How I survive and stay sane...

working, being a wife, and a mother to three kids.....

Since I have only 16 days to SAHMhood, I thought I would put up a post to explain how I've survived and stayed sane for the past 5 years of working. Of course, it was a LOT easier with one child, but now I have 3, so it is VERY difficult.

I've survived and stayed sane by:

1. Allowing myself to not feel guilty if my house isn't spotless (this took a LOT of time..in fact, I'm just getting good at this)

2. Keeping the house semi-straightened by spending about 5-10 minutes per room in the 'living' part of our house every day.

3. Divide my laundry into days. Monday is non clothing items, Tuesday is Towel/Washcloth day, etc.

4. My mom comes once a week and helps me clean some.

5. Sitting down and relaxing before bed

6. Having a one-on-one with each child every day (even if it's just a hug and a kiss).

7. The weekends!! I play catch-up on the weekends.

Basically, the MAIN reason I've stayed sane over these 5 years is:

1. God (I can't say enough about His goodness to me)
2. I have a great MOM who takes WONDERFUL care of my kids.
3. I have a GREAT Husband who is very considerate and is not demanding that everything be perfect.
4. I have GREAT, well-behaved kids who don't stress me out. I can't imagine coming home from teaching kids to my undisciplined kids. UGH!

And probably the main reason is:

I am a totally calm person who worries about virtually nothing. I thank the Lord for this. I credit my personality for the main reason I'm haven't had a nervous breakdown. I love my life and my Lord. Life has been and will continue to be blessed. I so look forward to my SAHM status!! I'm so thankful that God has allowed me to have the wonderful opportunity to SAH with my precious children.

Read Alouds

We do a Bible chapter every night as a family, but we also do a read-aloud chapter from a chapter-book. We have been reading on Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and now are on Through the Looking Glass.

I.cannot.get.into.this.book

If it had been me only, I would've quit after the first chapter, but my son begs to read it every night. Alas, we have only one more chapter in this blessed book.

Thank goodness.

Next on our list is Aldo Applesauce by Joanna Hurwitz (?). It's got to be better!

Menu Monday

Well it isn't exactly Monday, but I wanted to post my menu for the week:

Monday: Enchiladas (see picture--YUM--recipe is pretty easy, and fresh cilantro, I love!!)

Tuesday: Fisherman's Fish (easy--marinate in Creamy Italian Dressing for a few minutes, put in a oiled casserole dish, sprinkle with crushed chips and shredded cheddar cheese), Hashbrowns, Sweet Peas

Wednesday: Something EASY since it's church night --frozen pizza or cereal

Thursday: Shrimp Gumbo & Rice

Friday: Hamburgers

The weekends are come what may! :) Sundays we eat at my MIL's usually (morning and night, bless her ;P )

Transparency

Well, in my hunger for being the wife/mother God wants me to be, I have come across many great books, one of them being, "Passionate Housewives Desperate for God" by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald. This is a great book that dispels the myths Satan would have women believe about their true role as women.

One thing the book touches on is being transparent (or, the lack of). I had to say "Lord forgive me" because I am so guilty of covering up my weaknesses because of pride. We (I) don't want anyone to think of us (me) as being less than perfect. I think we have society, namely, media to thank for the misconception that most women are and should be, perfect. We should all appear to have it together.

Also, I am guilty in my duties as a wife/mother of trying to achieve perfectionism for reasons other than doing my best for GOD. Of course, I should be doing my best for or because of my family, BUT I should first and foremost be doing my best to fulfill my duties for GOD. There is nothing wrong with 'having it all together'. We should be trying our best to, in fact, 'have it all together'. But if I am doing it for self-gratification instead of servitude then I am wrong. This is pride. I know a lot of women struggle in this area.

I so want to be changed in this area. It may be hard to do overnight, but God can help me. I want to serve my family for the right reasons. Of course, I do it because I love them, but I want any Pride about being Miss Housewife USA to be squashed out. I don't want to fulfill my duties to prove what all I can do as a homemaker or see what kind of great housewife I am (it isn't to be measured anyway--our best and abiding by God's word are what counts) but to serve my husband and children.

So I'm being Transparent. What do you struggle with?

PS. Megan, I have several books if you will tell me what you want to read, I'll ship you one.

