Apparent Hiatus

I know I've disappeared. 
It's just that I try really hard for my blog to be uplifting and encouraging to others.  I'm going through a really difficult patch right now, and honestly, have a hard time coming up with positives to write about.
That sounds so bad.  I am so blessed, beyond measure.  How dare I say I have hard time coming up with positive posts?  *sigh*
This too shall pass. 
In the mean time, Miss Nannie had her second birthday yesterday!  It was such an emotional day for me.  I don't remember her first birthday being so emotional for me, and I can only chalk it up to being pregnant. 
In pregnant news, all is trucking along without any issue.  I'm almost 31 weeks, and it seems the next 9 weeks will last an eternity.
I am such an emotional mess lately, that I'm really looking forward to not crying at everything.  Other than that, I feel pretty good.  Starting to have sleepless nights due to be uncomfortable, but during the day, I'm good.
Matt started school again this week.  He is getting his doctorate degree.  Thankfully, because he's already a practicing audiologist, he can do the program online. 
The rest of the kids are all doing well, just growing like weeds and keeping a smile on mama's face. :-)

Time Management Skills

Time management skills. 
Somehow I missed the class on this!
If I took the class, I failed miserably.
Most of the time I fly by the seat of my pants.
When it comes to homeschooling, people have told me I need to schedule everything.
To me, part of the glory of homeschooling is not having to have a schedule.
I understand the value of a schedule, but since having kids my life has not been scheduled. 
Actually, our lives are normally scheduled around doctor appointments, and just life in general.
The problem, for me, comes with cleaning and schooling.
You see, I will tend to explain something to the kids, then as they get busy, I get busy doing housework.
Often though, I get sidetracked by the housework and it takes me a while to get back to the school work.
The funniest thing is you really can't tell any of that by the looks of my house.
Lately though, I've changed things up.  Gone are the workbooks.  Gone are most textbooks.  We are learning by living life.  OK, I'm using unit studies, but I can see us veering from prewritten studies soon. 
For example, we are currently learning about gardens.  Involved in this study is learning about Monet, George Washington Carver, and different types of gardens.  That's just been this week, and it's a four week study.  Anyhow, today I took the kids to the arboretum.  We sprawled under the crab apple trees and the kids did their copy work (vocab words and words of wisdom).  We discussed different types of gardens, and I read a chapter of The Secret Garden (our current read aloud).  We then spent the afternoon tromping from the rock garden, to the rose garden, to the water garden, to the shrub garden, to the edible plant garden, and on and on.  Matt met us there after work and we went to pizza and discussed what we would need to grow in a pizza garden. 
It was so, so great, and I'm sure the kids will remember more about this than reading about gardens in a book.  We have made plans to go back throughout the spring and summer to watch the plants grow and change.
All of this is to say, it was really hard for me to leave the house.
I knew if we left, I couldn't switch the laundry.  I couldn't do the dishes.  I couldn't pick up anything.
I'm learning that the housework isn't important.  The relationship with my kids, and them learning is far more important.
The problem is, while everyone has chores, the house has been pretty neglected this week!
I just really need to get my time management skills polished!
Love this poem, though, because it is so true.




Mother, oh Mother, come shake out your cloth


empty the dustpan, poison the moth,

hang out the washing and butter the bread,

sew on a button and make up a bed.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?

She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.



Oh, I've grown shiftless as Little Boy Blue

(lullaby, rockabye, lullaby loo).

Dishes are waiting and bills are past due

(pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo).

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew

and out in the yard there's a hullabaloo

but I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo.

Look! Aren't her eyes the most wonderful hue?

(lullaby, rockabye, lullaby loo).



The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,

for children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow.

So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.

