FaithChick

Thankful Nov 5th and 6th

2011-11-06T09:26:00.001-08:00

I fell a day behind so I'll catch it up today. Hey, these things happen. :)

1. I'm thankful for amazing friends. The ones who know when you need a hug or a really good laugh. The ones you get into mischief with but know your secret is safe with them. The ones who have your back no matter if your right or wrong. The ones you call your sisters cause they are just to important to you to just be a friend. I love my White Snacks!

2. I am so thankful for date nights. We don't get many of them but when we do its so refreshing. I love having him all to myself. I can hug and cuddle him without a stock pile of kids coming in between us asking for their turn. I can give him kisses without the screams of "Oh gross!" We get to talk about adult things and catch up on what's been going on at work and with friends/family etc. It means so much to me to have this time with him. He is truely my best friend and love the moments when I get his full undivided attention, when he reminds me I mean the world to him too.

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Thankful Nov 4th

2011-11-04T07:37:00.001-07:00

I'm blogging what I'm thankful for for the month of November.

Today I'm thankful for my parents. The ones God gave me then the ones God blessed me with when I married my wonderful husband. Both have played a tremendous part in mine and my little families life.

My parents raised me to understand that when you are faithful to God, he will be faithful to you. They raised me to love myself. That other peoples opinion of you just doesn't matter and all that does is that you love yourself. They made me a strong, confident and independent woman. I am who I am because of them. My mom is gone now but I work hard to have her legacy live on in my kids.

Then the parents I'm blessed with. I have truely been blessed. They are two of the greatest people I've ever known. When I was younger they just took me in as though I was always part of the family. I have always been accepted by them and have always felt and known just what I mean to them. They have always been there for us when we needed them and even when we don't. My mother in law has been my supplemental mother since I lost mine 4 years ago. Without her, I don't think I would have been able to deal with it as well as I have. They are incredible grandparents to our babies and that just means the world.

Thank you to all of you for your unconditional love and support that just continues to shine in me and my life and all the lives you come in contact with!

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Thankful Nov 3rd

2011-11-03T07:05:00.001-07:00

I'm a couple days behind. Everyone has been posting on Facebook what they are most thankful for for the month of November. I thought I would challenge myself to blog it for 30 days. I have some catching up to do so here is three.

1. I'm thankful for the most important thing and that's to be saved by grace. Without God number one in my life things would have been so different and I don't think I would have been able to live through other thongs that I did. Plus I would never have known what true unconditional love is.

2. I'm thankful for my husband. He is such an incredible man. He works so hard to take care of family. He is incredibly talented when it comes to wood working. I love the kisses on the forehead that just makes the pains of the day melt away and make me feel so safe and loved.

3. Today I'm thankful for the "I love you mommys". Somedays the word mommy is driving me crazy cause they are wearing it out but at the end of the day, I'm so thankful for the title. When we first decided to have children, we didn't know if it was going to happen or not. We were told to not get our hopes up. I did more than that. I not only believed but I had faith. God showed me I would have children and I believed him! It took 2 years of fertility but we were blessed, then we were blessed 3 more times!! So I am so thankful for all the beautiful I love you mommies I get everyday.

So what are you thankful for?

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Nature Walk

2011-10-10T16:36:00.001-07:00

Our walk home from the bus stop turned into picking beautiful wild flowers and enjoying the gorgeous fall view.

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Life Lessons

2011-07-29T14:59:00.001-07:00

Well, the kids little puppy Sampson died the day before yesterday. We have had him since May when we moved to the farm. He was a Corgie mix that we got from my aunt. He was just about the cutest thing ever. He looked like a miniture size coyote. He had such a sweet little personality. A couple of days before he just started acting not like hisself. He just laid out by the water dish. He would respond to me when I called him but he would not come up to eat. I thought he was just hot and he would eat later when we cooled off. Well he didn't.

After a couple of days like that I had decided he need to go to the vet, but it was to late. Serenity had gone out to check on him. She found him under the house unable to move. She had brought him to the door with such worry in her face and voice. I went out and I could tell it was bad. He would look at you but that was about all the response I could get.

So I went and laid him down in a shady spot and ordered the kids to go play. I knew it would be anytime. My mind was going a hundred miles an hour on hour to handle it, with the dog and the kids. I thought of how I could "put him out of his misery" but I knew I didn't have it in me to do it. I just kept saying to myself "I hate this! I hate this!" I just didn't know what to do so I just kept checking on him until he was gone.

I went and found a box and quickly removed him from sight before the kids noticed me, crying like a baby the whole time. I made it back in the house unnoticed to only meet Serenity wanting to know how Sampson was doing. Crap! I told her he had passed and her response was "I think youre joking." I told her I wasn't and she just lost it. My heart just broke and I cried with her. She cried for hours. Finally I told her if she would just stop crying she could get another puppy. It helped but didn't make things perfect.

These are the life lessons that I wish I could shield them from. I hated watching her heart break and all I wanted to do was make it all go away for her. Sometimes being a parent is just unbelievably hard, and this is just the beginning.

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What can I say?

2011-07-24T13:13:00.001-07:00

I know I said I was going to catch up on my blogs. :) Well, what can I say, I've been a little busy. When I do get some quiet time our down time from chasing kiddos and taking care of the farm, I've been spending it crocheting. It has been a passion of mine since my grandma taught me as a little girl.

Lately I've discovered amigurumi. I first heard about it from @widneywomen but had never really tried it. It looked very complicated and I've never been good at reading a pattern. I'm a hands on learner. I finally got up the nerve to try it and now I am heavily addicted. I believe handmade gifts make the best gifts and these just added to what I could make for my special people.

I also discovered that it feeds my OCD. Dont laugh! I'm serious! I am always counting stuff. Like the orange barrels on the side of the road or the reflective mile markers, just all kinds of stuff. It calms me. Weird I know. Well with amigurumi and crochet you are always counting you stitches. I also read the other day that when you do something repeatedly with your hands it puts your mind in a hypnotic state. Now you can kind of see why I love it so much. It's my escape from reality. It helps me to clear my mind and reboot.

Some of the things I've made lately

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Wordless Wednesday- Big Stick

2011-07-13T10:17:00.001-07:00

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4th of July

2011-07-12T15:45:00.001-07:00

We had a blast for the fourth. It was a full weekend celebration. We started out on friday in Collinsville, Ok at Sarah (Tims sister) and Andy's house. We had pizza there then took a shuttle to the park. Who knew this little town had such a fabulous park! It was amazing. It was a small fireworks show but nice. The kids in front of us had us cracking up. One of them said to the other that the fireworks had to sick if you were color blind. So out of the kindness of their hearts, they proceeded to scream the color of every firework. Afterward we let the kids play in the park while the adults shuttled back to get the cars.
The next night we went to Claremore Lake. It was fabulous. The breeze of the lake kept us cool plus the view is so pretty. Just before the show was to start, the neighborhood across the lake did a show and it was incredible. After they were finished Claremore started theirs. Best show I have ever been to. There were some I had never seen before. We will for sure go back next year.

Finally, for the fourth, we just stayed at the farm and had a cookout. Grilled pork chops, grilled corn on the cob, pasta salad and fresh tomatoes from the grill. My brother Josh and his little family came. The night ended with him and Tim putting on a small fireworks show and letting all the kiddos run around with sparklers. Overall, probably one of the best 4 ths to date.

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Just Lazy

2011-07-12T09:03:00.001-07:00

So I have had so many things that I have wanted to blog about but the fact is I'm just being to lazy. I always replace my blogging time with something else. The weekends are always the hardest because we always have a lot of people out here at the farm. My goal for the next week or so is to catch up on my blogs. We have had so much fun this summer. I want to capture it all for my kids sake. Plus it's just fun.
Another thing, I really need to give my blog a face lift. Right now I blog from my phone cause we are to far out in the sticks to get good internet service. Hopefully soon though. So please bear with me and my eye sore.

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Serenity is 8!

2011-06-06T09:00:00.001-07:00

This post is a little late but I'm getting it done. Serenitys birthday was May 20th. That weekend we did a lot just as a family. We took her to eat BBQ ribs (her favorite) and we rented her favorite movies.

The next day, one of my best girls gave us an inflatable water slide so we put it to the test. It was a success except that our water is well water from a natural spring so that water was ice cold! It took no time for their lips to turn purple. The refused to stop playing on it though. Grandma and grandpa got her a trampoline with the enclosure. She was so excited and loved it! So to warm up from the waterslide, they would go jump on the trampoline and vise versa till dark.

We decided to wait for her birthday party and just combine it with Memorial Day weekend. Two birds, one stone kind of thing. She wanted chocolate cupcakes with rainbow frosting. We compromised for two colors. I think they turned out great. It was a beautiful day and she loved having everyone there to celebrate her.

On another note, it makes me sad. She is 8! She is so tall and sooo much attitude. :) Im just not ready for her to grow up. It's all happening so fast. It just seems like yesterday she was this little baby that wouldn't fit in any of her clothes and had jet black hair that stood straight up. My little baby is growing up.

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Fruits Of Our Labor

2011-05-30T17:51:00.001-07:00

At the beginning of April we built some raised beds for our garden. We have planted tomatoes, bressel sprouts, peppers, squash, etc. My favorite is the herb garden. I have always wanted one and I'm so proud of it. I love going everyday to water and weed and see what new fruit or veggie is starting to form. It just makes you feel good. Kind of like giving birth, but with fruits and vegetables...and no sleepless nights.

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Way To Use The Noggin

2011-05-27T11:59:00.001-07:00

Everyday the kids were begging me to go play outside. Problem was that they would go straight to one of the many mud holes. My laundry has tripled in the last few weeks. If you know me, you know how much I despise laundry. So I've had my thinking cap on trying to think of other things to detract them from the mud.

What will have as much interest as mud? Same texture? Can be molded as well as mud?

PLAY DOUGH!!!

Its been my life saver! They have been out on the porch for hours playing together, no fighting, creating beautiful things. I always swore I would never have play dough in my house. Technically, it's not in the house or will it ever be. Play dough is this mommas new best friend!

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Country Living

2011-05-22T14:27:00.001-07:00

I pretty much grew up in the country. We lived on 160 acres just outside of Cushing, OK. Me and my three brothers spent a number of days just walking through the woods, following the creeks and swimming in the ponds. No problems, no worries. We never thought "Hey there might be a snake in here." or "I wonder if we will get attacked by a wild hog or mountain lion." So why now do I worry about these things now that we are living on a farm again.

For a couple of reasons I guess. One, I'm older and wiser. I KNOW there are big mean things that live in the woods. I have seen thier tracks in the mud. I have seen their pictures on my dads game camera. Do I want to meet them face to face, absolutely not!
Two: It's been a long time. I've become accustomed to the city life. I guess this tom boy will have to say she has gotten a little soft and divaesque. Not as found of the dirt and bugs as I was as a girl.

All in all though. I'm really excited. It is a different way of life but it really takes me back to some wonderful memories of working in the garden with my grandpa. Of going fishing in the ponds and creeks. I love the beauty of nature. My front yard is trees. Lots of gorgeous trees. You dont hear your neighbors mowing their lawns, no traffic from cars or trains, nothing. It is so peaceful here. The kids can go out front and play and I don't have to worry about someone snatching them from the yard. Do you know how freeing that is for me and for them.

I'm also excited for the future. We got a vegetable garden planted and are starting to see some results. We also got a herb garden and I'm so excited. We have planted us an orchard of apples, peaches, plums, and cherries. Soon we will have some chickens, the horses as soon as we get the fence up, maybe even a cow or two. We will be a real farm. I'm excited to learn to be country and most of all for my kids to know how to do it too. I think I can get back to that girl who loved to play in the dirt and didn't mind the bugs so much. I actually think I'm more than half way there.

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Wordless Wendsday-Breaking it Down Davis Style

2011-04-06T14:18:00.001-07:00

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Knowing Me, Knowing You January

2010-01-14T17:29:00.000-08:00

I don't even blog much anymore but I always find the time to do the Knowing you, Knowing me blogs started by the Fairy Blog Mother. They are just that fun and I love reading everyones answers! Link on over and play along.

1. Showers or Baths?

Showers. I would love to take baths but I need to let you know that I have 3 children and one more on the way. If they hear me or see me running a bath they instantly start with the " I want a bath." Then they stand outside the door banging on it crying and yelling "I want to take a bath too mommy." Plus I do need to mention that I am 5'11" so most baths do not fit me comfortably so I just stick with hot showers. Nothing more comforting. Oh and did I mention that my kids hate showers so its a win win in this case.

2. What is your favorite thing for breakfast?

Not really a breakfast person. If I can just sleep through breakfast and go straight to lunch I am much happier. BUT if I had to pick I would have to say my mother-in-laws homemade biscuits and sausage gravy.

3. What is your favorite George Clooney movie?

I am not that big of a fan although I did like him on ER. I know not a movie. I just watched Leatherheads the other day and that was a pretty good movie. I did like him in O Brother Where Art Tho. Probably any of his movies where he is a little goofy and not so serious. I would like to see his new one that is just out too.

4. American Idol starts Tuesday folks, How do you feel about Ellen joining the judges table?

I don't watch. Sorry. I quit after about the third one. Simon just pisses me off that bad. =) I usually just watch through the auditions because they are just that funny and I can only imagine how much better it will be with someone like Ellen there. I think she is hilarious but don't really get how she is relevant for American Idol but who am I to judge. No pun intended.

5. Lets say you got a gift card to Michael's...what would you spend it on?

What wouldn't I spend it on? I guess it would depend on how much it is for. Right now I am crocheting so probably yarn and/or patterns. But I would have to go to the scrapbooking isle. More than likely I would get stuff for my cricket cutter that I love but haven't been able to use for a little while.

Now click on over to the Fairy Blog Mother and play along!

Knowing Me, Knowing you December

2009-12-13T20:26:00.000-08:00

I totally missed the November addition. I love doing these and cant believe I missed it! Always skip on over and check out The Fairy Blog Mother who created the monthly interview process and play along. Its so much fun!

1. Are you an egg nog fan?

No way! I try it every year because it looks so good but I gag on it every time. I don't know what it is about it but I just cant acquire the taste.

2. What is your favorite at Christmas treat?

I cant think of a at Christmas treat but my favorite seasonal treat is the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks! It is my all time favorite and just makes it that time of year...know what I mean. The smell, the taste, everything about it.

3. How is your tree decorated? A theme like red and gold? Or does it have a more eclectic slant?

I would for sure say it is eclectic. I put up my moms tree this year. Since she has passed away I take over the Christmas tradition of early Christmas morning with my brothers and their families. They come early and I make a huge breakfast with all the trimmings. She had a tree of all the ornaments that we made when we were in school, from family outings and then grand-babies came along and the ones that they have made are on there too. She even bought the stuff one year for them to make ornaments together so the handmade ones are on there. This tree is more valuable to me than gold. It is for sure not my style but it makes me feel so close to her with her not being here. My brothers appreciate it too!

4. What is your favorite Christmas movie?

I don't really have a favorite. We usually just watch which ever one we come across on TV. I do like the ones with Tim Alan. I forget the names of them right now. Plus you have to watch the Charlie Brown seasonal ones too. We have been watching those since I was a kid.

5. New PJ's on Christmas Eve?

We usually always have new jammies for Christmas Eve. Usually just because I was able to find them for a really good deal on Black Friday. I did not go this year due to blood pressure issues and being preggo so I need to go and find the kiddos some for Christmas. Oh Man one year I was able to find footy PJ's for Tim (the hubby). It was so great! I need to mention that he is 6'2". It was just about the funniest thing. What makes it even better is that he asked for them. I wonder that happened to those.

Knowing Me, Knowing you October

2009-10-10T18:39:00.001-07:00

I have missed a couple of these being sick and all growing a baby but am glad that I am better enough to join in in October. This is a really fun interview started by my friend The Fairy Blog Mother to help everyone get to know each other better. It is a lot of fun and I encourage everyone to join in.

1. Crunchy Peanut Butter or smooth?

Depends I love crunchy peanut butter on pancakes but have to have smooth on a sandwich. Peanut butter and syrup with crackers is a house hold snack around here. And I am with The Fairy Blog Mother, it has to be Jiff.

2.Do you do any volunteer work?

