Various Updates...to be continued

Hard to get back when you are gone away for so long. The only good part is that you get an update post from me! :)

Me: Sorry to put myself first, but I can get me over with more quickly! I'm just chomping at the bit to finish up this school year! I'm not hating my job, I'm just so ready to be home, I have these wonderful ideas and aspirations to implement when I do get 'home' that I can't wait to get started. I already have a schedule! I'm such a dork! What else is going on? Well, I spoke at our ladies meeting on "Evaluating our Priorities and Duties as Women" and it went well. I think I tried to cram too much into one meeting, though. They asked me to speak next month also and if I had known that, I would've shortened it to be able to stress more impt points. I used a lot of what Candy has to say in her E-book in www.keeping thehome.com and changed it up as I felt led. I needed it so badly, myself because I KNOW my priorities aren't in order right now! During the week it is 1. Work 2. Children 3. Husband 4. God. I'm just going to be transparent here. I let my ladies know the message was for me as well. The reason my children are before my husband is because a=being so young, they have so many needs right now. If we went by just on my 'list' my husband is first. He is my favorite person and he is an adult. Yes! Adult interaction is wonderful. LOL Work is first because it keeps me away 8 hrs from my family. I have nothing but shame for God being last. The first step in recovery is Admittance so that's what I'm doing now. LOL The second step is Believe and I believe I can do better. The 3rd step is Commit to a plan and the last step is Do!!! I so realize how impt God is and how impt it is for Him to be first (which is what I spoke about as well). I need Him so despereately for me to be what I need to be for priorities 2-4. Anyway....how are your priorities lining up?

I'll have to do more updates tomorrow. Time to get ready to go home. Home, what a lovely word! *Sorry for all the misspelled words...pumping while typing

A Happy Ending

Well, in the end everything worked out. My bread got a happy home in the trash can. All 5 loaves. Emory was watching me as I dumped them out into the trash and he said, "I guess you're not a Breadmaker after all." LOL It was as if he had read my post! One loaf I had to beat on the floor for it to come out of the pan. No kidding. It was that hard. When I got home today my house reeked out baked sweet potatoes. That was the smell given off by the bread. It wasn't too good. I have my crock pot candle thing turned on now to help rid the smell.

My children were excellent this afternoon. Emory was extra helpful and so good. I was proud of him. He fed the dog and cat, brought the trash and dumped it in the 'master' trash can, and he took his plate to the sink. He did everything I asked of him with a cheerful spirit. He listened as his daddy read to him the story of Samson AND David (Goliath) from the Bible. He sang "Amazing Grace" with his daddy on the piano. I decided to read "Farmer Boy" to Emory and Erin for bedtime story. They wanted me to go on to Ch 2! Erin calls "Almanzo", "Ranzo". Maybe they will stay interested in it. I'm so ready to give up the baby books and move onto some Ch books with them. I can't wait to be reading the Chronicles of Narnia books to them. What fun! Not to leave Erin out, she did set the table, complete with plates and forks.

I cooked my favorite meal tonight, Shrimp Alfredo w/ Penne Pasta. Oh my word, if you are not a garlic lover, then it's not for you. Here's the recipe: 1 stick of butter, 2 cloves of garlic (chopped), 1/4 cup of chopped green onions, 1 cup mushrooms, 1 bag of shrimp (I used the salad shrimp..so much cheaper). Saute all of that. Cook your pasta. Add salt to both. Add your drained pasta to the sauteed mix and add about 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. YUM! I served it with toast. I had Asparagus on my menu, but Wal-Mart was out. A salad or sweet potatoes would have been good with it as well. Tomorrow night is BBQ chicken, baked beans, and potato salad. Yeah baby!

I have my Evening routine pretty much settled. When I get home, I usually nurse Evan. Even if he has just had a bottle, he will NOT be pacified until he has mama's milk. After he is playing, I will make up my bed and start a load of clothes (Monday--towels and all non clothing items, Tuesday--mine & husband's clothes, Wednesday--kid's clothes), then I make supper while Evan is playing in high chair, Emory is on computer or playing with toys, Erin is usually on the counter 'helping' me cook. After dinner, Evan goes to bed, Erin goes in the bathtub and I wash dishes. I usually spread out my dish washing because I bathe Erin and then Emory gets in (by himself..yes!) and I bathe him. All the while, I'm watching the clothes, putting in the dryer, etc. Then, the kids get teeth brushed, story read and prayers. They go to bed between 8:30 and 9:00 usually. I would LOVE to get them to bed at 8, but we never seem to make it at that time. After they bathe, I usually finish up the kitchen, sweep, take out trash (cleaned out my vehicle tonight!) and take my bath. Then, it's straight to bed, get on the computer or read. Whew. I love having a routine, tho. It makes the impossible seem possible, ya know?

Well, two blogs in one day! It's 10:30 and I've gotta get up before 6. Spelling Bee tomorrow. NO school for me, just taking kids to the Spelling Bee. We'll have fun. Thanks for reading.

Think I'm a better bread winner than a bread maker!

Ok, I finished my starter and set out to make the Ultimate Amazing Bread. I was unsure that I was doing it correctly, but I tried anyway. It.didn't.rise. So, I tried kneading it again and this morning it still hadn't risen. I almost cried. I have been working on that stupid bread all week and it didn't rise. So, no more starter bread for me and I am yeast bread all the way, baby. I can make it that way. I can't waste 2 boxes of Organic Wheat Flour to try again. What amazes me is that I so have a defeatist attitude about things I can't do. Emory and Erin are both like me in that area. I will cry if something doesn't work for me. So will they. It is not a good attitude to have. Anyway, I'm humbled that I can't make bread from a starter. I'm the type who won't try again, either. I will just resign myself that I'm not a breadmaker. Sigh

The weekend weather was crummy. Two weekends in a row of crummy weather. Two weekends indoors. I'm so ready to be outside working in my yards or helping my husband do some things outside. I have so many projects to do it isn't funny. I did get to mop Saturday and I grocery shopped.

I wanted to get up around 5 or so this morning and get started on my day instead of rushing around. I will tell you one thing about me that isn't a secret. I love to sleep. I love to go to bed early and sleep late. I almost wish I could buy an electric shocker that will shock me out of bed in lieu of an alarm clock. I set the alarm for 5:30 and got up at 6:09. I had to pull Mr. Breast Leech from me and he didn't like that very much. Anyway, the moral of the story is that I was still late for work and my mom had to meet me at a closer location so I wouldn't be even later.

I have been reading up a storm. I love, love to read. I imagine a vacation where I can read all.day.long. Stopping only for bathroom breaks. I would have me some unhealthy snacks closeby and some fresh lemonade to sip on. I would have a mixture of self-help books, all about either homeschooling, homemaking, herbs, natural health, or natural childbirth. Then, I would have a few Christian Fiction books by my favorite authors, Beverly Lewis and Francine Rivers. Last I would have some children's fiction books (4-6th grade levels). This would be anything from Little House series books to the Old Classics. I am going to strive to read some of the classics I've never read. Some of the Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and even books like To Kill a Mockingbird. Of course, I can always catch up on Bible reading. I love to do that as well, when I can sit down, uninterrupted and read my Bible.

How do I get my reading done? Well, I, er, don't recommend doing this, but I mostly read while I drive or ride. If husband is driving, I read. If I am driving my familiar (only) roads, I will take glances at my book while riding. Other times are while nursing. If I am really into a good book, I will walk around and read while doing other things! :) I finished Farmer Boy (Little House series) over the weekend and it was so good. I'm sure I read it while I was a child. I learned a lot about Pioneering and extreme Homemaking. LOL I started reading "The Dead Man in Indian Creek" by Mary Downing Hahn today.

Well, gotta get to my Spelling Bee students.

Random Musings...

I must have at least 50 posts with that title, but this is exactly what I'm posting about: random things.

First of all, I want to say that God is so extremely good to me. Sometimes, He just reaches down to me in a silent way and places His hand on my shoulder. Sometimes, at the end of the day, I realize that I should have had a nervous breakdown at some point during the day. But, I don't. God helps me through. And it's not half bad either. Sometimes, I hear a song or I get a scripture that comes to mind and I just want to stop and worship God. Today I was erasing my board and the scripture, "I will praise thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, MARVELOUS are thy WORKS; and that my soul knoweth right well" just came to me. I just wanted to turn around and tell my class (I wrote it on my bulletin board as part of my theme) Also, all day I've had a song on my mind and I couldn't help but sing it off and on throughout the day (I know my students think I'm a loony bin anyway). It is "I Stand Redeemed". When I get to the part that says, "When He looks at me, He sees the Nail-scarred Hands, that bought My liberty, I stand redeemed", I get chills. I love having the Lord's presence abiding with me not just when I'm at church. Anyway, just wanted to share.