I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.





by Ruth Hulburt Hamilton

I hate feeling like this

Everyone once in awhile, I get to feeling so down about the CHD world.
I know I've written it before, but it just kills me that so many people deal with this.
I know that writing about it can't make it go away.  I just hate it so, SO bad.
Last night I was thinking that if you want job security, you should become a pediatric cardiologist.  There will never not be a need for them.
At the YMCA I am constantly scanning everyone's chest.  I never see any scars.  I wonder why.
I scan because even though I hate all of this, I'm always desperately looking for someone who has been where I have.  I need someone I can connect with.  Someone who understands what it's like to have gone through this hell.  To live this life.
I have loads of CHD friends on line, but I really need someone in real life.
Tonight is my second meeting with the local Mended Little Hearts group.  Could you please pray for me?  That I might meet someone who I can share my fears and joys with.  I would so appreciate it.
I know we'll be ok, and I will survive all of this.  I just need to be lifted up in prayer once in awhile.  :-)

When Mama Ain't Happy,Ain't Nobody Happy

Today was a grumpy day.
I have no idea why, but most of the day, things just rubbed me wrong.  Kids kept touching me, and everyone wanted something.

Really, no different than any other day.  I was just grumpy.

And as the day went on, I noticed that everyone around me was getting grumpy.

All day I thought, 'my poor kids don't deserve the grumpy mom they got this morning'.  I just could not shake it.

While I was thinking about how to get out of the funk, I was hit with the need to share with all you moms something that has taken me years to figure out.

I've been doing this mom thing for almost 15 years, and it's just now hitting me.

We've all heard it.  We've all said it.  But do we all believe it?

When mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.  For some reason I have always just assumed that was just a cute little saying.  Then I started to really pay attention.  Literally, within the last few months.
Moms, I challenge you, the next time you are grumpy, look around you.  See what happens.
When we start looking like this

*

Pretty soon everyone is looking like this

WE HAVE POWER!!  These little people react to how we act toward them.  I know, this is a total 'duh' moment, but honestly, think about it.

Nine times out of ten, if your kids are grumpy and fighting, all you have to do is take a hard look at yourself.  Have you been grumpy?
Now, don't get me wrong, I know there are those days when you try your hardest to be happy and your kids are still bickering and whining and just being little grumps.  I get that...believe me, I do.  I still think though, that if you went to the beginning of the moods, you could figure out what happened.
When your darling little child said she didn't want to wear the outfit you had picked out for her, did you react kindly or was there some irritation in your voice?  I know for me, I can answer with a fake smile on my face and some an irritated tone in my voice.  Kids are smart though, they can see right through that.
That one event may set the tone for the rest of the day.  Then she gets more whiny, and you get more grumpy.  It's a vicious cycle!
We must continually remind ourselves that these little people are the biggest blessings we could hope for.  Not a single one of us deserves them, and yet, we are given them. 
So I'm challenging you, and me, to take a step back when kids are getting the grumpies.  How are we acting?  Is it time to take a timeout?  For you, just leaving the room my help.  I know for me, I have to go and pray.  It's the only thing that helps.  Let's remember how quickly this time goes and how happy these little ones make us!
~A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
~Proverbs 17:22
*Don't ask about this picture.  It's awful, I know.  It was taken on the cruise and we are all being silly and making mean faces.  It's the best I could come up with, because I don't normally take pictures of myself being grumpy.
Emily on the other hand.....

Whew..I am pooped!