The only volunteer work I do on a regular basis is volunteer with the four year olds at our church. I love it and the kids love us. I do this with my hubby. I have not been able to do it lately because of morning sickness and I miss them as if they are my own kids.

I do other stuff as a needed basis. If people need me they call me.

3.What is your favorite cold weather drink?

Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. I know that Fall has arrived and Winter is just around the corner when they start serving them here. Just the smell of them says fall to me. I love them.

4.What is your favorite holiday?

Valentines Day! I love the pinks and reds and how everyone just walks around on that day with their head in the clouds. I love seeing all the men at the mall and Wal-Mart freaking out doing last minute shopping because they forgot. It is just a loved filled day. My girlfriends say I'm a hopeless romantic. You think?

5. Okay quick-you got to hop a plane right now, to anywhere with anyone-where do you go and with who?

I would go to Paris with my hubby to kiss under the Eiffel Tower at sunset. (My dream and please see last question above.) =)

I have some news....

2009-08-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

So of course I have not blogged in forever. So much has been going on and I hope to catch everyone up soon. For now I have news for all my blogging buddies.

We are having another baby!!!

Number 4. I know I could not believe it for a while either. Our due date is February 16, 2010. Who knows it could be a Valentine baby. Triston's birthday is February 11 so more likely he is going to be sharing a birthday. Did I mention Valentines Day is my favorite holiday?

How have I been? Sick! When I say sick that is a total under statement. I have spent many a day in bed or in the bathroom floor. I was hoping being number 4 that it would not be that bad. Although I am kind of hoping that since I have been so sick that it means that it is a girl. I have heard that women get more sick when it is a girl. Which from past pregnancies, I did get way more sick with Serenity with I did with both boys. I would love to have another girl. I guess we will find out in just a few more weeks what we will be having and I will truly be happy with either one.

Are we done? Oh yes we are done. I am signing the papers to get my tubes tied and Mr Husband is making his appointment as well. I do want him to wait until we know everything is okay with the baby. Probably during my 6 week recovery time. Although I don't know if I could handle two babies because men are babies when it comes to being sick or in pain. Know what I mean? We are done, we are done, oh yes we are done!!

Thankful Thursday- Mommy going CRAZY edition

2009-06-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for my kids...I am thankful for my kids...I am thankful for my kids!

After the week I have had with the three little joys in my life they are very lucky to still be alive. But aside from it all I am very thankful to have them. (Especially when they are sleeping)

What I miss most about being a kid...

2009-06-24T14:43:00.001-07:00

So today I noticed that my kids are getting really dark and tan from playing outside in the sun. It reminded me of when I was young and NEVER got a sunburn. I could play outside all day and be just fine. Now I go outside for just 20 minutes and I have to rub myself down with aloe for three days. Then comes the peeling. I hate that!

Second thing I miss about being a kid is the naps in the middle of the day. Some days I would give my right arm to just be able to take a 10 minute nap. Even if I do find the time to get a nap, my mind is usually going a hundred different places that I can't rest. Know what I mean.

Third thing is energy. I swear my kids don't ever walk. They run everywhere and in three different directions. We could be at the park for 5 hours and then they would still want to play in the back yard when we get home. They never stop talking and asking questions. At times I think they are going to crash any minute and then the next thing I know they get a second wind. They beat me by a thousand miles.

Fourth thing is peace of mind. They only have to worry about mommy and daddy taking care of them. No worries of bills being paid, going to work, what they will get for dinner. They only know that mommy and daddy are going to take care of them. My kids are young enough that they don't know what is involved in taking care of their stinky little butts. They think when mommy says that she does not have the money for what ever crazy little thing they want, that all she needs to do is go to bank and get some. I remember those days. I remember telling my mom when she would tell me that she did not have any money to just write a check.

Of course there are many, many other things that I miss about being a kid. There is of course many things I love about being an adult too (like Margaritas!) but today I miss not being able to sit outside for 10 minutes and be as dark as it would take me sitting 2 months in a tanning bed. That's all I am saying. =)

Knowing Me, Knowing You June

2009-06-17T08:55:00.000-07:00

Wow I almost missed this one. Tales from the Fairy Blog Mother started this interview section to get to know each other better. I really love playing along. I have been so busy with work and kids being out of school that I have had no time for myself to do any blogging. Today is an at home day and I have been trying to get caught up on everyone blogs. I missed reading what is going on with everyone.

1. Do you have any pets?

Well kind of. We now have a new adorable little beagle puppy but she is only 2 weeks old and cant come home with us yet. I took the kids over yesterday so that they could pick which one they wanted. Her name is Sophia but more than likely we will call her Sophie which was my name in my high school french class. =) Doesn't that just sound like a cute beagle name?

2. What is your favorite dessert?

I am not really a sweet person. I really prefer more savory dishes. Although I am a sucker for a good brownie. I will never turn one down and can eat a whole pan in one sitting. I am embarrassed to admit to that one.

3. For my fellow blogger out there - are you a stats checker?

No not really. I was so excited when I got blogger but I don't really check stats. Really I don't even know how to do it. I use to when I had my Multiply blog but not since then.

4. Do you have a gaming system?

We have a PS3. I hate that game . All it does is take my husband time away. Him and my step day zone into another world when playing that thing. I have looked for games that I would be interested in to play on it or even kid friendly games but there really isn't any. I would be happy if it was gone.

5. What is your beverage of choice?

Well being a southern girl, of course it would be sweet tea. Nothing is more refreshing that a tall glass of sweet tea on a hot day. Instantly cools me down. Does make me have to run to the bathroom a lot though.

Sooo much has happened

2009-05-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

So much has happened to keep me away from blogging. My beautiful daughter, who was suppose to help me by taking the laptop downstairs for me to her grandfather, decided instead to slide it down the stairs and when it hit the bottom it broke the power adapter. I had to order a new one. It would not be received for three days!!! I use this for work and it had everything on it. So after I finally got it back I was so far behind that I am just now getting caught up. I then talked my dad into buying a rebuilt comp for the office so that I did not have to take my laptop back and forth any more. It has been a relief and a lot less back ache in the mornings trying to load up all my bags and 3 kids.

My 10 year class reunion was this weekend. I immediately went to the cash bar and got a drink. I was so nervous. I really don't know why. It wasn't like I did not know these people. Tim (hubby) was great. He just walked around and mingled with everyone that we use to hang with back in the day and caught up with everyone. I really do need to say that he did not graduate with me. He is four years older. That's what makes that so crazy. But that could also be why he was so much more relaxed than me. It was really great seeing everyone. Everyone looked pretty much the same plus or minus a few pounds here or there but really there was not anyone that I had to really think to remember. I had a great time! I am so smart but I was so nervous that I did not think to take any pictures until it was all over. Sorry!!

I will be following up soon. I know I got some great awards while I have been on blogging vacation. I really want to share those with everyone and the great people that shared then with me. Plus I have not got to read any blogs either and miss what has been going on with everyone. So know that I will be checking back with you soon and thanks for sticking in there with me!

Knowing me, Knowing You May

2009-05-07T15:27:00.000-07:00

Wow is it May already! That really snuck up on me. I have not blogged in forever due to weather and falling really behind at work. What a better way to make a come back then with another rendition of Knowing Me, Knowing You started by The Fairy Blog Mother. Play along if you would like on your blog or in the comment section here. It really is a great way to get to know each other.

1. Do you and your significant other go to bed at the same time?

Most of the time yes when the stupid Playstation does not get in the way. Usually on the weekends he gets carried away playing the game and will stay up all night.

2. Do you have any siblings?

I am the oldest of four and the only girl. I have some step siblings but don't really know them since both my parents separated when I was older and married off.

3. Your spending an evening with friends--would you rather cook for them in your home or go out to a restaurant.

Well I would have to say both. Most of time we end up going out to get away from hubbies, kids and responsibilities. Every once in a while I host a dinner at my house because I love for our kids to play and all of us couples to get together and hang out. Plus they always compliment my cooking when they come so I really do it around PMS time when I need a lot of love. J/K...kind of. =)

4. What's your can't miss TV show?

Oooo that is a hard one. I have several. I would just have to say Thursdays on channel 8. If I had to pick one it would probably have to be Greys Anatomy. My husband calls it my porn. Never the less I love it!

5. Are you doing any spring cleaning?

I would have to say yes. This time of year is when I put up all the winter stuff and get out all the spring and summer stuff. Plus we have birthdays back to back right now also so we get rid of all the toys that they do not play with any more. I have been a cleaning fool all week. I have been in a purging mood so I have been taking full advantage of it. Still have a long way to go though.

Thankful Thursdays

2009-04-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

It has been said that listing what we are thankful for increases our happiness by 25%. Why would you not? Here is what I am thankful for today!

1. I am thankful for Children's Tylenol. Serenity has a had a terrible cough and fever this week. Nothing breaks my heart more than when one of my kids are sick. The little whimper voice, sunken eyes, just laying around and doing nothing. A dose of Tylenol did not make things perfect but would sure help with the crying and fever. I am thankful that she could go to school today.

2. I am soooo thankful for my Aunt. She is babysitting for me again this season. Tim does not want our kids in daycare for his reasons and I agree with him. Thanks to her I get to do a job that I love and know that they are more than well taken care of. The best thing is that they LOVE her because she feeds them junk but at least they do not cry when I leave (which breaks my heart) Plus she is just down the street from where I am working.

3. I am thankful for my step dad being much stronger than I. My mom passed away 2 years ago in July. I have been putting off getting her a tombstone just because it was so hard. Not just that but it made it all final. I was not ready to let go. I could plan the funeral and everything else. I just could not do this. John stepped and could see how hard this was for me. He did it...secretly. That kind of made me mad at first but now I am just relieved. I got up enough strength in me today to go and see it. It is very beautiful and looks like something that she would have picked out herself. Thank you John.

4. I am thankful for the crock pot. This time of year I just don't have any time. Everyone beats me home. Since the adults that beat me home are male they just sit and wait for me to come home to eat anything. You think that some trigger would go off sometimes that says "Hey, I am hungry. I think I will start dinner before Mandy gets home." Nope doesn't work that way. With the crock pot I can put dinner on before I leave the house, turn it on and voila! They have dinner when they get home before I do.

5. I am thankful for friends. All friends; blogging friends, church friends, family friends, etc. They make life so much softer because life is HARD! It is so nice to always to have people to go when you need advice, just need to have fun or when you need a hard belly laugh. Or even when you need someone to be there with chocolate ice cream while you spill your guts about how you are going to cut your husband in his sleep. (not really but sure feel like it sometimes =p ) Everyone should have friends. If you don't have any let me know. I think I am a pretty good one. =)

Wordless Wednesday - Stud Muffin

2009-04-15T20:06:00.001-07:00

8 things tag

2009-04-14T19:35:00.001-07:00

So I read a blog ( Don't Bug me, I'm Blogging) and then I got tagged. What a fun way to get to know each other.

8 things I am looking forward to:

1. My 10 year class reunion in May
2. My 10 year wedding anniversary in November
3. My best friends 32nd birthday party on Friday. BYOB ;)
4. That the kids are now all old enough to go camping
5. Warm days and nights
6. Getting to go boating
7. Seeing all the plants and flowers bloom
8. School being out for the summer so I can sleep a longer

8 things I did yesterday

1. pulled out all my hair due to kids. (not really but sure felt like it)
2. Worked
3. Ordered Pizza for dinner
4. Chased a little mouse that has decided to move into my closet
5. Beat my kids (not really but sure felt like it)
6. Did some laundry
7. Did taxes
8. Answered my many many phone calls

8 things I wish I could do

1. Speak Spanish
2. Sew. I would love to make Reni pretty little dresses
3. Fly
4. Many many things at once
5. cook like they do on food network
6. Decorate beautiful cakes
7. Run a marathon
8. Well really just run

8 shows I watch on Tv

1. Greys
2. ER (and now its gone. boo hoo)
3. Desperate Housewives
4. Medium
5. Food Network Challenge
6. Iron Chef America
7. The Real Housewives of every place
8. Brothers and Sisters

8 People I tag

1. WidneyWoman
2. Tales of the Fairy Blog Mother
3. Lit and Laundry
4. Obnoxious SAHM
5. Crazy thing called Mother Hood
6. Any One who reads this
7. The polka Dot Daisy
8. Thoughts on Everything and nothing

Sorry this list is kind of numbing. I am so tired that I really just cant think or make since really.
Go ahead and play along. Maybe your list will be way better.

Small act of Kindness

2009-04-14T09:55:00.001-07:00

I don't have much time but I have to tell you what happened to me just a little bit ago. This is a God's honest to truth story.

I was in Quik Trip in Broken Arrow with all three kids getting them some donuts and chocolate milk before taking them to my aunts for the day while I went to work. When we got what we needed we went back to the car. While we were sitting there putting straws in milk and opening up the cups of donut holes Reni was smiling and waving back and forth with the lady in the car next to us. Reni told me "Mommy that lady smiled at me." I told her she should smile back because that would be nice of her. After just a bit I look up in my mirror and I see the lady (who was a small and very cute oriental lady in her early to mid 30's I believe. It is hard to tell age with them) coming around the back side of my truck. I rolled down my window and this is what she said. Hold your boots and have tissue.

She told me that she did not want to offend me but that she could not have any children and that my children were so well behaved and just so cute. She handed me a $100 bill and asked if I could take this get them some toys for her. WHAT?!!!! I know!! I was totally in shock and did not know what to say. I told her "You don't have to do this." But she kept telling me that she was not able to have children and that she just wanted to do this for them. I did not know what to do so I just told her thank you and took the money and told her that I would.

When I was leaving I was still so shocked and did not know what to think. I just kept thinking that I needed to donate the money to charity or something because believe me when I tell you that my children are not without lots and lots of toys. But I thought I told her that I would do this for her so I will. But what I will do is pay it forward. I will bless someone else with such kind words and with just as great a blessing as that. You know as a mother how great it feels to be told how wonderful your kids are. I am not ashamed to take the credit for that. I have the grey hairs to prove it.

I just had to share this story. Just when you start to lose hope in the people around you someone goes and does something so selfless. How amazing is that!

ZzzzzZzzzzZzzzz! Huh!? What!? Did someone say something?

2009-04-09T18:11:00.000-07:00

Funny title I know but it is so true. I am dead tired. Remember me saying that I had the IUD taking out. When mother nature came to visit and stayed for a very long time and was very heavy. It was a reaction to taking it out, says the Dr. "You should be back to normal in no time." says the male Dr. Well it finally stopped but now I am anemic and having to take some iron. I have always been border line anemic since I was a little girl. I use to pass out all the time.

So needless to say, I am drained. I am behind on everything. I tried to take the day off yesterday to rest and re-energize. Yeah right! My phone just kept blowing up and over the most stupid stuff. Why do men act so incompetent when you are out of the office? I don't get it. My blog has really payed the price. I have a lot of reading to do and have to posts that need to be posted. Being Easter weekend that probably wont happen till next week. Just know that I love you all and I hope to back to normal soon. Prayers appreciated!

Knowing Me, Knowing You April

2009-04-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

It is time again for the monthly interview by The Fairy Blog Mother. I love doing these. She comes up with such great questions! So link over and join in.

1. Who does the grocery shopping in your family?

Um that would be me. Tim hates to go shopping so he always volunteers to stay home with the kids. He does not like the stress of fighting our way down our local Wal-Mart on the weekend. It makes him very cranky so I don't mind him staying home. I usually go on Sunday evenings so that I can get ready and prepped for the week. I take one kid with me. They get to take turns but the other always cries when we leave. I have to admit I like when Reni goes the best right now because she helps me with my list. Plus it helps her with her reading. Plus if you are a family on a budget check out http://www.e-mealz.com/. They plan out your menu and make you a grocery list. Sorry I went way off subject.

2. Are you watching American Idol? If so, who are you picking to win it?

I use to when it first came out but I don't anymore. I never agree with what they have to say or with who usually gets to win. Plus Simon pisses me off soooo bad I just want to punch him in the face a lot of the time! (deep breathe) I guess for me it has just gotten old. I do however love to watch during audition week. Best laughs ever.

3. What is your favorite type of fruit?

I would have to say strawberries. Pineapple makes a close second. I really like kiwi too but I always forget about it when I go to the store. When it see it in fruit cups or something I always love to pick it out. Yummy.