This week I've cooked since Sunday. I love hearing what others have for their supper, so I will post what I've had. One day, I hope I can post what I have for breakfast and lunch. I can't wait to be able to post what I've cooked for my little one's breakfast and lunch. Sunday night, we have Chicken Alfredo w/Rotini Pasta and some homemade bread (which, btw, made great grilled cheese sandwiches Sunday morn). Monday night, I fixed Salmon Patties (I LOVE salmon patties and these were the best yet--1 can Salmon, 1 egg, 3/4 cup bread crumbs, little garlic, salt, pepper, and 1 cup milk..yum), string beans, and potato wedges. Last night, we had steak nuggets, lima beans (I had put them in the crock pot that morning, with some Chicken broth), rice & tomato gravy, and cornbread. My cornbread was delish. It is actually my mom's recipe, but I used buttermilk instead of reg milk. (1 & 1/4 cups of cornmeal--I used freshly ground from my dad--1/4 cup reg flour, 3. tp. baking pwd, 1 tp salt--mix--then add 1/4 cup oil and 1 cup buttermilk) Yum. Tonight is Wednesday night and I'm out of options for quick ideas. It will probably involve 2 slices of bread and chips. :)

I am working on my Home Management Binder. I am totally stoked about this. I have already finished the schedule section and the breakfast/lunch menu ideas section. I can't wait to do the others. I want to work on it at night, but by the time I finish supper dishes, my hubby is on the computer. So, I get my bath and decide to go to bed. I'm usually pretty happy with my decision anyway! Erin hasn't been sleeping well this week. She is not feeling well this week. We decided against giving her the antiobiotics for her infection and have been giving her Goldenseal tea instead. I hope this is working. She is just not herself. She wants Mama all the time. She wants me to sleep with her at night. She lays there for an hour from when we put her in the bed before she falls asleep. She gets up all through the night. She gets in trouble for repeatedly getting up. She cries for me to lay with her. She is disobeying all the time. Even after consistent reprimanding. I have decided that I can't be as gentle with her punishments as I can with Emory to get the point across. I'm consistent, so I know that's what it is. The punishment is not severe enough. I feel wary of what I post because I don't want someone accusing me of abusing my child. Lord knows, the ppl who read this know that I'm not that type. I promise you I never wait until I am angry to discipline. The parent who does is wrong. The child only gets the message, "my parent doesn't like me very much" instead of "my parent loves me enough to teach me what is right". Anyway, I hope this is something she is going to snap out of before long. I think it is a combination of my working, rushing home to cook, start a fire, rush to put milk in the fridge or pump, feed animals, and then I'm cooking supper and having to stretch my time between the three and my chores. If I were AT HOME, then I could, throughout the day give them some of my time. I do try to let her sit on the counter with me while I cook, etc.

I don't want to bribe them into obedience, but I have started a reward system. If I catch them being 'good', then I put a bean in a jar. When the bean jar is full (or they've used up all the beans in the bag) then we will do something special (camp out or see a movie). Emory was getting lots of beans yesterday for helping or not complaining when I asked him to do something. Erin, bless her heart, was so not getting beans. Finally, I watch her get my mop from the foyer and she goes into the living/dining room and begins 'mopping'. She even mops my kitchen. I praise her and tell her what an awesome job she is doing (the mop was like a giant tree compared to her) and she turns around and says, "I'm going to get a bean, I'm a big helper like Mama". Of course, she got a bean. In fact, I snuck around and gave her two! Shh! :)

I'm thrilled to announce that Evan has started enjoying the culinary aspect of family life since the weekend. On Sunday morning, we put him in his high chair and he had breakfast with us. Right now, he has just experienced carrots and rice cereal. I'm just going to do those for a week bf we try anything new. He is loving eating. I've been giving him echinacea in a bottle of water for his cold, and he loves water very well! It is nice having him at the table with us.

Turning cold again! I dare say we will be embracing spring when it arrives! I've got some gardening ideas. (uh oh..lol) Check out my book wish list. You might find some on there that you would like to read. I'm not through with my list as of this posting. Check them out at Amazon.

A Little Leaven for ya!

My first ever bread turned out great. At first it wouldn't rise and I was beginning to think it a failure. Then, I remembered reading something about if it doesn't rise, try kneading it again. Then, I remembered reading somewhere else, if the dough is sticky, add more flour. So, I did both and sure enough, it started rising! The only thing that was wrong is, after punching it back down, I was supposed to let it rise until it had doubled in size. I wasn't patient enough! So, the loaves probably should've been taller. Anyway, we dug into it and half of one loaf is now gone! I now feel like I have finally arrived as a homemaker! LOL Really tho, I don't think I'll ever buy store bought again. This is so much cheaper and tastes better! Not to mention gets your house smelling yummy!

A Snowpendous Saturday!

We awoke to a white morning today! What a beautiful surprise. I'm glad I saw it first because I was able to lead the kids to the window, cover their eyes and say, 'surprise'! It was so fun. We got out in it after a breakfast of Whole Wheat Oatmeal Pancakes (very healthy and nourishing, I must say). Evan and Erin are a little under the weather, so we didn't stay out in it too long. Husband and Emory built a snowman, made snow angels, and threw snowballs. A very nice change from the blah winter scenery we are used to. Now, at 4:30pm, the snow has melted a bit, but there still is some left to play in. Darest I wish for more snow for tomorrow? ;)

I have been a blog-a-holic lately, checking out blogs from other conservative, homemaking, women like I attain to be. It has been fun to take a peek into the lives of other women who are fulfilling the desires that I have. My favorite blog site so far is www.myblessedhome.blogspot.com. She is very organized, very Godly, and has a wonderful Homeschooling schedule to go by. I have downloaded a couple of her downloadables, which make for interesting reads.

Speaking of homemaking, I'm working on my first ever bread starter to make the bread from the above site. Let you know how it turns out. It takes a week for it to be ready to bake, so today while my starter is, uh, startering, I'm going to make some bread from yeast.

That's all for now. Leave you with some pictures from the snow.

A Pleasant Monday

I have a few things on my mind, so I thought I'd give ya a blog!

First off, Erin has been complaining when she goes to the potty. Last night, she cried out when she tee-teed, so I knew the time had come to take her to receive medical intervention! I was thrilled to have the day off from school (unprepared for school as I was) and equally thrilled to spend some extra time with my family. For the record, Erin has been super, super ill this weekend. I don't know if it's related to her condition or if it's a new phase. If not, I have a couple of implementations that I'm going to try to improve her behavior. More about those later. Anyway, parts of her privates, undisturbed, have grown together, which is causing bacteria to form (because she isn't getting as clean), irritation, and pain from not having much room to 'go'. Poor girl. I was relieved it wasn't an UTI, and am glad for some natural ways to remedy the situation. We are to bathe her in baking soda and put vaseline on the area to soften the skin. This is supposed to help everything open up.

Well, I guess there's another reason boys are way easier! :) I love my gal, though. She was pretty cute at the doctor's office!

I'm happy to report (Kugoi) that the SuperMom tablets work.....super! I didn't notice a drastic, overnight change, that some have reported, but I have been getting a lot more things done. I really have a new attitude and approach to my housework anyway, so I don't know if that's it. I've started the year with a 'if it needs doing, do it right then' attitude that has really helped me. But, I've really been cleaning and straigtening, doing some purging, etc. I think the vits have helped! I would like to think so. If nothing else, my baby gets colored milk to spice up his feeding times!! :)

I've been reading my Bible more here lately and I can tell you that if you will just make a small effort in doing more for the Lord, you will be amazed at the benefits you will reap. I know this to be true, but it amazes me that every time, it really happens. I started reading more and trying to pray more throughout the day (instead of resolving to not pray at all if I can't spend that blessed hour on my knees...I have weird 'perfectionistic' tendencies like that) and I can feel the Lord so much nearer to me. I'm happy to be back 'together' with his word (after an estranged relationship..haha). God is so good. I feel like we aren't going to 'get off' if we aren't truly ready for His coming, when he does come. I want to have a peace in knowing that I am truly ready with no reservations.

God is good. I want to put Him first and my family second. I can't wait to be at home with my family where God intends for me to be. I have ideas exploding through my head (from homeschooling to scheduling to cooking, etc) that I need God's wisdom to help me make them a success.

Today was a good Monday. Doesn't even seem like Monday. That's when I say it has been good! :)

Elimination Communication

While I was pregnant, I read a book on infant potty-training. I can't remember the name of the book--it's under my bed. I decided I *might* try it. Being a working mother, I just thought about maybe doing it hit and miss. So, when Evan was really tiny (like a few weeks old), I would put him on the potty and most of the time, he wouldn't do anything. So, I've not pushed the issue since he was about a month old.