Somebody call CPS!! :o)

Here is a picture of a little family fun gone bad! LOL For fun, I got all the paint cans out that just had a little paint left in them and we worked on a mural for the back of the woodshed (the tin part). Later, I let the kids get under the sprinkler (can you believe it's finally warm?) and I missed Erin. I found THIS behind the woodshed:

Oh, Toothless One...

Well, after a year of fighting with a bad jaw tooth, I had it extracted! Such liberation! Such, er, pain!

Here's how my journey was with my tooth.

Back in March or April of last year, my tooth chipped. I knew it had been filled, so I figured the fillings had probably come up. Well, I got to the dentist before it started hurting and they said that the tooth had broken and some of the nerves were exposed. This meant they had to 'open' the tooth and sort-of do a root canal. I was pregnant, so they didn't do a full one. My family dentist referred me to have an endodontist look at it. Well, I didn't jump on that (I don't jump on ANYTHING in the medical profession...ha) until I woke up in excrutiating pain one morning in July. It was right before my due date. We headed over to see the endodontist which happened to be a sort-of friend of mine. He worked me in and once again just opened the tooth, cleaned it out, and told me to come back when I had the baby. Well, I was in so, so, so much pain that day. I will never forget that pain. Anyway, once again, I fooled around and didn't go back. I *Just* finished paying for that little operation (it was like $600..insurance pd. some, I think I had to pay about $400 or so). Well, I went to my family dentist in February for my cleaning and to see if he would just pull the blasted thing. Well, he hemmed and hawed around and didn't want to do it (basically because his endodontic friend wouldn't receive the $$$$ it would cost to fix it) so I left again with said tooth in my mouth.

Well, a few weeks back, I put on my Researcher Hat and got on the internet to look up root canals. I was looking to see how safe they are. Well, I found that in about 75% of root canals, the canal isn't sealed off all the way and infection constantly leaks into the bloodstream. I also learned about the paste they use to seal the canal has some properties of formaldehyde? Anyway, I decided then and there, I just wanted it out! The author of the article went on to say that teeth are the only thing 'dead' that doctors want to leave on the body. Why leave something dead in your mouth? It decays and rots! Anyway, I decided to get another opinion!

So, I went to my Dh's dentist. I told the hygenist (thank goodness, I knew her, I taught her son) that I wanted it out!! She didn't seem to keen on the idea but said she's tell the dentist. I could here them talking in the hall. Anyway, surely he thought I was a wacko to want my tooth pulled when I could have it left in my mouth! :o) But, he gave me two options: a root canal, or tooth extraction. Here I sit before you, toothless! :) I'm so glad to get this love/hate tooth relationship behind me! I'm so glad I wrote the Dear John letter to him. I'm so glad I cut all ties (er floss) with that tooth! It has caused me some pain (don't all 'broken' relationships?) but I'm relieved it's over! Now I can get on with my life!! :o)

Sigh, my Spring Break is almost over. It has been wonderful. I'm so excited about my SAHM status that begins May 18, 2008. God is good.

Thanks for listening about my tooth. Sometimes it helps to put it on paper. You know, the first step in getting past a relationship is acceptance. :o) (No, I'm still not under anesthesia) haha

Dinner and other talks about food...

Tonight I made my first ever batch of homemade tortillas. The shells, you know. :) They were way better than those bought in the stores and they don't have 20 ingredients in them. Actually, it's just flour, shortening, salt, and water. Nothing artificial, no preservatives. Cool, huh?

We had Chicken/Spinach Quesadillas along with Chips and Salsa (semi-homemade). Everything was good and since I had just nursed Evan, I gorged myself. :) After I nurse, I can eat heaps of food and drink lots of water or tea. It's amazing the difference nursing can make with your appetite.

Anyway, that's not my subject. :) What kinds of foods do I prefer? Well, if I am not at home, I will eat almost anything. I don't eat a lot of packaged (processed) foods, but since I eat in the cafeteria at school, probably lots of foods are processed made out to be homemade, kwim? But, just stopping by the store and grabbing some packaged type of junk food? Nope, not me. I can't force myself when I know there are some awful *fake* ingredients in these foods. Now, honey, if you read this, I know I will occasionally get something at the store when we are on a trip. ;o) I enjoy it too. Ha.

When we are home, I usually cook about 3-4 times per week. I fix most things from scratch. No premade Lasagnas or anything like that. It's not that I try to be all Martha or anything, it's just that I can't stand all the 'extra' ingredients that are put into prepackaged foods. I have educated myself on the harm that preservatives, artificial colorings, and hydrogenated oils can do to your body. I enjoy cooking nutritious, fresh meals for my family.