4. Are you a night owl or a morning person?

I have always thought of myself as a morning person but since kids it has really been the latter. I stay up later just for the peace and quit that I don't get any other time of the day. It lets me regroup and get organized for the next day. BUT since I stay up late it makes it hard to get up the next morning. I love Friday nights. I stay up late and watch movies and then I get to sleep late the next morning. I look forward to it every week.

5. Speaking of bed--when you're sleeping do you have your socks on or do you take them off?

It just depends. Most of time I have them on. I am always border line anemic and have been since I was a girl so I am always freezing. I sleep better with socks on. However, when my Aunt Flow comes to visit during that special time of month I can not stand to have socks on. Even clothes touching my skin irritate me. I do wear clothes to bed though. =) Okay way to much info.

Wordless Wednesday- When kids get your camera

2009-04-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2009-03-31T20:14:00.000-07:00

Stacey's Thoughts on Everything and Nothing has an addition called Random Tuesday Thoughts. After the day that I had today that is all I have...random thoughts. I also thought it would be a way to check in with out a lot of words. I just hope that is makes since. =)

Today I hate my truck. Stupid thing was broke into a few months ago and not it needs a new ignition switch. It left me stranded for about two hours today at QT (gas station). Well my dad too who told me he would be right back to get me but HE LIED! He went on about his business and then sent my brother. We still could not get it to start so I had to ride with the guys to plant trees. Yeah that's right I had to plant trees. 20 to be exact. My arms hurt. I am the office manager. I hire the guys that plant trees. Anyway I counted it as my work out for the day and did not go to the gym. Does that count?

I had to go to the lady Dr yesterday because I have been having some girls problems. I had a IUD put in after my third child because my husband is being a wiener and wont go get it taken care of. Well turns out I had to have it taken out. So now I have to worry about that. Then my Dr says "Hey while you are here you are due for your annual. Lets take care of that while you are here." Sure, why the heck not. I love getting paps. They are most favorite thing in the whole world. It takes me time, you know like months to prepare for the annual. To have it sprung on me like that really messed me up. You know.

Did I mention I have a great husband? I need to. Even after I was so horrible with my bad attitude to everyone, I asked him to cook dinner and he did it without a single are you crazy face. He made spaghetti and it was wonderful. He always makes great spaghetti. I love him so much for doing that. It took a whole other step out of my evening that I was so dreading. It really brought me back to the sane world. Isn't amazing how such a simple act of kindness can turn your whole attitude around. I think I will carry that with me in everything I do. I will try anyway. At least until that stupid truck decides it doesn't want to start for me but will do it for Tim making me look like a totally incompetent person. Arrrgghh!

Thanksful Thursday- Randomness

2009-03-26T08:35:00.001-07:00

It is said by listing what you are thankful can increase your happiness by 25%. Why would you not do it? Here is what I am most thankful for today.

1. Peanut Butter: When I do not feel like cooking or it the kids are begging for a snack peanut butter is always there. They are always in the mood for peanut butter and it is good for their growing little bodies too.

2. I am thankful for central heat and air. In Oklahoma you need it. One day is in the 90s and then like today out of no where it is 50 outside. I love just being able to flip the switch to cool and heat and get just what I need. Love it!

3. I am thankful for my blogging sisters. It makes me feel so good when you guys check in and leave me your comments and give me your advice. It helps me to feel like I am not alone in this crazy world called motherhood. That is support that is hard to find. I am thankful for everyone of you.

4. I am most thankful for my faith. It is what keeps me grounded and sane. Otherwise, I think I would be a serial killer because people really piss me off sometimes. This is a crazy world we live in and people do some really crazy things. I have to remind myself everyday 'Do as Christ does'. Everyday He blesses my life. For Him I am so thankful for what he has done for me.

5. I am thankful for baby boy hugs. Don't get me wrong I love my little girl hugs too but there is something about baby boy hugs. Baby boys love their mommies in a totally different way than little girls. It sets me on fire on the inside when they come up to me and out their arms out for a big hug. I love it most when they squeeze me and hug me real tight. Makes me feel like the most special mommy in the whole world. It really makes everything bad in the world go away and all that is left is puppies and rainbows. Okay maybe I am exaggerating a little but not by much. =)

What are you thankful for? Make a list. It really does help. Be Blessed!

Wordless Wednesday- Peace

2009-03-25T09:58:00.001-07:00

Spring Break Fun

2009-03-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy with work this week that I have not really gotten to spend any time with Serenity. So I took Thursday off and we went to the zoo. On the way I was thinking that taking three kids to the zoo by myself really did not sound that fun so I called my friend Sam and asked if she and her two would like to join us. It was a great day. It was about 65 degrees and just cloudy enough to make it a perfect day for the zoo. We had a great time. All the animals were out and active. I got some great pictures. They are starting to do a lot of renovations and really jazzing it all up. We ran out of time when my dad called me on my day off and could not find some paper work, soooo we had to leave and take it to him. Day off huh? I can't wait to go back.

Funny Moments

2009-03-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

On the way home today Reni asked us if it was 6 more weeks till winter. We replied by telling her no it was 6 more weeks till Spring. She then did her usuall cross of the arms and puckered lips. Then she said in a hateful little voice "I hate Spring. I like Winter."

So then me and her dad proceeded to tell her all the reasons we like Spring more.

"We get to go to the park. We get to go to the sprinkler park. We get to wear sundresses and sandals. AND we get to get our toes painted!" (she loves to go with me to get our toes painted)

Tim then said to Triston, "That's all right bubby, me and you will go and play in the mud."

Triston freaked out. He started screaming no and crying. He wanted to go with me and Reni and get his toe nails painted. LOL!!! He would not quit screaming until I told him that he did not have to play in the mud if he did not want to. He then stopped his fit and let a sign of relief. Me and Tim were laughing so hard.

I guess that is what you get when you have a girl first.

25 Random Things About Me

2009-03-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

Like many of you I have been tagged a million times with 25 Random Things About Me on Facebook. I have seen a lot of you blog about it and thought I would do the same. Why not? I have learned a little more about you so here is a little bit more about me.

1. I am in love with Patric Swayze. I would still leave my husband today if Swayze showed up on my door step. My hubby knows all about it and gives me a hard time but is a great sport.

2. I love to scrapbook and make my own cards. Although since I have small children I do not get to do it much these days. I love to send homemade cards though. It just makes it that much more special.

3. I am not a natural blonde. Shhhhh! Don't tell!

4. I am a landscaper. Yep a woman in a mans world and I get treated like it too. When people find out that a girl is coming to look at their yards they always ask, "Oh, your coming? Will anybody be coming with you?" No they will not. I can do just fine by myself.

5. Although I am a landscaper I can not keep plants alive. I guess I should say I choose not to keep plants alive. I walk by them knowing they need water yet I always say to myself "Man I need to water that." It always ends up being to late when I get to it.

6. I have been married to husband since I was 19 years old and new I was in love with him from the first kiss. I felt it in my toes. That told me he was the one. Now it will be 10 years this November. Wow time has flown by.

7. I would do anything to just Paris. I french in high school because I was going to go someday. That day has not come yet but I think it would make a good 10 year anniversary trip don't you.

8. My favorite color is purple. It is a little of my girly side although I lean a little more towards tom boy.

9. I am the oldest of four. Only girl, three brothers who are still scared to get in fight with me even though they tower over me. They know!

10. I am the mother of three. Everyone keeps telling me I need one more but I will seriously have a break down. I am not even joking.

11. Chocolate. Do I really need to say anymore?

12. I lost my mother July of 2007. I still feel like a piece of my heart is dead and that I will never recover from it. I miss my best friend.

13. All of my kids have my hair color and my eyes, except Eli has blue eyes. But everyone of them look like Tim. Yet he has dark brown hair and eyes. Funny huh?

14. I have the best mother-in-law. She knows everything and can do everything. She also has a gadget for everything. I am amazed by her all the time. She is what I want to be when I grow up.

15. I played soccer for 15 years. Boy to my knees feel it too. I always know when it is about to rain because my knees start to hurt.

16. I hate to mate socks. Just about nothing more that I spite. I have a sock basket. If you need a pair of socks then you so mate you some in the basket. Or if you are my hubby as long as they are the same length that is good enough.

17. I can write with both my left and right hand. They say that people that can do this think with both sides of their brain. In my case my dad was left handed so I was taught to do it with my left hand. I write mainly right handed but I golf left handed, I kick left footed, I do quit a bit lefty.

18. I can blink one eye at a time. My fam make fun of me for this. I don't even know when I do it. Tim calls me a frog and makes fun of me all the time.

19. I use to model when I was a pre-teen. I really enjoyed but did not realize how much work it was. It taught me a lot though, like how to apply make up and helped me to be a lot more outgoing.

20. I am a loud mouth. I do not realize it but when you are the oldest of four you grow up talking loud just to be heard. I don't realize that I am being loud till Tim shushes me.

21. I am married to the most wonderful and handsome man ever. He has been my side through the really hard times and even though we are so different we are so much alike. He is THE best friend.

22. I love to buy pretty jewelry but never wear it. I try but like I said I am a tom boy so I do not feel comfortable in it. I have a great collection though for my girl friends to borrow all the time.

23. I hate to drive. I don't really know why but I hate it.

24. Although I hate to drive I love road trips. I can't wait to see more of the US. There is so much you can see while traveling by car that you don't see when you fly.

25. I love my God with all my heart. If it was not for him I would not be the happy person that I am today. I owe my life to him. I thank him everyday for my husband, my children and my life that I have been so graciously blessed with....and it gets better everyday!

My First One Ever

2009-03-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

Now I feel like one of the blogging community. I have never gotten an award before. It makes me feel so loved especially with it being for good gratitude and attitude. Which is so ironic because if you know me before I had the wrong kind of attitude. My brothers still refer to me as the bitch. I don't choose to look at it like that. Just because I do not let people walk on me and always speak my mind doesn't make me a bitch. I can still be giving of myself and of my time without being taken advantage of. I am a die hard friend. No one and I mean no one messes with my friends. I don't even need to know why as long as you need me to. Any who I have just went on a little rant haven't I.

Thank you so much to the It's A Beauty Filled Life for my wonderful new award.
Here's how you pass the wealth

The Rules:
1) Put the Lemonade Award logo on your blog or post
2) Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude or gratitude
3) Link to your nominees within your post
4) Let the nominees know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog
5) Share the love and link to the person from who you received your award

I almost forgot... I need to make my list

1. WIDNEYWOMAN

2.The Obnoxious SAHM

3.Dont Bug Me...Im Blogging

4.Lit and Laundry

5.Married for Keeps

6.Scary Mommy

7.Thoughts on Everything and Nothing

8.Tales from the Fairy Blog Mother

9.She Can't Even Cook

Sorry that is all I have. I am new here rememeber. Have fun!

Where am I?

2009-03-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

So just in case you have wondered where I have been, work. This time of year is crazy for me! I run like you would not believe and my blog pays the price. I always have good intentions. I take lots of pictures for posts but the posts never get written. I had a great one for Wordless Wednesday but now it will have to wait till next week. I got pictures of everything blooming and was going to blog about spring and wouldn't you know it... it snowed today!!! Crazy Oklahoma weather. I am still reading all your blogs and following along but by the time I get there I am to tired to post.

Totally brain dead! Cant think of one thing. Know what I mean.

I will still be around. Just a little slower these days. Help me out by asking some questions. Lets start with a get to know me section of the blog. Maybe this can help me come out of my funk. Nothing off limits, ask anything! ;0p

I Really Miss Her

2009-03-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

I came across this picture when I was on my old Multiply site today. I found a bunch of pictures on there that I had forgotten about and was copying them off. This is a picture of my mom pushing Reni in a small wagon on Hilton Head Island Beach. This was the last trip that we took together. Me and Tim were up there for two weeks trying out a potential job opportunity. My mom was on vacation the second week that we were going to be there so her and my step dad drove up and brought Serenity with them. Triston was only 6 months old so my aunt kept him because we did not think he would make the drive. This was a big decision for us to make and I could not make it with out her so I wanted her to come so she could give me her opinion. Of course she said not to do it. We are very close and big family. We all live with in 10 minutes of each other and get together all the time. Well, we did when she was alive.

Coming across this picture brings back that day so vividly. How I wish I would have been more in that moment. I am so glad that I had that time with her. We celebrated her birthday while we were there. I remember her ordering a drink when we took her out to dinner. I never saw my mom drink. I was totally shocked. I miss her. I really really miss her.

Friday High Five

2009-03-06T18:49:00.001-08:00

I have been reading a new blog called This Crazy Thing Called Motherhood and she has recently stumbled along a blog that has you make a list of your 5 favorite things. It can be anything from your 5 most favorite people (or most hated), 5 things you would do if it were the end of the world, etc. You get the idea. Her list was great so I think I will play along.

Five Things I Would If I Could Get Five Minutes Alone.

1. Go to the bathroom. Yep, not very creative but I would love to go to the bathroom without a knock at the door asking me what I am doing in there. Then come the little fingers under the door. Shortly followed by a screaming fit because I will not open the door so he can come in.

2. Take a cat nap. With three kids who like to go to bed late and get up early, I am always in need of a nap. Usually all I need is five minutes to just close my eyes and re-energize. Then I'm good to go again.

3. Take a shower. I love hot hot showers. They are so relaxing. Well, as soon as the little rats hear the water come on they all come running in the room butt naked. All screaming and jumping up down "I want a shower! I want a shower!" Unfortunately they do not like hot hot showers.

4. I would sit and stare into no where. If you are a mom then you know what I am talking about. Just sit.....and stare. Like you have a illness or something. I guess in a way we do. It's called motherhood.

5. I would scrapbook so my husband will quit giving me crap about how much money I spend on scrapbook supplies and gadgets and never do anything with it. I often tell him "Well, if you would take them away for a while then I would be able to." Serenity is at that age where she wants to help. But she has to dump everything and mix everything together and with me that is a BIG NO NO! Everything has its place. Other wise I get over whelmed and can not work. Silly I know but that is how I am.

Okie Doke there you go. What is your fave High Five?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-04T09:08:00.000-08:00

The Girl Can Tie Her Shoes!

2009-03-02T17:01:00.000-08:00

She finally got it. I have been working with her and working with her with it always ending with a hissy fit of her crossing her arms and yelling "I can't do it." I decided to teach her the short cut. What does it matter how she does it as long as she is tying her own shoes. I am so proud of her and she is so proud of herself. She is always untieing her shoes so that she can show who ever is watching that she can do it. Then she always ask "Are you proud of me?" Of course we are. We are so proud of you and even a little heart broken because it just makes you that much more grown up.

If you are wondering, here is the short cut.

Take one shoe string and make a bunny ear

Take the second shoe string and make a bunny ear

Now tie the two bunny ears together.

So much easier to explain that

Make a bunny ear

Take the other shoe string and go around the bunny ear

Now push through the loop

This is were I would lose her because she would lose her string or would try to put the whole string all the way through. This is when the hissy fit would come and all frustration would set in.

But she got it now and I am free....for one kid anyways. One down, two more to go.

Knowing Me, Knowing You March

2009-03-01T17:16:00.000-08:00

The Fairy Blog Mother does a once month interview with all of her readers. I love doing this. It is so much fun getting to learn about all the fellow bloggers. So please come and play along.

1. What is your dream life?

I would really have to say that I am living it. All I ever wanted to be was a mom to a lot of kids. I wanted to have 6 but after I started having them I stopped at three. I would love to have a house with some land kind on the edge of town where the kids can play in the front and back yard. We are working on doing this with in the next year. I have always been afraid of the loto. Money changes people. I have never played it and probably never will.

2. Do you play games online?

Yes. I love puzzle games. I am hooked on Jewel Quest right now. Tim gets jealous because it takes my attention away from him. I guess I could just learn to shoot zombies on PS3 and then it would be okay.

3. Seen anything good lately?

We just watched Road to Rodanthe. It was a good date movie. Nicholas Sparks is my favorite author and because I have read his books I knew what was going to happen in the end and it did. If you have read anything of his you know too. It was a really good movie but have tissues with you when you watch it.

