution...that is where I got the consistent bedtime idea and the idea to keep charts to track her sleeping and night waking, but I've never gotten any further. Her 15 month appointment is on Friday so I will ask her doc when I see her, and I will try to crack the book and see what it says.

I still haven't opened those 3 Books on organization, but I have been working like crazy to organize my home better. I'm not a big reader but I am excited about these books. I'm sure there is something in my subconscious that is keeping me from reading them. I WILL READ THEM! I will not let myself get in my way!

My next step is getting myself to have a quiet time. I'm such a sleeper that the idea of waking up any earlier than 6:00 is almost appalling to me...but I know my life will be blessed for it and I need to do it. I grew up in a Christian home and have spent my whole life in church, but I've never had a consistent quiet time EVER...I don't know why. I don't think I really know what to do or how to do it.

I love music, and I find myself hearing songs that just have such meaning that I want to share. I'm always listening to music and every since my Time To Be Quiet post I've decided to share lyrics that have meaning to me.

On my daughter's Praise Baby DVD's is a song called "Our God Reigns"...it's not the traditional hymn and I don't think I've heard it outside of this DVD. It was originally by a guy named Brandon Heath, whom I have never heard of...but the song is beautiful. Here are the lyrics.


Our God Reigns
Brandon Heath / Capilano MusicSo much holy, so divine

So much Holy, So divine
Yours and so much mine
By the morning, light is Thine
Perfect by design

Mighty to man, binding to earth
He’s sending His Son to echo His worth
Breaker of sin, winner of souls
Every creature will know

Our God reigns over the heavens
Over the earth, Our God reigns
Praise His name, All still standing
All that was, all that remains
Our God reigns

Deepest Ocean opened wide
So shall love divide
In devotion to His bride
Standing by her side

Mighty to man, Binding to earth
He’s sending His Son to echo His worth
Breaker of sin, winner of souls
Every creature will know

Our God reigns over the heavens
Over the earth, Our God reigns
Praise His name, All still standing
All that was, all that remains
Our God reigns

So much Holy, So divine
Yours and so much mine

FYI...I just found that he has a blog too.

I need some chocolate milk.

Tomorrow is the anniversary of the death of my husband's grandmother. We called her Sitee...i think that's arabic for grandma, (i've looked it up and found the arabic word for grandma as Seti, Sitta, and Teta so i'm close)...my hubby's family is not arabic but they had an arabic neighbor who called her this and the grandkids caught on. She was an amazing woman. She lived on her own until the day she passed away. A month or so before she passed away they discovered she had a brain tumor. She never woke up from the biopsy procedure. It all happened so fast. I'm glad she had a chance to meet my baby and we have pictures and video. She had 5 children and 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. (I think those numbers are right) My hubby has been at his mom's most of the day just hanging out with her. He should be home soon.

I'm going to post some pictures from today of me, my mom, my baby and the fall leaves.

My oldest went back to her other mom's today. BOO HOO! She won't be back here until Wednesday night. We took her twin beds and made them into a king size bed. We put 2 blankets rolled up in the space between the mattresses and then got a king size foam mattress pad thingy to put over the entire bed. It's like a real princess bed. She has a mesh canopy over it and we put a bunch of pillows on it. It's really cool.

She had a bunch of fun last night. What they did is they went shopping in thier groups and bought Thanksgiving dinner for families who have called our church asking for help this holiday season. Then they put it all together in a bag with something that had the message of salvation on it. They went up to these homes, put the bag on the porch, rang the doorbell and knocked and then ran! What fun!! She had a blast.

Well, i have my chocolate milk and i'm tired so i'm going now.

GOOD NIGHT!

11-12-2005 - Fall Leaves 04 

11-12-2005 - Fall Leaves 03 

11-12-2005 - Fall Leaves 02 

11-12-2005 - Fall Leaves 01 

Ding Dong Ditch and Split Personalities

Strange title I know but I think it's cute.

My oldest's youth group (she's in the 6th grade) is doing "Ding Dong Ditch" tonite. They are going out and buying food (and i don't know what else) and packing it in bags, then they go put in on the front porch, ring the doorbell and run so, as my daughter said, "all the glory goes to God and not our church"...I'm sure they enclose something letting them know about Christ...but my daughter didn't exactly have all the details. I can't wait to hear how it goes. She won't be home until after 10! I'll be asleep for sure, but I'll probably wake up to hear about it.

My baby is asleep. She was so tired tonight. I think she's feeling better. I'm feeling much better. Still stuffy and sometimes my ears get plugged like I'm in the mountains but other than that I'm pretty good.