Fast forward to Christmas Day. He hadn't 'been' in a couple of days and I could tell it was aggravating him some. You know, no poop = frustration and blah feeling. LOL Anyway, we were at the table eating, I holding him, and I could tell he was getting a little atsy. Squirmy, uncomfortable, ya know? A vibe only his mother would've detected. So, I just decided (out of the blue--a nudge from God?) to whisk him off to the potty. In addition to being adorable on the potty, he also looked rather humorous. Well, right away, he started grunting. Before I knew it, he had blowed out his poop (sorry) right down into the bowl!! I was so amazed.

What is so amazing still, is that every single day since Christmas, he has pooped for me in the potty! Some times more than once/day! I'm so amazed. He tee-tees everytime also. Even if he has just 'gone', he will grunt and strain until he tee-tees, even just a fraction of a milliliter! LOL He is so stinkin' cute!

If you want to try it, what I do is wait about 5 or 10 minutes after he eats and I notice he gets a little squirmy. Sometimes he even grunts a bit. I rush him off to the potty, put a tissue over his manhood (haha), and he will go 95% of the time. In the mornings, that is the first thing I do is take him and he. will. go. Just like that. It's amazing!

He is getting so heavy that I decided to weigh him last night. Eighteen pounds! He felt a whole lot heavier. He is getting way chunky! Over the holidays, he has 'asked' to nurse to go to sleep. I reluctantly obliged him. Now, I just whip it out and hand over the goods! LOL I think the extra milk is making him beef up for sure!

Come on 6 months when he can sit up! :)

Just thought I'd share my potty success. BTW, we are still doing some in our diaper. You know, when he is down playing, etc., he doesn't ask me to go potty. :) But, he will wait longer to teetee, and I think he is waiting for me to take him and then I don't show up. :(

God didn't invent them in diapers anyway, right? ;)

A bit of a catch up and an actual BLOG..

Little did I know when I said "30 days of nothing" that I would literally mean nothing...lol. Basically, my non-posting has resulted from Holiday frenzy, lack of computer, or just so much to blog about that I just don't know where to start, or, nothing to blog about at all. So just a little catching up before I rush outta here to my small, cozy home.

ME: What's going on with me is this: I'm back to work after having a wonderful and so busy Christmas. I really enjoy my job, but I so can't get 'into it' after being off for awhile. I think it's also my being back at school on a Thursday instead of a Monday. I think it is also due to the fact (I hope it's a fact) that this is my last yr teaching, Lord willing. It's not that I don't want to do my best while I'm here, but it's that I so want to be devoting my time to MY little ones and have no energy for other's little ones (my students). They are so patient and kind, I really don't deserve such great students. Anyway, back to pumping, getting up early, and rushing about for supper plans, skimping on the house cleaning, crashing at night, etc. Yup.

I have a sinus infection like none other. I don't remember having so much pain associated with a sinus infection before. Before, it's just been the green, the goot, and the blowing of the nostrils (how's that for graphic?). This time, I have PAIN. Today is Day 5 of jaw-bone-up-to-my-eye pain. So badly that I, who does not take pain meds for frivolous reasons, have succombed to the wonderful relief that 2 Ibuprofens can bring. So far, I have been taking Echinacea (not regularly), Vit C, Juice Plus, and I got some new vits called SuperMoms from www.beeyoutiful.com yesterday. I have been applying hot compresses to my eyes. Knowing the wonderful properties of garlic, yesterday I went out into the cold elements to dig up some fresh garlic planted by Husband's dear forefathers and ate a whole garlic! I figured I had sinus breath anyway! LOL Immediately, my sinuses were as clear as ever! However, the pain is still there this morning! Oh, well, I'll chew another garlic stalk today. What is there to lose besides breath less than pleasant anyway?

Husband: Well, I have nothing but great things to always say about him. He so came through for me this Christmas, staying up until 5am Christmas morning to download and personally narrate a 2 hour 'broadcast' playing 40 songs that he has sung to me through our years together. All of this was done on a new MP3 playing that he purchased for me. I feel almost as high tech as my 4th graders. Almost.

Emory: Emory is Emory. He is really a mama's boy at times. We got close over the holidays. He still loves to eat, play the computer, and watch his daddy play the playstation. He is really a chip off of his dad's shoulder. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Erin: Now, this gal is a pistil. Last night, she got in trouble for breaking all of the stems on my flowers that I had brought in to save from the 18 degree temps we (gasp) had. I had already warned her. When I asked her why she did it anyway, she announced, "But my elephants had to have something to eat". I was almost crying from my flowers being ruined, but this *almost* brought a smile to my face. I'm sure years from now, I will cherish this memory. She is a joy. I absolutely love the 'terrible' twos. They are wonderful for a well-trained child. She has her moments, but I have the peace of knowing we are being consistent with her discipline and that she will turn out to be a well trained young lady.

Evan: Oh, my sweet baby boy. This little guy has my heart. I mean, even at 3 and 4 am, while I'm rocking him in my cold rocking chair, feeling the draft coming through the window, I love looking into his big, er, huge eyes. I love being responsible for his nourishment. He is amazing. He is squealing and screaming (not fits....yet...ha), is coming up on his arms, rolling over, and teething...still. He is absolutely precious. I would have 10 of him if I could. I'm just in love, sorry! :)

On my mind: Lots of things I could 'blog' about, but something that has been on my mind lately and I'm going to try to work on is, whining. You know, I didn't read the Pearl books until Emory was around 1.5 years old, so I didn't really implement consistent training on him right away. In fact, the other day, I was watching a home video and it was showing Em in the bathtub playing. I gave him some command (I can't remember what it was) and he so totally ignored it. I told him about 3 more times and he didn't pay any attention to it! I couldn't believe I let it go. Now, no way. One command yields one response. Anyway, I have noticed how whiney he is. Especially at his gran gran's (it's true, Amy). It irritates me to no end. As I have been pondering how I can prevent my other children from whining (Erin whines too, a bit), I remember reading something in the Pearl's book about responding to infants and babys before they get to the crying state. Normally, a parent puts a happy baby down to 'play' and what happens? He or she will leave the baby there to play in order to get something done. My exact thoughts have been, 'oh good, he/she is playing happily, I'll go make the bed, start the laundry, sweep the floor, etc'. And, before long, I will hear a little cry at first and I will think, "well let me just get this bed made and I'll go get him, it's not hurting anything for him to cry a little". Well, after the bed has been made, baby's irritation levels have really escalated because mama hasn't met said need of 'I want to be picked up'. So, mama (me, ha) goes over to baby, who is now fussing heavily, picks him up and yeah, things are great. Except for the fact that I've just taught my baby that A. Cry and I'll pick you up and B. I only pick you up when you fuss.

So, what is learned here? Baby learns that the way to get happiness is to Whine (cry, fuss, whatever you want to call it). Got my point?

So the solution (and what I'm trying to implement) is to A. I could go broke, buy me an Ergo carrier (which I want desperately) and carry Evan all day long or B. I could put him down, see how long it normally takes him to whine (I think he will usually play good for about 10 mins before he wants mama), and then allow him to play for half of that time and pick him up while he's happy. I might not get as much done, but if I can prevent him from being TRAINED to whine, then I will not complain (er, whine...lol).

In other words, I meet his needs before they become wants. I pick him up happy. I change him before he becomes fussy. I nurse him to sleep before he cries to be nursed to sleep (I already know he loves being nursed to sleep and will 'fuss' to nurse to sleep). I feed him before he cries out of hunger. I entertain him before he becomes bored into fussiness.

All of this sounds as if I am spoiling him, but in fact, I'm UNspoiling him.

Let me know what you think.

Sorry to be so long...I hope you faithful ones haven't left me! :)

Oops!

I skipped blogging last night because I was so.incredibly.sleepy! Just two things worthy of posting:

~Erin got her 2nd goose egg on the back of her head in 2 weeks time. Poor baby. I mean you could see it with her hair combed over it! My mom said I used to get the most knots on my head of any child she knew!

~My dear husband brought me home a bag of baked goodies from the Amish bakery. YUM! I could so not eat just one. It was awesome!

~Day 2 of following my Menu Plan: Hamburgers and french fries. I should've just followed my original way of cooking hamburgers. :(

Sheer Randomness

Well, I almost let the pictures I posted stand in for a blog, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. A commitment is a commitment.

I started on my Monthly Meals from Family Fun. I fixed Hawaiian chicken & rice and Armadillo Potatoes (supposed to look like Armadillos to get kids to eat them, yk?). It was really yummy. It was so much different than what I normally fix (yk, meat, vegetable, starch), so it was nice to have a change. The downside of it is that I had to shop at our local grocery which was downright depressing. The prices are horrible and they have nothing organic. I love me some Wal-Mart now.