When I shop, 95% of the food items in my buggy will be organic. I have a sense of pride in knowing that I am feeding my family the best and the healthiest. You can afford Organic. If you don't buy a lot of prepackaged foods like cookies, chips, mac and cheese dinners, mash potato dinners, canned goods, etc., you can afford organic foods. What do I usually buy organic? Well, I will buy Organic Orange Juice, Organic Milk, Organic canned goods (veggies, I save them for emergencies and use fresh first), Organic cereal, Organic canned chicken, organic PB & Jelly, organic baby foods, organic yogurt, and organic produce. Some things I can't get organic like butter and cheese. The chicken I buy (other than canned) isn't organic, but it is antibiotic-free. Some things I can get from the health food store, like organic grits. I could get butter and maple syrup there, but it is too expensive (butter=$7).

My goal is to eat healthier and healthier. Not be an 'in your face' person who looks down on others for not eating healthy--most ppl aren't educated about healthy eating. Those that are, it IS hard not to wonder why they won't eat healthier or feed their kids healthier.

Anyway, that is how we eat in a nutshell. :)

Conservatism..what does it mean to me?

What does being conservative mean to me? For a true Christian, being conservative isn't a choice, it is a way of life. If one lives by the Word of God then he cannot ignore such scriptures such as, "Come out from among them and be ye separate..." and "....in the world but not of the world" and so forth. There is no way that we can serve both God and the devil. First of all, how does one serve God after he or she is saved? By dying daily! Paul said, "I die daily". We must crucify this flesh, this mortal body. Each of us should know our downfalls and our shortcomings. We know the area in which we are most vulnerable. I know mine. I know that I must cleanse these things from my mind or body before they are ever an issue. This is dying daily. We die on our knees. Right?

What does this have to do with conservatism? Well, a 'dead' Christian won't allow Satan or the carnality and wordliness he initiates to penetrate his soul. Thus, being 'set apart'. Being separate from the world means one lives Holy and desires a pure life. This is opposite of the 'world'.

You should stand apart from this world. People should be able to tell you are a Christian, even from your countenance. Ask God to give you a Holy Aura (sp?) about you that others will know you are a Christian. People should know you are a Christian because you don't dress the way unsaved people dress. You are modest and look like the gender God made you. Your actions show you are 'set apart'. You aren't rude or discourteous like people 'of the world'. Lastly, you take the scriptures literally. You aim to please God and to live a dedicated life.

Being conservative is NOT a drudgery or something shameful. It is synonomous with being a Christian. Wouldn't you like to stand out for Jesus?? I would love to walk into a room of sinners and have them drop their heads in shame for their sins. I want so much more of God. How much can a person have of him? I want all that I can receive!

Just a small blog in which my thoughts are askew. Some of my words may be used wrong--anyway...my dear husband reads my blogs and I need to use the correct spelling and grammar. Under scrutiny!! :) Just kidding. Gotta love an intelligent man! :)

On a Hiatus..

Too busy to blog right now....when things slow done, I'll be back! Check back every now and then!

I think I'm drowning!

Today was a busy Saturday albeit a sick child. Here's what I did:

~Cooked twice: breakfast which included rice, biscuits, and fried eggs and supper which included Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs
~Washed dishes twice
~ Cleaned table twice
~Swept
~Mopped
~Rocked baby three times
~Held daughter intermittently
~Raked in two flowerbeds
~Transferred some 'gonna be' flowers to a flowerbed
~Took some sticks to the brush fire we built
~Washed sheets
~Looked partially at a magazine
~Emailed a friend
~Took out trash
~Stare, depressed, at the clutter that I so desperately need to tackle
~listen to my little girl's constant coughing
~wiped her nose 857 times

What I didn't do:
~clean kid's room
~put up the 4 baskets of clothes and some hanging on the clothesline
~clean out my van so I can see the floor
~sweep in the bedrooms
~hang up all the clothing that has been given to the kids in the past few days
~hold my little girl all day even though she wanted me to
~leave my house all day long

Husband was busy today too. We are both tired. So much done, but so much not done either. I'm drowning in the stuff that I want to get rid of. There is so many clothes in this household. I think I will challenge myself to keep 5 outfits for each child and put away the rest. I'm drowning in clothes. Do you have a lifejacket to save me?

