Musings of a Multi Purpose Momma

Time.....

2011-12-15T21:03:00.001-07:00

I have been pondering why I can't find time to blog. I am a stay at home mom, I do like writing, and sharing my thoughts. However I find when I do find time to sit down, the creative juices run downstream.
So in order to try and find the time to blog, I am going to give mobile blogging a try and try to get on the real computer to catch up on my favorite blogs once a week.
I am at the gym right now, on a machine that obviously doesn't require hands, on my handy little smart phone. I am not too sure what my thoughts are on this little device.
On one hand I love my phone, after all here I am with you, killing too birds with one stone. I can email my best friend, text hubby and friends when I am on the go. I can stay in the loop on facebook, I can go shopping on the numerous buy and sell pages. When kids are bored, or cranky, I can cheer them up so quick with a quick game. I however am not on my phone all day long, some texts don't get replied to right away, some emails don't get sent till I am at a real computer (something about a real keyboard, so again we will see how long mobile blogging lasts).
On the other hand, I can see the downfalls of being eternally plugged in. My friend recently just unplugged her family, and the benefits of actually communicating with real people, well can only be great. When you can't unplug, for example, due to work, this I find really frustrating. Hubby's main contacts are email and BBMing, and i find (probably more than he really is) he is on the darn phone all the time. I will be telling him about our day, as he is dealing with a problem at work. What does one do?? I can't demand he turn it off, it's our livelihood.
I am pretty sure that the smart technology debate will continue, I think it is good, but being able to trun it off is better. So turning it off I am.

The power of the cross

2011-09-29T14:35:00.004-06:00

Oh to see the dawn of the darkest day
Christ on the road to Calvary
Tried by sinful men, torn and beaten then
Nailed to a cross of wood

This the power of the cross
Christ became sin for us
Took the blame, bore the wrath
We stand forgiven at the cross

Oh to see the pain written on Your face
Bearing the awesome weight of sin
Every bitter thought, every evil deed
Crowning Your blood - stained brow

Now the daylight flees, now the ground beneath
Quakes as its maker bows his head
Curtain torn in two, dead are raised to life
‘Finished!’ the Victory cry

Oh to see my name written in the wound
For through Your suffering I am free
Death is crushed to death, life is mine to live
Won through Your self - less love

This the power of the cross
Son of God slain for us
What a life, what a cost
We stand forgiven at the cross

Sickness woes.

2011-09-23T21:02:00.002-06:00

I don't remember the last time I was sick and had to work.

I am not saying parenting isn't work. But it is something that you can still do croaking and in your pj's, without being too embarrassed by your kids laughing at you.

Being out and around other adults though is another story.....and I don't wanna......especially in my pj's

I have a family photo shoot tomorrow afternoon and I really truly can barely talk....and I feel like crapola...

Not good, here's hoping that I wake up tomorrow morning, fully cured.

Well at least not sounding like a door that needs oiling.

More than a year?? Really??

2011-09-15T14:32:00.004-06:00

So today I was reading my friends blog, and I flipped over to my blog and looked at the last date I posted something and it was in March 2010???? What?? Where did the time go??? I really have no idea. I never really decided to stop blogging, I just didn't really find the time. I don't even write in my everyday journal. One thing I have been doing though is keeping a daily prayer journal, so I guess whatever journalism my soul needs is being taken care of.
So why am I back....?
Not sure. Don't know if I will even keep up with myself, or if this is just one more thing on my list to stress about, but we will give it a shot and see, I miss the regular reading into your lives.....

I have had a lot go on in my life over the past year, two of the biggest things are my brother in law passed away, who I have known all my life (my sister married him when I was 5, and so I have really known him 28 years...)and my big girl started kindergarten.

I am going to dwell on the kindergarten this post.

She started school two weeks ago and I am still not over it. It was so hard to relinquish control to some stranger that I have had the pleasure of only meeting once before.
To stand back and watch her awkwardly try and make friends on the playground.
To remember all the times I have screwed up and to know that I will never get a chance to go back and fix it.
To have that babyhood gone in such a quick blink of an eye.
Dearest Gracie,
As you start the next chapter of your life, I am sad. I want to keep you close to me always, to be able to wrap you up in my arms whenever I want and to have you like it.
I don't want you to learn bad manners, and to experience mean kids. I want your life to be innocence. This won't happen.
There have been times when mommy has yelled or been angry when I shouldn't have, and I would be kidding myself if I said that there wouldn't be more of those times. I wish I could take back those times and just held you a little longer. I will try...
I am also so proud, you are so polite and kindhearted. I hope that never changes. You are so smart, reading and writing little letters to everyone, we treasure them. I saw you reach out your hand to a lonely little boy today and you helped him overcome his fears....
I am so happy you are my daughter, and every year as you grow a little more away from me, I will love you more, and be a little prouder!!
Love you all the way to the end and back
Mamma

Lists of five

2010-03-24T12:05:00.002-06:00

I never have much time to blog, so when I read Jamie's post about lists of five, I thought I would give it a try.

So Today I am going to list five people that I need in my life!!

1. Hubby
2. Gracie
3. Alysha
4. Family (mom and dad, in laws, siblings,)(I know this is cheating....but I couldn't narrow it down!)
5. Adopted Family

Well that was quick and easy!! I must try this again sometime!!

The end of the old me!

2010-03-22T13:48:00.002-06:00

So to report on the last two weeks, I have completed the 30 day shred, I have taken a few days rest, but all in all I have worked out hard every day. Level three is killer, but I did it!! I am going to continue with this to reach my goal weight, so far it is the best and quickest way that I have tried. The results are that I have lost five pounds, and I suppose more importantly I have lost 6.5 inches. So although it is not the 20 lbs I was hoping for, perhaps it will just take me a little more time. I feel good, I feel healthy, and strong. I am proud of accomplishing a 30 day program, the old me wouldn't have made it a week....I recommend this work out to anyone who wants to tone up, loose weight, and get healthy.

Driving up to my moms yesterday we passed a spot where we took a walk to the nearby cemetery, Alysha was a wee babe, couldn't have been more than a couple weeks old. I was carrying her in my sling, and she was sleeping, and heavy. I think back to that point and compare it to how I am today, and oh my goodness was I sick. I remember that walk was terrible, I felt heavy and sluggish and just plain terrible. My blood pressure was so high, my gall bladder starting to bother me, Thank goodness that today I feel like a completely different person! Today when we got home from my ma's I went for a run....a RUN, I never run.. Ever. I hate running. And guess what, I actually kind of enjoyed it. It was night time so there was really no one sitting on their decks laughing at me, it was a beautiful evening and I was outside. I walked for some of it, but I think I am going to do this again, even though it almost killed me!

Week two of the shred.

2010-03-09T16:40:00.000-07:00

Monday/ Day eight – I was pretty busy today, so I put off working out until the kids were being bathed. I don’t know if it was because hubby was watching me kick my own butt, but I put everything I had into my workout, and I felt great. I accomplished most of it following Natalie, only a few exercises did I have to slide to easy (pushups, my wrists aren’t what they should be, so I have to do the girly ones!) Hubby has expressed an Interest in doing the strength parts with me, so I will be hopefully working out with him tomorrow.

Tuesday/Day nine – I skipped again!!! Bad, Bad me!!! I do have an excuse though, I was super busy. In the morning, I cleaned my bathrooms, cleaned up a HUGE mess caused by baby, Showered made lunch, and then a friend came to visit all afternoon. Got supper together, and went to our bi monthly girls night, and by the time we got home it was 10:00…sorry not working out at 10:00.

Wednesday/ Day ten – Everyday I do this it is getting easier and easier. And I am actually looking forward to working out now too, I feel almost empowered, I can do anything!!!

Thursday/day eleven. – Once again I have skipped. I have to stop doing this. Although I do know that I need to take breaks for my bodies’ sake. Today was just crazy, we had a guy in to put in our new satellite, and I could have worked out then, but I really didn’t feel too comfortable with that Idea!! Then I went bridesmaid dress shopping later on, and I didn’t get home until 9:30 again. I do have to say though that for the first time in my life, I was looking at myself in the mirror and not hating what I saw, and not comparing myself to Hubbies sisters. In fact I was the same dress size as his oldest sister, so that made my day!! This is a huge thing for me. Even when I was skinny (but anorexic) in high school, I hated how I looked in the mirror!!

Friday/ Day 12 – I did level two. I am dead…however, I did it….I took two five second breaks the whole twenty minutes, I feel proud of myself. However I feel dead…..

Saturday/day13 – I did level two again, I did a bit better with it, one break….but still dead nonetheless.

Sunday/day 14 - I didn’t want to feel dead again today…..It is Sunday, a day of rest right?? Next week I vow to not skip as many days. And today we went for a walk with the girls. And I was hauling Alysha, so I did get a work out, I just don’t feel dead….

First week of the Shred!

2010-03-01T10:35:00.001-07:00

Monday/day one – huh….well I did it, somewhat better than what I thought I would do. There are three levels to the program, and within each level there are two different girls to watch. Natalie does the full exercises, and Anita does the modified versions. Guess who I was following. I am hoping within a week I can follow Natalie?? Then when I have mastered her, I can move up a level. The way Jillian does it is 3 sets of 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of Cardio, and 1 minute of Abs. I liked Abs the best, because you get to lie on the floor, and it seems like a rest. It is 20 minutes straight of moving, and no rests, and let me tell you as I am typing this my arms are shaking a little! I did think I was going to die a couple of times, but I pushed through it and in the last set, I was very proud of myself that I made it!!

Tuesday/day two – Well I am typing this part before I work out…..I don’t wanna work out….I just know it is going to be much worse today, because I am SORE from yesterday!! I was excited yesterday that I could do two whole minutes of jumping jacks, but nope, no excitement today. Well let’s go and see how we feel after today’s workout. I am going to go and close my curtains so my neighbor can’t see me (I need to take of all my clothes, because this workout makes you sweat….a lot…..) and get started.
I am back. I am shaking again….but I did it. It most defiantly was harder the second day and I hung out with my new buddy Anita most of the time. However, I did find myself taking less five second breaks, and there were two exercises that I did with Natalie….so I upped my game a wee bit. My legs are sore though, I imagine they will be only worse tomorrow. Oh and I think I just drank a gallon of water to replace the gallon of sweat that is now on my living room carpet!!

Wednesday/day three – Getting motivated to do the shred today was very difficult. I was soooooo sore again, hopefully that passes soon. I left it all day, kept putting it off, until the kids were in bed, and then I just couldn’t put it off any more. I turned the DVD on, and stared at the title screen for about two minutes before I put it on. The first set was the hardest this time, I felt like I just couldn’t get through it. But with Jillian being all positive and stuff, I had to continue, and the last two sets were actually not that bad. I did it, I fell into bed….and didn’t move.

Thursday/ Day four – I woke up this morning, NOT SORE!!! Yipee!!!! And I weighed myself this morning and in three days of this shred thing, I have lost 2.5 lbs. Not much, but it is something, so that is spurring me on!!! So today I was pumped and ready to do the work out. I could tell I am defiantly getting stronger, and I did the whole work out on easy, but with NO breaks!! Very happy with myself!! One more day then I am going to try level one watching the hard girl Natalie.

Friday/ Day five - I went grocery shopping today which in my opinion is a great workout, especially with two kids. My day went so quick, but I managed to squeeze my 20 minute workout in. I was not sore at all today, and I felt much, much stronger today and I managed to complete it again with NO Breaks….well there was that one break, where the wee one woke up crying and so I had to run, change her diaper and set her on the floor to watch me. But I am not counting that. I might just hate this again tomorrow, as I am going to start following Natalie…..

Saturday/ Day six – I skipped today….We went out shopping most of the day, and out for supper, and then by the time we got home, with two kids to put to bed….nope, not today!!

Sunday/ Day seven – I skipped today too….Gracie and I had a mother daughter day, and by the time I had my disastrous house in order and supper made we went for a walk instead, the weather is beautiful!! Still I skipped. BAD, Bad me!!!

My new adventure

2010-02-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

Today I am about to embark on an adventure. Not too sure I will enjoy this adventure, but I am determined to succeed, and so I start.

I have wanted to lose quite a bit of weight, since baby came, I have lost 10lbs under my original weight, however I do want to lose about 20 lbs more. I have been watching my calorie intake, and exercising, being more healthy, cutting out pop, snacks, etc. This has been going on regularly for about 2 months now, and I have not lost a single pound. I am feeling discouraged, frustrated, and annoyed. This is not to say I don’t also feel good, because there have been some benefits to working out every day. My stomach is more toned, and I have lost an inch or so in important places so that is excellent. But I want to see a difference in my weight, I know it is there to lose I am not just imagining it.