The reason I had to shop at the local grocery is as follows: Last night, Dh and I needed to go to the closest real town, which is about 60 miles away. We had to pay a credit card bill and to get a few groceries. MIL had agreed to keep the kids, sans one (Mr. Boob Attacher), so it was all good. We had a really nice ride out. Evan was asleep, the van was warm, we were listening to old country music and holding hands. Light conversation, yk? Well, I get to Sears and realize I had forgotten to get the money from the kitchen shelf! I had absolutely.no.money. I just about cried. The amazing part of the story is this: my husband laughed! He laughed! He is really exceptional. He said, "Well, at least we had a really nice ride together." I thought that was so sweet. I told him most husbands would've fussed and fussed and talked about how irresponsible that was of me to leave the money. He said it would be like him to have done something like that (leave the $$). Anyway, he had enough money with him to get ME a Mocha Frappe and us a sandwich. We preceded to have another nice ride home while the baby slept. I ended up falling asleep on Dh's arm, bless him. What a nice man I have!

Evan is 4 months old today and HE HAS A TOOTH!! It has barely broken thru the skin (on Sunday), but it is definitely there! His gums itch like crazy. It makes me think he will get about 4 or 5 teeth at one time! He is my heart right now. About 99% of the time, I could eat him to pieces!

Emory is enjoying his '5 yr old status'. Everything he does, he wants us to say something in relation to 'that's a big 5 year old doing a good job'. How funny.

Well, my nose is cold, I've got to read a chapter in my "LionBoy" book, and then it's off to bed for me.

The Tree

About 90% kid-friendly ornaments this year! Woo-hoo!

Birthday boy

Two Things...

Okay, sometimes I don't have the blogging take-over spirit..lol. It's hard for me to come up with something, but here goes.

*I'm in a reading contest with two of my best readers in my class. They already have about 80-100 points for the year and I just started! My points are around 11. Ha! So far, I have read : "Blubber" by Judy Blume, The Hardy Boys, "The Secret of the Old Mill" by Franklin Dixon, and I'm currently reading, http://www.amazon.com/Lionboy-Truth-Trilogy-Hardcover/dp/B000HT2P8E/ref=pd_bbs_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196722111&sr=1-3 "The Lion Boy". It is worth 8 points. I'm really into this contest. I love to read but have basically stopped since my children have been born (besides the occasional novel..once per yr). I have found over the past 2 weeks that I can squeeze in reading!

*If you don't subscribe to FamilyFun Magazine, you should. I get the biweekly Email with craft ideas and menus. They have a month's worth of meals complete with doable recipes. I'm gonna try it for a week. Let you know. It just might be the answer to my 'what to cook' dilemma that I face nightly.

Well, Evan is fussing in my arms and Emory is waiting for the computer, so that's it. Hey, I came up with something to post didn't I?

Birthday Emory

My firstborn turned 5 today! We let him sleep in this morning..it was apparent he needed too. The weather was sooo extremely warm and humid today! Not at all what it was when I birthed him. I am so glad I didn't leave heaters on at the house. In fact, I have 2 air conditioners currently running. Snowstorms in the NW and 80 degree temps here! Gotta love the South.

Got my aunt to make a schoolbus cake and it is so cute (pix to follow). I had a recipe for one and was feeling all Martha, but I knew my time and energies would be stretched. We were going to have a small party after church, but some had made other plans, so it was family only (Nana and Grandpa to come later to see him blow out the candles). We had a nice junk food fest--hotdogs & chips (which is rare, but special occasion, ya know) and cupcakes. I'm sure I'll post pix in a few minutes.

It is sooo good to be home!! Even if there was a roach in my sink (Amy) and the dishes had gotten smelly (spontaneous trip), it was still good to be home. I love home! Vacation is good for something other than making memories...it's for appreciating home! Now I must go face the mountain of dirty clothes!

Emory has just announced that he is bathing himself (wow, growing up right on time) and I smell the soap all the way in the living room, so I'd better check on him!

Wow, he put his bath toys in the basket, dried off himself, AND clothed himself! Oh no! Too much independence means I'll be ready for another baby soon. JUST KIDDING! I'm proud, though!! :)

31 Days of Nothing...

I read this blog called Big and Little, it's at WordPress (another blogging site--I'll try to get the link) and the blogger had a challenge called 30 Days of Nothing where she resolved to post something every day (all 30) in November. I thought I'd try it. It might indeed be 31 days of nothing!

However, what goes on at our house is definitely anything but nothing. We are currently on 'holiday' at the beach without going to the beach! :) We decided to take off and head south to do some Christmas shopping and making some memories. So far we have:

-got very little sleep (aren't you supposed to sleep on vacation?)

-been a human pacifier all.night.long (no crib or bassinet)

-had extreme allergies

-had a no-napper (Emory)

-spent money

But, we have:

-watch a nice movie together (Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium...awesome movie!)

-had some warm beach weather (did someone say December?)

-not had a house to clean

-read a few chapters in a book (what's that again? did I hear you correctly?)

-lastly, enjoyed wireless fast internet

My little firstborn (ahem, little?) is turning 5 tomorrow. It seems impossible. What a big boy he is.

I have an exceptional husband. Who else would take 3 kids Christmas shopping for 3 hours which includes stopping by the restroom at least 3 times, stopping by the carousel rides at least 3 times, and listening to numerous complaints! What a gem!

Lemon Squares and Hickory Nuts

GALORE!

A Day in our Country home (lame title, I know)

If I didn't have dial-up, I would title this blog, "A Day in Pictures" and post pictures of what we did today. First off, Daddy got Emory up at 6am to go squirrel hunting, which turns out, Emory is a 'chip off the old shoulder' because he crawled into bed with me soon after. Alas, Dad went solo. The picture (if I do download it) is not of Emory's first squirrel, but of dad's squirrel while Emory-lay-in-the-bed. My day started out before six, but such is common for me. Ah, what is sleep? It is but a vapor that appeareth for a little while and then vanishes with the cries of the nursling babe. I'm enjoying my little sleep robber, such as he is.

We have been piddling about the house: getting the fireplace ready for the huge, harsh winters that we have (ha), making up beds, fixing lunch (pizza and chips...oh, but they were both natural and organic *inserts your rolled eyes here* lol), afterwards made lemon squares (see picture, that might download by tomorrow). Then I raked up a few piles whilst sorting the pecans I raked up. Meanwhile, the husbando was picking up hickory nuts (see picture). If anyone knows of anything to be done with these wonderful nuts, please leave me a comment! The kids have been playing (Erin tending to her 'bejtable garden') and Evan is getting his longest nap of the week.

I've got a few things accomplished this week, none to speak of, but the week isn't over. I do want to do some sort of craft with my kiddos. Leaf rubbings or something. I did see a great idea in my kidscraftweekly newletter (www.kidscraftweekly.com) about doing an advent calendar with matchboxes. This would be something you could do together, every day, during the month of December. I'm going to do this--it sounds awesome.

Of course, tomorrow is Thanksgiving (Happy Thanksgiving, ya'll) and I will celebrate with my wonderful Grandmother and Papa and all the Sullivan family. Twill be a glorious time. I don't think I will bake nary thing! My granny has it pretty much covered (and the aunts) so I'm going to take adv of no cooking! I'm sure in a few years, Thanksgiving dinner will fall my lot and I will receive my own family in my home. I really can't wait until that time. I also can't wait to morph into Paula Deen...lol. Really, I'm not rushing my life, but it is fun to think about your grown kids coming home and being with you. Gives me the warm fuzzies!

Well, off to post pictures. I might be back for another blog. Feeling bloggish today!

A Good Day

Today marked the first day of Thanksgiving Holidays. It was truly a day in which to be thankful. I got up and had a bowl of cereal with my husband before he left for work. It was nice to have that together time without the kid's interrupting. Of course, he had barely made it out the door before the kids were up and ready to start their day.

I set out to declutter my room a bit. It will have to be a work in progress because I can only work in there when Evan is awake. I made a slight dent in the pile of clothes. My maternity clothes are still in the containers sitting there on the floor. I need to move them out of the room before they are some kind of omen or something!

Ran some errands in town. Got my Mothering magazine in the mail so I got to browse thru that while the milk man took over. It is always refreshing to read about other natural mamas. There was an article in there about Breastfeeding 911--talking about Breastfeeding during emergencies. It gave 3 stories of how infants would've died in emergency situations (situations where there was no water to mix formula) if the mother had not breastfed. Something to think about! I absolutely love nursing Evan. In the first few weeks, it seems merely a service to the infant. Now, it is a pleasure. He will unlatch to smile up at me or coo at me (his way of saying, 'thanks, mom') and it melts my heart. Anyway, the kids played outside for awhile. I listened to their childish play and their pretend talk. It is awesome being a mom! Erin says, "Em" and it takes about 4 syllables for her to get it out. She's so country!