Uprdate on our condition(s)

Well, around Monday afternoon, I started getting my REAL baby back! Every day he gets better and better. It makes me realize just how sick he really was. We are still having some issues that have arrived from us holding him so much while he was sick. Spoiled, to be specific! :oP I'm working on that, though!

Erin is the last one to get sick. I believe she has the flu also, or at least a touch of it. She started Tuesday night with fever. Today is Saturday and she ran fever all morning. She is still snotting majorly and is not her self. I hope by Monday or Tuesday she will be back to her old self.

Thursday I ended up staying home with the kids. After seeing how idle my kids really are (lying around on the couch) and how this was getting them in to trouble, I decided to implement my schedule that I've made for when I'm a SAHM. It was met with great resistance as I had figured. I explained the schedule and told them I wanted them to go play in their zones while I did my chores. I put Emory in the Block zone and Erin in the Animal zone. She preceded to play with her animals so sweetly. Emory, however (5 yr old) preceded to whine and protest. So, after a few disciplining sessions, he at least sat down by the blocks, but never really played with them. We did our devotions after eating breakfast. Emory did his table chores (that I introduced) and Erin wiped off the table and 'helped' me with dishes. This sort of got better, but it was so not a smooth day that I invision! I invision a day where the kids just follow the schedule and do things without whine and protest. I know it will take a few days of getting used to the schedule and perhaps lots of disciplining, but I have faith that keeping their little minds occupied is the key to their success. It is so true that, "An idle mind is the devil's workshop". I see it so much with my kids. We never got to the homeschool part of our day. :/ At least they have a taste of what things will be like this summer. I'm still excited and haven't lost heart!

Enjoying my Saturday! Off to get busy, busy, busy!

Embracing Children

From http://www.xanga.com/homekeepingheart:

What do we say when we find out that some one is expecting a baby? Well, you might say, it depends? Well let me say right off that this someone is married. Does that help you? Now it seems that if the person is married, then we would be rejoicing in that new life. Right? Well, not necessarily. I am going to make some generalizations here, but I am only sharing what I have witnessed in my own life. If the couple has been married at least 2 years, preferably 3, and if this is their first child, then most everyone is excited. Well, if they are having financial problems then maybe some hold back from rejoicing. But for the most part, most people are glad to hear that a married couple who has waited a sufficient amount of time are starting a family. How about the next child? Well, it seems again that if the couple has waited the right amount of time, maybe 3 years, then again most everyone is glad to hear that the next child is on the way. Now, I am truly going to get controversial. What about a 3rd child? Whew! Well that is different. But, if the first 2 children are the same sex, then most people will go along with trying for that 3rd in hopes that the couple finally has that boy (or girl). But, after three, then you are standing on shaky ground. Have you ever thought about the message we are sending as Christians when we scorn life that God has created? Scorn life, you say. I would never do that. Well, I have heard it done over and over in my life, and sometimes I wonder whether Christians really think about what they are saying. For example, suppose the couple is expecting their first child only 10 months after marriage. What comment do we hear then? Well I can tell you what I heard (because that happened to us), and it was "Was this PLANNED??" The clear message is that no one would ever plan to have a child so soon after marriage. Or, how about this? Suppose the 2nd (or 3rd) child is due before the previous baby's first birthday. That is not really accepted now days either, unless of course you make it clear to everyone that this was an "oops" baby. Then people might forgive you and feel sorry for you. By the time you are expecting the 5th, or 6th, or scandalously the 10th, then many in the church either think that you are off your rocker, don't know what causes babies, are a saint, or are so rich that you can buy everything all these children want. We need to be so careful about accepting the world's view of children. On one hand, we are taking a stand against abortion, as well we should. Then on the other hand, we are being critical of married couples who are having children, if they don't do it according to society's standard of 2, maybe 3 children, appropriately spaced of course. I want to tell you about a 25 year old woman. This woman has been married for 5 years, and she just found out that she is expecting, her fourth. She already has a 4 year old, a 2 year old, and her youngest just turned 1 in September. Now tell me, would most Christians rejoice at the news of another life. Oh friends, I fear that they would not. But I know this woman, very well as a matter of fact. She is my beloved niece, who we raised as our own daughter. And let me tell you, she is rejoicing. The reality of another blessing from God, another life to embrace, another person to raise to love and serve God, another plate at their table, another baby to hold, more memories to treasure, all of these things and more cause Jennifer to behold the awesome blessing of being entrusted with another person to raise for Him. She is not thinking at all how she will buy designer jeans for all those kids, how she will be able to give them all their own room, how she will drive them to all of their lessons when they get older, or how they will pay for college. She knows that whatever God plans for each child, then He will provide. She doesn't have to be able to figure out all the details of this child's life right now; all she needs to do is know is that this child is from God. I don't want to sound holier than thou because I have 6 children. Oh no, that is not my point at all. Your family size is a something that is between you and God. But, each one of us need to examine our attitude, and before God make sure that we are not accepting the world's view instead of God's. I can testify to you, there is great peace in looking around your table and knowing that exactly who God wanted is sitting there. Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate. Psalms 127:3-5Why would I turn down a blessing or a reward?