I'm having emotional problems today. Certain times of the month (sorry Cody), as I've mentioned before, this other personality takes over. During this time I need to pray and need all the prayer I can get. I get extremely down on myself and depressed at times and I'm in extreme hyperspeed mode at times. The slightest off comment by anyone (usually my unsuspecting hubby) can send my in a downward spiral, or just my house being messy, or getting a little behind on my daughter's bedtime routine and I start thinking what an awful mom and wife I am. Sometimes it's more than I can handle and I just want to curl up and cry. Today wasn't that bad, as I'm coming out of the extreme hormonal rush and the effects are slowly diminishing, but tonite I did have moments of extreme anger at myself for not being perfect. I know to the rational mind it sounds ridiculous but any of you who suffer from this same problem can attest to the realness of it at the time. My house wasn't "perfect"...it's clean, but not everything is put away...and I got behind on my baby's schedule and put her to sleep 45 min late...I know it's irrational and there are things I can do that make it not so intense (we're working on getting health insurance so I can pursue these things that will help).

I'm just sharing this because it's such a huge part of my life and sometimes I need to look back and realize what I was thinking and how I was feeling. I guess I'm also sharing in case there is anyone who reads my blog that has the same problems. Maybe they could help me or I could help them, just by sharing and letting each other know that we are not the only ones.

Psalms 42:5-6
5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and 6 my God.


1 Thess 5:16-18
16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

YOU ARE GOD ALONE - Phillips, Craig and Dean
You are not a god
Created by human hands
You are not a god
Dependant on any mortal man
You are not a god
In need of anything we can give
By Your plan, that’s just the way it is

You are God alone
From before time began
You were on Your throne
Your are God alone
And right now
In the good times and bad
You are on Your throne

You are God alone

You’re the only God
Whose power none can contend
You’re the only God
Whose name and praise will never end
You’re the only God
Who’s worthy of everything we can give
You are God
And that’s just the way it is

Unchangeable
Unshakable
Unstoppable
That’s what You are

Good Night

Untitled Post

My head hurts to bad to be creative. My right sinus hurts so terribly bad I can't stand it. I'm a bit sleepy due to my body fighting this cold and chasing after a very energetic and still a bit sick and fussy 1 year old. I've also been trying to get my house cleaned, and it pretty much is. Thanks to my mom, who took the day off to get some stuff done. She's helped me get my house in order. It's nice to have her close. When my baby was sick things got a bit messy and just was she started getting over it I GOT SICK...ugh...will the cycle ever end.

I made a really yummy Chicken Stew last night for dinner. It was suppose to have dumplings but I used whole wheat flour and they didn't really turn out...BUT, I think using the flour thickened up the broth and yum, yum...it was really a hit!

Tomorrow is Friday.

My mom is pretty stoked...a month or so ago she went to North Carolina to see my brother and help him with a concert they were having at his church....a farewell concert for Petra....well, one of the bands there was Farewell June and they have put her picture as well as a picture of my brother on their site. Check out the photo gallery's second page toward the middle. My mom is referred to as "Momma Mummau" and my brother is the YP at Brookwood Church. There is also pictures on John Schlitt's website, who is the lead singer for Petra and has been since 1986. The picture is under Photo Gallery, Burlington NC and it's the last on of the set.

Anyway, I just had to share that.

Also, while I'm at it...check out my brother's website if you haven't already. And here is a link to the website about the adoption of their daughter, my little niece Mia. It is a touching and miraculous story.

And so, I'm sitting here and I should go to sleep so I think I will. I'm praying the little one sleeps well tonite.

Good Night!

So much to do.....

...but I won't say so little time because God has given me a whole day. It's what I do with it that matters.

My house has become a disaster zone over the last few days. Remember, I have no dishwasher so with a sick, sad, baby who just wants mommy, it's hard to stand there and wash dishes SO...I think every one of our drinking glasses and cups are dirty, most of the silverware and a bunch of other things. That is my biggest goal for the day. The rest is just cleaning up the house so I can begin again to re-organize and get it the way I want it.

So today, that is what I will be doing all day. Cleaning cleaning....I know I can get it all done.

I'm not doing baby boot camp today. My baby girl has an icky cough today and a runny nose (like a faucet, it just WON'T STOP!) I think she's content enough today to play while I clean. We shall see as the day goes on.

I will post again soon, I'm sure I'll need a break from cleaning!

$125,900

Check this out.

Time to be quiet

My poor little one can't breathe. She slept well last night, only waking once really, the second time she awoke she went back down briefly after I went in but woke up about 15 min later. We were up at 5:00am watching Praise Baby DVD's and sitting on the couch. Next thing I knew she was sleeping on the couch beside me. When Daddy got up she went to him and he sat on the rocking couch...she fell fast asleep. Luckliy my hubby is a Realtor and makes his own hours. I told him I would go get my oldest from her mom's house and take her to school. The baby slept for 2 hours on his chest.