The kids took a long nap today (3 hours) and I got to straighten up and wash clothes (never ending cycle!). I cooked a good meal: fried chicken strips, string beans, and garlic/cheddar/mashed potatoes. It was yummy.

The husband has taken the kids to the gym to 'walk'. I'm getting some down time while Evan, I believe, is down for the night. I miss him already!! I like to have the nightly cuddles with him before bed. I was busy cooking tonight. :(

Well, this is about as random as you get! I'm just glad to be blogging with no interruptions! haha

Can you tell I'm enjoying my week?

Womanhood Revisited

I wish I had a computer in my brain that could copy down things I want to blog. By the time I get a chance to actually blog, I can't remember what it was going to be about!

Yesterday, I had a migraine. Don't have but about two a year and it's usually when something crazy is going on w/ my hormones. Sure enough, Aunt Flo knocked last night, and sadly, I had to answer! Womanhood has returned! Just a few weeks ago, I finished the post-partum deal. It doesn't seem like I've had a break, but it has been one year since I had a period. This time last year, had a tiny little life growing in me. Look at him now! Mr. Evan--18 pounds, cooing and teething! He is sooo sweet, there aren't any words to describe a new baby. I'm sorry, but I think people are crazy for not wanting any children!!

Speaking of Evan, he had had some bouts of screaming during the early mornings about 3 mornings in a row. I'm not sure what it was, but I know it wasn't teething. I mean, about 45 minutes to an hour of screaming. I was helpless, but prayed. Actually, husband did all the praying because I was trying to console! I figured it out it might be the milk my mom was giving him for the extra feeding that I don't have enough breastmilk for. She has been using goat milk (straight from the, er, goat), but the goats haven't been producing, so she's been giving him goat milk from the carton. Pasteurized, Homogenized. So, I'm thinking, the enzymes have been killed via pasteurization which in turn, causes baby to not digest milk as well. Yesterday, we just did formula for the extra feeding and had a great night! Bye, bye goat milk from the carton. Hello, sleep. Sort of. He is still getting up during the night and so is Erin! I was up at 4:30, got the smiling young-one back to sleep at 6 or so and I just decided to stay up. Yawn.

After tomorrow, I have 10 days with my family! I can't wait!! I want to savor every. single. minute. Make lots of memories with my babies. I just love this time of year!

God is good. I don't thank Him enough. Do any of us? How can we ever repay what He's done for us?

All About Erin

Erin Abigail Cooper

Favorite Animal: Elephant (wants to name all elephants, "Babar") & Pigs (wants to name all pigs, "Wilbur")

Favorite Book: This is a hard one, but I believe she likes "Three Little Pigs" and "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" the best.

Favorite Cuteness: It is so cute when she says, "I love you, Mama" or when she rhymes words, like, "Tickle" and she will say, "Dickle, Wickle, Pickle"

Dislikes: Her biggest dislike would have to be getting her hair combed. She has unkempt hair that has a tendency to tangle very easily! She also dislikes loud noises. She hates to be interrupted during a project or task. "I gotta finish my puzzle fuhst"

Favorite Food: She loves garlic toast, candy, spaghetti, pizza (toppings), all meat, cereal, pears, oranges, and butterbeans. Not much after that.

Hobbies: She currently loves putting puzzles together. She will still sit and "read" for minutes on end. She enjoys 'cooking' outside and also helping mama.

Interests: Books and Animals. LOVES Animals.

Loves: animals, mama, scratching my neck, sucking her bottom lip, playing outside, Gabby (her dog), Herky (our cat), Gran-gran, Papa, movies, candy, having a story read to her, baths, Christmas (she can't wait)

Music: "Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer" is her current favorite.

Abilities: She is fully potty trained now (as of 10/07), can carry on complete conversations, can put a 3 -4 year old puzzle together, can dress/undress herself, can sing,

Current Inquisition: "What does this (insert word) start with?"

She is my baby girl and the daughter of my dreams!

Weekend Uninterrupted!

This weekend was perfect to me. It has been a looong time since I've had a perfect one--probably since before Evan was born. A perfect weekend to me means my house is straightened all throughout, the clothes are washed and put away (or are being done so), my kids are well behaved, my husband is home, the weather is beautiful, I have food to cook, and we are having a great time as a family. All the above occurred. For some reason, I got my house straightened without being interrupted, I washed clothes and got to put them away as they dried, Evan is entertaining himself some now, so he played contently while I worked. Of course, I played with him after feedings. Erin and Emory played outside most of the day and were good (besides the time Emory chased Erin with a BB gun and Erin came inside yelling, "Mama, Emory's trying to kill me"). I cooked a fabulous supper; roast and gravy, macaroni and cheese (which, btw, my husband, who is a world famous mac and cheese scrutinizer, said it was the best he had ever eaten), green beans, rice, and biscuits. The weather was absolutely gorgeous! My husband worked and finished his wood shed. Evan and I put some wood in it for him while he watched the Alabama-LSU game. Evan in his carrier attached to me, of course. The kids went to bed fairly early and the day was done. We never once left the house and it was fantastic.

How was your weekend?

Impromptu Shopping

This weekend at our singing, a very kind elderly gentleman came up, hugged me, and slipped me a $100 bill. I thought my singing sucked, but obviously it was worth $100 to him. That or he felt sorry for me..LOL. He told me to spend it on myself, so I did, guiltlessly. Almost. I kept thinking about how Evan needs a new carseat and how that would go good on a Pack N Play, but then I remembered my closet and the guilt almost vanished.

Impromptu Shopping is defined as shopping with one baby strapped to your chest via carrier and another toddler in the buggy. It is grabbing things off of the rack at ONE store, briefly looking at the price and the size, and throwing it in the buggy. It also involves trying items on when one gets home and finding out that nothing fits right. At all. I was looking for casual skirts and shirts since my last guilty purchase was a dressy outfit, but I couldn't find anything but black. I have tons of black skirts...at least 4.. that's tons for a skirt. I found two dresses that I can breastfeed in, relatively cute, if you like the new crisscross top, knit dress era, show-every-inch-of-flab type dress. I even got the cutest pumps to go with the dresses. Even a headband. The dresses are 3 sizes bigger than what I wore when I got married. The verdict. Still too snug.

The shoes wouldn't even go on my feet.

Incentive for a new diet: go shopping!

Feel a little blog coming on...

Mostly this will be about random things...

*Went to Walmart last night and spent the most I have ever spent at Wally World: $215.00! *Gulp*. But, I got me a new baby carrier and it's by Jeep! I want and crave an Ergo Baby Carrier, but one from WalMart will do for now. I put Evan in it and he was perfect while we shopped! I also buy about 98% all organic foods which are pricier, but I don't care, it's the best for my family! I even bought some organic caramel apple dip last night! Yum! I love how they are getting more and more organics at Walmart. This morning I took a bath and bathed with my Burt's Bees Organic Peppermint Soap, used my Burt's Bees Organic Peppermint and Honey Lotion, ate my Roasted Pumpkin and raisin organic cereal with Organic Milk, and I'm feeling pretty healthy!! :) I get the beauty products from GNC, not Wal-Mart. I love pure and wholesome foods and products on and in my body. There is no doubt that cancer is caused by foreign substances being put on and in our bodies. Also, I'm not sure about vaccines. I do not feel comfortable injecting foreign substances in the body of my pure baby to ensure he doesn't get a disease that is not even in existence right now. For, "just in case". Nope. Evan hasn't had any vaccines and never will unless his daddy and I feel that it is pertinent (in the event of natural disaster, etc.) Erin hasn't gotten any past 6 months old either. For those reading my blog, there is plenty of research out there on the web against vaccines. Anyway, I don't trust doctors at ALL. That is a part of my being crunchy, I guess. I know that we aren't exempt from things, or immortal for that matter, I just love being as healthy as possible for me and my family. And for us that means, breastfeeding, eating organics as much as possible, using herbs, and no vaccinations. Enuf said? :)

*The weather is beautiful today; brisk and a bit cool. I look forward to getting my house straightened and heading outside. I need to pick up pecans and whatever else. There is plenty to do always! I also think I will wash clothes and hang them out instead of drying them. This evening we have 2 cookouts/ fall festivities to go to and I'm excited about those. Have a new recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies that I'm going to try. I'll share the recipe if they turn out.

Have a gorgeous fall! I'm leaving you with 2 pictures: one of my fall centerpiece, and the other of my fall produce from my garden: collards!! :)

Now it's MY turn..

...to be sick! I feel awful tonight..throat getting sore, pressure in my head and ears, and a general aching feeling. I'm sure it would help if I would go to bed and get some rest, but, no, I'm here on this blessed internet!