Wow--exactly my thoughts! People act so awful about a sweet baby to hold. Is there anything sweeter than a new baby? Especially to Godly parents who will raise them right? Especially to loving parents who will discipline and train them correctly with love and patience?

Ready to have my baby back!

My gracious, I still have a sick baby. I feel like we have Motrined and Tylenoled him to death as he has had fever since Sunday. Surely, he's bound to get better soon?! He still has fever, lots of snots, and he is very fussy at times. Either his ear is hurting or his head, or he could just be aching all over. During times like these, I think of that verse that says that in the times of persecution, ppl will be saved only because the days will be shortened. Thank goodness, time flies by, even while we are sick. I don't know if we could bear it if it didn't. This morning, Evan sat in his walker while I finally washed my nasty, greased-up head and he played for a little while. He has these huge black circles under his eyes, though. He has really been sick.

Last night Mom took the older children so I would'nt have to handle them plus a sick baby. My dear husband is away at a Prophecy Conference, so I don't have his help. He would've stayed if I had asked him, but he's been wanting to go to this for at least 2 years. I'm so glad he got to go and I hope he has a wonderful time! Anyway, baby went to sleep about 6 and slep until 10 so I got in some good reading time. I did a little housework, but my mom had been there already to clean. It was awesome. I got a new book from Amazon yesterday called, Family-Driven Faith and it is wonderful!! I can't sing its praises enough. One of those books you want to shout "Amen" while reading. It talks about how parents have idols for their children (sports, good grades, college, etc) and never emphasize God as much. 80% of college students are walking away from their faith. Isn't that astounding! Of course the books talks about marriage and even about homeschooling. I can't wait to read that part! The book is by Voddie Baucham, Jr.

Well, hello weekend. The weekends aren't as appealing without my dear better half, but I'm going to try to enjoy my children this weekend. Hope Evan gets better this weekend. Still praying the others will escape the flu this time! :)

The Verdict is In

Mommy instinct kicked in this morning and I knew my baby was really sick. So at the last moment, I decided to take him to his first ever dr. appt. He had a 102.6 temp when I got him there and snotting everywhere. The verdict? Left- ear infection and flu! My poor baby. There isn't anything they can do for the flu since it has passed the 48 hr. window, but keep fluids in him and his fever down. I really think he has had a headache with this flu because he has grabbed at his head several times. He did while crying the other morning. I'll bet his ear is/has been hurting also. The dr. gave him a prescription for antibiotics and an antihistamine, but Dr. Mom is going to treat him first. Since I now know he has an ear infection, I will treat it with Dr. Wally's Ear Oil. It has garlic in it which is a natural antibiotic. I will try to lighten up on my dairy products which thicken and produce mucus. Sure wish I could have enough milk so he wouldn't have to drink milk-based formula. Well, I pray the worst is over for my sweet baby! BTW he was 19 pounds! Way to grow! I'm almost positive that Emory was heavier at this point.

Okay, I got in a mile yesterday before the kids got tired of our rinky dink park. I was so proud of that mile! I may just do trampoline today since it is church night, which I don't guess I'll be getting Evan out again.

So far today I've had 2 pcs Valentines chocolate (bad), a baked potato and green beans, a pack of candy coated peanuts. I only have half of my water in, so I've got to drink, drink, drink this afternoon. Gotta take my vits when I get home. Gotta take my echinacea too.