So now on to my adventure; Santa bought me the 30 day Shred, by Jillian Michaels DVD……and apparently it works. So I am going to give it a shot. I read another bloggers review on it, and she lost 20 lbs…..which is my goal. I am sort of dreading it, since I do watch the “biggest loser”, and I know what the lovely Jillian is like. I am sure I might just punch my TV before I am through. However, I think she also might just motivate me, after all she is amazing at what she does, and if the contestants on that show can do it at 300-400 lbs, li’l ol’ me can do it too!!

So here, goes….

I guess I should stop typing and go do it hey?? Keep watching for how my first week goes!

Friendship Fridays

2010-01-22T10:37:00.005-07:00

It is time for Friendship Fridays again. Last time I wrote about my dear friend Jamie. This time, I will be writing about her sister. As I said before, Jamie and I have been friends for a long time and I have had adopted her family as mine, and they adopted me too!! So I got another sister, who I love very dearly – Kelly.

I have known Kelly as long as I have known her sister, about 16 years, but we didn’t become super close until the last few years. And now I consider her a sister, one of my best friends, a wonderful mom, a generous heart, a great confidant, and in general someone who I respect and love very much.

Kel and her wonderful hubby!

One of the special things about our friendship is that we have children similar ages, so we get to talk about mom stuff but that is not what our friendship is wholly based on. We talk about work, the guys, friends, anything we feel like, and conversation always flows freely.

hehe

Kelly is one of those moms who make it look easy. She breezes through the hard times, laughs at adversity, and smiles in the face of sleepless nights and teething. I know she has the rough times just like the rest of us do, but the way she handles it is inspiring and admirable.

Kelly was also there for the birth of both my girls, not right in the room, her shifts didn't quite coincide with the births, but within a couple hours she was there. She also had a hand in naming Gracie.

Every now and then Kelly and I take a break together, out for lunch, getting pampered at the salon, and our next trip out is getting waxed. I am thinking of switching that one and spending a day at the mall together! I do think it is important to take breaks from your family, and what better person to do it with than a dear friend?

Another thing I owe to Kelly is learning how to swim. I am afraid of putting my face in the water, and many years ago, when Kelly and her sister were house sitting a lovely house with a pool in it, she loosened up my nerves with a few drinks and in the pool we went (I know, probably not a good plan, but it worked!!) She was patient, I was a pain, but she did manage to teach me how to not drown and I can now swim across the pool and back, thanks to her.

I love having someone in my life who is going through similar things, has similar values, thoughts and ideas. She has similar insecurities, we have similar senses of humor, and if I call worried, upset or scared about something, she understands and is such a good listener. I can only hope that I am half the friend she is to me, and I know I don't tell her enough, but I love her so very much, just like a sister.

Kellys kids and my kids attacking me! :) I love it

Emotional days

2010-01-20T10:44:00.002-07:00

Well here I am, not sure how to write this blog today. I am not sad, I am happy and relieved. Yet I am not happy and relieved I am quite sad. How can a person feel so polar opposite about one thing?? I am not sure, but there it is.

We had a doctors appointment yesterday where hubby had a nice "manly talk" with our doctor. He has been humming and hahing about getting a vasectomy, not sure that is what he wanted to do, since it is so permanent and takes a part of himself away etc. Now at the time I didn't really understand why he wasn't all for it. During my pregnancies I have had pregnancy induced hypertension and with Alysha it got quite bad and in fact I am still on blood pressure medication for it. Although at the doctors appointment yesterday my prescription was lowered so hopefully I am weaning myself of the medication. So I knew that it would be not a good decision to get pregnant again. Either way Hubby asked about the risks of me getting pregnant again, and the doctor told us that it would not be a wise decision and he does not recommend it at all. I would be on bed rest in the hospital for months and even then serious complications could arise, such as stroke or death, so therefore that is it, we are done, no more children.

Now like I said, I was pretty convinced before that I shouldn't have more children, even if I wanted more, which I don't. Hence the feeling of relief, that I am not just giving excuses that I don't want more children, I really can't.

But I know now too that hubby would have liked to try one more time for a boy, and I can't give him that. That option was taken away from me. Hence the feeling of sadness. I do sort of feel like part of my usefulness has gone, part of what I was made to do is gone. I do believe that God has shown us exactly what we need to do now, and that He will lead us and guide us, however there is that sadness there.

I do also understand where Hubby is coming from. He explained to me that he felt like it would be cutting a part of who he is away, He knows that he wouldn't be less of a man, or anything like that but just the mental part of taking that option away from himself, and now that I have had that option taken from me, I get it. And I also feel bad for him. After all he is a man, he doesn't know what it is like to go through Childbirth and procedures and embarrassing things, so that would make it harder too.

I just hope and pray that he does decide to go for the vasectomy, it is after all his decision. I think he will, he loves me and doesn't want anything bad to happen to me, but it won't be easy for him. But even more than before, I am scared of getting pregnant again, that would be horrible. I can't imagine missing almost a year of my kids lives, and what would we do.

I am not one of those who believe that God will take care of everything, okay that sounds not quite how I mean it, but I think we have to take responsibility for our actions. God told us to take care of our bodies, so we can choose not to take care of them. I think this applies to pregnancy as well.

Normal??

2010-01-12T09:59:00.004-07:00

Well the chaos of the holidays are all over, my favorite time of the year gone.....it goes so fast!! We had a wonderful Christmas, however busy it might have been. It took us a week or so to recuperate and then the kids got terribly sick! I think it might have been the croup. After many sleepless nights, they seem to be on the mend now, just with coughs.

So now we are back to normal, whatever normal is.

I went wedding dress shopping on saturday for my sister-in-law.....she found a beautiful dress, I wish I could post it, but just in case on the slightest off chance her finacee reads this....I can't spoil it!!

We are hoping to go skating tonight, it has been so lovely and warm here, snow all melting. I think the kids are well enough.

Here are some pictures of the last few weeks, hope you enjoy and have a wonderful day!

Friendship Fridays

2009-12-18T11:10:00.003-07:00

I am one of those kind of people who don't have a whole ton of friends, but the ones I have I cherish dearly and look forward to spending time with them. So I am going to start blogging about them on Fridays, and why I keep them in my life, and why I am thankful for them.

So I think it is fitting for me to begin today with the person who got me into blogging, the person who has been by my side through thick and thin. Jamie is the best friend any girl could ask for, and I really don't tell her enough how much I really treasure and love our friendship!

We met in Junior high, I think everyone was a dorky kid, transitioning from that childhood stage into teenager stage. At first we just knew each other as part of our classes, but when high school rolled around, we were good friends, and in the last year of High school we were best friends, and I actually ended up moving in with her and her folks as my parents moved, and I wanted to finish high school out. In turn I adopted them as a new family and they adopted me. Since then, I have always looked at Jamie and her sister as my sisters, and their mom and dad as my mom and dad.

I look back over our early years of friendship, and have to laugh. I was a pretty big flirt, but Jamie always stood by me at parties, and through Jamie's rough times with boys, etc....I think I did my best to stand by her as well. As I look back, a few things stand out, we had, near our town, a train bridge, and there was a group of us, Myself, Jamie, a third best friend of ours and a fourth best boy friend of ours (meant in the totally plutonic way!!) When Jamie got her license she would drive us all around, and quite often we would end up at "the Bridge" and hang out. Doing really absolutly nothing at all, just hanging out. We also had a cruising cassette tape, and would drive up and down all the back roads, singing our hearts out. "What's love got to do with it" comes to mind! As we got older and boys and the bar were introduced, I look back and am very happy that we are still not there in our lives, but I have some very fond memories. Jamie and her sister got a job house sitting, and me and hubby pretty much lived there as well, why not?? Pool, pool table, all the accessories!! Some good times were had in that pool room! Jamie and I worked for a while together at Esso; we were the best fuel transfer engineers ever!! Oh the camping trips we have had, the road trips (we drove 6 hours one way to see a giant perogie), the chats that went on forever, Oh I could go on and on forever. Basically the way it was, was that we were inseparable, in fact people assumed if Jamie was coming, Lizzie would be there, and vice versa.

We have always had a dream of being old ladies together, sitting on a front porch in rocking chairs and watching our grandchildren play, I don't know if this exact thing will happen, but someone once said that if anyone can do it, Jamie and Liz will do it!

Jamie was there when hubby proposed, she was a bridesmaid in my wedding and I in hers. Throughout the ups and downs of marriage, she was there. She was amongst the first to hold my babies. Today, we have changed, there is no more flitting off to the bar four or five nights a week, but we both have beautiful families, responsibilities, and things to do that are generally more important to others than our selves. But we email every day, about nothing really, but we know each other so well that we don't really need to talk much and I treasure that. There is no other person, besides my hubby, on this earth that knows me better than my dearest friend. And that is such a beautiful feeling.

We have always had a dream of being old ladies together, sitting on a front porch in rocking chairs and watching our grandchildren play, I don't know if this exact thing will happen, but someone once said that if anyone can do it, Jamie and Liz will do it!

So Jamie, thank you for being my friend. I have always been sad for those people who don't have a friend like I do. I am blessed to have found someone who isn't like most other girls, not catty, nor jealous...I mean how many people can say that in 16 years we have only had one fight!!! And that was over your sister!! :) I love you, I will always love you. You are the wind beneath my wings, and I look forward to the rocking chair days.

Grace upon Grace

2009-12-10T15:38:00.002-07:00

I have been tossing it over in my mind the last little while if we should sell our house and try and get a better, bigger house with a basement, room for the kids to grow, and play in. Hubby and I chatted about it last night and searched on MLS, too see what was out there. I started to get very excited, started to get those butterflies in my stomach....and we left it on the note, we'll see. I know that hubby isn't too keen on moving......

So last night I opened my devotional to the days reading and this is what it read;

I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens. Philippians 4:11

Test this question: What if God's only gift to you were his grace to save you. Would you be content? You beg him to save the life of your child. You plead with him to keep your business afloat. You impore him to remove the cancer from your body. What if his answer is, "My Grace is enough." Would you be content?
You see, from heaven's perspective, grace is enough. If God did nothing more than save us from hell, could anyone complain?...Having been given eternal life, dare we grumble at an aching body? Having been given heavenly riches, dare we bemoan earthly poverty?...
If you have eyes to read these words, hands to hold this book, the means to own this volume, He has already given you Grace upon Grace.

Max Lucado - In the Grip of Grace.

Huh.....

Christmas cards

2009-11-20T15:58:00.003-07:00

I never thought that once we had two kids, doing up the yearly Christmas cards would become so difficult to actually get done. I usually have them mailed by the middle of November, but this year, I have only been able to work on them sparingly, and one or two at a time, before someone needs me. And then I used to be so organized, this year I think I accidentally made up a Christmas card for the same person twice!! Ooops!

I do however love doing up the photo cards...I love receiving photo cards too, they stay on my fridge all year. I like pictures, and I like pictures of families...that is my thing I guess.

Speaking of families, look at this lovely family, who let me work on their Christmas pictures for them.

I love taking pictures and am thinking of starting a business of sorts, but I am having a dilemma...I love taking pictures of people and families and kids....but I am scared to death of taking pictures of weddings, and huge important times like this....What if??? Well, I guess I will cross that bridge when I get to it. For now I am thankful for the practise I am getting on my friends!

.

Remembering the ramble

2009-11-11T13:08:00.003-07:00

So I was rather excited today to take Gracie to our local community Remembrance day ceremonies. She is old enough to start to understand and pay her respects to those that fought and are still fighting for us. However, the ceremony itself left a lot to be desired. I think that it is getting harder and harder for the younger generation to remember...alot of them have never been touched by war, and even though our country is at war, it really doesn't feel like it, at least to those who don't have a loved one overseas. So our Remembrance day is important and should not drag on and on, and have an old man rambling.

The minister who did a reading and talked on and on and on, was an older gentleman, who I am sure is very nice, and meant well, but because he rambled so much, a reading of "Flanders Fields" was cut from the ceremony. The MC had to boot him from the stage just in the nick of time to observe the silence....and well the kids were so bored. The laying of the wreaths drug on forever and ever as well.

There must be some way to spice things up and make things interesting for the younger generation. I am not talking about making things fun, just interesting enough for them not to tune out. My dearest friend sure made things interesting for me, making her poppy talk, kept us in silent stitches, which I am sure was not at all respectful, but what do you do??

This n' that

2009-11-09T11:18:00.003-07:00

This flu bug that has bitten us has sure taken its time getting out of my house! We all got it last week and we are still feeling the lingering coughs and fatigue! I know that inspite of my cough I am feeling better though because my house is getting smaller and smaller every day! I WANNA GET OUT!! Gracie is feeling pretty good I think, her coughs seem to be going away. But Alysha seems to be holding on to hers a little bit longer.

Something else that I am super duper excited about....its almost Christmas!!! Well, almost time to decorate for Christmas anyways. I am going to have hubby put the christmas lites on the house this week, my excuse is that it is so warm out we should get it done now before it snows bunches. I am so excited to have Gracie help me this year set up the tree, and decorate.....woooo!!