Wanted to post a couple of funnies about my kids. This morning before getting ready for church, Emory got 2 stuffed bears and got behind the recliner. He made us sit on the couch. He put on a puppet show for us, "The Three little Bears". It wa hilarious. When he finished he said, "Now, let's see what our Bible verse is today." Then, he said he would sing a song to end the puppet show and sang "This Little Light of Mine". I was rolling!

Then, today in Booster Band at church, we were singing the song that goes, "If the Devils in the Way, we will run right over him" and when we finished, I made a comment like, "No, we don't want to pick the devil up, we want to just run right over him." And Erin pipes up and says, "No, he's too heavy (to pick up). " It was hilarious! Kids, kids!!

This week, I aim to go to bed a little earlier, read and pray on my knees every day and get to work earlier. I also would like to stop and 'smell the roses' a little with my kids. Play outside together. Something like that. Life is so short!

Ouch. my. throat. hurts.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Evan is teething and that has obviously made him uncomfortable. I know that he is teething, but I do not know if that is totally contributing to his uncomfortableness. He has a runny nose and didn't want to nurse this morning. I think his throat could be sore. The others have sinus problems going on, too. We did a LOT of holding today. I have mastered the art of doing most anything while holding the young one: wiping another after pottying, bathing a child, going to the bathroom myself, filling out bills, shopping (more on that later), etc. while holding my heavy 2 monther. My back is telling the news. I'm planning a trip to the chiropractor within the next week. Between bending over to pump and to breastfeed, coupled with slumping over while holding him, my back is shot.

The middle of the month paycheck is always for our car payment, so what is left is divided between about 3 other smaller bills. There's not much left for anything else. I needed just a few things to tie me over to the next paycheck day (mine), so I set out for Wal-Mart with Erin and Evan in tow. Emory was doing the man thing with his daddy. Evan did wonderfully going out there, falling asleep in the carseat; but I knew he wouldn't stay in it in the store. So, I held him while I shopped. It wasn't too bad. He wasn't perfect, but he was as good as could be expected (teething and all). I did the shopping thing, got up to pay and guess what? I didn't have my wallet. It was a moment to remember. So, I called husband and he called my MIL and she was coming to Walmart anyway, so she brought it to me. I had to nurse Evan during that time anyway, so it worked out. I was so tired and we were starving by the time we got home (bypassed the fast food joints bc I was beyond ready to get home). Oh, another thing that happened was while we were in the van, Erin had to go to the potty. I had just started nursing Evan, so I knew I could not hold him off for us to go back into Walmart. So, I grabbed up an article of clothing to absorb the peepee while she 'went'. It didn't do too good of a job! Oh my, we have fun. I was almost in tears when I talked to my husband on the way home. It was just one of those days! Needless to say, I will be checking my purse for my wallet from now on! Also, I don't think I'll be going back without assistance from my better half!

The day ended up better. I picked up some pecans, 500 to be exact (I count everything..it's a weird thing about me..just ONE of the many weird things), brought in some collards from the garden (that I have to 'look' over before bed...they are stinking up the house...I got in trouble for blaming the smell on husband's feet..lol), got the kids in bed BEFORE 8pm (no nap for either) and I'm about to go see about making a lemon pound cake. My kitchen needs a bit of cleaning and I can't stand to cook in a dirty kitchen.

Amy, you will appreciate the day I had today. I'm sure you've had one like it before, right?

General "Goings On" Blog

What has been going on with us...

Me: This week was report card week so I was pretty busy getting my papers graded, keyed in, and just a general making sure that everything was set for report cards. It was a hectic time, but when it is over, the relief equals the relief that you get from finishing a term paper and handing it in (I SO remember those feelings). I still love my job. I absolutely love teaching and am really protective when it comes to my classroom and my students. My students and I have a special bond (well, we are working on it with my high school class). They love me and I love them. If they don't love me, they are puttin' up a good front! I mean, they are kids, sure, and they act like kids, but I love that! We started something new today in reading, "Story Squad" and they are all excited, which I love to see! Anyway....what else? I'm still working on the clutter in our home. My goal is 500 items either thrown away, put in yard sale, or Salvation Army. I know now why it's called, Salvation Army, because it SAVES my sanity! :) I'm working on the kid's rooms this week. My goal is 75 items this week. From junk toys (broken pieces or broken toys) to clothes that I just won't ever put on them (like, non-functional clothes..ex. leggings for Erin, I mean, really...), it's looking (and feeling) good. Let's see...what else? This week I lost a couple of pounds by not eating in between meals and just not stuffing myself. My clothes are fitting better this week! I ate TWO Patty Melt Sandwiches today for lunch, so I'm not so sure the scales will say what it did this morning. What else??? Still breastfeeding and I'm glued to a pump at school (3 times a day). Dedication, baby, dedication. I wouldn't have it any other way for my baby. It's hard work, that's for sure. Boring, too. Pumping milk from your body for 15 minutes or more, 3 times a day. Enough about me!

Husband: Job is going well...getting raises every so often. He makes twice what I make, so that's pretty depressing for me, now! haha He is out of town for a couple of nights a month, so that's not fun, but I DO get to rest well all night. Now I know it's not the baby keeping me up at night, it's my husband's tossing and turning! I do miss him while he is gone. He is a big help with the kids, too. He's the bestest and loves me so much. I don't ever know why!! We had a good time outside today, hanging out, shooting the BB gun, walking up to the cemetary. Yeah...get this mental picture...husband, wife, 3 kids, and husband carrying a gun, walking to the cemetary. LOL Got the picture? We must've been a sight. It's a wonder that the cops didn't come. Oh, and on the way back, I carried the baby AND the dog (to prevent her death from chasing cars). We have a lotta fun!

Emory: He is getting to be such a nice boy, a great helper, and just a sweetheart. He has good manners and I'm so proud of him. He is my artist! His pictures are better than mine! He is showing an interest in reading and I can't wait to teach him more. He is recognizing his sounds/letter patterns. He's maintaining his weight now, which is good. Getting taller is helping also! Still LOVES to eat, though! :)

Erin: My beautiful daughter is the smartest thing I know! She talks as well as a grown up! She is showing a huge interests in puzzles this week. As I type, there are about 5 puzzles on my living room floor that she has tried to put together, being successful at a couple. I'm amazed! She loves animals (esp dogs and elephants), chips, and scratching my neck. She also loves to suck in her lip WHILE scratching my neck. She's a big girl.

Evan: My this boy is growing. I haven't weighed him in forever. He is wearing some 6 mos clothes now! He is the cutest thing I've seen and is keeping his dark hair and features. He is 'talking', laughing, and loves to gnaw on his hands. I think he might be teething! He still loves mama and I'm so blessed to have him.

I can't imagine being done with having kids even though some look at me crazy when I say I want more. I look at them crazy for only wanting one or two, so we have a mutual respect for one another! LOL We have the best time as a family and babies are just too fun!! I already think about having another baby and what he or she will be like. Of course, I'd rather wait a little bit longer! :)

Enough rambling! What is going on with you?

On the road, Overwhelmed, and Out with the clutter!

This week, I did something very brave. Very.Brave. I packed up my 3 kids, a small suitcase of things, took $100 and went to my sister's 6 hours away. My mom and dad went to my brother's in MO, so I had the kids for 3 days. My hubby had work-related stuff that caused him to be out of town for 2 nights, so I decided, literally, on the spur of the moment, to head out to GA. Like, I got the idea to go around 9ish Tues morning and I was out the door a little after 11am. Now that I look back, I think, what was I smokin'? But, everything went smoothly (as smoothly as it can with small kids). The trip turned into an 8 hour trip both times, but that's okay. If you get in a hurry with small ones, you will be stressed out and things will get hairy fast (like they do when we get ready for church). We had to stop for lotsa potty breaks (Erin), feeding times, and McDonald's/play times, but it was nice. My kids *gulp* had only been to McDonald's once or twice before. They thought they were in heaven (esp Em)! On the way back, we had 2 traffic jams, where I had to take Evan out of his carseat and Erin had to peepee in her Pull-up (that was hard to make her do), but everything was cool. The Lord gives me patience and wisdom, I can feel it. Because when one looks back on a could-be-stressful situation that went smoothly, he or she knows that the Lord is with him/her. It is awesome that the Lord cares about everything we go thru. My sister and I had a great time. She is so creative and has such a nice home. I may have the musical talent of the family, but she certainly has the organizational ability and the creativity! The kids had a blast playing together! We just chilled and the weather was so nice! It was great to visit my sister and her family. Oh, and I survived Atlanta traffic with a screaming infant..lol.