Matt has been gone this week.  Partying it up in Chicago.  OK, not really.  He is in Chicago at an audiology convention though.  He left last Sunday, and a little bird (named Matt) told me that he would be home late, late, late tonight, instead of tomorrow.  Hooray!
I tell ya though, we sure do run around a lot.  Everyone is always so concerned about the socialization of homeschooled kids.  It's funny though, because every homeschool family I know will tell you we have the opposite problem.  We have someplace to be, that involves at least 2 kids, every weekday. 
It does make the time go fast when Matt is gone though!
I have to add here, that it amazes me how Matthew steps up and takes the roll of Man of the House, when Matt is gone.  He is growing up way too fast for me.  Yesterday, when I was prepping the kids for what would happen if the government shut down, he said, "how old do you have to be to get a job at McDonald's?  I'll find a job somewhere!" 
Thankfully, as we all know, the government didn't shut down and I don't have to be responsible for selling my kid out for child labor.
So today was particularly exhausting.
I think all the running just caught up with me.
The day started out good, we got up and were on time to church.
In Sabbath school, Emily was a one man show.  Boy that girl likes to be the center of attention.  She was tired though, and by the time church was over she was melting down at regular intervals.
We were in the mother's room during the service, and I hope my kids got something out of it, because I dozed off...shhh, don't tell the pastor!  I couldn't help it, it is just so dim and quiet in there, and the chair was so comfy, and the baby was sleeping in my arms, perfect dozing scenario!
After lunch, Em, Collin, and Zachy went with some friends who took them to Adventurers for me.  Thank you, Tricia! 
The other kids and I came home to discover the dog ate something that didn't agree with his tummy.  Let's just say, a dog with the runs that is not potty trained is NOT fun. 
We put him outside, but it had been pouring earlier and he became a big mud ball. 
Matthew gave him a bath, and we tried to avoid him becoming another mud ball by keeping him in.
Unfortunately, he still needed to use the yard, and used the carpet instead.  As I'm cleaning this all up, Nannie got her brother's toothpaste.  She had been into one thing after another, and for a brief moment I almost let her keep the toothpaste, but came to my senses!  She was a sticky mess and the floor was a poopy mess. 
I did learn today that Rockin Green laundry detergent rocks at getting poop stains out of carpet!!  Good to know! 
Now it's pizza time, and Collin just pulled the pizza out of the oven, only to drop it on the floor!  I guess that's my cue to get back to being a mom!
It's movie not, Voyage of the Dawn Treader is up tonight!  We'll see if I can keep my eyes open.

Home Sweet Home?

I've had this entry rolling around in my head the last couple days, but just don't know how to start it.
I love my house. I really do. It just doesn't feel like home, yet.
The people who lived here before us, lived here 34 years. They raised their family here. The neighbors have all been here equally as long, with the exception of one set, who has been here ten years.
We knew that the previous owners may be staying in town, and it felt weird. In the back of my head I pictured them driving by, criticizing everything we may do to the house. Always thinking of it as theirs.
And really, I don't blame them. I feel like my childhood house is my house, still. Even though I haven't lived there in a very long time. So for them to always think of this as their house..I get it. I just don't want to know about it.
We heard from the neighbors that the POs (previous owners) were staying with their son in Texas. Most likely moving there. What a relief.
And then it happened.
The day before Nannie went in the hospital, there was a knock on the door.
I answered it and was greeted by Julie.
Julie is the daughter who grew up here.
She was in the neighborhood and brought the keys by.
Only it was really weird.
She told me all about how her mom didn't want to move, and they never expected the house to close.
She then told me that her parents were now homeless because it all happened so fast.
She confirmed my thoughts when she let me know that she and her parents drive by often.
Now, is it my problem that they are homeless? Homeless meaning they haven't decided where to live, because it is my understanding that they are pretty loaded.
Is it my problem that Mrs. PO didn't want to move?
I mean, really, if you don't want to move, why put your house on the market?
AND, they could have not accepted our offer if they truly didn't want to move. Or if they truly felt like we took them to the cleaners.
It is frustrating to me to know this.
And it doesn't help that I feel like all the neighbors are watching us and reporting back to them. I mean, that's how it would be if we left somewhere after being there for so long. I get it. But like I said, I don't want to know about it.
Then, like a slap in the face, their mail started being delivered here again. Like they only temporarily had it forwarded. I've taken it to the neighbors, who have them come pick it up. Again, so weird.
Last night, I met the girl across the street. She has a two year old daughter. She and her husband moved in recently to care for her grandmother. She never lived here till then, just her grandparents. It's good to have at least one person who I don't feel is watching every move we make.
And it's all nonsense...people have been so nice to us. I just feel like we are house sitting, with our furniture, trying to fit in where we don't belong.
How long do you think this will last??