I was looking through some old pictures of my amazing Gracie, and I came across this one.....sooo cute!!

I have cute kids.

I can say that.....they are mine!

Well I think that is all from me today, I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Amazing Grace

2009-11-04T13:07:00.002-07:00

If you have time today, go to the link below. This is my favorite hymn "Amazing Grace", and I think this is the best performance I have ever seen. Prepare to have your socks knocked off!

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1785324681?bclid=1338935106&bctid=1913313052

Bit by the flu bug

2009-11-03T09:59:00.002-07:00

*groan*

Now me and the kids have IT...

I feel like crap!

So far though I have been able to take care of the kidlets and myself while hubby is at work. He is still not feeling great, finding it hard to get his energy back.

I think the worst part of this illness, is hearing my three month old baby girl coughing...poor thing, and there really isn't anything I can do about it.

Gracie is doing ok, she has got over the worst of it, and there is just a bit of a lingering cough now. No fever. Alysha basically just has a cough and is sorta miserable. And me.....well, I am a whiner when I am sick, but I have this cough, my stomach muscles hurt from coughing...and I am a bit sneezy and feel like I am walking around in a bubble. Hopefully this is the worst it gets, and hopefully I don't run out of Tylenol cold and flu!! Works like a charm!

I am Mom

2009-10-30T16:32:00.003-06:00

When I became the mother of one child, Gracie, I remember feeling overwhelmed, exhasted, and frustrated a lot of the time. I didn't know what to expect out of naps, sleep, feeding, and when naps didn't go well I would get very mad, and annoyed.

I regret that.

Now as a mother of two, I hardly ever get annoyed with Alysha, her naps, sleeping or eating. When she is hungry she is fed, when she is tired she sleeps, and when she is awake, she is awake. What changed? All I know is that this time around I am a better adjusted, content and happy mom.

I feel blessed. I feel content. I am a mom.

With Gracie I think I was having a hard time adjusting to becoming a mom, I felt I had lost my identity. With Alysha, I am becoming something more....a real mom. And it is something that I am proud of. Something that I am content with, and something that I never, ever want to change.

I am part of a family, three people love me more than I ever imagined. Two little people look to me for guidance. I am needed.
I love kids now, love playing with them, loved being attacked by my kids, and my nephew and neice...I am loved.

Thank you God for making me a MOM!!

IT

2009-10-27T20:21:00.002-06:00

Hubby has got IT.

I don't know if IT is H1N1 or not.

But he has got IT what ever IT is.

He has a bad cough, achy, and generally feels like crap.

We had pretty much decided not to get the vaccinations, but this kind of takes it out of our hands anyways, kinda late now. IT is in our house.

I just hope and pray really really hard that my Alysha doens't get IT, or my Gracie. Alysha is under 6 months so she wouldn't have been able to be vaccinated anyways, and there is just something so terrible about a baby so small being sick.

I am going to go get groceries hopefully tomorrow before I get IT. I am buying some major refils of Lysol wipes and hope to get IT out of my house before IT gets me!

Mom truths!

2009-10-22T14:43:00.003-06:00

A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.

You will lose tiny socks in the wash.

You will be able to shower, wash and dry your hair, and get dressed in less than ten minutes.

You will want to apologize to friends and family who had kids before you for never really getting why they had less time for you.

You will fantasize about what you would swap for a good eight hours of sleep.

You will be so proud of every ounce your baby gains.

You will wish you had the time and brain cells to read just one of the novels you blew through when pregnancy heartburn kept you up all night.

You will want to throw the baby monitor out the window.

You won't have the desire or the time to iron the crib skirt after you first wash it. And the wrinkles will drive you crazy. But not crazy enough to dismantle the crib and iron it.

You will wonder how other new moms manage to be so skinny, put-together, or energetic.

You will forget all about your difficult day with your baby when you finally see her sleeping peacefully at night.

You will have some mornings when you bounce out of bed to get the baby... and others when you need a truck to pull you from under the covers.

You will thank God for caffeine.

You will get used to how your husband comes home from work, checks on the baby, and "accidentally" wakes him up.

You will pretend you don't smell your child's dirty diaper as you hand her to her dad

You will overbundle your tyke for winter outings.

You will get sick of hearing yourself say, "I didn't get to it yet."

You will feel naked when you walk outside alone.

You will put your sweet pea in the ugliest outfit he's got, take an obligatory photo, and send it to the distant relative who purchased the fashion disaster.

You will call your new-mom friend to say that your baby has a runny nose and has sneezed twice, and that if she wants to reschedule your play date, you'll understand.

You will get peed, puked, or pooped on when you have nothing handy to change into.

You will pack everything your baby could possibly need for a weekend and forget your own eyeglasses or toothbrush.

You will detest traffic -- it means you're either late getting back home to your child or stuck in the car even longer with a fusspot.

You will crack up when you see your kid get down to music for the first time.

You will chat intimately with complete strangers on the grocery checkout line just because they are pregnant or have a small child.

You will e-mail friends and family pictures of the baby, always noting that if they want to stop receiving the updates you'll totally understand.

You will confess to your hubby whenever you do something not-so-smart with the baby, to ensure he doesn't make the same mistake.

You will catch your husband or partner being moved to tears by the baby.

You will feel so lucky to have a child when you catch up with a friend who's been struggling to get pregnant.

You will hear about criminals on the news and wonder what their moms are doing.

You will wake up feeling sick one morning but will muster the strength to get through the day with your baby because you have to.

You will be excited when your tot grows out of one size and into the next.

You will be sad to put away what he's grown out of.

You will actually be in the mood for sex one night, only to find that your husband's passed out cold in bed.

You will not be in the mood for sex as he runs his foot along your unshaven legs and touches your greasy hair.

You will consider your husband's work commute his alone time, and be jealous of it.

You will be taken by surprise by your first postpartum period.

You will struggle to stay close to some of your childless friends.

You will make peace with your stretch marks because they give you character.

You will accept that your husband will never be as paranoid about the baby as you are, and will decide that's a good thing.

You will eventually find a playgroup whose kids are on the same schedule as yours.

You will live for your girls' nights out, once you get a couple under your belt and see that everything at home went just fine without you.

You will find Cheerios in odd places.

You won't care that she's getting food in her hair when she does "So Big" in her high chair.You will cherish the freedom to empty the dishwasher while your baby holds his morning bottle himself.

You will try not to take it personally when your sweetie's first word is "Da-Da." It must be easier to pronounce. [Editor's note: It is!]

You will write more-heartfelt thank-you notes to anyone who gives a toy without lights, batteries, and noise.

You will be relieved when your child turns 1. You didn't break him.

You will marvel at the volumes of unconditional love you have for your most wonderful achievement -- your baby.

Thankful Wednesday

2009-10-21T13:58:00.003-06:00

Ok so I have a lot to be thankful for today. As I wrote yesterday I did some serious changes for Alysha sleeping. And wow!! I was lent this great book "The Sleep Easy Solution" by Jennifer Waldburger and Jill Spivack. And that along with some great advice from a great friend has done the trick and in less time than the guaranteed week it is supposed to take. Now I know that it won't be perfect, and we may have some set backs, but by the time the week is up, I am hoping to have a sleeping happy baby! She has been terrible the last while, getting so dependant on her soother and her being swaddled tightly. And well....babies spit soothers out and wriggle out of blankets, so it made for some miserable sleep for me. Yesterday morning I had had enough and so the soothers went in the garbage and I just swaddled her from her arms down so that she could learn to sooth herself. She did cry a wee bit, but nothing terrible and to sleep she went. Last night was awesome! She slept until 1, cried for about 10 minutes, and put herself back to sleep until her 4 o'clock feeding, then slept right through until 8:30! So I am praying that this trend continues, as I got a wonderful nights sleep! A happy rested mom, makes for a happy rested baby.

I am also very thankful today for my husband. We have been through our ups and downs (who hasn't) but it is so wonderful to know that you have someone who has your back, someone who believes the same as you do, someone you can call on in the middle of the night, no questions asked. He is the most amazing father, his girls are his world. He is making a job change again because he can't spend enough time with his girls. What better father could you wish for? There are times as a mom that I do feel isolated and cut off from friends and family, you tend to loose things in common with people, and with a wee babe and a toddler it is hard to sometimes get out and socialize, but I am so thankful that even though hubby and I don't have a whole lot in common (He is a bit of a geek and I am pretty cool!) I have someone who I love to spend time with, to spend time with every day!

Thankful Tuesday

2009-10-20T20:49:00.003-06:00

Each day this week I wanted to sit down and write out something that I was thankful for.....I feel that yesterdays post wasn't as thoughtful and thought out as it could have been, in between cries and bottle feedings, and feeding Gracie, and playing with Gracie, I just didn't have time.

Last night was, for the lack of a better word, Hellish. Alysha has become dependent on her soother and being swaddled tight....and every time her soother gets lost, she cries. Last night she was up literally every half an hour! So today I am mentally exhausted, and physically as well. We have decided that we have lost all her soothers, and are wrapping her with her arms free so that she can learn to comfort herself. Today has been not too terrible, a few tears, mostly from me, and she has slept for her naps. But as we go to bed tonight we are dreading it, as we have no soothers to give her, Gracie is in the next room having to listen to her cries, and both hubby and I are sleep deprived.

So all that I can think of today to write, is please pray that this goes well.....Pray real hard! I am thankful that I can have people pray for me, so I guess that is what I am thankful for this Tuesday. Hopefully tomorrow I am in a better frame of mind for blogging!

Thankful Monday

2009-10-19T20:52:00.002-06:00

Today I am going to take the time and be thankful for what is most prominent and precious in my life right now, my girls. Too often I find myself wishing away time, till nap time, till bed time, till teething is over, till, till, till. This is a habit that is far to easy to fall into and something that I want to avoid. The time with our children goes by far too quickly, and I cannot believe that Gracie is three already! So for Alysha I have been more careful with my wishes!

Gracie makes me laugh so hard, we all need something to make us laugh and if you need that in your life, a three year old will do the trick. The things that she comes out with are just too funny. Gracie also makes me appreciate the smaller things in life, she makes me to remember to thank God for Teddy bears, butterflies, pebbles, and bees. She also brings that imagination back to life, that I have lost somewhere along the way to adulthood. How to be a princess, or a cat, or a fire "breeding" dragon. How come I forgot how to do that?

Alysha makes me praise God for the miracles in our lives. What says miracle more than little precious babies. Especially ones that smile all the time. It really does amaze me how they develop so much in the first few weeks, going from hardly seeing to recognizing and smiling when momma comes in the room. To flailing and repeatedly beating their own faces, to grasping a rattle or sucking on fist. She has taught me so much more patience, and I really didn't realize how much love one heart can hold!

So on this monday I am thankful for my girls, they give me great pleasure, great frustration, but through it all I become a better mom, a better person for it, and I thank God for the great gift of children.

Todays thoughts

2009-10-16T12:22:00.002-06:00

Grocery shopping was wonderful!! It was a great shopping trip, both girls were so well behaved! Now today we had to go to Alysha's three month appointment, which went really well also. She is almost 14 Lbs...and has doubled her weight!!

I am so happy that I had surgery! I am feeling so much better, besides being tired....I can eat again, I can enjoy food. And I sure do enjoy food. I must be careful I don't gain all the weight back that I lost. But I am 100% back to normal!

I am very tired.....I remember being exhausted with Gracie as well, but at least back then hubby had a job where I could look forward to those nights where he would take over for me. At this job he is in now, his schedule is all over the place, so it is hard to look forward to sleep. On that front, hubby is looking for a new job. We thought this one was the way to go and maybe God wanted us to take it, but looking back...we aren't so sure we did the right thing. How is one to know? All the signs can point in the right direction, and you can still go wrong. Although one thing to trust in is that God makes all thing good so that is reassuring.

Next week I am going to try something new on my blog, each day I am going to devote to something that I am thankful for...I hope I can keep up with it....

Oh Kids!

2009-10-15T08:30:00.002-06:00

My Gracie complained that her pee hurt, so a good friend of mine who is a nurse offered to test her pee for me. So I went to the cupboard and picked out a clean dry tupperware which I never wanted to use again.

Gracie peed in the "cup" quite excitedly as she has seen mommy do it with all my prenatal appointments. Pee was tested and she does not have any infections which relieved me.

I proceeded to go out for a girls night with said friend, and I get a phone call from hubby to tell me that he had heard a bang, went and found Gracie. The bang he had heard was the cupboard door, and there Gracie was on the toilet, peeing in a tupperware!!

Oh Kids!

So today I am going to head out grocery shopping. The first time with both kids....I am slightly nervous, I am sure though it will be fine....

The Gall bladder update.

2009-10-01T21:24:00.002-06:00

Well I am all out of surgery and almost all healed up. What an ordeal!! I can tell you though, that if you are nervous at all about having surgery, all the drugs really do help! I have never been so stoned in my life, and I never want to be again. I laugh about it, I was pretty funny afterwards on Morphine, but really, I don't like that feeling. That is one of the reasons I have never really done drugs or drink overly much, I don't like that spinny feeling of being out of control.