4. What is your favorite pizza combination?

I like just good ol pepperoni on thin crust. Papa John's also has a spinach, chicken and alfredo pizza that is really really good. I always go back to the traditional. It was my moms favorite too. Like mother, Like daughter.

5. How are you with houseplants?

I am so embarrassed. I am a landscaper but I can not keep a houseplant alive to save my soul. I just forget about them and they are usually dead by the time I remember them. I will walk by them about 50 times and think to myself, I need to water that, walk away and start doing something else. Next thing I know I am throwing it in the trash. I have one Peace Lilly from my moms funeral that I refuse to let die but it really looks like crap.

Now link on over to the Fairy Blog Mother for more Knowing Me, Knowing You and play along.

My Blog to the Unappreciated Mother

2009-02-27T07:38:00.000-08:00

So many mothers are not told just what an amazing and wonderful job that they are doing, including me. It is a selfless job that gets nothing in return. We do not get raises nor bonuses. We do not get vacations or fill ins or even better just a clone. Yet we get up everyday, dust ourselves off and go back to work raising our children and running our households. It is THE hardest job in the world no matter what any one says. So I am taking some time to recognize that mother.

Thank you Mother for making sure that I have clean clothes to wear everyday. Thank you for working so hard at washing and drying. I understand that you were just to tried from chasing me or running errands to get it all folded and put away. I still appreciate what you were able to get done.

Thank you Mother for making sure that I have food to eat everyday. It does not matter if it is out of a box or if you slaved over it for hours. I am just thankful that you provided me with a full belly and that you made it with love regardless of what it was.

Thank you Mother for making sure that we get to our extra activities on time. I know that you have to sacrifice time for yourself in order for us to get to do what it is that we want to do. I understand that some days you are so tired or do not feel good but you still get up and take me so that I will be happy. Thank you for sacrificing yourself for me.

Thank you Mother for loving me unconditionally. There is not another person in this world that will love me the way that you love me. No one gives me the hugs and kisses that you give me. No one is more understanding when I was not able to run as fast as the other kids. You are always there to encourage me and build me up and let me know that one day with practice I can be as fast as I want to be.

Thank you Mother for disciplining me. I know you do you best. We do not come with instructions. I understand that you don't know what will and wont work. I understand that by correcting me when I am doing wrong will make me a better person when I grow up. It will help me to be a leader and not a follower. It will help me to have manors and respect my elders. It will help me to be more giving of myself to those in need.

Most important of all, Thank you Mother for being my mother. I would not trade you for any other mother in the world no matter how many times I tell you that I hate you. I am sorry that I take you for granted and do not show you the appreciation that you so greatly deserve. You are chosen by God to carry and create his greatest creation. What greater honor than that?

I love you Mother, and Thank you for all that you do!

Thankful Thursday

2009-02-26T08:05:00.000-08:00

It has been said that by listing what we are thankful for can increase our happiness by 25%. I need my happiness increased by 25% so why not blog about it.

1. I am so thankful for my husband. I never give him the credit that he deserves. Then he goes out of town all hell breaks loose and then I realize just how much of a team we are. Usually after he gets home from work he takes the kids. They play games, read books or even go outside for a bit. This gives me my down time to read blogs or catch up on my DVR shows or just take a nap. He was gone last night so I had them. I feel exhausted today with out that down time. Not only that but I miss my kisses on the forehead and my sweet have a good days that I get in the mornings before he goes to work. Things feel off when he is out of town. I am truly thankful for him.

2. I am thankful for my job. I love what I do. I get to use my artistic talents and create layouts for people. Nothing is more gratifying when they love what you have done and get so excited about it. THE best part of my job is that I get to have my boys with me. I love watching them play while I am typing away on the computer or talking with customers on the phone. Plus I make my own hours so I never miss out on anything or get to overwhelmed. It is a blessing.

3. I am so thankful for this beautiful weather that we are having. I hate the cold. The kids have been able to play outside which has been great for my house cause it stays a little cleaner when they are outside. Plus the birds are chirping, sun is shining, trees are budding. Oh what a glorious day!

4. I am thankful for my friends. They can always tell when you are down and are so great at picking you back up. They send cards or call and let me vent. The best things about friends are that even if you are right or wrong they will always be on your side. I love my girls for that.

What are you thankful for? Link on over to Widney Woman or Fairy Blog Mother for more thankful Thursday editions.

My Many Jobs

2009-02-25T18:14:00.000-08:00

Filling out the many many surveys that I get on Facebook gets you thinking about some things. Widney Woman said that every time that I fill one out she learns about a new job that I have had. So I thought I would just catch her up and list them all. At least the ones that I can remember.

1. My first job was of course working for my dad. We use to own our screen printing business. When you have four kids use them right? We were cheap labor. I remember one time we got the printing job for the movie that hey made about David Coresh and Waco Texas. Do you remember that? We took our sleeping bags there and would work in shifts printing t-shirts, hats and jackets.

2. My first real job was when I was brand new 16. I was so glad to be able to get a real job and not have to work for my dad anymore. I got a job working at Mazzio's. I loved this job. I only worked two days a week so not to interfere with school. I ate a lot of pizza. My car smelled like pizza, my room smelled like pizza, everything smelled like pizza. I also got a stalker from this from job that took me years to get rid of. Actually Tim had to do it. If you want to hear that story, comment me.

3. My next job was working for Homeland grocery store. I was a cashier. I liked this job too. I love meeting new people and staying really busy. At this job I got to do both. I actually had this one guy that would always wait in my line no matter how long it was so that he could tell me a blonde joke when he got up there. I also had a spanish guy that would always wait for my line and he would only speak spanish to me and laugh at me while I tried to figure out what he was saying. My mom told them that I quit one night when she did not want me to work and study for my finals.

4. I worked for the father-in-law. This was the best job. I did cleaning, data entry for the mother in law, ran errands and played. Mainly played. Me and all the guys had running jokes. Me and Stew would always pick on each other. Me and Charlie would always have rubber band fights. This was the job that helped me get my first car! My father in law was so easy to work for. Best boss ever. Do I get bonus points for saying that?

5. My senior year I worked for Old Navy. It was brand new to Eastland Mall right by my house. I Love Old Navy clothing. It is still just about the only thing that I wear. The job itself SUCKED! I hated this job so bad. All I did was fold clothing and unload trucks. When I had to unload trucks I would have to work until 1 or 2 in the morning on a school night. It was where I was working when me and Tim started dating. It did not last long.

6. Toward the end of my senior year I started working for a dairyette called Lil'Abners. Great Job! I also got my sister in law Sarah her first job here. We had so much fun and ate so much ice cream with the hard chocolate topping. We got free food so we ate a lot. Tim would always come in here too so that I could feed him and then he was my ride home. I met so many great people while working here. I miss them and wonder about them all the time. They have closed it now and it was the food that I craved when I was pregnant.

7.I went back to work for my dad after I graduated. It was short lived and we had a big blow out.

8.I worked for a family friend Cindi right before I got married. She had a courier business. I was so confused because I was never be trained on what I was suppose to be doing. Come to find out her son was telling her that I did not want to be there. She fired me two weeks before my wedding. Stank big time.

9. Worked as a medical assistant for a Internal Med Doctor. I miss this job. I love working as a nurse. It is such a fulfilling job. I had to quit (got pushed out) when I got pregnant with my daughter. I do not do pregnancy very well. I get very sick.

10. I got the best job in the world. The job of being a stay at home mom. I was home with Reni for about 2 years.

11. I worked as a phlebotomist for St.John Hospital. I really loved this job and would probably still be doing it if it was not all the drama in hospitals. Yeah it is alot like the shows on TV. Everyone sleeping with everyone. Everyone mad at everyone. Then the territorial disputes between the floors. Etc. I hope to return to it someday. I miss the patients and taking care of the people.

12.I worked as a CNA for St John when I got pregnant with Triston. Had to quit. I was so sick and I was working 12 hour nights. I really tried to keep this job because I loved it so much. My doctor told put me on restrictions so I could not keep it. I was not allowed to pick up the patients and could not be on feet for that long, etc. I hated giving it up and still do to this day.

13. After a few more years of staying at home with babies and then Eli came along I went back to work for my dad and that is where I am now. This job is so perfect for me. I can take my boys with me. I make my own hours. If I need time off, no problem. And the pay is just awesome! Plus I get to play with pretty flowers all day.

Okay that is it. WOW! 13 jobs. I don't think I even knew all that. Doing this has brought back so many memories. I recommend trying it. How many jobs have you had?

By Popular Demand

2009-02-24T17:11:00.000-08:00

Widney Woman say on facebook (yeah I'm a junky too) a survey that I had filled out about me and Tim. She said blog it so here is my love story.

Our story all starts with Tim's sister Sarah. I first moved to Catoosa when I was in the 9Th grade. Me and Sarah had journalism together and became friends right away. It really was not until our 10 grade year that we just became inseparable. If I was not at her house,she was at my house. When I first met Sarah, Tim was not around much. He was in the Marines and was gone at his school and boot camp for a while. I do remember the first time that I saw him. Me and Sarah were at a school dance and he came to give us a drive home. He was the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen. I instantly had the worlds biggest crush on him.

During our 10Th and 11Th grade year Tim would do all kinds of stuff with us. He was almost always our ride to were ever we wanted to go. He would tag along on our school outings with drama club, he was our chaperon on our girls only camping trips in the back of their land, he would take us to concerts and movies as a group, etc. I would always do what ever I had to to be the one standing next to him or sitting by him, whatever. Everyone knew what a huge crush I had on him. They gave me such a hard time about it. To Tim I was just a little kid. There was 4 years difference between the two of us.

I remember when I got my first car and i took it over to show it off to the Widney's. Daryl had helped me get it by doing work for him. I asked Tim if he wanted to drive it. He got in it and started driving it like it was a go cart. Well it kind of was. It was Geo Tracker. Next thing I know he starts off roading it and we are all bouncing and flying all over the place. Every time Sarah would ask me if I wanted to stay over I would always ask if Tim was going to be there. I loved being with her most but Tim was just the bonus. He was dating a girl then (I wont mention her name...Marcy) that treated him like crap. He was not around much. Me and Sarah would always stay up late watching movies and Space Ghost =) and fall asleep in the floor. He would end up stepping on us on his way in at night. He was like a big brother.

Then the happy day happened. It was around the time of my 18th birthday party. I had started talking to a guy that he graduated with. For some reason this changed things for Tim. He told me later that me dating someone his age made him jealous and changed the way he looked at me. I was no longer like a little sister. He got into competition for my attention with the other guy. I noticed that something was different but you have to understand. Me and Tim being together was so out there to me. It would be like me and Brad Pitt dating. Why would someone like him be into someone like me?

It took a day or two for me to get it...he was flirting with me. I got up the nerve to ask him about it. He told me yes but that nothing could ever happen between us because our families were so close. He said that we could be friends. I was heart broken but I was not about to give up. I knew we were suppose to be together. Love at First Sight. Corny I know,but it was true.

Well then Halloween came around and my moms company was doing a haunted house for the United Way. They were needing some big guys to be demons and such. She asked Tim and the other guy that I had been talking to. Me and Tim flirted so hard all night, all weekend. On the last day, which was Halloween, he brought one of his friends Greg to volunteer too. I was so mad because I did not think he would pay me so much attention with him there. He did though. After the Haunted House was over we headed to downtown to try and go to another haunted house. It was closed so we just headed out to hang out. We ended up out by the river. Greg wanted us to play truth and dare. I would always pick truth because I just knew they were going to make me go out in the dark by myself and I do not like the dark at all. Especially when there are woods with things that can eat you in them. Finally after they had asked me to many questions I did not want to answer I picked dare. Greg dared me to kiss Tim. I was sooooo embarrassed. I was thinking it would be a really fast peck and then that would be it. NO IT WAS NOT. That was the best kiss of my life. I felt it in my toes. I knew then that I was going to marry him. Crazy I know, but I knew he was my match. He then drove me home that night and we talked until the sun started to come up. I remember the sunset. It was a beautiful deep purple with streaks of bright red orange. I will never forget it. We were inseparable from that night on.

Our first real date was when he came and picked me up from my job at Old Navy. We did not talk a whole lot. It was kind of weird and very surreal for me. I felt like I was dreaming. We did everything together. We would go running just about every night. I loved to run back then and really miss it now that I am a fatty Mcfatterson.

We dated for about a year. We then started to talk about marriage and decided that we wanted to. There was not really a proposal. It was an agreement that we came to together. I am okay with that. When he got me the ring, he came upstairs with a silly little grin on his face. I asked him what he was up to. He then put my boots on the bed and told me to pick a shoe. I remember thinking "What the hell?" I picked a shoe and it was the right one. Inside was a black box with the wedding set in it. He did good. It was gorgeous. Unfortunately, I can no longer wear it because yeah McFatterson.

Well, this year we will be married for 10 years!!! He is still my shooting star. I can't believe that I was ever able to catch him. It still feels like yesterday when we went on that first date. Now we just have three screaming kids in the back seat. When did that happen? I don't know but it sure was fun getting here.

Anything else you want to know about me? Don't be shy, just ask.

(ps: he is going to kill me over that picture but its his own fault for always goofing off when I try to take a picture. Widney Woman knows what I mean.)

Check It Out

2009-02-22T17:35:00.000-08:00

I did it. I started a blog that will be all about my landscape business and everything that has to do with trees, plants and flowers. Maybe even some little extras like rocks and patios, etc. Feel free to follow along if you are interested. I would love to have you. Landscaping is one of my passions and I cant wait to share it with the blogging world. More than anything I love to discussing it so please ask questions or if you have problem you would like some help with...just comment. I would love to help.

Then New Blog Name

Trees, Leaves and the Bees Knees
(corny I know, but I though it was cute. =) )

Let Me Catch My Breathe

2009-02-19T18:43:00.000-08:00

Here is a short, sweet, need to go to bed but want to check in with everyone blog. Trees are starting to bud, easter lillies are blooming, grass is turning green so that could only mean one thing. It is time for me to go back to work. I have enjoyed the last couple of months of being home with the boys and just being a stay at home mom. I am excited to be getting back to work though. I love love love what I do. I get so excited to make up a landscape plan on paper and then see it come to life in their front or back yards. It is almost like having baby but without all the pain and yucky stuff. Well if you dont count the horse manuer as yucky stuff. = )

Stay tuned...I am thinking of starting a seperate blog for the landscaping side of stuff so you can share in my love of plants, design and everything mother nature.

Finished For Friday-Valentines

2009-02-13T20:21:00.000-08:00

Yeah I get to play! Serenity was needing valentines for her class party. Completely forgot until she reminded me late late night. So I just got out my paper, scissors and tape. Voila! That was all it took and about a half hour later this is what she got. Not my best work but for a kindergarten class it was perfect. Serenity thought they were great just because they were pink. That was all I needed.

Happy Valentines Day!

Now link over to Lit and Laundry, the queen of Finished For Fridays for more great stories.

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THANK YOU

2009-02-13T06:50:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to give a big shout to my favorite blogger Widney Woman. She has just recently started to crochet and is already like a pro at it. Marine Man, my husband, has been wanting a crocheted hat and I have tried and tried and can not do it. So I put a call out to Widney Woman and she did it for me. She did a fabulous job too! Marine Man loves it! Wears it everywhere.

XOXOXOXOX THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! XOXOXOXOXO

Thankful Thursday

2009-02-12T09:53:00.000-08:00

I have read that by listing what you are thankful for can raise your happiness by 25%. I need to do this today more than anyother day due to the couple of weeks that I have had.

I am thankful for the pain medicine that the hospital gave me the other night for my abdominal pain. I really like the medicine. It makes me feel so much better.

I am thankful for my 5 year who is the best big sister ever. She watches her little brothers so well when mommy is not feeling well. She gets them milk when they ask. She changes Eli's diapers as long as they are only wet and not dirty. She is always fetching stuff for me. Yesterday she helped me so much with getting the house cleaned up for the birthday party. I am so glad and thankful for her.

I am thankful for all my friends and family that came over yesterday to help us celebrate Tristons birthday. It was a short and sweet birthday but loved all the fellowship with them. Thank you all for the gifts and just being with us on such a special day.

Now click over to The Fairy Blog Mother and Widney Woman for some more Thankful Thursdays. Then join in. It really is worth reminding ourselves what we are thankful for.