God's Plans are Always Best

When I was a little girl, I used to say I wanted to be a "baby doctor" or a "nurse for babies".
It made sense, after all, I came from a family of nurses, and my dad is a doctor.
When my dad would do rounds on the weekend, I would beg to go. He would take me, and drop me off at the floor with the nursery. I'm not sure what floor it was, but it didn't matter, it was the baby floor.
He would do rounds, and I would stand at the window, watching the babies, and the nurses. Longing to be in there with the tiny little babies.
I had nineteen cabbage patch dolls, and they were each my babies. I remember going to Anaheim, and I insisted that we go to the cabbage patch hospital. I expected to see little bassinets, just like the nursery at the hospital. I didn't see that, and was secretly a bit disappointed that it was just a store.
As I grew, I started to get lazy. And I realized that to be a doctor or nurse required a lot of school. This didn't appeal to me, so I changed my thinking, sure I would be a teacher.
Well, as we all know, that didn't happen either. I got married at the ripe age of eighteen, and only went to a small amount of college.
I figured I had to help bring in some money, so I went to cosmetology school. Pretty funny, huh? What else could have such short schooling that would produce a career?
While I was in school, I found myself pregnant, with Matthew. The school insisted I have a waiver signed by my doctor, saying I could be around all the chemicals. My doctor refused to sign it. Stating that we don't know what affects all those chemicals could have on a baby.
I quit school, with the intention to go back and finish after Matthew was born.
That never happened. Instead, I became a stay at home mom.
Fast forward fourteen years, to today.
I have been a part of the CHD world for nearly seven years now. I have seen heartache. I have seen baby after baby pass away. On facebook, almost daily, there is an announcement of another sweet baby who has lost his or her fight with CHD.
My heart hurts for these parents. I cannot imagine the pain they endure.
And then I realize, that if I were a nurse or a doctor, I would be intimately involved with these parents. If it hurts me so badly when I don't even know the parents personally, I can't fathom how it would be to be involved in their care.
And yet, the best nurses I know have been personally affected by a sick baby, or even a baby who has passed. I just don't know how they do it. I've heard it said that they grow a thick skin. But I know it has to affect them.
I will never forget, when Natalie was in the NICU. The buzz around the unit was that they were getting a twenty-something week baby. The nurses were all preparing. At some point, Matt and I headed out for a break. We passed the neonatalogist and nurses in the hall. The isolette they were pushing, was empty. The looks on their faces was somber. Now, we never did ask, because we wouldn't have been told anyway, but we assume the baby didn't make it.
How do you deal with that day after day?
I couldn't.
Today, I've been teary-eyed thinking of all those babies. I would be a basket case if I were dealing with their care.
God had a better plan for me. Even though I had the plan for as long as I can remember. He knew it wasn't something I could handle. I am so thankful for that.

Things I Just Don't Understand

There are things in this life that I just don't understand. Ranging from simple things to more complex things.
And sometimes, I think I may be a little crazy. But that's OK, we're all a little crazy. Right? Somebody please tell me I'm right!



For instance...
Why does Rockin Green Laundry soap work so well? I can fill my washer up with the soap and water and it's crystal clear. I add my clothes, and I can no longer see through the water. How are our clothes so dirty? I've washed clean diapers in it, same thing. How long does it take for all the built up laundry soap to be removed? Will our clothes always cause the water to be filthy? I just don't understand.
And on the topic of laundry...I don't understand how Collin can insist on wearing the same clothes day in and day out, and yet when I wash his clothes, he has a bigger pile of clothes to be put away than anyone.

How come when Matt leaves, and tells the kids they can't come with him, it suddenly becomes my fault? Today, Matt has been cleaning out the van. He took out all the seats so he could vacuum it. When he left to vacuum it, of course no one could go with him. Emily cried her eyes out. And it was me she was mad at. As if I was the one who took all the seats out and wouldn't let her go.
I just don't understand.

I just don't understand how it can be, that doctors can go through years of medical school, learn a fraction of the workings of the human body, and still not believe in God. How can you learn all the intricate details of cells and think it all happened by chance? I do understand that they see people die, and it could cause them to wonder how a loving God could allow an innocent person to die. I get that. I don't get how they can't recognize all the miracles that happen around them, daily.