But it is over...and now I can eat again. It is amazing how it takes getting the flu to appreciate water, and getting Gallbladder problems to appreciate eating.

Just thought I would put up a quick update, I have been so tired and busy, I wish I had time to write more or get more in depth...but I don't.

God Bless

I am still around!

2009-09-09T19:45:00.004-06:00

I am not sure why I haven't been able to find the time to blog.....I can seem to find time to email my best friend everyday, sometimes many times a day, play games, organize my filling cabinet, but finding time to blog just seems to take the back burner. Perhaps it is because I have to dig a little deeper.

I have had an eventful couple of months.....besides of course the birth of my sweet little girl. I had an easy birth, a really quick birth, and then everything went down hill from there. My blood pressure still hasn't normalized, I spent time in the hospital the week after Alysha was born for that....it was scary high. It is under control on meds and I can see it getting better week by week, but it sure is taking its time.

I was also having a rough time the first couple of weeks adjusting to having a new babe in the house. I think I was on the border line of depression or something. So I prayed that God help me deal with it all and give me strength......well He did! I started getting severe pain in my upper abs, radiating into my back and up into my arm....it was terrible, the worst pain I have ever felt. I had a week of "attacks" and finally I had one so incredibly bad I thought I was going to die, so to the hospital I went. After some tests etc, it turns out my gallbladder is FULL of stones, and out it must come. I have surgery in two weeks (it is Emergent surgery that is why I got in so fast) So needless to say, I am dealing with having two kids with no problems at all, it is becoming a pleasure and even at times somewhat enjoyable! Thank you God! (I do mean that, even though I have worse to deal with now)

After Gracie was born, I got Mastitis, which I thought the pain was worse than childbirth....After Alysha was born I get Gallstone attacks....which is definitely worse than childbirth (I really feel for my friend who had a kidney infection now, I didn't realize how terrible the pain is) So I wonder if we had a third child (which we are not) what I would get???

I am slowly getting more and more nervous to have surgery. I have been thinking about each thing that must happen to me, but usually the thought always turns back to the falling into oblivion. It occurred to me in the shower this morning (that is when I think) that I think the biggest thing for me is the utter trust and faith that one must have in not only ones doctors, but in God. I am having to surrender my life and trust that God will hold me in the palm of his hand, and that He will guide the doctors. This is scary. I do have Faith, and I do trust....but it is scary. I thought of the person on the second floor of a burning building, having to jump and trust that the firemen will catch them....You have to jump, but how terrifying would that be, especially if you were scared of heights?? Please pray for me.

Its a girl!

2009-07-28T12:28:00.002-06:00

ITS A GIRL!!
Alysha Rose Wood - July 12th, 6lbs 10 oz

My big girl and my little girl

Gracie loves her little sister....hope that lasts!

Labor was great (if one can say such a thing) 2.5 hours, hardly any pain afterwards, but my Blood pressure has spiked so I haven't been great since. But hopefully that gets back to normal soon. I thought it was about time to update everyone, and now I guess I need to think of a new name for my blog! :)

Is it supposed to bubble??

2009-07-02T22:28:00.002-06:00

Oh we laughed....

I love laughing at my girl.....in a good way of course.

So my big girl has been really wanting to do everything herself, and we are letting her, just checking up to make sure a good job has been done.

So last night She decided to go pee by herself, I got chatting to hubby for a second, and by the time I got into the bathroom she had brushed her teeth. So I said, let me just get in the back for you, and she said....OK mama, and with each word bubbles came out of her mouth. She couldn't get the cap off the toothpaste and so proceeded to brush her teeth with hand soap.... After laughing until we cried, we used the proper toothpaste which she tells me tastes much better!

Oh kids!!!

Next week???

2009-06-25T20:18:00.002-06:00

Well it looks like the baby will be coming next week, unless of course I go into labor sooner.....

I just want it over...............

I am so tired.................

We have a problem though...........

We are so sure it is a boy that we have no girls names picked out, does anyone have any ideas? We would like something old fashioned, and not too crazy!!

I will keep you updated!

Doctors update

2009-06-12T20:21:00.002-06:00

I had a doctors appointment on Wednesday....unfortunatly, Blood pressure is quite high....and not showing signs of going down. What was said was basically....26 or 27 weeks is generally when something is done about it, and since the only cure is delivery....well....I guess that is what is going to happen. I am 36 weeks on monday.....Doc appointment on Thursday...I will keep you posted.

I am sorta scared though....I have been through it with Gracie, and I know how close I came to a c- section....so I do know what can go wrong....but I pray that you all pray with me that I can put it all into Gods hands and trust and have faith that He will hold me in the palm of his hand throughout it all.

A new Hobby

2009-06-09T17:56:00.005-06:00

I finally updated my review blog....Talk about procrastinating!! http://lizziestest.blogspot.com

We are having a baby....I think it just sunk in!! haha! If I go full term, there is only 5 weeks left...wow!! How can that have happened??

4 weeks left until my baby's 3rd birthday....How did that happen??

4 weeks left until hubbys 30th birthday......Again....aren't we just out of high school??

I have big plans for the birthdays coming up, the only thing that could mess it all up is the baby coming...but we will do the best we can!

I have a doctors appointment tomorrow, which I can say I am glad about, as I have been having quite a bit of pain the last few days and cramping....I would like the baby to come early, but not this early, 34 weeks is just a wee bit too early.

I have taken up a new hobby.....which I am hoping will one day not be a hobby anymore and perhaps be a lucrative business. I did my own belly pictures (which was not fun with the inexpensive camera we own now) and I have done some pictures of my little nephew Patrick (who by the way is a beautiful baby!) Let me know what you think?? Do you think I can make it in the photography world??

Woe is me! :)

2009-05-16T14:43:00.003-06:00

Oh wow it has been too long since my last blog. Lately I find that instead of sitting down and relaxing when I need to it is no longer in front of the computer it is laying down and reading a book. I do from time to time think about blogging, however I feel like all I do is complain and am really working on that, and I think that I could too easily use the blogging tool for an outlet for my complaints. So today, on this lovely May long weekend, I am going to blog. I am going to blog my complaints and then beside them think of the positives to encourage myself.

Don't get me wrong, things aren't that bad, and others have things worse than me, that is why I don't feel like I have the right to complain.

1) I am HATING being pregnant (I am sure specifics will make the later list). I am not enjoying being impeded, feeling like a whale and all the fun stuff that goes with being pregnant. - I am loving the fact though that Gracie will soon have a baby brother or sister (I am thinking brother...we shall see if I am right) I am also enjoying the closeness it is bringing to my family, all the touching and kissing of my belly is pretty darn cute.

2) My blood pressure is high, not too high for medication yet, but we are monitoring me carefully. This brings a whole lot of worries for me, things I dealt with last time. - However at least being through it before, I do know what to expect and certain things like needing to be induced a tad early might not be so bad, at least I can plan better for caretakers for Gracie and what not.

3) We are on a budget......a very tight strict budget. Due to the recession, hubby will not be receiving a raise this year, in spite of working sooooooooooo much lately. This makes for a stressful time, and I am having a hard time with it. When I go shopping I tend to buy things. I guess I am an impulse buyer, it makes me feel good for some reason or another. And being on a budget, I just can't do that. Also birthdays come around and our family tends to go out for supper lots to celebrate, and we have had to bow out of a couple of family get togethers. - But, I do feel awesome that we aren't going into anymore debt!! I am so proud of us that we are working together on this and things are the way they are. There are no discussions or arguments, we both know where we stand, and make our payments and eat, and have the occasional outing, so for that I do know we are extremely blessed.

4) I can't bend over to play in the dirt.....I am sorry, I can't think of a positive for this one! lol

5) I really feel that my time left before the baby is born is so little now. 10 weeks to go...in one sense, yipee!! it will be over soon......however, I am holding on to Gracie as being my only child and it is so hard for me to comprehend what life is going to be like after. I haven't felt any real "bonding" with baby xyz yet, and it is hard to imagine that he/she is ours. - Being through all this before though I am not as worried about adapting to life after baby. I was so scared when Gracie was born, I thought she would change everything....well she did, but I can't imagine life without her. And this is just another addition, it will become so normal, so quickly.

So there are five complaints of mine, worries I guess you could say. I have more.....but they don't seem quite as large as before, most comes under the heading of not loving pregnancy.

Well the outside warmth is calling me, so off I go to try and bend over again with no cramping!!

I sit for the 1st time today.........

2009-04-22T20:56:00.002-06:00

So as I come to the end of a busy day, I begin to realize that I am very very tired. Then I think back to all that I did today.....organized our closet, took all the clothes out of our dresser, moved the dresser to the babies room, put the dresser that was in the babies room in our room, put all the clothes back in, tried to organize the babies room, (which by the way is the tiniest room ever, and we have an overstuffed recliner in there, that we both want to keep in there for comfort). Then I came to the realization that I am NESTING!!!! Then I got kind of worried, because I thought that people only nested when the babies birth is right around the corner (and I am only 28 weeks along). To my relief however, I did some looking online, and found that some people nest very early around the 4 month mark, so that was a relief. I don't know quite what I am going to do when I get the urge to nest just before the baby comes, because I don't really have much left to do!!!

I will post some pictures at some point, I just don't have the energy to push the button on the camera right now........

I wanted to add this email that I received to my blog, because it touched me, and made me think of the small things in life that I need to enjoy, so here it is;

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when
I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose
what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over
the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes
in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the
telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow
bubbles..

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about
what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I
have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me
bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to
McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys..

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my
arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in
the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up
late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside
you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my fingers
through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me
the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who
are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are
visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and
fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly,
and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you goodnight I will hold you a
little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and
ask him for nothing, except one more day...

Grilling Goodness

2009-03-27T08:59:00.002-06:00

Happy Friday all!! I thought I would try to do Grilling Goodness this week, through the fog that is my brain right now! :)

1. Do you prefer to write with pen or pencil? I prefer pen, unless I am doing a crossword or something that may require erasing!
2. What was off limits to you growing up that you do all the time now? Oh lots and lots of things, but I guess the daily thing is TV. We never had one at all, and I watch the thing all the time now!!
3. What is the age difference between you and your spouse? A year
4. Did you hurt yourself in anyway this week? Yes, I slipped on some ice near my car and fell on my bum.
5. Do you like wallpaper enough to hang it in your home? I hate wall paper...mostly for the fact that it is miserable to get off, and can look pretty ragged over time.
6. What do you need to do that you've been putting off? Lots and lots...finish the babies room is the big one, I just have put it completely on hold....not sure why....
7. What did you do this week that you wish you hadn't? Got upset with Hubby about long hours at work...he doesn't have a choice right now, and I didn't want to make it worse on him....but of course I did.
8. Did anything keep you up late this week? Yes my ever growing Belly, TV, and reading books...

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!! I also posted a new review over at http://lizziestest.blogspot.com/ in case you are interested!

Oh I am blue, yes I am blue!!

2009-03-24T08:50:00.002-06:00

It is always amazing to me how one can wake up in such a foul mood. Is it restless sleep, bad dreams?? Who knows. All I know is I woke up in one this morning. I am sick and tired of being tired, being pregnant, and hubby being gone all the time.

Pregnancy isn't all that bad for me, I am not sick, so far no troubles at all other than slightly elevated blood pressure at my last appointment. But I am tired...oh am I tired. Especially in the mornings, it takes me at least two hours and a shower to wake up properly. I am trying to take things easy and not stress about getting things done, however I do worry about being a good mom to Gracie through all this. I really want to treasure this time I have with her, it will be the last few months where she is our only child, and I want to enjoy each moment. I am not one of those moms where interaction comes easily...I have never really enjoyed kids games or playing with kids...I don't know if I have no imagination or what it is, but I feel like I leave her to play on her own far too much. I do enjoy crafts and coloring so I do try to join her in those activities....but most of the time, lately, I am just to tired to think! I pray that I can handle this and that I give Gracie and the new babe the attention and time that they deserve.

I also think part of my blues is wintertime blues. I just want it to be warm and springlike. I want to be outside, pottering out in my yard. And I know Gracie wants that too, she is sick of snow.

Hubbys store opens tomorrow, thank goodness. It has seemed like forever in coming. Needless to say though, since it is opening right away, he has been working insane hours, he was gone all day yesterday, gone this morning when we woke up, and won't be home until after Gracie is in bed. I feel terrible for her, she doesn't understand why....."I want my daddy, Daddy, you don't have to go to work!!" It breaks my heart, and I know it breaks his too. This won't last forever....but while it is lasting, I have to just keep swimming as Dory says....just keep swimming.....