Overwhelmed. Hmmm....don't get me wrong, I have my priorities in perspective, but it still SO bothers me that my house and life is quite chaotic. My kids and I have a blast, I meet their's and my husband's needs, they don't stress me, I don't holler, etc., but I am overwhelmed. I can't remember/don't have time to call ppl I love on their birthdays, send thank you cards, keep promises to my students (oh boy, overwhelmed at school, too...you should see how many ungraded papers I have collected that MUST be graded by Wed) organize, clean, straighten, etc. This is interesting. I was telling my husband just today that I used to think women whose homes were cluttered/unkempt (is that a word?) and who were scatterbrained were bad moms. Now I know that very few women can be a good mom AND be uncluttered, organized, etc. Anybody feeling me? It's just near impossibility to meet the needs of your family and have a neat as a pin home and remember all the remberings without losing your mind. Maybe it's just because I have a newborn. I don't know, but I am so overwhelmed. Example. I have clothes awaiting foldment on the table, the freezer, the dryer. I have clothes awaiting washment on the floor in the laundry room, the bathroom, the bedrooms, the van, and probably other places. I have clothes in bags from various places (grandmother's, clothes given to us, etc) on the chairs in the living room, the dining room table, in the van, and probably in the kids' room. Wish leads me to the next subject. Clutter.

I vow to, this week, if the pets don't get fed, if the plants die, if the beds remain unmade, if diapers stay dirty (j/k), that I will eliminate some of the clutter in my home. I absolutely loathe clutter. Clutter spells stress to me. My kids have clothes, shoes, undergarments, toys, etc. that they have outgrown that are just contributing to clutter. My room is a clutter zone like you've never seen. It stresses me to the max. I have contributed 1% of clutter to my home. Every now and then various ppl send/give/buy us toys, clothes, etc., that we don't need, albeit appreciate, but again, more clutter. I love things simple. If it were up to me, my kids would have a few wooden toys ( I LOVE wooden toys), books (tons), a few simple dolls, blocks, and what else does a child need? Just this week, I had 2 huge bags of stuff for my kids donated by someone in all generosity. Erin got a couple of pairs of Crocs, which I can 't afford, out of the deal, so I was so thankful, but then again, more clutter. So, anybody want to take the clutter challenge? I'm thinking I'm going to get a big paper towel box, set it in my LR and put about 15 items per day in the clutter bin. Then, I 'll sort the box into sections, ship it all the Salvation Army and relax in my clutter free home. Anyone up for the challenge? Christmas is coming and that means, sigh, more clutter. Appreciated clutter, but still I need to go out with the old and in with the new! :)

Long time, no blog. Hope everyone had a great weekend. We had a good singing today--seven people came to the altar and prayed. It was very nice. I'm anticipating revivial at our home church. I can feel it. God is waiting to move and I can't wait. I want to be smack dab in the middle of what He pours out.

Bad experiences and good results

Well, my baby is 8 weeks old today. As I sit here, typing one-handed, holding his spoiled self, I can't imagine life being any sweeter. He is now 15 pounds and has a 6 month outfit on now. He loves being held, being outside, mama's milk, mama, in general, and baths. He hates carseats, changing clothes, and being put down. He still screams and cries bloody murder while in his carseat about 9 trips out of 10. He won't lay down and 'play' for more than 5-10 minutes at a time. Things are better though. He no longer has colic at nighttime. He is sleeping until 5:30 and sometimes after 7! Praise God for that! He has been cooing for about 2 weeks now. His behaviors are very predictable and I'm enjoying that. That will change before too long! LOL



A couple of nights ago, I was thinking about my hospital experience and it really depressed me. I mean seriously. I was crying and downright angry at my birth experience. I've not blogged about it, but between the delivery nurse getting up in my face telling me to calm down that I was upsetting everyone on the floor to my meals never being right, it was horrible. The anthesthesiologist (I know I won't spell that right) arriving after 8, when I asked for an epidural at 6:30, my excruciating pain that caused my husband to break down crying in the waiting room (after I told him to 'please kill me'), the cafeteria ladies leaving the tray of food across the room, expecting me and my 12 inch gash up my butt to walk over and get it, the wayyy less than friendly OB who put me into a panic by saying, We have GOT to get this baby out now, the awful vein that blew when the blood pressure cuff came on, the same said nurse who forgot to empty my bladder until a nurse, thankfully, asked me if she had (about an hour after birth) and I said No (she got out a deep tupperware-type bowl full), having to be 'checked' 80 times by various people, having no one except my husband to sympathize with my excruciating pain, but most of all I will never forget the pain. The pain that comes with going from having natural contractions to water-breaking and Pitocin jacked up contractions. I will never forget it. And, having people coming in and out of the room while you are dying and they are doing nothing about it. Me saying I can't breathe (and I couldn't..hello, I had asthma written on my papers) and having them ignore me. Well, it was horrible. The only 2 good things that came from the hospital were that my son's circumcision went well and they didn't give us a lot of junk about not vaxing him. That was nice. Anyway...I had more typed but lost most of it. He is awake...More later.

I Love my kids!

For once, I'm not speaking about MY kids. I'm talking about my students. Today, at chapel, when I saw my students edging closer to me for prayer, I realized just how much I love these kids. I was instantly convicted that I don't pray for my students everyday. I'm going to make an effort to pray for them both collectively and individually. Speaking of chapel, we have it every other Wednesday at my school. It is usually wonderful and today was no exception. We had the black-light puppets, a game, a memory verse, songs, and a message. By the end, the kids are going to the 'altar' in droves. It is wonderful. The tears are flowing and they are so sincere. I pray they find what they need while their hearts are young and tender. The world is so cold and dark. Peer pressure looms ahead. Reality says that most of them will become parents too early, involved in drugs, and/or being in a divorce. I do love them all and really care for them.

On a lighter note, we do have a lot of fun in the classroom. I have this one student who is always blaming his neighbor for 'cutting the cheese', farting, or being gassy. He is so funny. I'm enjoying teaching them and have a lot of fun as well. I talk through their math problems being silly. They come up to my desk and explain the math problem to me using the same silly techniques I do. One mom told me that she was going over rounding numbers with her little girl. She said the little girl was saying, "Okay, I have to go over to my neighbor, knock on the door, and say, Neighbor, are you five or greater?" LOL That is exactly the way I taught it to them on the board. Today, I taught them subtraction w/borrowing by us 'loaning chickens to our neighbors next door' or 'giving away a child to the neighbor'. (You know borrowing and putting a one in the place value, etc.) A little girl came up to my desk and was saying to herself, "Okay, I have to give this neighbor one" LOL. I love my job.

Then, I come home and my babies at home keep so much joy in my life. Last night, Bradley was all into talking spiritually to Emory about God having a plan for his life, he has special talents God gave him, etc. etc. I mean he was really into it and Emory had been listening for 5 minutes. All of the sudden Emory said, "Well, I like PBS Kids and that's a gift". LOL I thought I would die. And just today, Bradley threw a ball at Emory (just playing) and it landed in his cereal. Emory took it personally and was quite upset that the cereal was everywhere. Bradley apologized and Erin piped up (from the kitchen) and said, "Daddy, you know Jesus saw you do that". LOL

My students won't be so cute to me tomorrow if I don't get into bed. It's almost 12. What am I thinking?!?

Present Disgust and Past Reflections

For the past few days I've been reflecting upon a few years ago. Regarding me. One of my favorite memories of my life is my honeymoon. The first time to be alone with the one you love. Not just alone, but away and alone. What an awesome time we had! Now, overnight, we have 3 precious kids who have changed our lives forever. Then, I've been reflecting on my first home. We were only in our trailer for about a year before we moved. I barely remember the trailer. I try hard to think of things about it and it is very foggy. I worked so much during that time that I wasn't home too much. I was also quite moody during that time (BC pills). I have remembrances of crying several instances for no reason. I was a real whiny hole. Honest. So I've matured. That sorta comes with the kids thing. The main reflection I have is that I was skinny. I've been really thinking about how nice of a sleek, skinny, flabless figure I had back then. I'm really disgusted with my looks in general, which includes the wardrobe as well. The scales have not budged an ounce in a month now. I'm getting very impatient. I've heard it takes longer with each child, but my word, I should have at least lost 2 pounds in a month! I must have a lot of fat stores for my little nursling! Anyway, I'm dying to get down to 130. That is my ultimate goal. That's 4 pounds from my honeymoon weight. I'll take 140 by Christmas. I have about 9 pounds to lose. Surely, it can be done! My wardrobe has MUCH to be desired. I would love about $200 to spend on a new wardrobe. I could do it with $200. My clothes aren't even me. My clothes that I wear, I don't even like. I don't want to sound all discontent here. I'm really not. I wear the clothes, I'm happy in them, and I don't complain while I wear them. In fact, I'm not ready for a new wardrobe until I get the weight that I want to be. I refuse to be a drab mother of 3. I want to be as hip as I can be (being Pentecostal and all..lol) without looking like a teenager look alike. I want to still shop at Victoria's Secret and Buckle and Old Navy, etc. Anyway, just some reflections on my present disgust. I don't like what I see in the mirror. I know I'm being so vain, Lord forgive me. I'm being honest, but it's still vain. I do have beautiful, no, gorgeous children. They are my life. God is good. What a meaningless post. I apologize to all. This post would fit under one of those "Dear Diary" post.