And finally, how can I be going about my day, cleaning out a cupboard, and have my world flipped upside down again? Every once in awhile, this happens. Today, I was cleaning a cupboard. It happens to be the cupboard that holds some meds. I came across a bunch of tiny medicine droppers. Droppers that were given to us when we took Natalie home from the hospital. Droppers for Lasix. And my heart dropped. All the feelings came rushing back, and for a moment, it was as if someone had sucked the breath out of me.
How can this still happen??? Why does this still affect me this way? Why is it so much harder this time than when it was Zachy? Or is it? Maybe it was like this with him, and I just got over it. I know I'll get over it this time too. I know I am so blessed. My baby is here. Alive. THRIVING. And yet, these things still hit me like a kick in the gut. Why?
I just don't understand.

When I look in the mirror

As I stood looking in the mirror, I paused a moment and pondered what I saw.
Surely, what you see is far different from what I see.*
When I look, I see gray hairs, slowly taking their rightful place on my head. To me, they say wisdom. They say the years are passing, and I am learning more each and every day.
You may see someone who doesn't care enough about herself to cover them up.
I see creases at my eyes. You see an aging woman. I see millions of smiles. And tears. My eyes hold all the emotion I have experienced over the years, especially since becoming a mom.
I keep scanning downward. You may see saggy breasts that need a lift. I see six perfectly plump babies that these breasts have nourished. I am proud of this accomplishment.
Oh, please, don't look any further. If you do, you may feel the desire to judge me. The large belly may say lazy, unhealthy, fat person.
I see something much different.
I see an emotional eater. I see someone who has had her share of stress, and sleepless nights, all in the name of motherhood. I try to control the bulge, but I fail. I got this way, though, from years of overeating due to emotions. Loving my children so fiercely and not being able to take away their pain through the years has taken it's toll.
Scanning up and down, I see beyond the obvious. I see a woman who would die in an instant for her family. I see a heart so full of love that it feels like it may burst. I know I am beyond blessed.
If only we could look at everyone and see the not so obvious. What a world this would be!

*I long to see these things every time I look in the mirror, sadly, I often see the obvious. I'm working on this.

Where's my Peace?

I feel so uneasy these days.
I have no idea why.
I have so much to be thankful for and to praise Him for, I just don't have peace.
Where is it? How do I get it? I just want a calm feeling.
Instead, I feel like my insides are always jumbled up. I always worry about everything. I worry about not doing a good enough job as a mom and wife, mainly. I don't know why. I just really want to be a good wife and mom, and I never feel like I do enough to be that. And then I stress out about it.
I often feel like crying. Over the silliest things. Again, I have no reason to cry, and yet, the feeling is almost overwhelming at times.
I really just want peace. *sigh*

Not there yet

Tuesday night, our family attended a Mended Little Hearts meeting. I've been somewhat involved in this group since moving here. It's been really hit or miss with the group because I often feel further out than most of the other families. I wanted to be involved to support people, just never got the opportunity.
Fast forward to this year. I'm right back where I started. So, we decided to get more involved in the group. I really want to be on the support side of things, and I really thought I was ready.
However, on Tuesday, the leader was talking about all the different aspects of the group. Be it support or being supported. She said we are all in different places on this journey. I was fighting tears the whole time, for some reason.
I guess I'm not as ready as I wanted to be.
It's strange, really. I feel like I'm in two different places on this journey. I no longer question why Zachy was born with TAPVR, but I do with Natalie. I no longer cry over Zachy, but I do over Natalie. I guess there are things that apply to both of them, like why did this happen twice? I should say why did it happen at all, but it's always, why twice.
I truck along, usually happy, but sometimes, out of the blue, this overwhelming sadness comes.
I just really don't know where I am. And I'm not sure I need to know. I guess I just need to be. Where ever, and however that is.