I have been trying to concentrate my thoughts on God, and receiving the strength I need from Him....But it is hard, as I feel sorta like I have shut down emotionally to get through this time, and I feel almost like when I come to God, I have shut down there too...Not good, but I pray He helps me through this as well.

I sound sad and miserable, which I am not, and my life is not in the dumps, like I said, woke up in a foul mood.....which hopefully washes away with my shower!!

Review time!

2009-03-10T14:42:00.002-06:00

I signed up a little while ago to review products for all of you...so I decided to start up a new blog, just for that purpose and I will let you know when I post a review.

See my first review of Cascade All in One Action Packs here http://lizziestest.blogspot.com/

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Tid bits

2009-03-03T14:54:00.002-07:00

I had the urge to write...not sure what, and not sure how long I have......

Little miss has decided not to nap today....I am leaving her in her room for some me time....It really bugs me when she doesn't nap, not sure why, but it is one of those "triggers".

Went for ultrasound yesterday. We wanted to find out the sex of the baby, first I was told that "we don't do that here, this is not a pleasure ultrasound, this is a diagnostic ultrasound" I was like, aren't they all??? But either way, I buttered her up, and she eventually got friendly, and guess what???

The child was uncooperative....................

So sad...........Oh well, God knows what it is, that should be good enough for me right??

I got some things in the mail to review on here, which I am quite excited about doing, but haven't had the time to review them.....soon, soon!!

Hubby's new job is going really well for him. Thank goodness he loves his job as I am NOT loving the all over the place hours he is working. NOT at all. I try not to complain to him, because I know he feels it too, but things should slow down hopefully in the next month or so.

I can't wait for spring!! I want to go to the greenhouse and buy plants!!

I should go do something productive....

God Bless!

I am here.

2009-02-13T10:16:00.004-07:00

I am here, I haven't forgotton you all, in fact I think of you often. But for some reason life has been getting away from me lately. When I do have time to sit at the computer, it has been for emails and banking etc....no such luxuries as time to read blogs and write them!!

Still....I can't really tell you what I have been doing that has made me so busy???

We did have a disastrous room, called the "office". Really it was a collecting room for stuff we didn't know where else to put. Well this room had to be cleared out, we need somewhere to put baby when it comes other than the laundry room!

This pic is the before mess. I do not have a pic yet of the after completion, but I will post pics once the babies room is all done. It is taking a while, as I am only doing bits here and there.

So I had to move all this mess to the rest of the house. We have a small house, and hardly any storage so this task was insurmountable. However, I did it!! I have one little box and two bags of clothes I need to find room for, the rest is done!! Wooo!! Feels good. We bought a unit from Ikea that held all our books and crafts and such, so that was a life saver.

So now I have to go and finish the babies room. Gracie is "helping". I have noticed that as she gets older I definatly cannot do anything by my self anymore. There is always a sweet voice asking "Can I help?"

Just for Fun!

2009-01-27T12:39:00.002-07:00

TAG! YOU ARE IT!
(Copy and post this on your blog ASAP!)
I found this over at http://csocoteanu.blogspot.com/2009/01/just-for-fun.html and thought ti would be fun to share.
What is this?Well, you’re supposed to bold the things you’ve done so readers can find out how you've led an awesome life so far, or how boring you are! :)
Here's what I have done in bold...
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyworld
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort...
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse- does the moon count?
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language - partially...enough to get drinks and say please!!
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted--well, drawn
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris...
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud...
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching Um...didn't see one!
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma - haven't in a while cause I wasn't allowed to, I might be now though, I should check!
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter,
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar... YUCK
72. Pieced a quilt - I made very special quilts for my two "sisters".
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone - my baby toe
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car - Personally no, as a family hubby got a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible -- I think I have..over the years..but I can't say it is true 100%
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Play along if you want to--and let me know when your list is up.

I will do a real blog soon here!! I have been pretty busy with organizing and reorganizing and painting etc, but I am soon done and I will try and post some pictures of my lovely new bookcases and storage and the new babies room!!

Grilling Goodness

2009-01-09T12:14:00.003-07:00

I have been reading others blogs for quite some time now, and I really enjoy the Grilling Goodness blogs, so I decided that I shall try my hand at it also. Plus it gives me a blog that isn't all about silly day to day things and complaining!! So here goes.....

1. What's your 'dream machine' - as in vehicle? Do you think you'll ever own it?
I used to like a few different ones...T-bird, Camero, etc.....I really like older souped up cars. However as we get older I think that right now, being able to get a mini van or something like that with lots of storage and cubby holes, would be just wonderful.

2. Can you water ski?
I never really have. I tried once and ended up upside down....and I am not a fan of my face in the water, so I highly doubt I will try it again.

3. What kind of milk to you prefer?
I don't. I hate milk.

4. Have any of your pet peeves 'gotten your goat' this week?
YES!! My hubby promised that since I was pregnant that it was now his job to do the kitty litter...which has yet to be done.....
AND my beautiful Gracie has been pooping and taking her diaper of while napping....then using it as playdoh.....

5. How do you prepare your taxes? HR Block, Turbo Tax, by hand - or does someone else do it for you?
We usually do it ourselves, using the program online.

6. Did you start a workout program this New Year?
No. My long term goals are to have this baby and THEN try to get my body back to some semblance of itself.

7. Do you have a certain meal that you cook each and every week?
I try not to. Hubby and I grew up with families that had low incomes and so the food we ate was the same all the time. Cheap chicken for two weeks straight...so I do try not to do that. However there are things I do repeat lots, like home made Mac and Cheese, and lately we do eat lots of chicken, due to the fact my tummy isn't happy with anything else......

8. When do you normally write your blog posts?
While I eat lunch or later on in the evening when folks are in bed! :)

God bless and have a wonderful Friday!!!

Are we back to normal yet???

2009-01-04T10:24:00.003-07:00

What a couple of weeks!! I do have to admit that I am somewhat happy that all the craziness of the holidays is over....an active little one and driving all over and visiting lots of people wears one out!! :) One nice thing is that hubby has been basically off since the 22nd, had a couple of meetings but he has been home most of the time, which will end tomorrow. His new job starts in earnest then!! i am slightly nervous, not sure how things will go, hours and whatnot, but I do think that this was Gods will for us, so it will work out for the best in the long run.

I was sick again yesterday....flu again....what is going on?? I have never been sick as much as I have this year. I think I am on the mend today though, I am keeping water and bland food down....

I have to go and get more blood taken tomorrow, I had all my prenatal blood taken, but they could read the results so back I go...yuck!!

As the new year begins I hope and pray that everyone has a blessed year!!!

Waiting, waiting, waiting.........

2008-12-22T12:48:00.002-07:00

Right now I am waiting to hear that Chris' flight has lifted off from Chicago, then at least I know he is in the air and on the way back to me!!! Another day filled with delays, but as long as he is safe and home, that is all that matters.

My sister in law is cooking us supper, so when we pick him up, we will go there and thank goodness I won't have to cook tonight.

I just can't express how excited I am to have him home again, being away from each other really makes you appreciate them so much more don't you think?

Merry Christmas to all, and a happy new year!!!

Some venting.....again.....

2008-12-18T12:54:00.002-07:00

I feel like my only posts lately are venting and complaining....well here I am again....not that I WANT to feel the way I do, but lately I am feeling very overwhelmed and tired and lonely.

Hubby is in Cincinnati....he left on Monday. We were a little late to the airport so I dropped him off and drove back around to park. I came in and JUST caught him with enough time for a kiss and he was gone. That was hard, I had it all planned out in my head, a long affectionate goodbye....ah well. Gracie had spent the night at Grandma and Grandpa's as I had to be up at 4:30 in the morning to take him to the airport. So I came home, and had a sleep until my doctors appointment.

I am officially 8 weeks pregnant, due on July 18, (2 days after Gracie was due)

Hubby had a horrible trip! The plan was late leaving due to it needing to be deiced. So then he missed his connecting flight in Chicago. Then after sitting there for 5 hours, he finally got on a plane and got to Cincinnati. He then got his rental car, and proceeded to try to get to his hotel, making a wrong turn on the interstate. Well he did make it, got himself some supper (after a long wait for it) got some beer and went to his hotel room. He couldn't open his beer, no bottle openers to be found. So someone lent him a screw driver and he opened his beer and it exploded all over him, his room, his laptop..(which thankfully is ok) I felt so bad for him, even though I did have to chuckle a little.

I picked up Gracie from Grandparents and came home. Tuesday and wednesday have been crap. Literally. Gracie is sick again. This time though thankfully there has been no vomiting, but the poor girls bum is soooooooo red and sore, and she screams....Oh I have just been feeling so bad for her. I haven't been feeling too bad so yesterday I lysoled the house, cleaned everything I could get my hands on, partly to get rid of the germs, and partly because if I get sick....well at least it is in a clean house!! :) The poor kid hasn't eaten anything to speak of in two days, at least today she has got a some toast in her, and a few bits and peices. I am just so done with sickness....done...done...done.

I don't like to wish time away....God gave us this time and we will never get it back. I know this. But today I just feel (them feelings again) like going to sleep and waking up and it is monday and we are going to the airport to pick up daddy....I am not in as bad of a mood as I was when I woke up this morning, but ugggg....I suppose we all have these days, and this too shall pass.

I am disapointed too as I did have some plans this week to get together with some friends for some preChristmas joy...not gonna happen...I am not inflicting the runs on other peoples kids at this time of year.

I just hope and pray that the rest of the week goes by better, that I don't get sick, that Gracie is all better. She hasn't been since 6 this morning, so maybe she is on the mend...takes so long to get better with little ones.

Blog name change???

2008-12-10T20:33:00.003-07:00

So I guess I am going to have to rename my blog.... since we are having another addition to the family, it isn't all about my amazing Gracie anymore.....

Hmmmmm....Any Ideas???

I am having a wonderful week, Hubby had a week off between jobs. So it has been nice, he has been getting up with Gracie and letting me slowly get around and relax through my morning sickness. AHHHH, what a blessing....if only he could be here ALL the time.

He flies out on Monday morning, he has to be at the airport at 6:00am, and we have an hour drive to the airport.....Guess who gets to drive him.... Thank goodness for Grandma and Grandpa who Gracie will be having a sleep over with, and won't have to get up at 3:00am...can you imagine?!!?

I am sure going to miss him.

Especially since Gracie is going through a phase right now. We tell her to do something and if she doesn't want to, it takes speaking firmer and firmer, until she realizes she has to do it, then she does it and runs away screaming and crying......Oh I could shake her....This is frustrating, I guess like my hubby said the only thing we can do is wait for her to be 3.

More joys of life!

2008-12-03T12:41:00.002-07:00

The last couple of days have been nasty....poor Gracie has been soooo sick, and yesterday she crashed, slept most of the day. (Which was probably the best thing for her) I have been feeling pretty good, the morning sickness has stayed away, and God has helped me take care of a little girl that I don't know what to do for....

Today is a different story....Gracie woke up singing.....no evacuations as of yet, such a happy little girl, playing, running, completly better.... BUT....and there is always a BUT....I think I have it.....I have been glued to the toilet all morning "spitting" in it (as Gracie calls it). I am really hoping this passes quickly, I pray it does....I am so not feeling myself!

The only good thing is we should all be better by the time hubby has to fly to the states for training on the 15th....Oh I hope....I can't imagine a week of feeling like this without him!!

Oh Joy, oh Bliss!!

2008-12-01T12:21:00.003-07:00

Oh joy, oh Bliss.....(Sarcasm)

I am pregnant again!!

Now I am not one of those crazy (wink, wink) people who love being pregnant, I personally hate the swollen fat feeling that we have before we start to show. I HATE the morning sickness (which has been worse I think this time around) I am NOT looking forward to being huge, tired, swollen. I am not as nervous about adding another kid to the brood, but it would be really neat if someone invented a way to skip this part!!!

Especially with a 2 year old running around.

Now I found out last week, (I am about 5-6 weeks along) and my beautiful daughter decides to get some sort of a bug and for the first time in her life is puking and has major runs!! The first night we got home from my hubby's Christmas party to her fast asleep in bed with a massive upchuck....poor kid...Hubby was home so he dealt with the grossness for me. Then Saturday evening I was having some cuddles on the couch with Gracie and she blew again....All over me, down my back, in my bra, in my pants, on my hair....(this was about 10:00 at night) All over her....again hubby was there to deal with it, but I am afraid he couldn't deal with the grossness factor. We had to jump in the shower together before she went to sleep. Poor kid....poor me....I am amazed that I didn't let my dinner go on top of Gracie, thank goodness...what scars would that leave on a child.

Today....Today I was feeling much better. Not so nauseous.... Until...well the runs... Gracie is potty training so she is wearing big girl panties....well you can imagine....it was everywhere. I really have to steam clean my carpet now... I never did upchuck today either, but I had to clean the carpet best I could, mop, clean the bathroom, clean the kid up....No hubby today!! Oh my...I sure do pray this all passes very soon, for both of us!!!