This afternoon, I will, make beds, sweep floor, clean 5 mins in kids' room, 15 mins in project room, and wash any dishes. I don't know what supper plans are. Mother-in-law??? :o) I have got to get groceries tomorrow night or Friday night. I have nothing for a nice, healthy meal! Last night was bacon sandwiches. I don't like having those kind of meals, but dear husband was away, so it was fine.

Lots of Health to all!

I Survived to tell it all

Thursday night, I really saw a change in my symptoms. I started getting my strength back and I even got the kids to bed without passing out. I went back to work Friday, but I wasn't jumping up and down in my teacher's chair, that's for sure. I coughed all weekend and it's into the week and I'm still coughing. This time, pretty productive.

Dear Husband has been sick with something. I don't think he has the full-blown flu because he's still doing things (he's not that much of a he-man..lol), but he's definitely got some sort of interesting bug.

Poor Evan. He's been hit hard with something. I can't neccessarily ask him his symptoms and get a reply, but he did have fever all day Sunday and some Monday. I pray he's better today. I don't like seeing my little one so sick. He cried for about an hour yesterday morning.

So far, my oldest two have been fine. Not even a sniffle. Please, please let it continue. I'm so ready to be over it all. I hope the flu never visits me again. I can't complain too badly. Once in twelve years isn't too badly.

I hope to implement some sort of winter combat next year at least. I will have to work on my plan. I hope to start washing my hands more thorough and frequently. I will continue taking my SuperMom tablets, Juice Plus morning and afternoon, and maybe start adding some regular teas to my diet: Elderberry and Echinacea. I have some Echinacea capsules on my desk I can take regularly. For the kids, more hand-washing. Before meals and after bathroom. I don't do this with Erin because I take her to the bathroom, but I can still wash her hands as preventative and mine also.

On the diet front, I want to be more aware of what I put in my mouth. Did you know that ONE soda and ONE candy bar will suppress your immune system for up to 6 hours?? So, yep, everything you come in contact with during that 6 hour period, you will catch. I'm not a soda kind of gal (drink one per 3 or 4 wks probably), but I do love me some chocolate. I think if I'm more concious of what I eat, then I will make better choices.

Exercise. That is something I'm just not doing at all. I really don't mind it if I will take the time to do it. I can take the kids to the park and let them play while I walk. I can just walk until they get tired. Anything is better than nothing. If I don't get to the park, go to the church gym. They can find something to play with there.

So, for this week, here's what I'll do:

1. Bring Oatmeal for breakfast (as oppose to heavy breakfast foods served at cafeteria)
2. Make the best decision with the Lunch menu.
3. Take ALL my vitamins and supplements.
4. Drink tea at least once daily.
5. Some form of exercise once daily.
6. Make the best food choices in my snacking.
7. Get plenty of water in.

I'll let you know how I do. I'm going to try. try. try.

I also meant to post that we were out of water from Thursday until Monday. A pipe, about 24 feet into the ground, rusted and broke and we had no water. Yesterday we got hooked up to the city water and I love it! Lots of pressure. I washed 5 'loads' of dishes last night and I was more than happy to do it! Thank you God for water!

This evening's chores: Walk (going to do this first thing so I will get it done), makes beds, wash husband's and my clothes, supper plans (nothing heavy--hubby out of town), spend 15 minutes in my project zone (guest bedroom), kid's baths, story (still reading "Farmer Boy"), bed, tidy house, bath, read Bible and other book, spend time with husband, and bed!

Sure helps to lay it all out, eh? :)

Work Ethic

Helping Dad

Evan, before haircut

First time in highchair

Updates, continued

Well, I have a new update for me: I have the FLU! Yes, you read that right. Mom, the invincible one! I had no symptoms during the day on Monday. Monday evening, I started having this dry cough and scratchy throat. By late Monday night, the fever started and the aches. By Tuesday morning, I knew I had the full blown flu! I remember the symptoms well from when I had it in 1996. Yesterday was bad. I alternated between burning up and freezing. My temps were around 102-103. This morning around 3am, my fever broke. I woke up to pump and the sheets, my clothes, my hair, and my skin was soaked. I haven't had much fever since (maybe 99) but I am so.incredibly.weak. I can't stand past 5 minutes and I start feeling dizzy or like I might pass out. I was going to try to go to school tomorrow (I'm not getting paid for my time out, b/c I used up my days when Evan was born), but I am so weak, I don't think I can make it. I guess it's all the fighting my body is doing to get well? It is an epidemic around here, but I guess I thought I surely wouldn't get it. :) So far, noone else has come down with it in my immediate family (FIL just got over it). Mom kept the kids all day yesterday and last night and today. She said Evan did really well being away from me during the night. I'm so glad. I was worried because he likes to nurse all night long. I miss him and have something to tell you in my Evan update! Well, I guess I'm on the mend, slowly but surely. At least I got to finish the book I have been reading so slowly. I am about to place an order on Amazon for my next reading! :)