Coming out of my hole

I feel like I'm coming out of a hole.
When I'm pregnant, I tend to become a hermit. I really don't know why. I don't feel depressed or anything like that, I just like to be home with my family. The kids did their play, I helped with that, and there was always church involvement, but that was about it.
We are part of a home school group that meets every Friday for park day.
Last week was the first one we have gotten to this year.
This week, we have kicked school up into high gear and are back to our four day schedule. Usually, Friday is our catch up day. So whatever they were unable to complete during the week, gets done Friday.
Today, Dillon and Matthew both have a little bit of lap booking to do, and when I say little, I mean they both have one mini book to complete...which is not a lot.
Which all means we're hitting the park again today!
Last night, we had some friends over for dinner, so I got the house all clean for that. And that means I have very little preparation for Sabbath.
It's almost like a day off today! Woo Hoo!
I do have some picking up and laundry to do, and some errands to run, but for the most part, it will be a laid back day.
I feel like things are starting to move along like they did in the days before I was pregnant and in my hole. I like it.
And once the trees start to bloom, I'll feel even better! I can't wait! I'm so envious of all the people in the northwest who are talking about flowers that are starting to peek through the ground. I miss bulb flowers so much. I guess it doesn't get cold enough here to do to the bulbs what has to be done during the winter. So for now, everything is dead. That gets old real quick.
Spring is just around the corner though! My second favorite season.
Good times are ahead! I can feel it.

May be changing things

So, I've been having a really hard time dealing with all that has happened.
I just had my post partum appointment where we talked about depression. The doctor is convinced that I will come out of this on my own as Natalie continues to improve. The plan for now is to go back in a month to see how I'm doing. I decided I would start writing again, telling my story. Sort of a type of therapy for me.
The only problem I'm having is where to start.
I keep thinking of totally changing up my blog and making it just my story. I do all my updating about the kids on facebook anyway. But then, my story could get old. And again, where do I start? And do I tell my story as if to someone who knows nothing about us? I need to think about what would serve as therapy the best.
What is important to know, is that Natalie is currently doing well. Things were just so crazy. She is still on the formula, and I'm still pumping and praying that someday she'll come back to breastfeeding. I think when that happens I'll feel much better. Oh, and she is home. All our family has left, and Matt has gone back to work. The kids started school this week, and we are just trying to get life back on track.
As for me, I'm in an angry phase. Not angry with God or anything, just angry. I'm so so mad that this has happened again. I need to get through this, hence the reason for my writing it all out.
If you have any great ideas for how to begin writing, please let me know.

My head hurts

Matt has been in New Jersey for the week. He is coming home tonight. He can't get here quick enough.
It has just been a very trying week. Several things have gone wrong. The kids have been trying my patience. And well, I'm just tired.
My head is killing me this afternoon and I'm trying to decide what to do for dinner. I'm thinking maybe fast food, because I just don't have it in me to do much else. Maybe Taco Bell, we never eat there. Or Arby's.
Matt bought me a gift certificate last Christmas to be used for a massage. I found a place where I can get two 45 minute massages for the price of the gc he got me. I was wanting to do one next week on veteran's day because Matt has the day off, but we'll see. For some reason, I'm a bit nervous to make the appointment. Mainly because I know nothing about the place (though it got good reviews) and because I've never had a massage. I keep thinking that the people will take one look at me and think, "oh heaven's NO..I am NOT putting my hands on HER!!"
Anyway, Matt comes home tonight, but I won't see him much this weekend. He is doing and evangelistic series at church. I'm really proud of him for this, but meetings that normally are spread out over several weeks, have been condensed into two weekends worth of all day long meetings.
Next week the kids' play start. They have practice every night then the play starts Thursday. Usually, one of us takes the boys and the other stays home with Emily. If we do that, it means more time to not see him.
OK this was a really whiny post, I'm sorry. I'm just spent right now and felt the need to share that with all of you!

Clutter!!!

I feel like my house is being over run with clutter. I cannot stand it.
Every time I put away laundry I get so overwhelmed by the clutter.
There is much weeding out to be done before we add a new member to our house!
I used to be able to tame the clutter. Back when I had three kids I was a pretty successful Fly Baby. And I really felt great about the state of my house. We were in a small apartment, but it was clutter free and cozy.
Then, something happened. I really have no idea what.
Perhaps I just got lazy.
I know things really got bad when Emily was born. She has been so demanding that dealing with her and schooling the kids took up all my time. I rarely had a spare 15 minutes to declutter.
Normally, when we move, I'm able to just shovel out all sorts of stuff we don't need. But this time, the movers packed and moved us. No shoveling out. So instead of 2 years of clutter, I'm dealing with 4.
Currently, I feel icky and can barely keep the house clean, never mind decluttering and deep cleaning, but I've decided once I feel better, I'm going to rejoining Flylady and get decluttering. Emily is getting better. Whether it's growing up, or getting on good meds, I'm not sure, but I'm not complaining. I just wish I felt better so I could get going.
Today, I'm just trying to get the house cleaned up since it has literally not been cleaned really well since we got back from Disney. It's awful. I'd be so embarrassed for anyone to come over!
Boy, my life must be pretty uneventful if the only exciting thing I have to write about is clutter!! I guess that's good though...no drama!