On to other things. Hubby has a new job, we aren't sure if he starts on the 8th or the 15th, but I do know that he has to fly out on the 15th to Cincinnati, for training. (So I really pray that the above stuff has passed by then!!) We are hoping for some better things, more family time, less time that he has to drive to and from work, and no more being away for a week at a time every four to five weeks. I know that we all get nervous etc, but I do hope that we made the right move that God wanted us to make. I guess we pray for His guidance to make the right moves. The Christmas party was sad that we went to on the weekend, Chris has been with that Company for almost 5 years, and I know most people quite well and I will miss them. I think we all get so comfortable where we are that major changes are quite hard to deal with.

So a world full of changes at this time in our lives....scary, exciting, but mostly scary!! :)

I will remember

2008-11-11T20:37:00.004-07:00

Isn't the passage of time something that is amazing, and yet frightening as well??

I was not able to attend remembrance day ceremonies today as I came down with another cold!! However while I watched the bag pipes played and the wreaths laid, I came to realize quite sadly that the time of the great war, the war to end all wars has almost passed. There are two Veterans, one Canadian (106 years old) and one British (112 years old). Their time is almost done here on this earth, and while we all try to remember the fallen, those that have laid down their lives for us, the actual physical memories are almost gone....Only TWO people....really remember the great war.

I wonder how they felt when the 2nd world war broke out....

Korea....

Vietnam.....

Afghanistan.....

I wonder if they think this was all for nothing??

I know that the stories will be passed down, I will try to keep my end of that bargain, but when will we forget?....Us humans have a way of forgetting. My Grandfather was in the British navy in the second world war, he has also gone now, but I do still have some stories of him to pass down.

I was stirred to sobbing tears when the 112 year old gentleman tried to rise out of his wheel chair to show his respect for the fallen....he couldn't make it up.

Let us never forget the sacrifices made by those brave soldiers for our country. Whether we believe war is right or wrong...whether we disagree with the politics of war, the senselessness (is that a word) of the innocent dying, what ever we believe, we must never forget the troops out there, those that aren't coming home and those that will..........

Christmas is coming

2008-11-06T12:36:00.001-07:00

When do you all decorate for Christmas??

What is too early??

Ahhh the weekend is over.....

2008-11-02T21:41:00.005-07:00

Oh, Okay...here I am....sorry for the absence. I don't know why I haven't been able to find time to blog, I guess just life. I have also been "spring" cleaning my house, and going through ALL my cupboards and such....which has been taking a lot of time. In fact I am still working on it.

Normally this evening I would be relaxing in front of the TV, taking advantage of my last evening of the weekend....back to work for hubby tomorrow :( Oh it is so sad that the weekends go so fast!!! BUT we got home late tonight, so my show that I normally watch is over so I figured I would take the time to blog and read a few.

We are home late tonight, cause we were at the hospital. We went to a close friends house for her son's first birthday, and since we were late getting there, there wasn't a whole lot of food left, so we took Gracie to McDonald's as a treat. Well while we were standing in line, she tripped (goofing off and hanging off my arm) and caught her arm in between my legs, twisted and landed on the floor. We thought she was OK, but throughout the meal we realized, after telling her to be a big girl and quit crying and making everyone look at us, that she wasn't moving her arm at all and when she did move it in the slightest it would send her off the deep end again.

Now a bit of background. When Gracie was 14 months old, she broke her arm....which in turn broke my heart. I had set her on a chair, and turned my back, and off the chair she came and landed just wrong, which broke both forearm bones. I do think that the poor kid gets flash backs, because whenever she hurts that arm, even slightly she gets super upset and wants to go and see Dr. _____. We thought too that this was one of those times.

Thank goodness we did take her to the hospital tonight though, by the time we got there she was screaming crying, which she never does, she usually just sucks it up. She was the most miserable thing ever. Thank God, it wasn't a broken arm but she did have a dislocated elbow. Anyone heard of such a thing?? I guess it is a tendon in there somewhere, and all the doc did was a violent twist and after about five minutes she was TOTALLY fine. It was amazing!!!

I am getting tired of my accident prone kid.....NO more hospitals!! Those few months when she had her cast on did me in for life! I don't mean to complain, I know that there are those who are at the hospitals for a lot longer and for much worse things, but in my own little world, and what I have experienced, I wouldn't want to be going back and forth a whole lot to the hospital. I feel for those that do have to. One good thing is Gracie really likes the doctor and going to the hospital, she isn't scared at all. ( Although after the doctor twisting her arm like that, I don't know!!)

Update on the smoking; I have been doing really well, two weeks on the patch and I have managed to keep it back to 1 a day, until this weekend......I kind of slid a bit backwards this weekend, but I fully intend to reboot and get back to that good place tomorrow morning. I really hate that feeling when you fail, and being on the patch has really shown me how "in your head" smoking is. I don't need nicotine, the patch gives me that.....and yet.....I crave a smoke so bad, I eventually cave in??? What is with that??? So I still need the prayers please!!

Hubby and I had a date yesterday!! My Niece has just taken her babysitting course, so we hired her for her first babysitting gig!! Chris and I went to a football game and then out for supper! We had a very nice time, although I do have to say it got kind of chilly watching the game :) The other downfall is we went to eat at Red Lobster, and I ALWAYS get sick.....last night was no exception. I was up hugging the porcelain bowl a few times.

What a weekend!!

That and with the time change, means BEDTIME!! Goodnight all!!

Prayer request

2008-10-20T15:48:00.002-06:00

Well, I am officially quit smoking!! Wooo. I do still have nicotine in me though, that could be helping. It has almost been 16 hours, and hasn't been super terrible. I am just praying that I can do it this time, like I said the patch seems to be helping, but I don't want to relapse. I do not want to smoke for the rest of my life, so I have to do this sometime, and I don't want to keep quitting....it is a most stressfull thing, when you quit and fail and quit and fail....does numbers on ones self esteem.

Can I ask for all your prayers??

Daily life...

2008-10-15T15:41:00.004-06:00

Ahhhh, I feel like I am sort of back to regular everyday life now. We have had a very busy couple of weeks planning our anniversary party, and so much thanks to everyone who helped, it went off with out a hitch. Chris and I got to have the partay that we always wanted, and even though we had a small child running around until three o'clock in the morning (THAT was not planned) she was awesome and had fun and we had a blast.

These were our tables, oh so beautiful!

Gracie "helping" Auntie Jamie, really she just wanted to ride on the cart!!

Our family (Gracie is soooo ready for bed)

Then after the party we had all sorts of loose ends to tie up, and bills to pay, and running around to do, then I got sick.......I am feeling better today finally, still have a nasty cough, but on the mend.

So maybe now I can get to my long neglected house work (yuck)

Hubby is gone for the week, starting today. I so can't stand it when he is gone, he is such a help to me and loves spending time with Gracie, that I really do miss him and his help. Time should pass quickly though, and hopefully we can go visit him...

A couple of updates; chewing my nails...I got a gift certificate for my birthday for a professional job on my nails. I will be doing that soon, and that should break my nasty habit. Smoking; I am still a smoker, but hopefully this week I will be trying again to quit. Last time that I failed at quitting I realized that I don't think I can do it on will power alone, so I have purchased the Patch and HOPE that works better for me. I so hate this habit.....And finally the drinking too much pop; well, I am leaving that one for now, and going to concentrate on the more unhealthy one!!!

Poor, poor pitiful me!

2008-10-14T16:35:00.002-06:00

I am sick...sick, sick, sick, sick, sick.

I got sick on Friday (my birthday) which sucked huge as he made a wonderful supper and we had plans to hang out and play games and just be together....but I went to bed.

Then it was Thanksgiving weekend!! Wonderful meals cooked, wonderful meals swallowed....but I couldn't taste them. Even a cheesecake for dessert yesterday....my favorite....nope couldn't taste it.

I was thinking I would be feeling better today...nope...still sick.

And Hubby goes away for a week tomorrow......

WAHHHHHHH!!!

And she does it again!

2008-09-30T15:25:00.001-06:00

As most of you know, I do my big grocery shop with my parents, Grandpa takes Gracie in his cart, and leaves me blissfully alone.

It is always nice because dad always takes us out for lunch when we are all done.

Today was shopping day, Gracie loves her grandpa, she can't get enough of him....

While we were eating our meal, she keeps looking at him.....sorta confused, but keeps her mouth shut.

I was watching her the whole meal, and I knew that something was on her mind.

Then finally she just had to ask as she peers up at his head "Grandpa? Where is your hair?"

Out of the mouth of babes

2008-09-29T12:38:00.001-06:00

Last week I got a view of how honeset kiddies were.

Gracie (pointing to a GIANT zit on my forehead); What's that mama?

Mama; that is a zit honey...a pimple.

Gracie; No its not mama!! That is another nose!!!

I imediatly went to to the bathroon and found some concealer.

Some thoughts of mine.

2008-09-24T21:40:00.002-06:00

I was reading my friend Jamie's blog (http://www.blessedsoandso.blogspot.com) where she discussed the controversial issue of homosexuality...and that sparked a topic that I would like to write about.
I am not going to get into the semantics of weather homosexuality is right or wrong, however for the record I personally do believe homosexuality is biblically wrong. I am not trying to offend, I am just stating what I believe.
What I want to discuss is "Gay rights". Where we live we are given the 'right' to live and believe as we wish. However I do think that in some cases that freedom is denied us. I am proud to be straight, married and a mother...however if I organized a "straight pride day, or parade" I would be branded as someone who is being bigoted, and putting them down. So if that is the case, why is it OK for a "gay pride day" to not offend me? When it would deeply offend a homosexual if I had a "Straight pride day". Is it not what is good for the goose is good for the gander??
Speaking of religious freedoms, along the same lines, is it is very difficult to speak out when you are a believer. I am proud that I have Jesus Christ in my life and my heart, but when a Christian speaks about his beliefs, he is being bigoted against Muslims, Hindu, whatever....but if they are allowed religious freedoms, shouldn't we also?? Christmas is becoming a holiday that is no longer "acceptable" to other religions...and well Christmas is so commercialized now anyways, it has pretty much lost its meaning...but we encourage those of different faiths to celebrate their religious holidays(Ramadan, Hanukkah etc), can they not encourage us to keep ours(Christmas, Easter, etc)?
My rant today, just makes me want more and more to be able to state what I believe in. What would my faith be if I didn't have such strong feelings and beliefs? I don't think that it is right to hate, or judge people for being homosexual or of a different faith, anymore than I think it is right to treat people badly because they are drunks, or drug users, we all do things that are wrong, and to judge others is to place ourselves higher than them, which is also very wrong. We have groups in place that deal with Alcoholics....We have groups in place that deal with Drug use....I don't desire to offend anyone, I really don't, I just am slightly offended that I am not allowed to state my beliefs.
Of course When I mean that I want to have real freedom in stating my beliefs, you do have to understand that Berating, belittling and completely being rude about things is not my intention...I just want to be able to quietly state how I believe.

Bits and Pieces.

2008-09-11T17:32:00.003-06:00

I have been pondering this week what to write in my blog....I am kind of stumped. I want to stay away from everyday happenings, and write about deeper things, but apparantly I ain't too deep this week.

Perhaps it is because wonderful hubby is home this week on holidays. We couldn't really afford to go away, so it has been nice having him around the house pottering around. I have to admit that I am sort of feeling envious of him.....he is on holidays, doing things he likes to do.....playing with Gracie....not at work. He told me that when he was on holidays to think of it like holidays for me too.....sweet of him, but so unrealistic. I of course still have all my regular everyday chores, cooking (which I am NOT enjoying) and don't feel like I am on holidays. I shouldn't complain though, he does make it easier by keeping the little angel out of my hair.

I am looking forward to this evening, the season opener of CSI....I am addicted to that show, I could do with out the excess gore, but I think if I had another life, I would be a CSI, just a glorified Sherlock Holmes!!

I have almost completed my Christmas shopping, that makes me very happy!!

I am reading Gone with the Wind, a little daunting as the book is as big as a two year old child, but good nontheless, it is well written and quite captivating. Scarlette is sure a ___, well!! She is!!

I have just finished reading the Harry potter series, minus the seventh book (no spoilers please!!!) so I am going to start watching the movies again, so that I can have it all refreshed in my mind. I love doing that, reading the book first and then watching the movie.

Well I hope this blog wasn't too mundane, I like to think and learn and be creative, when I read all the other blogs out there, there are so many talented writers, but hey, I need a break from creativity!!

I choose

2008-09-02T21:40:00.003-06:00

It's quiet. It's early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming. In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.

For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I'm free to choose. And so I choose.

I CHOOSE LOVE.....

No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I CHOOSE JOY........

I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical...the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I CHOOSE PEACE......

I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I CHOOSE PATIENCE.......

I will over look the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I CHOOSE KINDNESS......

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone, kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I CHOOSE GOODNESS......