Evan: Well, the most exciting news is that yesterday morning, he said, "Mama"! Just as plain as day! He continued to do it throughout the morning as well. I walked in the bedroom and he stuck up his head and said, "mama"! I was sooo excited. I have been working with him on it for the past few weeks, while changing him, etc. I checked Erin's baby book and her first word was at the end of 7 months. Evan just turned 6 months! Another talk-a-holic! :) He is so cute--I've got to get another picture on here. I may do that when I finish blogging. He got his second haircut on Saturday. He looks so growny! He still isn't crawling or pulling up, but I think it is b/c I hold him all the time!

Erin: She is still such a joy to be around. She is so good with saying "please" (pwease), "thank you", and "Excuse me". I can't credit myself for teaching her good manners, I guess my mom worked with her on that. She still has her stubborn moments, but she is in the ripe stage of learning good vs. evil. She still likes to be Ms. Helper (when SHE thinks of the idea). :)

Emory: He is learning some work ethic with Daddy. He is a good boy most of the time. They get a bean in a jar for good behavior so everything he does that he thinks is being good, he will say, do I get a bean? LOL I'll try to post a pic of him helping Daddy gather wood.

Daddy: He is still awesome. Been taking care of me during my sickess. Making me teas, bringing me vitamins, etc. He tickles me how he is so germ concious though. He will wash his hands for 5 minutes after touching something I've touched. He is careful to distance himself from me. I am so not germ concious. I don't even make the kids wash their hands before meals! Isn't that horrible? I guess that is one thing I view as taking up time and being petty. I guess I can try to do better!

In general: Well, I'm not sure what I'm going to speak on next women's meeting, but I am going to order some books to give away as prizes. Probably Created to Be His Helpmeet and Passionate Housewives Desperate for God. I may even order some Raising Godly Tomatoes books (Did you know they had a book out, Kugoi?) to give away to parents of smaller children. Anyway, be prayerful of me about that meeting and also about my getting my priorities in order (like last post).

I txted my sister yesterday morning and told her I had the flu. Well, guess what? She came down with it too! On the same day as I did. Same symptoms. Everything. She lives 6 hrs. away! Isn't that crazy! I guess we are still bonded more than we know. I love my sister like crazy! I regret the days I let lapse when I don't talk to her.

My SIL (AMY) and her family have been down for a couple of weeks. We have enjoyed having them close by. She came and took care of me some yesterday, jeopardizing her pregnancy by exposing herself to the flu. I really appreciated that. I pray she doesn't get it. We had a blast on Saturday taking our kids to the park. They had a great time playing together. We Adults had a good time too. My husband went along as well. I was so glad to have him there for the extra help!! :)

My dryer has quit working. I'm having to dry everything on the clothesline or the rails of my back porch ramp. That would normally be ok, but we have had sucky weather times 1000, so my clothes won't dry as well. Yesterday, it was 70 degrees, wind blowing, perfect for drying clothes. I woke up at 3:50 pm with it storming, tornado warnings out, etc. I had to go out in the yard in my flu-induced state, and pick up clothes all over the yard. Well, by this morning, the clothes hanging on the line on my back porch were damp and cold (and had previously already dried before the storm). UGH. Mama took some clothes with her last night to wash and dry. Bless her. This weather is awful. We have had more tornado warnings this year than ever! I am so scared of tornados, I think that is tops on my list. I see the destruction they cause and really there's not much you can do if you are in the path of one (if you don't have a storm shelter). I'm starting to beg my husband to build us one. I got out yesterday with the sirens going off and rode up to my MIL's house. I couldn't stand the thought of being by myself during a tornado. Mom had to get the kids in the closet at her house as well (20 miles away). I'm thankful we were spared from one. WEll, the outcome of the story is that here we are less than 24 hours from the tornado warnings and it is 35 degrees! LOL Crazy weather!

Feeling as weak as ever...gotta go lie down!! :)

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.