I got home and she and I played and attempted to clean. I gave her some Barley Cereal mixed with pureed mangos and she seemed to love it, but it was hard to keep anything in her mouth because she couldn't breathe. She did end up eating quite a bit throughout the morning. I gave her some more of the Tylenol Cold & Cough and at 10:30 she went to sleep. I think she's breathing better. She's had a tough morning. I hope she sleeps for a long time.

I might lay down here in a minute to nap. I have so much to do. I'm still so motivated to finish organizing my home. I still have to finish my hubby and my room and little odds and ends in the others but thanks to the help of my mom, my hubby and my oldest (again, the little one tried to help too) we're almost there.

Every since Janna posted about Chris Tomlin's song Indescribable I can't stop listening to it. The words are so beautiful and meaningful.

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable, You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable, Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable, You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable, Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable, You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable, Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable, You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

I love how at the end he changes it to "You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same"...isn't that what's so amazing. When you read the lyrics and think of all He's done and all of His power, and yet in our imperfection and moments of little faith, He is still there and He still loves us.

What an awesome thing to consider.

Matthew 6:26-34

26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[a]?

28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Not only does he love us, Jesus Himself told us not to worry about ANYTHING....God will take care of all of our needs, big and small, because we are precious to Him. Imagine the love you have for your children...not multiply that by infinity...THAT is how much God loves us.

Very cool!

Long busy day...

Again, I'm exhausted.

The baby barely slept last night. She has a runny nose AGAIN and a cough, plus, I'm sure a couple more molars are trying to break through. SALIVA EVERYWHERE! Poor kid. Poor mommy! I think we were up for 2 or 3 hours straight and then she would sleep in 10 min to 1 hour stretches. You could hear it in her nose.

She finally had a good stretch of sleep from about 530-730 (I think that's what time it was). My hubby took my oldest to breakfast so I could sleep. Then I had to scurry and get ready for Baby Boot Camp which I thought started at 930 but realized it starts at 915 and the last 2 sessions I've been late! When I got there I was unfolding my big jogging stroller and had my thumb right in the joint and smash...big ole' cut on my thumb and it was numb for 30 minutes. I thought I might have broke it, it hurt so bad. It's still sore but I can move it so I'm sure it's no big deal.

The baby had a hard time breathing during her nap so I held her for half of it and I slept for about 30 minutes which was enough to give me a little energy. I began cleaning out my summer clothes and unpacking winter....then the baby woke up! There was a mountain of clothes on my bed.

I took the opportunity to load my truck with the things I wanted to donate while she was running around. I played with her a little bit and then headed off to the place we decided to take all this stuff.

I got back and my mom came by to watch the baby so I could finish the bedroom. By 7:30 it was clear my child was overtired and feeling pretty icky. I gave her some Tylenol Cold and Cough. Last time it really helped her sleep awhile and dried up her nose but after she woke up she was WIRED! SO....I'm going to sleep now hoping I can get some rest before the night really starts!

My hubby is coming home. He worked late tonight. I can't wait till he gets here!

Hooray and Good Night!

Oh yeah, I am planning on posting more details about our Marriage Tune-Up from this weekend. There were some wonderful things I learned and I want to share. It might be a few days until I get my house closer to where I want it but I will do it!

Ok, really, Good Night now.

Sleepy Mommy

What a wonderful Marriage Tune-Up we had. It was last night from 630-930 and today from 830-1200...it was just so awesome! I'm so glad we went.

My mom stayed with the girls the whole time we were at this and I guess they just had a blast.

Baby was so sleepy tonight she started fidgeting and squirming while I was singing so I stopped and kissed her and put her down and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....not a peep in the last hour. She was so tired!

I am so tired to...We finished the baby's room completely cleaning out the closed and implementing a new organized system for her things NO CLUTTER! One room down...my hubby is a little irritated by the boxes of stuff in the front room that have to find a new home but I will go, probably to the Domestic Abuse Shelter, on Monday and donate them. Bibs, diaper bag, changing table, diapers, lotions, shampoo....there's even a bumper and a crib skirt, which I don't know if they could use but maybe...a printer (I actually saw a list of things they needed one time and that was on there)...that printer is because my hubby moved his whole desk area out of the living room and has decided to only work from the office. We have wireless internet here at the house so if he absolutely has to be here and work he can on his laptop. Now our living room area is bigger, I love it.

I have big plans for this living room tomorrow. I'm clearing out the clutter! Tomorrow is the end for the living room as we know it, and the beginning of a calm,clutter free zone! Hooray.

I gotta go to bed, I'm sleepy. I keep spelling things terribly wrong. I doubt I caught them all. Oh well, GOOD NIGHT!