I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.

I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS.....

Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never treat that their "mother" will not come home.

I CHOOSE GENTLENESS....

Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If i make a demand, May it be only of myself.

I CHOOSE SELF-CONTROL..........

I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

Max Lucado
When God Whispers your Name

What are we thinking?

2008-08-28T13:25:00.004-06:00

I have recently learned that I am addicted to something else and that is the Internet. I have been without for 5 days, or longer, and finally got back on this morning!! I have been chaffing at the bit, wondering what emails I had, wondering what was going on in the blogger world, Face book, wow, it makes you realize how much we use the computer in this day and age to keep in touch!!

I have had a fairly eventful time though, last camping trip of the year (in which I saved my dear friend from sure death from a stab wound to the hand!), visiting friends, generally being busy with I am not sure what, and deciding to start trying for another baby....what?? Did I say that?? What are we thinking??????????????????????

Tis a scary time.

Hubby is away from home this week, so I have filled my time up with fun, and some not so fun activities, so I hope and pray that it goes by fast. Did I ever mention that I HATE it when he is gone?

I had an eventful morning, I was supposed to go and visit a friend of mine, but our Internet has been down and this morning was the only time they could come and fix it. So I cancelled that. hum disappointment. When I woke this morning, it felt like it was minus 100 in the house, so off to turn the furnace on...hummm pilot light is out. After a frantic phone call to hubby, he tells me what to do, and I proceed to light everything on fire, and give up in defeat. It turns out, that something is wrong and needs to be fixed. So I have no heat....not that it is THAT cold, but still... As I was setting the house on fire, the Internet man knocked at the door, Gracie was needing help sitting on the potty, and the phone was ringing. I am sure I looked a sight, and he was young and cute, and I am sure my life looked so chaotic!!!

I received the kick a** blogger award from Jamie at http://blessedsoandso.blogspot.com/ Check out her blog, it is so witty and funny, and so real. I am blessed to know her as a true friend, and thank her for the award!

The rules of this award are pretty simple:

• Pick five bloggers that you think are kick a** bloggers

• Let them know they have received an award

• Share the love and link back both to the person that received the award and to http://www.mammadawg.com/2008/08/kick-ass-blogger-award.html

• Hop on back to Kick A** Blogger Club to sign the linky and pass it on – you can also get this at the above link.

So the rules are simple, but I am not going to follow them I am going to pass it on to only one person. A wonderful blogger who is a great pleasure to read:

Carrie @ http:// http://raisingworldchangers.blogspot.com/

Our temple.

2008-08-21T14:08:00.002-06:00

I wanted to share with you something I read last night, that relates to my previous post about quitting doing the things that I don't want to do anymore.

"You will live forever in this body. It will be different, mind you. What is now crooked will be straightened. What is now faulty will be fixed. your body will be different, but you won't have a different body. you will have this one. does that change the view you have of it? I hope so.

God has a high regard for your body. you should as well. Respect it. I did not say worship it. But I did say respect it. It is after all the temple of God. Be careful how you feed it, use it, and maintain it. you wouldn't want anyone trashing your home; God doesn't want anyone trashing his. After all, it is his, isn't it?"
Max Lucado
When Christ comes

Prayer request

2008-08-19T10:33:00.002-06:00

Last night I was sitting on the couch, all comfy, with Josh Groban and Micheal Buble, and I was thinking how important it is for all us mommys to take some time out and just be....to relax, get back in tune with your soul. I was playing around on the computer, so I don't think I was relaxing to the max, that I could and should have been, but it was nice.

A prayer request: At the beginning of the year I made resolutions, now normally I don' tmake reolutions, but I did this time. They were;

1. Stop smoking
2. Quit chewing my nails
3. Quit drinking so much pepsi

Well I succeeded in quitting chewing my nails, and slowing down on pepsi, so I started to quit smoking. Well, pepsi helped my smoking cravings, so that started back up again, and chewing my nails went out the window too. I did manage to quit smoking for 10 days, and I have never felt better in my life....but.....here I am, pop in one nail chewed hand, smoke in the other!!

So I pray that God can give me the strength to do this, I KNOW I can, I just have to tell my brain that. Has anyone gone through similar troubles and have advice??

What I have been doing with my time.

2008-08-14T14:00:00.004-06:00

Well here I am, finally. I have been wanting to blog all week, but have not had the time to just sit down and compose one. I don't have long now, weeds are calling my name, but I will do the best I can.

I have been busy most of the week doing everyday tasks and also planning for our 10th anniversary party.

More background info for you;

When we were married, I was 18 and Chris was 19. We were young. As I have said before my parents were very involved in the church, and so since they were paying for everything, it was all done their way. Now 10 years of watching others get married, and how their days went, I have a lot of regrets about my wedding day. I wish I had stood up for what I wanted. My dear mom made my wedding dress, which I chose, and was Beautiful!! That is about all that went according to my ideals. The church service was an hour long sermon, the pictures were a gong show( although they did turn out nice), the reception was cold cuts for supper, corny games, and a gift opening. Hardly any of our friends could go, because the guest list was full of church folk, whom I don't talk to anymore. My friends that did go, all went out after the supper to celebrate...of course we couldn't go ( I don't begrudge them for going, but I do wish we could have had our first dance together, at our wedding!) I had my own gift opening to attend to. I think the reception ended at 9pm sharp! To top it all of I was dog sick with a cold. Now, it sounds like I am miserable about this, and I am not. My parents did the best that they could with the money that they had and the beliefs that they have. My parents are strictly no drinking, no partying kind of people. So being young, with no cash of my own, and inexperienced, that is what I got.

So my hubby and I said for many years, that we would throw a big party on our 10th anniversary, for those people that have been in our lives throughout the years, and that couldn't be invited to the wedding. Well as we all know, life happens, kids happen, mortgages happen, and we felt that we really couldn't afford to spend the money to have this party.

Well, a couple of months ago, my best friend in the whole world, asked us out for supper. So off we went and walked in the restaurant door, to a scene which I couldn't quite comprehend. The restaurant was filled with Family and Friends. Jamie had got them all together and everyone pitched in, so that we could have this party, and plan it how we wanted. It was the most generous amazing thing!!

So that is what I have been working on, invites, slide show, decorating a hall, etc. I do thank her and all the people that made it possible, but I really didn't realize the work people go to, to have a reception!! Wow, and we aren't going all out either!!

Well the weeds are really screaming now, so off I go to put them out of their misery!

I am blessed!

2008-08-08T21:03:00.003-06:00

I can't tell you all what a blessing all you Christian Mommy's are to me. I have been finding that I have been pretty dry, and not growing too much in the Lord, and have been really wanting that.

Some background history; I went to church all my life, my husband was saved in that church we were married in that church, and my father was an elder there. Well, I won't go into detail, but my folks were asked to leave, basically to make a long story short, they were making a stand for what they believed and the church didn't like it. I have been pretty soured on churches since then and have not been back. I find, as you find everywhere, a church is full of hypocrisy, and to me that is disgusting to be that way about such a reverent and serious thing. Either way, we have been sorta searching for a long time for some where to go to suit our needs. Now that we have a little one, it has really been laid upon our hearts to find somewhere. I keep thinking back to all the Sunday school times I had, and feel she is missing out. We do the best we can at home, but I do think that at times it isn't enough. I was very hurt (I was young and impressionable when it all happened) and swore that I would never go back to church, but I do think the Lord has other Ideas for us. Now if only He would show us one to go to.

Lately in the past few months I have bought a few books, and am learning again. (www.christianbook.com) And man, oh man, what a difference in all walks of my life. Just feeling that God is with you all the time......

I am very blessed to have family and close friends who are all on a walk with God, and now I feel even more blessed to have you other ladies, that I don't even know, but we are all sisters in Christ, and that is very special to me.

Blog Awards!!

2008-08-04T14:15:00.004-06:00

So I don't know if I am a dork or what, but I was so excited when Sara (http://saralifeinwords.blogspot.com/) Passed on a blog award!! It totally made my day, so thank you Sara!!!

Now the rules are;
Once an award is received, the rules are as follows:
1. Put the logo on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.
3. Nominate at least five other blogs (or those you choose).
4. Add links to those blogs on your blog.
5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.

So I am picking one blog. Now this blog that I am picking just so happens to be my best friend in all the world! I am NOT choosing it because of this. I am choosing it because she is a fantastic writer and has such a way with words that it makes it a wonderful pleasure to read. So please meet Jamie;

Step mother trying to raise two little girls with hubby in a small town, balancing family, friends, marriage, work and mothering....... When did all this happen???

http://blessedsoandso.blogspot.com/

I hope you enjoy her blog as much as I do!!

Time for a new roof!

2008-07-31T16:12:00.002-06:00

Well this weekend is a long weekend coming up and the majority of it will be roofing. Well not me roofing, my hubby and some wonderful, wonderful people that are going to pitch in to help. I am not looking forward to the prospect though, as there will be a 2 year old running about and I am not sure how I am going to keep her happy. Keeping her in the house ALL the time is just not going to happen, she is a child of the outdoors and wants to be outside all the time! Which is an awesome thing under normal circumstances, but with nails and shingles flying around, not so awesome. Oh well, I suppose we will just do the best we can.

Speaking of roofing, I have a small annoyance to complain about. I am a fairly organized person, I write lists and make things generally happen fairly smoothly. Well, roofing is not my forte so I have had to give up complete control in this matter. I can already see where my hubby hasn't got everything ready to go, hasn't called to borrow this, or that. I know that it will happen, and it will get done, but I really do believe that I could have helped make things run more smoothly. However, one does not want to ride someones butt, especially when I know nothing about the situation. I guess we shall have to see how it all turns out.

I think this is an issue that I have to work on in every day life too, relinquishing control to circumstance, to my hubby. I tend to have everything figured out for him and Gracie, and maybe I need to not do that quite as much. I would be less stressed as well!! I can just worry about me and my plans and not everyone else's.

Relationships sure do take a lot of work, it is such an ongoing battle. Some days, it is very hard to see the fruits of our labour, but then of course there are other days where having those relationships are such a joy! Thank God for those moments of joy, keeping me motivated!!

My child comes out with the most ridiculous things. Last night as we were going to bed, I asked her to tell me about her day. She told me of grocery shopping with Grandpa (I conveniently go grocery shopping at the same place and on the same day as my folks and Grandpa takes Gracie with him, which leaves me free!!!) and him showing her the fish in Wal-mart.
Then she told of going to McDonalds (guilty as charged) and how her "eyes went" and her "ears went" and her "nose went" and her "knees went" and her "eyebrows went" and her "nipples went".......

Hummm!

2008-07-28T22:11:00.005-06:00

I want to write..

But what do I write? Do I go back to old papers and re look and rewrite them? Or do I start from Scratch?

Kids books? Westerns? Romance? What can I write, and what sells? (not that I expect to be the next big thang!!)

Then what? How does one publish??

Then I have been reading so many well written blogs, which my talents comes no where close to matching, but oh wouldn't that be a great job for a stay at home mom?? Well, one can dream......

Work, work and more work.

2008-07-25T14:08:00.002-06:00

Why is it that as a mom, you feel so many highs and so many lows?? The highs are like a wonderful drug, you feel giddy, your pride in your child as they accomplish new things, are polite, well behaved and general little angels. Oh the other hand the lows can make you feel like not carrying on, if they pee on the floor one more time, you want to run out the door down the street and never come back.

Why is it that marriage and love is such hard work? Don't you think that in the perfect world you shouldn't have to work so hard at love? Shouldn't it just come easily. I figure if someone needs comforting, you should just know how to comfort. If someone needs emotional support, you should just be there for them. Why can't it just work perfectly like that?

I figure that the reasons for these things are that God is keeping you on your toes. If things go well all the time, we become complacent and taking things for granted. If our little angels are perfect all the time, we would, well...... for one be very satisfied moms (haha), but very complacent ones, and eventually not appreciate and value the good sides of our children, and just take it for granted. Still one can wish right?? :)

My wonderful hubby and I are going through some rough times in our relationship right now. You would think after 10 years, all that would be over, and everything would always be hunky dory. I am sure I am not the only one out there, but I find it very difficult to convey my thoughts and feelings to him in such a way that isn't cause for defensivness..or cause for complete confusion. I know that it takes two to Tango, but I am often left with the feeling of the load completely on my shoulders, feeling like if I had only done this better or that better....which I know he doesn't think that. But how does one change that feeling? My lovely mother was a bit of a martyr, well......A lot of a martyr, and I fear for myself falling into that trap. But how does one change ones way of thinking? I get down on my knees and pray for knowlege and help from God, but sometimes it doesn't seem like He is giving me a clear answer.

As for the peeing on the floor, I swear potty training is going to drive me completely mad!!!!