My Little Birthday Boy

2009-02-11T11:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Mr. Triston,

Today you are turning 3. I have been thinking about were I was at this time in 2006. On February 10 at 9 am I lost my plug. The contractions started right after that. Very slow and mild. I was about to burst on the inside. I was so excited that you would be here soon. Your grandma Donna was getting ready to go to work. I was with her because my doctor has taken all my privileges away from me. I was not allowed to drive or go anywhere by myself because they had thought it would be soon. You were not due until Valentines Day. My favorite holiday! Of course you were early. I called my Doula and she said the usual. Go take a shower and eat something. She would tell me to do this to make sure that they were real contractions. You did not come fast. It was 27 hours later. Everyone came over to Grandma Donna's and we sat around and talked and laughed while mommy had very light contractions. Kelly (the doula) kept telling me that when it was going to kick in it was going to be fast. Sure enough about 9 on February 11, 2006, it hit. The contractions became about 3 minutes apart. We all jumped in the car and headed to the hospital. Everyone else followed behind us because they were not even sure we would make it to hospital.

Once we got there we were immediately took back to a delivery room. Your doctor was a real quack. That is another story. It was just me, daddy and Kelly in the delivery room. That was all they would let us have. Both Grandma's and aunt Sarah waited out in the waiting room. It was just a few pushes later and you were here. You were so beautiful. Long and skinny with dark black hair. Of course you looked like daddy and not mommy. They put me in a wheel chair, put you in my lap and wheeled us out to the waiting room. You was born at 11:55 pm. You were also born on Grandpa John and Grandma Roses anniversary...barely.

Now I look at you and you are such a big boy. You tell me great stories and sing me songs. You are still a momma's boy. You are such a dare devil like your daddy. You do it first and then think about it after. If you don't get it the first time you just keep trying until you get it. You have a contagious smile and get the hiccups when you laugh to hard. You are into dinosaurs and Diego. Your favorite color is blue and pink. How could it not be when it is Reni's favorite color and you do everything she does. You are her little shadow. You love monster trucks, only that is not what it sounds like when you say it. Sounds like a really bad word. I love your hugs that I get out of no where and the I love you mommys that come with a kiss on the check. I can't believe how the time has flown by. You will always be mommy's special little boy.

Happy Birthday Mr. Triston, Happy Birthday to You.

(That is Grandma Rose holding you in the top picture. I am sure she is sending you birthday kisses from heaven. Those are the best kind.)

When will it End

2009-02-09T17:56:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had one of those days, weeks, months that just don't seem like they will ever end? Where it just seems like if it is not one thing then it is the other? Yeah, going through that right now. Really what I want to do is run out in an open field wayyy out in the country and just scream. If one more person gets in the 20 item or less line with 50 items, if one more person turns out in front of me while I am driving down the road, if one more person goes off on Me because they are mad at someone else..... Stand Back because I just might Blow!!

Or I can pull up my big girl panties and remember that these things don't last. Life does go on. What goes up, must come down in other words. God promises seasons in our life. It is to test our faith. Right now, I need a faith refill before I kill someone. Know what I mean?

My Biggest Fans

2009-02-09T07:28:00.000-08:00

First let me start with I can not sing. Never have claimed to. I torture Tim with it all the time. Poor guy is such a trooper. He just lets me have my fun and never even flinches. Sometimes I try to be even worse than I am to just see if he will say something. Nothing. He's no fun. However, my kiddos love my made up songs.

Reni gets the morning song:
Good Morning, Good Morning, Good Morning
It's time to rise and shine
Good Morning, Good Morning, Good Morning
I hope your feeling fine
It's time to get up, get out of bed
It's time to get up you sleepy head
So all your dreams can come true
Tootaloo Tootaloo

She does not like it as much as much as I like to sing it!

When Triston hit two and the tantrums I found myself singing everything to him to make it fun.
Like instead of just asking for milk he would stream and cry MILKKKKK like I was depriving him of it or something. So I got to were I would sing and dance :

I like milk. It's yummy in my tummy. I like milk. It makes me big and strong. Repeat for as long as it take you to make the cup of milk.

I use it for everything. Food, drinks, milk, shoes, etc. He usually just comes along behind singing along with me and bopping along to the beat. I love it.

Now today Eli has joined us. We were in the kitchen making our every morning cup of milk, singin our song. Eli stood there watching with a huge grin on his face like he just got it. Then he started to bop up and down to the beat with us. I just got so tickled. This is the first time I really seen him try to dance. It was just so cute. Of course when I tried to get him to do it again, he did not. Darn, maybe next time.

Who needs American Idle when I have the best audience right here.

Don't like it, just wait

2009-02-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

One thing you can count on in good ol' Oklahoma is that the weather is going to change. Last week we had about 5 inches of ice, snow and sleet that shut everything down for about 3 -5 days. Some areas were even declared a state of emergency. This week, sunshine and 60 to 70 degree weather. When it gets warm outside, I get the itch. I am a landscaper you know so it really makes me what to do some planting. You should never plant in Oklahoma till after April 15. Never fails that we have one for freeze before then. People fall for it though. It gets warm and they get outside and spend lots of money on plants and then BAM!! We get another freeze and all is lost.

So as they say here in OK. If you don't like the weather, just wait.

It was AMAZING!

2009-02-04T08:26:00.000-08:00

Something amazing and wonderful happened this morning. I can not express how proud of myself as a mother. I have gotten some of my self esteem back. I was beginning to take it so personal. Okay enough I will let you in. My beautiful little soon to be three year old went to the potty all by himself! Here is the amazing part. At 6 this morning I felt him get out of bed, walk into the bathroom, turn on the light, I asked "What are you doing?", He responded I need to go to the bafroom. WHAT!? Sure enough the climbed up on the potty, went pee pee, turned off the light, and then got back in bed. WHAT!? I was so excited I wanted to love all over him and let him know how proud I was of him. I was met with screams and Leave me alone I'm tired. So I did it this morning when we got up.

Status now:
"Do you want to wear big boy underwear?"
"NO"
"Triston, lets go the potty."
"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!" (While falling on the floor crying)
"You can have a piece of candy if you go to the potty."
"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

That okay. I now know that he knows. He just doesn't want to do it on my terms. He will do it on his. I think this is God's way of teaching me patience and that I can not control everything. That is hard for me. We are taking baby steps. I just keep telling myself that he will not be in diapers when he is 20. I just hope he isn't when he is 5 so he can go to school. I guess will see. But what a first step. I am so proud of him.

Dinosaurs

2009-02-03T07:26:00.000-08:00

So Triston has THE best grandma and grandpa ever. They got him tickets to see Walking with Dinosaurs for his early birthday present. They were going to go with us but called last minute to a business meeting in NY so Aunt Sarah and her niece Katie came along with us. We started with dinner at Spaghetti Warehouse. We ate in the trolley (he loves trains as well) that they have in the middle of the restaurant. They sang happy birthday to him. I thought it would freak him out but he loved it. After cake and ice cream we headed to the BOK. I won't mention that Sarah got lost in the wrong parking garage and Tim had go and find her causing us to be a few minutes late. =) In her defense she felt so bad.

So we get to our seats and they are fabulous. We were only 5 rows from the floor. It was like we were right there. They were absolutely amazing! The kids.... totally freaked out! I was most worried about Triston. We spent weeks preparing.

Mommy ask "What do dinosaurs eat?"

Triston "Dinosaurs eat rass. Not mommy.Not daddy. Not Eli. Not Serenity. Not the house."

Mommy "Yes, that's right. Dinosaurs eat grass. Not bubbys."

Well when the show starts, Triston is fine. Eli on the other hand is grabbing and clawing trying to get the heck out of there. He is trying to climb over the back of us just screaming. I had to use Katie's jacket like a blankey so that he would calm down. We were okay after that. I had to show Serenity were they were robots and that they were not real in order to get her to come out from behind my back and stop crying. Needless to say, after all the commotion they loved it! Triston asked if they could go home with him. Serenity wanted to go back the next day. I wanted to go back the next day! It was so incredible.

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for getting tickets to the most awesome dinosaur show in the world!!!

Knowing Me, Knowing You #2

2009-02-02T07:55:00.000-08:00

Here is the second installment of knowing me, knowing you started by The Fairy Blog Mother. I really enjoy playing along and learning more about some of my favorite bloggers. Click on over and play along. I promise you will enjoy it.

#1 What crafts/hobbies are you into?

My number is scrapbooking. I have not done the digital kind. I like to sit in the middle of the floor and have everything strung out around me in a circle. When I stand up it is the only clean spot in the whole room usually. I love playing with all the different color paper, buttons, ribbon, markers, etc. I love to get my hands dirty.
I create my own greeting cards too. I think that it makes it even more special to give someone a card that you put your sweat and tears into. Plus when you make it yourself you can make it fit that persons personality. My friends have framed them. That makes me feel so special.
I like to crochet. I make blankets for all my friends and family. I try new patterns but I always go back to the one that my grandma taught me. It just makes me feel like I am sitting in her floor again as a little girl. If I am making it for a special person that it allows me to saw several little prayers for them with every stitch. I usually only do this during the winter because it keeps me warm while I make them.
There are a lot of other things but that is good for now. I always take on more that I can accomplish. =)

#2 What is your laundry Status?

Your kidding right? I only have a path to my bed in my bedroom. I am really good at getting it washed and upstairs. But after that, I just give up. I hate to put laundry away. I think just because there is so much of it with 5 of us. Oh and more than anything I HATE with a passion with every bone in my body HATE to mate socks. I do not do it. Tim finally gets fed up and will do it. If you need a pair of socks, look in the sock basket.

#3 You walk into a bank and there are people waiting ahead of you for an open teller. You step into place behind the last person waiting...here's the question...are you waiting in line or are you waiting on line?

I am waiting in line. I have probably struck up a converstation with the person in front of me. Maybe even the person behind me because I never meet a stranger. Makes the time go by faster. I have never heard the expression waiting on line that did not refer to the computer.

#4 Do you facebook?

I love facebook. It is a great way to get connected and stay connected daily with all you bestest friends. I really like reading what every one is up to and staying up to date with their families. I really wish more people would blog but instead we just facebook. I do have to say, it is very addicting.

#5 Where would you like to have a shopping spree and what would you buy?

Oh this is a good one. Sometimes I have dreams about it. I think my number one would be Hobby Lobby. I would buys tons of scrapbook stuff. I would buy catridges for my cricket cutter. Paper, tools, paper, scissors, paper, organizers, oh yeah and Paper. I could also buy yarn for my blankets. I could buy crafts for the kids. I would buy decor for my home, which I am still decorating a year and half later. It is the go all for everything I would want most.
My second would be Old Navy. Everything I wear is from there. They have great pricing for great clothes that fit my curves. And let me tell you I have curves. My butt belonged to black girl in a previous life. Just kidding! Plus they have great sales or 2 for 1 pricing. Love them. Here is a fun fact. I worked for them too in high school.

Okay, there is me. Link over to the The Fairy Blog Mother and Play along.

Snow Days

2009-01-30T16:10:00.000-08:00

School has been out all week due to snow and ice. It has been nice to sleep a little longer. Tim even got a couple of days off due to the weather. I was torn if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Pros were he took the kids outside so that I did not have to. They mainly stayed upstairs with him and played video games. Cons were that he was worse than the kids. "I'm hungry. Are you going to make anything to eat?", He can make a bigger mess than all three kids put together. When they came inside from outside all the gear went right in the middle of the floor. He said he was drying it out. It is still there 3 days later. I did enjoy getting some lovey time on really cold days.

All bundled up and ready to go out

Practicing making snow angels insideEli just kept running to the road. Recognize the snow suit Widney Woman?

The next day we took the kids to McDonald so they could get out of the house. They have a great playground and because we were the only crazy ones to go out in it, it was pretty much to ourselves. This was a nice change and helped them and us get over feeling so cooped up.

Thankful Thursday- Parent Style

2009-01-29T08:18:00.000-08:00

I have been told by my favorite bloggers, Widney Woman and The Fairy Blog Mother, that naming what you are thankful for can increase your happiness by 25%. Here is a shout out to all the number one parents in my life...

I am thankful for the number one daddy in the world. My Husband. He is amazing. He has the patience that I do not have. He takes the kids every night for at least an hour and reads or plays with them so I can just have a moment to breath. He is also the one that took the kids to play outside yesterday so that I did not have to. He is my baby sitter when I want to go out with the girls just by myself. Never tells me no or complains. He is my BEST est friend and always lets me vent and always takes my side. (Even when I am in the wrong and know it. But that is not important at the moment) Love you Babe.

I am thankful for my Step Dad John who is just so great. It took me a long time to warm up to John. Even though I did not want my parents to be together (check previous blog on faithful Friday father) I was not ready for my mom to get remarried. Never the less, John was amazing to my mom and was truly a God send. They were only married for 8 years before she died but those were the happiest years that I ever saw her. For that I am so so grateful. Not to mention just how thoughtful he is. He is always taking us to dinner, he is great with my kids, he is always there for every holiday, birthday, sporting event, etc. He is always wearing a smile and in a cheerful mood. I am so thankful that he came into our lives.

I am thankful for my real dad. He is instrumental for making me the strong, confident, self-respecting and hard working person that I am. He is a good boss. (Well I am the boss. Don't tell him he needs to think that he is in control of things. = P ) He is always there when I have a blow out or my battery dies or when my husband doesn't change the brakes and they fall out while you are driving down the road. ( Yeah that happened before) He is always there.

Now to my most favorite set of parents in the world. Tim's parents. They have been my support ever sense I have met Sarah in 1995. They gave me a place to live when I got kicked out by my dad. Dad gave me a job and never said anything about me picking fights with the guys and having rubber band fights. He helped me get my first car. I loved that car. He took us all over the US to places that I had never been to before and probably wouldn't have if it wasn't for him. Best part was they were business trips so we did not pay for most of it. Even our honeymoon. Most people would probably complain about spending part of their honeymoon with there in-laws but I loved having them there. He flew us in a helicopter over Kema, FL at night. We tried to push him in the fountains and I got sprayed right up the crouch instead. It was so much fun!
My mother in law is just my mom. She has taught me so much. How to expand my cooking comfort level. She has always been there to talk to and listen when you need her. She is just my most favorite person. I remember thinking when my mom died that I would be okay because I still have Donna Momma. Not to mention they are both my kids most favorite people. They ask me every day if we are going to see mama and papa. They know they love them unconditionally.

My Favorite

2009-01-27T07:29:00.000-08:00

I am very picky about my makeup. I really don't like spending a lot of money on it. Lately, though I have been on a Mary Kay kick because she comes to my house and lets me use all her samples to come up with new looks. Any way, I have been seeing the commercials for this new L'Oreal mascara. It is suppose to make tubes no the end of your lashes to lengthen them. Well curiosity got the best of me and I bought it. $10 dollars!!! If I had not been on a mission just for this I would not have spent that on mascara. I get my mascara when it goes on sale with Avon. I went home and tried it. LOVE IT!! It does just what it says. It makes my lashes so much longer and fuller. It looks like I have fake lashes on. The creepy thing about it is when you need to take it off you have to sock them with water. When I was taking a shower I just pulled them off. It feels like and looks like you are pulling your lashes off. Crazy. I highly recommend this if you are like me and have thin and short lashes. It is worth the $10.

A New Me...Hairstyle

2009-01-26T11:59:00.000-08:00

I said that I was not going to cut for my hair for 1 year. Yeah right! Tim was wanting me to grow it out. I have not had long hair since high school. I am sorry but with three young kids it is difficult for me to have long hair. I like to take as little time as possible to get ready. I enjoy being able to just blow dry my hair and leave and it look like I spent a lot of time on myself. I actually went to just get a trim but I was left alone with my thoughts on the drive there. This is the result.

It is stacked in the back. It starts longer in the front and goes up to a shorter cut in the back.

My sister in law Sarah was so sweet to get up early and come over to watch the kids for me so I could go. My apt was at 8am because that was all my hair lady had. I left the diaper bag in the car so she had no diapers for the boys. Her only option was to put baby Wyatt's diapers on them till I got back. Baby Wyatt wears a size 1. The boys wear a size 4. It was so stinkin funny. It was like a little diaper speedo. He got some stickers for being good. They lasted for about 2 minutes.