I do want to say I'm thankful to still have my mom with me. She had a wreck on Saturday that could have been bad. She is unharmed and I'm so thankful. God is good, again.

Compliments, Changes, and Challenges

The other day I saw a lady that I am acquainted with, but not close friends with (I hate ending sentences with prepostions). This lady is always so put together. She is not beautiful, per se, but she is always dressed so neatly, her toes and fingernails are always done, her hair is always shining and looks freshly combed. Get what I mean? She is really sweet, too, so that becomes her looks. For some reason, I just wanted to compliment her, but I felt strange about doing so. Do you ever do that? Then, on my drive home, I was thinking. If someone wanted to compliment me, I would love for them to not refrain from doing so! What does a compliment do to a woman? Boost her self esteem, makes her feel wonderful about herself, etc. What is it about us women that keeps us from complimenting each other? Is it pride or is it just because we might feel weird? I think it can be both. In this case, I didn't know the lady very well, so I didn't compliment her because I felt weird about doing so (she doesn't know me very well, she might think I'm gay or something..lol). There has been times I haven't complimented close friends or family because of pride. I guess I didn't want to give them the satisfaction that they looked good or something. Does that make sense? I'm awfully ashamed to admit that. The bottom line is, I hope I do better at complimenting. When I feel like complimenting, I'm going to really try to do so. I wish someone would compliment me if they feel like it. I promise I wouldn't think they were gay! LOL

We are doing some changes to our house tomorrow--putting on a new roof. I'm excited about the final project, but I'm not excited about having 20 men (who are NOT my husband or Matt Damon, lol) being on my roof hammering all day long. I am grateful, though, for the generous help of the men from our church. Praise the Lord for friends!

My class is a challenge this year. I have whiners, slow learners, tattle-tales, and 'teachers'. It is going to be quite a ride this year. I'm sure I'll grow to love them all, but I'm going to need special prayer to handle it the way that would be pleasing to the Lord. I don't dare want to offend one of the little ones as the scripture says.

Have a great weekend! Comments welcomed!

More Goat Milk, Please?

Once or twice a week, I don't have enough milk to give to my mom to feed Evan. I'm in a hurry to pump or just low supply, I guess, and don't get but 2 or 3 oz per pumping session. He is drinking about 4 ounces now to be satisfied. My mom is giving him raw goat milk to supplement him. Today she had to give him an entire bottle of goat milk because he wanted to eat right before it was time for me to arrive. She said he was so calm afterward and even went to sleep on his own (that's a first or second)! Goat milk is an excellent (and better) alternative to formula. It has fewer proteins so our tummies don't have to work as hard to break them down. I know regular milk makes me feel gassy, but goat milk with my cereal digests just fine! Anyway, it sounds like I have an answer to my what-if-I-run-out-of-milk-but-don't-want-to-use-formula problem.

A prayer was answered for a dear friend of mine recently. I'm rejoicing in God's goodness tonight. His ways are not our ways! God is great! All I'm gonna post tonight...Dh is doing the rocking so I can blog. Evan is fussing with him. Wanted to add a pic but it will take too long. Try to upload it tomorrow. Goodnight....

Nolstagia and Neighbors

Last night husband and I got out the old video camera and looked at some footage of Emory from when he was about 1.5 yrs old. I had not viewed this tape in a couple of years, so it was very sentimental to look at it. He was so little, could barely talk and was saying, "Cheese" the whole time at the camera. We have footage of him saying the Blessing that is precious. I held back my emotions, but it was hard. I can't believe he is four years old now. I am so pleased with how he has turned out. Even though he is just four, his 'makeup' for the rest of his life has already been established. He already has his outlook on life. Scary, huh? I pray every day and every time I pray that God gives me wisdom to teach my children, love them unconditionally, and to be ever so patient with them. I don't ever want to offend one of His little ones. I do want to discipline him when he needs it, but heap love on him while administering the discipline. Anyway, after watching the video, I wanted to go to his room and love on him a little bit. I refrained, but this morning at 3 am when he came in our room and wanted water, I was ever so glad to get it for him. I tucked him back into bed more gently than normal. I placed an extra kiss on his check as I pulled the covers around him. Fact: my son is growing up.

The neighbor kids came up to play today. Emory had a blast with them. I mean, really enjoyed himself. They played in the yard, all the games we used to play as a child (Red rover, Hide and Seek, etc). It was refreshing to see him (and Erin) having such a good time. The only downside to this is the family is not professing Christians. I heard the little boy use God's name in vain one time. I prayed that mine would not catch on to it. I also hoped that they wouldn't notice the father smoking five cigarettes in the time they were playing. I want them to play with these kids and I would love to reach the family for Christ, but I don't want my kids learning about things or saying things they shouldn't. Or especially seeing lifestyles that they aren't accustomed to. I pray that I get wisdom about what to do. I just know we can never be too careful even though people seem to be as nice a people as you could find.

The sun is going down early and temps are lowering. It's so nice. I'm so glad for peace in my home. Thank you God for peace. He is good to us ALL.

Need to go pump a little milk for my ever growing nursling. I'm so in love with him it hurts! Babies are the most precious gifts in the world. Hands down.

Good night!

Naptime. Nudity, and a New Season

Someone should write a new horror movie entitled, "Naptime on Cooper St.". I sometimes forget what naptime (or non naptime) was like when Emory was a toddler. When I do have flashbacks, I remember being frustrated to the nth degree and it taking forever for him to go to sleep and for my frustration levels to return to normal. Now, I don't get quite so frustrated because I have a different method of parenting (never allow them to get up for no reason) and I take care of the 'issue' before I get frustrated. Still, the naptime nightmare is here most of the time. My darling hard-headed, albeit sweet, daughter loves to take her precious time to go to sleep. She is almost always the last one to drift off between the two. She can think of excuses to get up with the best of them. Punishment doesn't scare her, it's a challenge. Now, that I've typed that, I think she's finally drifted off....yay.

My son is getting interested in parts, if you kwim. He is quite an aspiring young artist and draws on his drawing board several times a day. The other night, he had drawn something on his board. I, thinking, it was fried eggs, or a belly button or something, suggested so. He replied, "No, it's two Nekases (his word for breasts) and a tallywacker". Oh my. Of course, I laughed. I could not help myself. Later, I showed Dh and he had to go out of the room to hide his laughter. When he had composed himself, he had to have a little talk with him about how we don't draw our privates. Oh my.

I smell fall in the air. I'm loving it. The temps are great today. I'll leave you with a picture I took that reminds me of fall.

Off to pick up the fussing baby...

Think this might be my last blog...

Sorry about the last blog, my son sort of took over and pressed "Publish" before I could stop him. I was on the phone, so go figure. Anyway, I didn't pass out or anything while typing like it appears! LOL

I'm pretty sure this will be my last blog under this URL. My blogs have become a more private place to share my thoughts and feelings and I don't want to offend anyone I know IRL. I feel like I need a more private place that I can just 'let it all hang out' without worrying about offending. You know how the pregnancy hormones rage, if you've ever been pregnant.

A dear friend of mine said she heard that I didn't like people calling to check on me or that I was tired of people checking on my pregnancy. I feel so badly because that's not it at all. I appreciate people calling or sending me mail or whatever. What was bothering me a few posts down was that I felt like I had to be on everyone's schedule and people had to make plans around me. Which, there is nothing wrong with either. People have to know. My own parents are putting a trip on hold bc they are trying to wait patiently, albeit I don't know how patient they are really being. :)

Anyway, I don't know where else my friend could've have found out about my frustrations, because my blog is the only place I vent. Now, she says she will try not to call back until after the baby is born, which is not what I want at all. :o( She does not read my blog, so somehow word got to her...

Anyway, I think I just need a diary, type private blog and then just keep my Bebo which is public (to my friends).

Maybe after my hormonal days are over, I can start back posting on this blog and be able to do other things besides express my frustrations and joys with being a parent, and the throes of mommyhood.

I'm really trying to be patient with this lingering pregnancy, but it's very difficult for me to not be just a teensy-weensy impatient (okay, I'm hugely impatient, short-tempered and just plain aggravated). Today I was thinking about all the reasons why I need to have this baby and the number one reason (after my worrying about the baby's overdue health status) was my emotional state of being. I wake up grouchy and just plain aggravated with everybody and everything. ff,u,u,iihk,,,jjjhh,, jhjbjjjj .