Busy busy

The feet have been pedicured. The nails manicured. The brows waxed. And the pocketbook exhausted.
Well, not really, about the pocketbook, but my mom and I have been having loads of girl time fun.
Today was spent shopping. Only not very fun shopping. But she had a good time, and really, I'm all about pleasing the madre!
Tomorrow we are headed out of town to a condo in a neighboring town. Time for some R and R, in time for our Disney adventure!
The boys are all with grandpa down at the beach today, and it occurred to me that I didn't send them with sunscreen, so my boys will likely be burnt to a crisp! Poor fellas!
Matt and my mom are currently making homemade spaghetti and Emmie is looking at pictures of babies and "talking" to them.
Good times y'all..good times.

Please, oh please forgive me!!

I was on such a roll. Posting once a day, sometimes twice. And I know you were all just dying to read the next entry from me.
Then, my mom called and said, "we'll be there early!" And ta-da..they were here!!
So, yesterday was spent cleaning up and being with my mom. Today too.
Well, actually, today was a different story. Filled with a trip to the doctor for my UTI, a trip to the pharmacy, and a trip to a neighboring town to pick up baptism gowns. What a pain all of that was.
I'm going to try to write a real entry tomorrow, but right now, my mom is calling! Must obey!

Darn that DQ

I know..two posts in one day...when I'm supposed to be seriously working here...what am I thinking?!?!?
I'll tell you what I'm thinking.
I'm thinking why oh why is DQ advertising a chocolate truffle blizzard?
How can they do this to me???
Do you know how heavenly that sounds??
How badly I want to shimmy right on over there and devour one??
I need to vacuum the van out, and wash it. There is a car wash right next door to a DQ! I keep thinking, "hmmm, I'll just go clean the van and snag a blizzard while I'm out!" ACK!!
They I have every intention of sabotaging my weight loss efforts, I'm sure of it!
Them and the stupid makers of Easter candy!!
MUST. RESIST.

Edited to add...I was searching for a yummy looking picture to go with this post when I came across the horrifying news that one medium sized blizzard has 1020 calories!!! Are you kidding me?!?!?! Why? WHY? WHY?!?!?!?

Oh me, Oh my

So much to do...so little time.
And yet, I find time to write in my little blog.
We all have to have priorities...right?!?!
My mom and step dad are coming to visit on Friday.
Collin is bouncing off the walls about this. And the great news is, their room is spic and span because he is so excited that they are coming. Not only are they coming to visit..but they are staying for a sleepover!
However, I still have so much to do.
I have to be at the church every night until Friday night. And that is just wreaking havoc on my plans to get my house in order.
I want need to get my house clean, the van clean, the lawns mowed, and the garage clean.
These things would be trucking along at a much quicker pace if it weren't for the week of illness that gripped our family.
I'm so far behind on laundry because I spent last week washing the germy laundry.
This is our last week of school until June, so I have to push the kids to get the current lessons finished up so we are at a good stopping point.
Oh my, I cannot wait for our vacation. Which, incidentally, will be upon us before we know it and there is still a lot of shopping to be done before then.
If anyone wants to come and clean my house for me, I'm all for it!!

Pain

I have a really funny story to share with you. Well, it's funny to me anyway.
But my temporary crown fell out on Saturday and when I tried to readhere it, I put it in wrong. The top of my tooth is exposed, but it hurt so bad that there was no way I was pulling it out to try again.
I go to the dentist this evening. All of this to say, I am in so much pain.
And therefore, the story will have to wait.
Hopefully, I'll be feeling better by tomorrow.