Flash Back

2009-01-26T11:50:00.001-08:00

Since I didn't get to show you a picture of my pretty little chicken last time, I thought I would get one before Tim gets home and rips into them. Aren't they pretty?

Women With Daughters

2009-01-23T08:05:00.001-08:00

I have been looking online to purchase my 5 year old daughter some clothing since she has grown about 5 inches since school started. Everything she has is too short or too tight. I am shocked and want to know if I am alone on this. Reni loves dresses. In the summer it is all she will wear and to get her into pants now usually requires bribing her. One a more than one web page the dresses were way to old for her. For any young girl I think. They had tub top dresses and tops, Shorts that are way to short, Pants that are low rise and Mini Skirts. Maybe I am just being way to strict. I just want to keep her as innocent as I can for as long as I can. I think our youth is growing up way to fast now days. I was not allowed to wear stuff like this because according to my dad it insinuated something. If you pay attention we due stereotype people by their outward appearance. I just want her to respect herself and her body by not showing off all that shes got. What happened to leaving a little to the imagination? Plus times are much more dangerous than they were when I was young. I use to be able to walk myself to school and back at her age. It was only two blocks away also. Now I would never let her walk to school by herself or even if she was 12.

Maybe I am being over protective. Maybe I am over reacting since she is only 5. But it all starts somewhere. If I can teach her to respect herself at 5 then when she is 16 it will just be who she is. She will be a leader not a follower. She will be comfortable enough in her own skin not to follow the crowd and be okay with it. I don't know maybe it is just me. Let me know what you think. Am I over reacting?

Thankful Thursday Late Style

2009-01-23T06:45:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post this yesterday and didn't have time. I am thankful that my job is picking back up and kept me busy for most of the day yesterday.

I am thankful for my husband. I am going to leave it at that because I am not happy with him right now. I have been telling him for two weeks the brakes on the car are squeaking. "Do you want me to take them somewhere and get them changed." "No I will do it." Yesterday it was sounding horrible and one of the pads actually feel out of the car somewhere!! Enough said.

I am thankful for my father-in-law who let us come to the airport and use his tools because my husband left his at work. He gave the kids candy and pop and helped me to keep them entertained for about an hour. Of course they were just glad to see him and cried because we had to leave.

I am most thankful for my sweetest ever step-dad John. He over heard me telling Tim that I wanted to go and see Oprah's The Color Purple while it was in town. He asked me the other day if he had gotten me tickets. I told him no and that he didn't really want to go. John went and bought us tickets!! It was so sweet. Not to mention the show was incredible. The audience got so into it. I cried and I laughed so hard. If you get the chance you must see it.

Thankful Thursdays was created by the Mommy Project (who I hear is having a baby today..Congrats!!). I do not have her linky but link over to Widney Woman to check out more Thankful Thursdays and to link over to Mommy Project.

What's Cooking Wednesdays-Roast Chicken

2009-01-21T08:36:00.000-08:00

Tim has been wanting me to pack healthier lunches for him. So I thought that I would just get him the bag salad with all the accessories in them. Know what I mean? They come with the dressing, bacon pieces, croutons, etc already in the bag. Then I thought I would get him some of the Tyson chicken that all you have to do is heat up. Well when checking the prices at the store, I found that you can buy a whole chicken for $4.00 or you could buy this little bag of ready to eat and with only about 2 servings for around $6.00. Guess which I picked.

Here is the thing though. These little things terrify the hell out of me. I've never cooked a turkey either. I guess because there is so much involved in making sure it is cleaned out and I am always afraid that I am not going to get it cooked all the way and kill my family. I am not exaggerating. Well, like a sign from God, after I got home I was watching Food Network (I'm a junky) and Barefoot Contessa was cooking a roasted chicken!! I know!! I was in shock how easy it was. I was so motivated I got up and cooked that little chicken. It was simple, fast and tastes amazing. Not to mention it looked just as beautiful as the one that she made. I did not want to eat it. I was so proud of myself. I thought I would just share with you my success story and pass along the recipe. Enjoy!!

Easy Roasted Chicken

1 Roasted Chicken
lemons
potatoes
carrots
onion

In a medium roasting pan you layer your potatoes, carrots and onion. Rinse and pat dry your chicken and place on top of the veggies. Salt and pepper the inside of the chicken and place cut up lemon in the inside of the chicken. Then you want to some butter on the outside of your bird and then salt and pepper the outside.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes per pound of the chicken. Done when the juices run clear or you can remove a leg easily.

What I did different
I did not have potatoes or carrots so I just made a bed of onions. I also did not have lemons so I just salt and peppered the inside. I rubbed it down with olive oil butter and salt and peppered the outside. Cooked it like they said.

AMAZING!!

Tim loved it. I do not have a picture of it because after I took it out I was letting it sit for a while they suggest so the juices can redistribute. I was upstairs cleaning and Tim came home. He mutilated it. He said that it was amazing with his man grunting noises, not words. It made me feel so good inside. I divided the chicken all up in to smaller portions and he ate off of it for 5 days! Salads, chicken tacos, chicken sandwiches, etc. I got way more bang for my buck.

Now check out the star of What's Cooking Wednesdays the The Fairy Blog Mother .

Lil' Scavenger

2009-01-20T11:31:00.000-08:00

He has learned so quickly. Serenity and Triston not so much. Tim and I are always telling them to sit down and eat. They do not listen and continue to run around and go back and forth to their dinner plate. I can not let them in the dinning room with us because it is carpeted and they like to spill their food. Eli has learned that they are going to get up. He stands quietly to the side and waits. Sure enough they get up and begin their running path through the living room, through the dinning room and then through the kitchen. While they are running he swoops in and eats as fast as he can before he gets caught and they take it away. I just can't help but smile. He is just so darn cute... and smart!!!

I also just want to add. I DO feed him. He sits in his little high chair with me and gets his own helping. He just does not ever seem to get full. Or, which I believe, he just likes the challenge and the adrenaline of getting caught. Not good when he becomes a teen.

Faithful Fridays - Father

2009-01-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

I have started to blog about how my faith has gotten me through so many things I would not have gotten through otherwise. I was thinking last night where I wanted to go today. I was really wanting to tell the story of my husband but kept feeling led to blog about my father. This is still a little hard for me but hopefully it helps someone with the same issues.

Growing up I was NOT a daddy's girl. In fact I would have been happy if my dad had went away and never had come back. Actually I use to pray about it. He was probably one of the most horrible people that I knew. I know that is harsh but that is how I felt. My dad was filled with lots of anger when I was younger. We could not really play around with him like most daddy and kids did. We did not go and do things like most families did. My dad was a work alcoholic so there was not really much time. Then when he would get home he was tired and irritated and took that out on us and our mom.

When I was 9 years old I started to take care of me and my three younger brothers by myself. I was also responsible for making sure that dinner was cooked, laundry done and the house cleaned by the time that they got home. If it was not done, you paid the consequences. He was very physically and verbally abusive. I took the blunt of everything I think for two reasons. One because I believed if I went first then the boys would not get hit as hard and two I think he came after me first because I was the oldest. I don't know. I often took the blow for him and my mom fighting also. He never hit my mom. On occasion when they would get into it he would find some reason to corner me in my room or in my closet.

Like all other kids, all I could dream of was how I could not wait till I was 18 and I could move out of the house. When I became a teenager and could drive and work I did. It was a great way to stay out of the house. Much came with this age. This was the age that he and my mom got pregnant with me and got married. So of course I was going to do the same thing. If he even heard of me talking to a guy I was sleeping with them. I was a whore or a slut or what ever else. according to him I was doing it all. Even if I was not out with a guy this is what would meet me when I got home.

Separate from the abuse, I always resented him for always moving us around. We moved probably every two years. Just when me and my brothers would settle in and make friends, we would be moving again. He always had a plan to make more money or we would just do this for a little while and then we could have a bigger house. Yadda yadda. He never really had a job. He was self employed. What that meant was that my mom worked so hard to pay the bills by herself and everything that he did make went right back to his business. Because of his selfishness we struggled hard. To this day I have a hard time eating brown beans and sandwiches. I am not complaining though. Thank God we had something to eat!

I believe because my dad and mom were married so young my dad started to feel trapped. When I was pre-teen he started to come and go as he pleased. He had many girlfriends on and off. It threw my mom into a depression and she did not come out of her room much. Ever so often he would leave with the explanation of he just wanted to date for a while. Every time I would pray that he would just stay away. My mom would always take him back. I hated her for that. I hated how weak she was. She would always tell me that she could not raise us four by herself. I just could not understand.

I have really come down hard on my dad. But here is where I want to go with this. Now that I am the person that I am I can see where this all came into play. Because we moved so much I can adapt to any situation. I am very outgoing and never meet a stranger. Because I had to take care of my brothers I was not scared of my own children when they came along. I had been there and done that. Plus since there was three of them I can take care of many children at one time. I am great at multi-tasking. Because we did not have much food in the house, I am really good at making something out of nothing. My favorite thing from all of this, is that I have been able to minister to other youth that are going through the same thing.

You are probably wondering what my relationship is like with my dad now. He kicked me out of the house very shortly after I turned 18. For about 4 years after that we did not talk much. We did not see each other during holidays or nothing. He knew how I felt and gave me my space. He and my mom divorced right after I moved out. He became a totally different person. A 180 degree change. But I still could not forgive him. I carried that anger with me every where and used it for an excuse for everything. I took my anger out on every one that I could and even my husband. I just blamed it on how I was abused.

After my daughter was born we took a visit to see some of Tim's family in Florida. His uncle is an evangelist. He can read you like a book. We got into conversation and I began to spill my story. He asked me if I wanted to be delivered from it and I did not answer. I was not sure if I was ready to forgive him. It had become my identity. I was an abused person. It was who I was. Plus I did not think that he deserved my forgiveness. Especially when he had not even told me that he was sorry. Actually he would not admit to anything. Finally I relented. We prayed and prayed pretty much through the whole night. When it was all over I was healed. I was able to let it go. When we got back from that trip I slowly began to work my dad back into my life. We would go visit and show up on the holidays. Now I run a landscaping business with him and we talk daily. He still has never told me he is sorry but I am okay with that. I can see it in his eyes and in the way he does selfless things for me. I think he is not able to physically say it but I know that he is. I love him now. I actually thank him for shaping me in so many ways. I would not be the person that I am today had I not gone through all that I have been through. One of my favorite sayings is that there is always a rainbow at the end of the storm. Just keep looking for the rainbow, it's there.

Let it Snow

2009-01-15T16:16:00.000-08:00

This is a shout out to my favorite blogger widneywoman . You are always getting to post pictures of your snow but I have not had any. BUT today! I got some snow too! Don't make too much fun. You were once from here remember? Amazingly school was not out.

I have a problem

2009-01-15T09:44:00.000-08:00

Okay I am coming clean. I have an addiction. I have been trying to fight this addiction for quite a while. My mom had this same addiction for most of her life. We use to say that she kept them in business. I have been addicted for so long that now when I go a full day without it I actually get a headache! I wonder if they offer classes for it. Okay I'm going to come clean.......

Pepsi

I need help!

My Little Man

2009-01-14T07:48:00.000-08:00

Eli has started the cutest thing. Every time he sees a blanket he goes and puts it to his face and then starts sucking his fingers. He usually only sucks his fingers when you put him in his bed for bedtime. It is so cute. I was getting a little bummed because he is getting so big. No more baby. Then he starts doing this and he is a baby all over again.

Catching up

2009-01-14T07:05:00.001-08:00

I am already dropping my New Year goal of blogging everyday. I have learned though. I have a pretty uneventful life. I am just at home with the kids and we don't do much. Well a lot of yelling but other than that. So anyway I will catch you up on what we have been up to since Friday.

Me and my Whit

Saturday is always a busy day for us. We go to church on Saturday nights. I went to get groceries before church and Walmart was crazy! I swear everyone in Claremore was there at the same time. I only had a short to get the groceries before we needed to load up and head to church. I was doing great on time. I stuck to my list and was feeling pretty proud of myself. I got to the line, got all checked out and wouldn't you know it. I left my wallet at home! I was so embarrassed. There was a long line behind me. You can just imagine what they were thinking. So I had to leave the groceries, come back home and then I sent Tim back up there to pick them up. I could not face them. No not really. My feet were killing me!!! And he had not got one kid dressed. So while he went to get the groceries I got them ready.

Needless to say we did not make it to the 5 service which we usually attend and then we serve with the kids at the 630 service. It was okay though. Afterwards we decided to take the kids to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner. We got a gift card to there for Christmas. The kids had never been there before so they loved it. The food was great! I had ate there once before when it first open in Tulsa and it was not very good at all. We ordered them a $6 grilled cheese. Tim was like it better be lined in Gold or something to pay $6 for it. It was huge!! I am so glad that we decided to split between them. We told them if they ate it all they could have a piece of cake. Triston of course spent most of the evening under the table. (drives me crazy) Serenity ate all but the crust. I was so glad because I really wanted to get a piece. It was chocolate cake and cheesecake together. Again I am dropping the ball and got no pictures. Sorry

Sunday was a lot of fun. We went to a birthday party for Hadley. She belongs to Whit, one of the girls. It was at Pump it up. We had so much fun. I have not been able to play on the inflatables before because Eli was to little or I was pregnant. I trucked my big butt up the big slide and had a great time! I thought it would scare Eli but he had so much fun. He was Mr.Independent all that day. He spent the whole two hours just walking around and exploring, or trying to get out the door so he could walk down the hall. It was so great to spend more time with the girls and our kids.

Reni and ELi coming down the big slide

Birthday girl Hadley, Reni and Triston

Mr. Triston conquering the slide

Tim making the kids fly in the big jumper thing

Daddy and Mr Eli

Me and My Sam

Sam and Alan attend the 5 service on Sunday evenings. We decided since we missed our service we would tag along with them to church and then we would go and have dinner afterward. The service was heart wrenching but great of course. Check it out if you get a chance. http://www.lifechurch.tv/ Then we headed to Johnny Carino's. I love Carino's because you can get family pasta platters and only spend about $20 for your whole meal! Tim hates it because he does not like to share his food. I don't really care. We had a great visit with Sam and Alan. She is one of my favorite people. She is always good for a smile and a great listener. The kids did really well too. That is unusual for a restaurant.

Faithful Friday Child Style

2009-01-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

I had a little bit of a bumpy road growing to be the whole 28 that I am. There was many times that I didn't know if I would make it here but I have. So much happens this year, 10 year class reunion, 10 year marriage anniversary and so on. It has really got me thinking deep. So I thought that I would add my own addition. Faithful Fridays. I will tell of how my faith has gotten me through things that I did not know I would make it through.

Topic #1 Children

I have three beautiful children. Serenity 5, Triston 2 (3 in Feb), and Elijah 1. If you would had asked me 10 years ago if I would have three children at this time, I would have told that I would have four. I wanted lots of children. I am the oldest of four so I love a big family. Then the journey began. Me and Tim were married when I was 19 and him 22. We had been married for three years when I started to have big medical problems. I had actually had girl problems since Aunt Flow had come to visit. It was just always diagnosed as ovarian cyst. Of course I did not question anything. I did not know any better. So 10 years from then, the problem was getting worse. So I found a New Doctor. I saw him one time and he said that he thought I had endometriosis. The only way to diagnosis this is to have surgery. A week later I was having surgery. I was eat up with it. Good news was that they think they got it all but bad news was to follow.

When I went in for the follow up I was given two choices. We could treat the endometriosis with a medicine that would put me into a type of menopause or we could try to get pregnant. Pregnancy is known to fix the problem in most cases. If we were to take the medication we would have a very slim chance of getting pregnant. It was already slim because of the endometriosis. So with my discussion with family and with each other and of course prayer, we decided to try to get pregnant. We had been talking about it anyway so it wasn't that hard of a decision. We just wanted to be married for 5 years before kids.

We tried on our own for 6 months. No child. My doctor put me on fertilization drug that I only took when I was ovulating. We did that for 6 months at a low dose. No child. I was getting so discouraged. I was falling into a depression. Not only that, but the drugs were making me hormone crazy. I was so up and down all the time. I could not control my emotions. My doctor then upped to the high dose. We did that for 6 months. No child. We went in to discuss the next step with the doctor. He said lets try it one more month and then if we do not have any luck we will continue with injections. I was not ready for that. So Tim and I decided that if we did not get pregnant this time we would wait till we were older to do the injections. We needed a break from all the disappointment and I needed to give my body a break.