Missing you

2008-07-24T15:05:00.003-06:00

For those of you who don't know, my wonderful hubby has to go away from home every four to six weeks, for a week at a time, for his job. I HATE it. People tell me, whoo hoo, time for a party! But for me it isn't a time to celebrate. I do try my best to think positivly about it, but it is hard. I enjoy having him around, the adult company. When you have a toddler around you all day you get stuck it that toddler mentality, and when hubby comes home from work it pulls you out for a bit. However since I am sad and missing him quite a bit, I thought I would do a positives list and see if that lifts me up a bit.

1. I get the bed to myself
2. I don't have to cook full meals
3. I can go wherever I want without checking first
4. Gracie and I have lots of girl time
5. I have the computer all to myself, don't have to share.
6. I don't have to pick up after him
7. I don't have to clean discusting tupperware
8. I don't have to have anything done before he gets home

I really can't think of anymore at the moment!! It usually goes pretty quick and then he will be home again. I can't wait!!

Pleasantly suprised

2008-07-22T23:07:00.003-06:00

Isn't it wonderful to be pleasantly suprised? This past weekend, as we headed out on our first camping trip with our dear, wonderful, but sometimes willful and tempermental, 2 year old. But there was no melt downs, no real tears. The opposite occured, there was nothing but laughter, and learning and seeing new things. In fact some of the only tears happened when she had to say bye bye to the tent.

She does however have a black eye....she hit the corner of the picnic table, and it didn't look too bad, but today sadly the eye is all puffy and turning color...Poor thing looks like she has been through a war, she has three mosquito bites (which are swollen hugely) and a black eye.

One thing that Gracie did learn was to squeal/shreak. We took her to the Crowsnest river to cool down, and put her little feet in. And she shreaked....and giggled, then shreaked again. When Chris dunked her in, that is when she really found her voice, and loved it. Wanted more....How did she become a real little girl, isn't she still my baby?

To show a toddler all the new things that come with camping is truly a pleasure. It makes you notice the simpler things your self. I don't know when the last time we took so many pictures of flowers and Gracie smelling flowers, and trees, and the sky. What a joy it is to just breathe, and realize what a blessing a simple blade of grass is, a pinecone, oh and what joy!! We get to sleep in a tent!! Teaching her how to roast a marshmellow, or a hot dog, how to blow up the air mattress, how to throw a frisbee, These things we all take for granted, and watching the intense pleasure it gave her was refreshing.

I do really enjoy going down to the Crowsnest pass area, for many reasons. It is beautiful country, the drive down always brings back my longings for the ranch lifestyle. Seeing cowboys riding across the land, ranch houses in the middle of nowhere, makes me think back to my childhood. My father did all that, and it gives me great respect for him. Watching cowboys ride in long sleeved shirts, chaps, in 30 degree weather......I understand now why my dad wears long johns until july!!

Also the pass is so rich in history and tradgidy, the mountain falling, the mines collapsing, fires, the people who live there must truely love and want to perservere there.

Again I suppose I enjoy it too, for all the little things, the interesting trees, the crazy bird that woke us up, the sun setting over the mountains, the smell of pine, the crackle of burning wood, the crisp morning air, the mountain flowers, the fresh breeze, the views, and much more.

We asked Gracie to go in the tent for something, and in her cute little two year old way, she said, "I don't wanna go in the tent, theres a bee in the tent!" (meaning of course a fly)

I do believe that Gracie's favorite things this trip were ; Playing in the dirt with a cup and a spoon, jumping on the air mattress, unzipping the window of the tent when she should have been going to sleep, marshmallows, weilding a really long pointy stick - Again, the joys of being a kid!!

Ahhh, but what bliss to get home, to soak in the tub and wash the grime away. Maybe that is why we didn't realize that Gracie had a black eye, it was covered with dirt!!!

Funnies

2008-07-15T22:39:00.002-06:00

I was perusing the internet and came accross these humourous thoughts, which cracked me up, so I thought I would share.

Toddler property laws

1. If I like it, it is mine
2. If it is in my hand, it is mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it is mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it is mine.
5. If is mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
6. If I am doing or building something, all of the peices are mine.
7. If it looks just like mine, it is mine.
8. If I think it is mine, it is mine.

Another funny to share, Friday was Gracie's birthday and Saturday was Chris's birthday. I was trying to get Gracie to say how old she was...

"honey you are this much, one, two!!"

I get an "ok" from her.

Then I said, "daddy is 29 tomorrow!"

and in the most disbelieving voice

"Noooooo daddy's three!!"

Life with a two year old

2008-07-15T19:00:00.003-06:00

What can I say?? Life with a two year old!! I just can't believe how fast time has gone, wasn't it just a few months ago that I brought her home from the hospital? Wasn't it just yesterday that I was never sleeping at night? Well yes, it was yesterday in fact.

Time is a funny thing, you wish away the hours until the weekend, until your hubby comes home, until nap time, until lunch time, until....until....until. But then you look back and wish for all that time back. There must be a lesson there, that we all need to learn to cherish all the moments, good and bad. What I wouldn't give to sit and watch TV with her fast asleep on me, not daring to move so she didn't wake, grumbling because I wanted to do something else.....now with a 2 year old pushing hugs away, only laying her head on my shoulder when she is tired, I sure wish I had appreciated it fully at the time.

That being said, I do have to look back at those times, and realize that not all of it is lost moments.....just more than it should be. The hard thing is that you learn this from your first child, and I can imagine when you have the second you want to cherish the time, but it is even harder since you have two kids to care for, and the first one demanding your time. I imagine it would be even harder to find those cherished moments.

Hunter

2007-04-23T12:44:00.000-06:00

I dressed Gracie up in her camo and got out the gun to go gopher shooting with her uncle Donny, but he wasn't even home when we arrived, so he missed out!!!!

Questions:

2007-02-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

Questions:

When a baby has an itch.....what do they do?? Who scratches it?? Do they even know what it is? Does it bother them??

To be flat or not to be flat, that is the question!!

2007-02-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

A long time ago, in seemingly another place and time, there were some young girls who would go over to one of their houses during spares and on lunch time breaks to eat her parents ice cream. They always shared right out of the bucket, which to some may seem vulgar, but it was all part of the bonding experience. Now the girl to whose parents the ice cream belonged had and still has some tendancies to be well to put it bluntly Anal. The ice cream when eaten must be left flat, no gouges, not a spoon mark to be seen. Just flat.

Now fast forward into the future, into current space and time. Most have forgotton these trips to eat ice cream and be young high school girls, but not one of those girls...They all grew up and got married and had children of their own and that girl always took that anal tendancy for her own and continued to eat her ice cream, just like her best friend flat.

Now one day as the girl was changing her babies diaper, she opened the tub of diaper cream and gasped in horror as she realized that her husband had defiled the FLAT rule, there was a great finger full missing right out of the middle of the tub. Oh the momentary panic.....and then the shaking of the head as she thought back to those good old days when the silly hang up was passed on to her from her best friend.

At first she said, "oh it is all your fault, I can't believe you made me think like that"....then she thought, "thanks for the memories, thanks for the times that we had together, and thanks for the friendship that we still have so that we can still laugh over the same silly things."

Cool Dude!!!

2007-01-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

2007-01-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

Swimming!!! So cute.

Humor for the day

2007-01-23T22:17:00.000-07:00

How to babyproof:

• Throw away the pennies. Just throw them away.
• Try to decide what to do with the prescription painkillers. Take a few yourself to see if they still work (they do!), then store the rest in the glove compartment of your car.
• What are those things anyway? The ones under the sink? They look dangerous, but you don't even recognize them. Oh! They seem to be "cleaning products"! Get rid of them.
• Use duct tape to attach bubble wrap to bathtub faucet, coffee-table edges, tile floor, and dog's teeth.
• Use duct tape to attach bubble wrap to baby.

"It is not economical to go to bed early to save the candles if the result is twins." - Chinese Proverb

Thoughts on life

2006-12-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

Has anyone ever noticed that often times when someone dies someone is born?? I think the reason for this is to comfort those who have lost. I noticed this as my grandad died recently, now I know that Gracie is five months old, but I believe that my father (it was his father who passed away) needed Gracie to comfort him. My dad has never been much of a hugger or an emotional type and I don't think his family life was very nice growing up, but on the weekend, all he wanted to do was hold and play with Gracie. My heart melted, first I love seeing men with babies, it is such a sweet thing to watch, but your own father.....It is rather amazing.

My grandfather was an odd man...There are many stories about him, one of my favorites is that his father owned the only ford dealership in Northern England and Scotland...When the model T ford came out they decided as a family to sell the business as that contraption would never sell!!! Well, as you can imagine we are out a few million dollars on that one!! Either way, my dad and his siblings were raised by nannys and wet nurses (which explains the lack of showing emotions I think) and Grandad and Granny were never really the Grandparent type...my Granny gave me a lovely rabbit skin purse when she heard that I hated the skins of animals...things like that.

Mom cried when she heard the news, and my dad said, there won't be that many people crying over him.....And that struck me as more horrible than his passing. I want to live my life so that people would cry when I am gone. I don't want people to morn me for ever and ruin their lives over me, but I want to be missed and loved. I can't imagine.

My dad said in passing once that he noticed that family was very important to me, and it sure is. He seemed pleased that I would love him so much and make every one of my family such a big part of my life, but I can't imagine it any other way. That to me is what true unconditional love is. - This goes for all my family, Walkers, McCalls, Woods, Mulligans, Nibogies, Mordens, Leronowiches, and Collinseseses... True family doesn't have to have the exact same blood running through your veins, true family loves unconditionally, and that is how I love my family. Each and everyone of them has their faults, but this goes to prove to me that they are real, and that life is real and you always have to take the good with the bad, and as long as you are loved the same way in return, what part of life could you not get through?

I am so thankful that my families are around me at this time, when I have a sweet little child to raise. She may be spoiled....Well will is a better word, but she will know the meaning of true love, where someone like my father, may not have known that meaning when he was young. Thank God for that!!!

Taking pictures

2006-11-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

Chris and I wanted to have some fancy pictures done of Gracie while she was still little, so I went on the Sears website to see what could be done. Well, I came to the conclusion, after looking at some ideas that they had, some props and backgrounds, that we could do it ourselves. We are both creative folks and so we decided to go ahead and do so. Gracie was so easy to pose, she loved being put in things and being allowed to sit up on her own and to play with the "props" It was so easy to make her smile too...she is such a sweetie.
So the first one we did was with my daisies, and then I had wanted to take pictures in the fall with real leaves, but I guess fake ones will do just as well. Then the final picture is our Christmas one that we will hopefully send out with our cards. I also hope to get a family picture done professionally, and send that out too, but time is running short, hopefully we can get that done too.

+/-

2006-11-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

Positives of your child falling asleep on you for an hour before bedtime - cuddle time, relax time, and just plain nice time!

Negatives of your child falling asleep on you for an hour before bedtime - being up in the morning at 6:30 when you are used to getting up at 8:30!!!

What being a parent means

2006-11-06T22:39:00.000-07:00

You didn't know becoming a parent meant...
• Stacking today's unread newspaper on top of yesterday's unread newspaper.
• Eating dinner like you're trying to break a Guinness world record for the most pasta swallowed in the shortest amount of time. Standing up.
• Letting your partner choose between poop and laundry as a conversation topic.
• Figuring out how to pee without putting the baby down.
• Wearing a bra that looks like something from a 1930s Sears catalogue.
• Spending three hours getting the baby to sleep and then waking him up two minutes later to make sure he's still breathing.
• Forgetting what you were...

Men?? Do they know anything??

2006-11-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

So yesterday was my dad's birthday and they all came over for supper. We had Gracie all dressed up and the dress she was wearing came with those little pant thingys that cover the diaper. She was so cute and sweet. Well at some point in the afternoon I asked my hubby to take her and change her diaper which he did. When he came back he said that he had a problem getting the little pants on, but we thought nothing of it and continued with our evening. It did cross my mind that it was a little odd, since the outfit was a little big for her and the pants were super easy for me to put on, but oh well. Anyways, when I went to change her diaper a couple of hours later, smart hubby had put her poor little waist through a leg hole!!!! It was all askew and tight around her middle, with one leg hanging through a large waist hole!!! Poor thing!!! We had to laugh really hard at the man who can put underwear on properly!!!

A day in the life....

2006-11-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

What is a normal day?? Is there such a thing as a normal day anymore?? Some days are pretty routine and nothing extremely exciting happens, other days you just don't quite know what you are going to get. However, I do not mind this, things that keep you on your toes is usually a good thing.
We have said since day one that our Gracie was advanced, and sure enough she is!! She is just about the cutest thing that you have ever seen (yes yes I am a baised mom!! but who can blame me!!) and if you take a look at the pictures, you will see that she is already reading and walking at just under four months old!
I am hoping that I can write about some of the fun times and some of the trials of being a new mama on this blog, I do have another blog that I have had for years on MSN, but thought maybe I would write on this one occasionally with different outlooks and perspectives, so we shall see how that goes!!!