You don't hear to much about what this kind of rejection does to a woman. You are raised to believe what your roll is. To grow up, get married and have children to live on your legacy. When you are told you can not have children or if you are not able to produce children you feel like a failure. That you are not fulfilling your destiny. I felt so empty. I felt like I was letting my husband down. I had wanted children my whole life. I wanted Lots of children! How could this be happening to me? Doesn't God give us the desires of our heart? Why me? Then my mom told me of a dream that she had. She was standing on the porch of a white house and I was walking down the sidewalk holding hands with a dark haired little girl. I knew than that I would have a little girl with dark hair.

So then we were getting ready to go to a wedding in FL. I was having breast tenderness so I took a test. Sure enough I was pregnant! I was so excited and so was Tim. We got to tell the whole family while we were in FL. Then I started to spot. I did not know what was going on. I called my doctor but there was not anything I could do while out of town. When we got back home I took another test. Negative. We went to doctor and he did the blood test. Negative. I had took with me the positive home test and showed them to him. He said that you can not have a false positive so I was pregnant but he did not know what had happened. I miscarried. You think that this would have discouraged me, but it didn't. I was pregnant so that meant that I could be pregnant again.

The very next month I started to have a lot of the same symptoms. I was working in a doctors office so my fellow nurse friend just took my blood and we sent it off. POSITIVE!! It was positive! I was so excited. I could not wait to tell Tim but I was afraid to tell him and did not want to until I was a little further along. I did not want to put him through that again. But my big mouth friend asked me in front of him if I had something I wanted to tell him. So I did. He was excited but like me afraid to get to attached so soon into the game. We told our mothers. They were so thrilled and supportive. I had a terrible pregnancy. But that is a whole other blog. If you want to hear about it comment me.

To make a already long story shorter. Three years go by and we start talking about having another one. Boom! Like magic we get pregnant with Triston. No drugs. Just fun. ; ) Then on Triston's first birthday we found out we were pregnant with Eli. I think our little problem is fixed. Now I have a IUD. No more kids! I love them all in different ways because they are such different little people. Life with out them would not be life at all. They were worth all the trouble and everything else we had to go through and are going through. All because we refused to give up and never lost our faith in God that He would give us what was in our hearts.

God is so Faithful!

Oh yeah this is my dark haired little girl.

Yumm-O

2009-01-09T07:19:00.001-08:00

So I have just discovered the Fairy Blog Mother from my SIL widneywoman and she had a blog for Whats Cooking Wednesdays about a cheese ball. So I am posting this for her but try it if you like. I got it from my mother in law, who got it from a friend, who got it from a friend and so on. Every time I make this for my guest it is the first thing to go. They love it! If I don't make it, they really give me grief. Here is the best thing about it. It only takes like 5 minutes to make. Sooo easy. Sometimes when I am just scavenging the fridge I will make one and try not to eat it all by myself but it doesn't always end up like that.

Easy Cheesy Cheese ball
(That's not its name, but it is now =oP )

One Package of room temp cream cheese
4-5 green onions
1-2 tablespoons of garlic powder

Make into a ball and refrigerate until firm 20-30 minutes or so.
Then roll cheese ball around in black pepper.

Ready to serve.
I like to serve it with the Sun dried Tomato Wheat Thins. They are great with it.
You don't have to refrigerate if you don't want to. It just makes it easier to roll in pepper.
I also have to add. I hate black pepper. You really can not taste it. It is so weird how these flavors come together. You really can not keep from eating it.

If you try it out. Let me know what you think. Come back and comment me. Enjoy!

Knowing Me, Knowing You

2009-01-08T06:35:00.000-08:00

So after reading the blog of widneywoman, I decided to play along. Fairy Blog mother is starting a new interview blog with some fun questions. Since I am having some blogger block and really don't do much since I am at home most of the time, I thought to myself "I'm game." If you would like to play along, check out their blogs and join the fun.

1.Making any New Year's resolutions this year or do you think the whole idea of resolutions is ridiculous?

I do not believe in New Year's resolutions. I do spend time every year going over the last year and thinking about what went good for me and what I think I could really work on. The first of the year is were I am the deepest in thought.

2.Read/Watched anything good?

Part of my new years goals to not watch so much TV, so I am not really watching anything. Oprah on the other hand has been great this week and really been getting me thinking. Got to love some Oprah.

I did watch the story with Patric Swayze last night with Barbara Walters. I sniffled my way through it. He is THE love of my life. My husband even knows he just can not compete. I hate what he is having to go through with the cancer and even more his poor wife. It was hard for a life long fan to watch. My prayers are with them.

3.Blog you can't stop reading...

I am kind of new to the Blogger world so there are not many that I read. I check in with widneywoman every day. That is my family and how I feel I keep in touch with them and their lives.

4.George Clooney and Brad Pitt are together on the cover of the French edition of GQ. You can check out the sexiness here. Quick question..... who's hotter?

I would have to say Brad Pitt here if these are my choices. George Clooney just reminds of like my best friends dad or something. Plus I am a fan of the chiseled jaw and proportionate face. Brad is just a good looking man. You know, what fantasies are made of.

5.When it comes to movies do you prefer the theater or dvd?

I would much rather watch movies at home. I am fairly tall so I don't really fit well in Theaters. I love to watch a movie curled up on the couch with a comfy blanky with all the leg room I need. Plus, when I get to go out with out kids, I want to enjoy the time reconnecting with my husband not watching a movie. It is really the only time we can have uninterrupted conversation. I value that time. Not sharing it with a movie.

So there you so. I am sure there will be more so check back. Also if you choose to play along, give a shout out to the Fairy Blog Mother.

A new Me

2009-01-05T06:40:00.000-08:00

So I said that one of my New Years goals was to take better care of myself. Every Sunday evening me and the girls have a small group that we use to encourage each other. Mainly we complain about our husbands but it was formed to help encourage each other to stay motivated to lose weight. We met yesterday and had a great meeting. It was just Sam, Whit and Me. I told them that I was going to be blogging about my progress and that I was going to brutally honest about it. They just told me good luck and that I was brave. I think that blogging about it, I have to face it. No more lieing about it. I will just have to face it.

At this meeting we discussed our goals for 2009. I have already placed that in my Happy New year blog if you want to go back. As far as the taking better care of myself goals, I decided that I would make small goals every two weeks for now. My goals for this two weeks is to get off pop, to not eat out, and to walk at least three days a week for 20 minutes. Then I will set a new goal for the next two weeks. Baby steps. I also got my weight while I was there. 247. There it is, no more hiding. My first goal weight is to be 199. That would make me happy to just not see a 2 in the beginning. I was going to get my measurements but could not find a tape so I will have to post that next week. Any way that is were I am at and I will keep you posted on progress.

To My Sisters

2009-01-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

Someone sent this to me and I don't think that I could say it any better. I know that I couldn't. Look who it is coming from. One of the greatest women to ever live. I am all about empowered women. I feel like this generation is way more interested in getting the guy than loving themselves. I makes my heart hurt when I hear about 12 year girls having sex and being in abusive relationships already! This is the time to enjoy your youth and not have to worry about such grown up things. This is why I WILL raise my girl the same way my mom raised me. To number one respect God and his plans for us but number two to love herself so much that no one will be able to disrespect her. I will raise to her to make up her mind things and not let anyone be able to change it. She will be strong, respectful, and God like in every way. She is already on that path. She is such a beautiful girl. Thank God for her and all my sisters. Pray for our future generation and set the right examples.

MAYA ANGELOU'S POEM FOR WOMEN
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own, even if she never
wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward
to retelling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and...
a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
one friend who always makes her laugh..
and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a good piece of furniture not previously
owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal, that will make her
guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
a feeling of control over her destiny..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job, break up with a lover,
and confront a friend, without ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder...
and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...
but it's over.. .

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do...
for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW....
how to live alone...
even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... .
whom she can trust, whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table..
or a charming Inn in the woods....
when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
What she can and can't accomplish in a day... a month... and a year...

I need to frame this and put it where I can read it every day. I need to learn how to portray this to my daughter to help to be a strong and confident women. I believe that I can.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T11:35:00.000-08:00

We spent the evening just the way I wanted to. With great friends and loved ones. Our lifegroup broke up over the summer because everyone was being lead else where. Although we are not a small group anymore we have all remained really great friends. For the last two years me and Tim have hosted the New Years/Christmas celebration for the group, so of course we did again this year. We had it at Momma Donna's this year. It was a lot less stressful. Everyone just brought finger foods and BYOB of course. We had a great time and great conversation. We played white elephant. There was some pretty creative gifts. Tim got hobo in a box. It was a bag of beans, bag of rice, two flat sheets and some other stuff like that. I told him it was his box house box. Everything to survive when he goes to the bog house. I got a fiber-optic Marilyn Monroe doll. VERY goddy but Serenity loves it. It's hers. We had a great time and could not have asked to spend it any other way.

New Years Resolutions

2008-12-30T14:31:00.001-08:00

I really don't care much for New Years Resolutions. I think that when you make then, you are sure to fail. So I am not make a resolution. I am just making a plan of things that I would like to accomplish over the next year. I figure by blogging them than you guys can help keep me accountable. How do you like that? I just put my success or failure on you. He He He.
Here is a list of my top ten.

1. To turn the TV off more and get in the floor with my kids. Wither reading, coloring, and playing cars. More mommy time for them.

2. To be a much better wife for husband. That includes keeping my mouth shut and giving him the respect that he deserves.

3. Be a better friend. Make myself more available and there with no lazy excuses.

4. READ MY BIBLE. I do do this but not like I should. My goal is to read the whole bible in one year thanks to help from youversion.com

5. Devote myself to volunteering at the church. I do volunteer in the kids but I want to do more micro missions. No more excuses.

6. To take better care of myself. I am not going on a diet! I do not believe in them or the word. Like New Years Resolutions I believe that just the word makes you want to quit. I am however going to be more aware of what I put in my mouth and exercise.

7. To blog more and to take more pictures. I love doing it but always make the excuse that I don't have the time. NO more excuses.

8. To be a better sister. I am only known by my own brothers as the b@#$%. I want to work on my relationship with my bubbies. I don't want that engraved on my tombstone.

9. To not stress. I can not get it all done. There is no way to do it. It is impossible. I need to get that in my head. I need to just take it one thing at a time, one day at a time.

10. To be more spiritual. All things are possible through him that gives us strength. My motto this year is to Let Go and Let God. If I can just learn to turn it all over to him, that he will lead me on the path that I am to go. I think that things will go so much smoother that way cause my way is not working.

There you go. This is just part of my goals this year. I will do my best to keep everyone updated on my progress. I have my girls group every Sunday. It is suppose to be for us to help encourage each other to lose weight. Now you guys know. I will be truthful of my progress. I will even let you know my weight. Yikes, i know! But it will help keep me motivated. I hope anyway. Well now you know mine, Let me know yours!

Happy New Year to Everyone!

Thankful Thursday- Girlfriend Style

2008-12-04T08:36:00.000-08:00

After reading the blog of Widney Woman (http://widney.woman.blogspot.com) she challenges you to what you are thankful for. I have really been thinking about what I am most thankful for. Of course there are many things that I am so thankful for. My health, beautiful healthy children, my wonderful and loving husband and this secure life that we have together. The thing that came to mind most of what I am thankful right now in this time has to be my girlfriends. This time of year is very very hard for me. There is so many traditions that I am trying to keep alive so that my children, nieces and nephews remember there grandma and how she did things. She LOVED Christmas and did everything the same way every year.

So you can imagine what a hormonal crazy person I become. I am happy, then sad, then angry, then just numb. My girlfriends are always there. All I do is call and they are there. Sometimes it is just good conversation on the phone and other times it is a margarita night at the local Mexican restaurant. My favorite! ;P They always know the know the right things to say and do. If nothing else the hugs are always there. Girls just understand girls you know. With out them I would be lost. I truly believe that I would have curled up in my bed and never have come out.

I don't want to ignore my sisters either. My sisters-in-law and even my mother-in-law are the best in laws ever. I always hear people talk about their MIL and even SILs and it is not good. I just don't understand because I was truly blessed. We get along so well and talk all the time. We are all supportive of each other and love each other to no ends. I could not have asked for better sisters or a another mother. I knew that when my mother died I would be okay because I still had my Momma Donna. She is one of my best est friends. She is always there when you need her or need someone to talk to. What I love about her first is that she never takes sides and always remains the neutral. BUT at the same time she can still be on your side. That is really hard to do.

I am so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful women. It is so funny how God places people in our lives at different times to help us get through what life throws at us. I had only met my girls about 4 weeks before my mom died. I wish they could have met her. They cushioned the blow and where such a comfort......and still are!! Love you all Girls.

Poor Baby

2008-11-26T17:05:00.000-08:00

Well, I think that ma and Tim have come to the conclusion that we are going to have to put a helmet with a face shield on it. In a moment of celebration for going poo poo on the potty and getting a piece of candy, he fell and smacked his face on the edge of the stairs. He literally split his lip and knocked two of his teeth to about a 45 degree angle backward. I did not have a car so Tim had to come home from work and take him to the hospital. He then had to have two stitches in his lip and they had to pull one of the teeth. To make him feel better they gave him a Lightning McQueen toothbrush and a temp tattoo. He looks terrible but is acting like nothing happened. Kids bounce back so fast. Poor baby.

A nurse at the hospital makes this little pouches for the teeth. He gets to have a visit from the tooth fairy before Reni does. Is that not the most humongous tooth that you have seen! I can not believe that was in his little mouth.

Halloween '08

2008-11-03T17:06:00.000-08:00

This year we attended the second annual hunted house at our friends Brad and Whitney's house. Tim got recruited to help set and scare all the kids as they traveled through the back yard. Tim had a blast. I think he had more fun that all the kids combined. He was also asked to build a box that looked like a cage. He built it so big that it would not fit into our car. We had to strap it to the top of the car. We had to travel with a 4'x4' box down a busy highway during rush hour. Can you imagine the looks we got? It was fun.

While the boys were busy with the hunted house, the girls took all the kids trick or treating. Whitney's neighborhood is perfect. It is real tight so we hit a lot of houses in a short amount of time. It was perfect. By the time the kids were done walking their baskets were full. It was then back to the house for pizza and to watch the movie Nightmare before Christmas.

While Whitney was out getting more candy for the guys and picking up the pizza, I ran the kids about a mile down the road to the Simmons house to visit Aunt Sarah, Uncle Andy, New cousin Wyatt and Grandma and Grandpa Daryl. He took them to a scary house down the road that Reni saw as we were coming in. We then went back to join the crowd and all the fun.

Shortly after 9 we were all exhausted and ready to go home and crash. And that is just what we did!

Whitney's stupid head thingy got in the way of my picture.

Oh yeah. Whitney is puppy sitting for her mom. This is bootsy. He was Peter Pan. So cute!
This is Hadley, Whitney and Brads daughter. She was Wonder Woman.

The Box on top of the car driving down the road.

Reni was Snow White, Triston a cowboy, and Eli was squirt from Nemo

Oh how Time flies

2008-11-03T16:41:00.000-08:00

While cleaning out some things, we found my old camera that was lost forever. I looked to see what pictures where on it. It is pictures from Reni's first day at school, the really good snow that we had two years ago. We are sledding at Grandma Donna's, and even some pictures from when Reni was three and I coached her soccer team. I couldn't believe it. There are pictures from when Triston was about a year old. I didn't realize how much Eli looks like him at that age. Wow! How time flies.

First day of Preschool. She had cut her hair the day before. She looks like Peter Pan.

Dress up center

This was Reni's Snowman. Tiim helped her put the face on it. She was so upset that he did not have any ears. Tim told her that it did not need ears, it was just a snowman. He then went to go sled. When I came to join the fun, she pointed out to me that she had made the snowman some ears. She used some twigs and grass that she found. She is just so creative.

Don't he look so much like Eli? Triston is about a year old in this picture.

Reni's first soccer team Lil' Firecrackers

Triston fell asleep with a hot dog in his mouth. Can you say wedding video? You know it.

What an experience

2008-10-31T08:32:00.001-07:00

Brand new Baby Wyatt was born on October 27 at 10:28 am. I had to wait till Mom posted the first picture before I did. It was not my plan to be in the room while he was born but Sarah said once I was there that I could stay if I wanted and if they would let me. So of course I made sure to stay out of mind and out of way. I am so glad that I got to be there. It was probably the most amazing thing I have ever been apart of. I have never seen a birth. I have just been the one having the babies. I had no idea all the emotions involved.

Sarah called me about 7:35 on the 26Th. Her water had broke. She was screaming on the phone. I was so excited with her but thought she was pulling a joke on me at first. She was so cute. I was in Owasso at my girls group. It took about 10 minutes of sitting there with my girls before I couldn't stand it any more. I had to go over there. My excuse was that Andy was the last one to paint her toes. You can't go to the hospital with bad toes! When I got there, Andy was bouncing around. Sarah was getting ready to leave. I went to talk to her and asked what she wanted me to help her with. I helped her get her room cleaned up and ready for Baby Wyatt to come home. Long story short, it was about 11:00 and they were headed to the hospital. I was so glad to be there with them during this time to answer all her questions and be supportive. It was cute to watch Andy pace and just be such an excited daddy to be!!

I went home from there and got her some things that I had that she needed. I asked for Momma Donna and Papa Daryl to come and pick me up so that Tim would have a car. I figured we were in for a long night. Boy was I right. Things started a little slow so they started her on patosin to get her contractions to pick up. We called Kelly, the most wonderful doula in the world. She has delivered 5 out of 6 of the Widney grandchildren. Shortly before she got there the contractions were starting to get intense. We spent most of time cracking jokes and enjoying the amazing situation. It was about 5 in the morning when there was no more joking and only concentration.

I just want to mention how amazing of a birth couch Andy was. He almost never left her side. He was always where she could see him. He was so supportive and understanding of what she was going through. He was incredible. Sometimes I would just look at them and start crying because of how beautiful the moment was. It was during this that I realized just how much Andy loves Sarah and that there was nothing that he would not do for her. I have a whole respect for him. I know with no doubt that he will be the most incredible daddy and even more important the most amazing husband to Sarah. Every time Sarah would cry with pain, Andy would cry in pain. He was so in tune with her. That really takes something special. So many marriages don't have that these days. I was so proud of you Andy!!

At about 7 am it got really bad. Wyatt was a little stuck. They were trying to find the Dr to come and help. She was doing one C-section after the other. At this point Sarah was not saying very nice words and Andy was really taking a beating during the contractions. I think I even remember her biting him at one or two points. He took it like a trooper. Never said a word. Good boy!! She might have choked you to death. Soon they were able to hunt down the doctor and she came in and did what doctors do and it was time to push. Everyone took position. I was trying to stay out of the way. Andy's mom was trying to hold one of her feet but Sarah kept getting out of her grip. I snuck up behind her and helped hold her foot without her knowing. Soon you could see his dark black hair. As soon as I said "You can see his hair", Andy abandoned his post and came where I was. I soon hurried back down to hold Sarah's head so that Andy could watch Wyatt come. It was about 5 pushed from there and he was here. He was BEAUTIFUL. He did not come out squished or anything. He was not blue. He was just beautiful. Tons of dark black hair. The room was bawling. Everyone backed up to let Sarah and Andy embrace with their brand new son that they had waited so long to get here. It was magical.

I don't think that anything in life can compare to being there to watch the magic of what God can do. How can you not believe in God when you see just how amazing something like a baby is. How our bodies work? How babies are formed to look just like us, even from birth? Thank you Sarah and Andy for letting me be involved in your moment. It is something I will never forget.

CONGRATS!!!!

Happy Birthday!!

2008-10-30T12:37:00.000-07:00

Our friends went out with us last Saturday to help me and Tim celebrate our birthdays. We started out at PF Changs and then went bowling at the Riverlanes Bowling Alley. We laughed so hard and had a great time. I love our friends. They keep us young.

Sam and KellyMomma Donna and Papa DarylPoor Alan. He is not really drunk. But Brad did have to put on a show.

See my little crown in the pic below with the girlsSarah at the bowling alley. She spilled hot chocolate all over Kelly.Oops!

Jason (far left) Alan in the middle and Brad far right

Sam kicked everyones butt at bowling on the girls side

Whitney is going to kill me for posting this picture. It is so Funny!!!!

My gorgeous husband stricking a pose

Brad telling a wopper I am sure.

Thanks guys for coming with us to help us celebrate. It would not have been the same without you. Your friendships mean so much to use. Your family! Love you all.

Walkingstick Family Reunion 08

2008-10-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

October 20th was the Walkingstick Family Reunion. It was good to see family that is not around very much. Our kids are really had a lot of fun and so did the big kids playing horse shoes. It was a beautiful day for it. Sunny and just the right temperature.

Boys playing horseshoes

Sarah Jo and baby Wyatt in the tummy

Serenity on the swings. She is so pretty!

Mommy and Triston swinging

Aunt Janet on swings

Gracie playing in the grass

Eli and Gracie. She did not want her foot to touch the ground. It was so funny.

Sarah, Lisa and Melissa

Eli loves to swing. He threw a fit when I took him out.

Eli is 1

2008-10-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

Okay no more procrastinating. I will now post the pictures from Eli's birthday party. He actually had two birthday parties because Grandpa and Grandma Donna and Daryl could not be there, nor could Sarah and Andy. So we met with them on Sunday and had lunch to celebrate Donna Momma's birthday and Eli's Birthday. Eli was born on her birthday. He tore into that chocolate cake. We laughed so hard. We had to help Reni and Triston along with their cakes so I was so excited that he just went after it. Momma Donna has the pictures on her iphone and she can figure how to get them off. I will have to post them later.

On Monday the 29th of Sept we just had a small amount of friends and family come to help us celebrate. He did not tear that cake up as good but it was still funny and fun to watch. If was a really good party and I really like that it was so small. We could take the time to enjoy everyone and be involved in all the activities. I still can't believe he is one. It has gone so fast.

I AM an organ donor

2008-10-07T14:15:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many die hard ER fans are out there but I have been one for years. I can not believe that this THE final season. I don't know what I am going to do.

The Thursday before last was the first one of the season. If you are a fan, you know what happened. They killed Pratt off. It was probably the hardest episode that I have ever watched on ER because it really hit home for me. I have been threw it. The episode really brought back a lot of feelings and I balded like a baby. It has also been very hard for me to get off my chest. I believe that I was very open with what I was going threw but think that people took my intentions very wrong. So here is the point I want to make.

Pratt, after he was pronounced brain dead, was lead through the hall to have his organs donated. You could tell that every one was having a hard time with it because he still looked alive. His brother on the show even said that he still felt warm. But he had made the decision himself before he died or even knew that he was going to die to be an organ donor. That means that no one can change that after they are gone.

Here is my personal story. First I will give you the down side of it. My mother had had a headache for a couple of days. Finally, not able to take it any more, turned to my step dad in the middle of the night and told him that if he did not call an ambulance quickly, she would not make it. We believe shortly after she arrived at the hospital she had an aneurysm. She started having trouble breathing on her own and was panicking. That is when they started helping her breath and sedated her so she would stop panicking. It was touch and go from this point. They did many test on her, including a CAT scan which confirmed the aneurysm. It had burst in a way to cover all of her brain. A 1 in like 3 million chance that it would burst like that. I stayed with her day and night for 3 days and 2 nights.

I had left the room so that others could go see her since she was in ICU. I was gone for a while. We were waiting for the doctor to come and do the second vitality test to check her brain activity. She had passed the first one. The way they do this is they turn the machine off and see if they try to take a breathe. She took a breath the day before. While we were waiting for the second set of results, I went to see her. I knew as soon as I walked in the room that it was not going to be good. I could feel that she was already gone. I touched her. Nothing. I tried praying for a miracle but nothing. I felt very very crept out. I know that sounds weird but that is how it felt to me. She just wasn't there any more. The doctor finally came and asked for John. They broke the news to him and left it to him to tell the rest of us. It was over.

Then came the time when they would let us know that she was on the donor list. She marked it on her drivers license. I don't think people really understand what that means when you mark that box. It is very real. We did not have an option on this or even a choice. She made that decision and that was that. They were just there to let us know what was going to happen and if we wanted to be involved in the process or not. OF course I wanted to. Me and my brothers. My aunts on the other hand were trying to fight it. Not an option, She checked the box. That was her decision.

I am soooooo glad that she checked that box. I think that if that decision would have been left up to me, I don't think that I could of done it. I honestly think that I would have felt like I killed her. It was so very hard to leave the hospital that night. I felt like I was abandoning her. She was still breathing, so it seemed. She was still pink in color. It still looked like her. It was very hard for my mind to understand that she was gone even though my heart already knew. I felt guilt over this for about a month.

The good side of marking the box on your license. Your family does not have to make that decision. One of the biggest comforts to me about it all is that there is still a little bit of my mother living some where out there. I don't know why but this brings comfort to me. Plus, I know that three lives were saved due to my mothers organs. I feel like they are incredibly blessed to have her in them. They have the touch of God, whether they wanted it or not. I like to sit back and think that they are incredible spirit warriors because they were touched by God through her organs. Silly, I know. I hope that I was able to make my point in all this. Sorry it is so long but I had to get it off my chest. I just hope that I can help others understand so that it is a little less painful for someone else. God Bless!

Eli at it again

2008-09-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

He has now figured out how to get to the kids table. None of the kids food is safe. Triston left his muffin at the table and he found it. Me and Angie came around the corner and this is what we found. He was eating it paper and all. He just scooted it to the edge and was digging in. I can't wait to see what he does to his birthday cake!

Saturday Travels

2008-09-27T15:39:00.001-07:00

I finally did not have to work on a Saturday. It was such a good feeling. Except that Tim volunteered to work on a Saturday so I still did not get to sleep in. I started by dropping him and then going to Target to get a baby gift for little Wyatt. I had to go home before going to the shower and Reni was about to drive me crazy. She was trying to rush me through everything.

I then went to the Co-ed baby shower, that was husband told me that he would meet me at, by myself with the three kids. Still getting over that one. It was really cute and laid back. I like those kind of showers. The food was great. Kelly did a great job. I thought I didn't have my camera on me so I didn't get a picture of the cake before they cut it. I did get a couple before I left though.

The boys looking for the toys in the presents.

Grandma Donna met us there. When the shower was over, we headed to the mall to get Eli his first pair of walking shoes for his birthday on Monday. We then walked around the mall for a little bit and of course had to go to the apple store. My camera battery died in stride rite so I had to take pictures with grandmas new iphone. I could not get them to email to me so I will have to get them later. We played in the playground for a bit and then headed home for naps. I really like the kids naps more than they do.

The selection we made. We tried a couple but grandma liked these and so did mommy.

Eli trying them out. I think we have a winner.

Family Days

2008-09-27T15:15:00.000-07:00

Thursday, I was to tired to do anything for dinner so we decided to go to dinner in Claremore at the Superking Catfish and Steakhouse. The place is always packed out so we thought we would try it. I do NOT recommend it. It was not all that great. I guess I am just use to the way my grandpa made fish. Nothing else compares.

After eating all that grease we decided to go to Claremore Lake and let the kids play in the park. It was such a great evening for it. I love it at Claremore Lake. It so family friendly.

While we were there, Reni started playing with this little girl. I really didn't think anything of it because she makes friends everywhere she goes. She told me that the girl goes to her school. I thought no big deal, it is a small town, kind of. We then decided to walk to the bridge to see if we could see any turtles. The little girl asked if she could go and I told her she had to ask. She came back and said that her grandma said that it was okay. I turned to go and talk to when I realized who it was. It was Margo from Grace Church and The Pink House in Claremore. She is a family friend and her granddaughter goes to school with Reni. Who knew. It really is a small world after all.
Tim took some great pitures of Reni jumping.

I almost forgot to mention...

2008-09-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

We got our sign in the yard from the City of Claremore. It showed up on the 2nd of September. I walked out and there it was. No one said anything, no knock on the door. It just appeared. I am so proud of it. I think I might it and keep it all for myself. =) I know, how can I teach my kids to share if I can't even do it. Well this is my response to that. What they don't know, won't hurt them. heheheheheh (evil laugh)

Meet Millie

2008-09-27T15:00:00.001-07:00

Everyone, say hello to Millie. We adopted Millie about a two weeks ago. Her previous owners did not take of her and had actually took her to a vet to have her put to sleep. The vet assistant there could not see that happen to her so she took her home and nursed her back to health. I went to do a bid on a job and met her foster owners. They asked me if I would be interested in a wiener dog. I said maybe. When they brought her out to meet me, I just fell in love. She has ruffles on her on front feet! She is so cute and so mild mannered. She is already fixed, has all her shots and is house broken. She is great with kids and takes them tormenting her very well. I totally believe in starting with an older dog when you have younger kids now. That way they have a fighting chance.

Finally

2008-09-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

I had the day off of work today because of Angie being sick. I ride with her so when she called in it stranded me at home. Oh darn a day off. I thought while the boys were sleeping I would take advantage of the time and catch up some blogs. So scroll down and enjoy. I will try to be much better about keeping up with them from now on.

LifeGroup Active

2008-09-22T11:31:00.001-07:00

Our life group is official. We have had a really cute couple coming the last couple of weeks. They are a lot of fun and share the same interest as me and Tim. Angie has also been attending. We have just been following along with the message series and getting to know each other. It is very casual and laid back. I like that better than trying to make it so structured.

This has been a great message series. It is called You Don't Have What It Takes. He has hit You can't control the future, people pleasing, and a couple of others. When you get a chance check them out for free online at http://www.lifechurch.tv/.

Your Rockstar Baby

2008-09-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

Serenity is starting to crack me up with her piano. She sits in there with the headset on and plays and sings. This day her song of choice was Jesus Light of my path. This is not the name of the song but is some of the words. I assume that she learned it at school. She knew all the words and if I didn't know any better she was playing like she knew all the keys. Remember she had a headset on so I could not hear what she was playing, but it looked good anyway. I almost teared up because I could just see her in ten years on stage, in front of millions playing her own songs. I am such a proud mommy!

Triston was throwing a huge fit because he wanted to play.

Busy little Bee

2008-09-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a busy day for me. Me and Angie had a show at the Broken Arrow Home and Business Expo. It was a joke of a show and did not really benefit us in any way. It was a total waste of a beautiful Saturday. I did walk around and get all the free stuff from vendors. I guess that is only plus from the whole thing.

The pot that I made for the raffle

After we got done with the show at 4:00, I went home and started working on baby shower invitations. They should have been done two weeks ago but as you know I have had no time to work on them. Sarah Jo came over and helped. I was so glad because she did the parts that I hate, like inserting the brads into the holes. We had a lot of fun and talked a lot about baby stuff and labor and delivery. She stayed till 11:30. We were enjoying conversation so much we didn't even realize what time it was.

Hi Baby Wyatt.

Mi Familia

2008-09-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday my little familia decided to go and have lunch Johnny Carino's after church. We do this often on Sunday's because our little family of five can eat there for $25. Usually we keep Eli in his baby seat and just put him in a sling. Well, we decided that we would just carry him inside and put him in a highchair. He was such a big boy. BUT, yes there is a but, he kept getting into everything. Not only that he wanted to stand in the seat not sit. The strap on it was broken so we couldn't strap him down. It was a real juggle to keep him in that seat. He did do a little better once the food came. Then he just yells at you because you can't shove it in fast enough.

Eli standing in the chair

Serenity and her straw mustache

Triston and his handsome Daddy

Feeding himself

Elisha's Birthday

2008-09-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

About a week ago was Elisha's third birthday. Me and Angie had to work late so on our way home we stopped and got a few groceries and a cupcake cake. We also got a few gifts for him to open. We decided that it would be something cute, short and sweet. It was a nice day.

Puppy dog cake made of cupcakes.ElishaOf Course Tim can't take a normal picture.Angie, Elisha's mommyOpening presents

The only paper we could find to wrap it in.

Couldn't wait to wear his new Lightning McQueen Shirt

Everyone playing with new toys.