Tuesday Tidbits...

Notes to self: Advice for others:

1. Never make an 8am doctors appt...especially if you stayed up late

2. Make sure you have enough toilet paper in the house to last until pay day (with 5 kids...should i have forgotten this point?)
3. Keep lunch extras on hand so as not to be called by school atleast once a week (I am not a bad parent-really?!)
4.Never cram 50 gazillion things into one day without a lot of planning (you know something is gonna happen to throw a wrench in the whole plan-just be prepared)

5. Make sure you tell your kids you love them-ALOT and give lots of hugs and kisses........

"Not Me" Monday!

It's that time again...check out one of my favorite blogs and join in on the fun....

http://www.mycharmingkids.net/



I did not leave dishes in the sink and dirty clothes on the steps when the MIL decided to stop in for a suprise visit...

I did not attempt to jump out the vehicle when my hubby and I got into an argument....no comments here!

I did not run out of toilet paper and use wipes as a substitute until I could get to the store..nope not me! (shh...I won't tell...you know you've done it too!)

I did not practically yell at the doctor on the phone because he was acting like a total butt....certainly I did not.

I did not stand at my front door in my undies kissing the kids goodbye for school....ooops...not me!

Hectic Life.......wait!...where am I??

Sorry so long since a post. It has been absolutely a crazy week/weekend! (I think that's an understatement!). If you don't like long blogs..be advised..this will be long, considering...i have a lot that went on.

Last Wed. I recieved my purchase requests..signed. Well, let me back up. Our church has a nursing Mother's room-which was in great need of a "Mommy makeover". It was dark, dingy and just plain unacceptable for new babies and mommies to endure for too long. So, I decided I was going to take a leap and submit my ideas to the Pastors.

Oh...I have a great vision (God-given) for this room...just picture it....Pale yellow walls, large whimsical tree with birds and butterflies....grass coming from the floor and lovely butterflies hanging from the ceiling. Scripture Psalm 139:13-15 written whimsically on the wall! TV on the wall so they can enjoy the service with their new bundles of joy. Gliders chairs in cherry and cream. Changing table with hanging organizational shelf that contains all the necessities to change a baby's diaper. I just imagine mommies with babies going in there and being so comfortable. Anywoo....it got APPROVED!! I was/am so excited!

However, the planning and other lovely paperwork is quite exhausting! We have to fill out all the info to purchase the items and it made for, well..a crazy week on top of all the other motherly duties.

So this is how my Wednesday and weekend started...

>Wed. am -Finished my article for Freshwindmag! If you haven't checked her out..my friend Carmen is a wonderful writer and she has a magazine that will be up soon-it will bless you-check her blog out at http://www.freshwind08.blogspot.com/). I went to church/school...helped the k3 teacher with their setup for naptime, which included pulling down tables and chairs and putting up cots

> Wed afternoon-attempted to get all paperwork straight and order gliders, the shelf, and other items.

As I was sitting ordering items with hubby and a few co-workers just standing chatting, we recieved a speakerphone call from the principal of the school.....

"Mr and Mrs ______, I have T in my office. He tripped a child and I feel his punishement should be silent lunch and dentention" and we respond "We agree, we will pick him up at 5pm, Thank you"

Ugh!!!! If the day could not go any crazy??? Of course! Why even ask?

>After the paperwork, I went to HD and picked up the paint colors for the wall ....oh....in the pouring rain...oops, I failed to mention the fact that it rained ALL day! Yuck!!

Wednesday night...I stayed home! I think the Lord understands my need to recover from the events considering He is always with me!

>Thursday came...um...what did I do Thursday?? (sudden loss of memory...commercial break....oh yea...I remember) I went back to school and helped with some paperwork they needed labeled (plus I have to get volunteer hours in-12 of them). Hubby and I got into an argument....whatever! The stresses of life got to both of us, I think. Then I had to work that night-it was quiet and productive I got some new stock in that i put up.

>Friday came and Hubby got blessed with a side job helping load some stuff- that paid well, which was really needed. Then we had a workers meeting at church that went ok. Except before we left He and I got into it again. I shall not divulge any information on that (innocent victims to protect-love u honey). It was rough...then he brought home a hot fudge sundae. (nothing like chocolate to ease a girls tears!)

>Saturday came and that ended up being quiet. Hubby had another meeting. I did some cleaning.

>Sunday...here comes the drama. Caitlyn woke up and her eyes were swollen and she broke out from head to toe! It was awful. She's had it happen before and the last time they had to give her a Depodryl shot-kinda scary! But, I went to church after giving her Benadryl (per docs instructions)-I didn't stay long-she got cranky and her diaper area was really raw-oh...my poor baby! I went home asap and called the doc and he said just see if anything changes in her breathing-if it does, bring her in. Nothing changed (Praise the Lord), she still has a rash all over her face, so I made an appointment.

Right now I am just enjoying some peace and my fuzzy socks-a girls favorite indulgence! (If you don't have a pair, my dear...go invest in several! Thanks Susan for those!)

My agenda today: run a few errands and take baby Caitlyn to the doc at 12:00! Please pray they can give her something to ease the itching and discomfort! She seems her happy self, just uncomfortable.

That's the jist of my life...in Drama City!

Wordless Wednesday!

Being like Abigail....

Today, I want to be like Abigail.

I don't know if your like me, but your husband is not always the "perfect" husband (I know I'm not the perfect wife), but I've really been praying for him. I know he has a lot on him. His job is stressful and he has a lot of hats to fill. Then, he comes home and the finances are not exactly perfect, kids having trouble at school, toddlers at his feet..so it's Alot.
I have really been struggling with the whole "Keep your mouth shut, allow God to talk to him" thing. I think as women we want it fixed-right then. Because that's what we do-we fix boo-boos, tears,dinners,etc. We want a easy fix. But God is showing me that it's time to let my husband be the head of the house and for me to trust God in it all.
Oh Boy!! That's a tough one. I sat down this morning to do a couple things and felt lead to send a prayer request-but I don't just send it without sending a scripture that lines up with what I am asking. So the Lord took me to 1 Sam. 25:1-43.


Abigail...she was obedient even when her husband acted like a complete fool! She kept her mouth shut until the Lord lead her. Her quick thinking saved her husbands life, Yet she didn't argue with him. She just quietly did what was right, despite her husband's attitude. Her example teaches us to do what's right and whats in our ability than trying to convince our husbands they are wrong (which is quite often what i do- I repent).

So I am trusting in God and letting my actions do the talking....how about you?




-----------------------------------------------------------------------
On another note, Please pray for my son. He's having issues at school and I need guidance from the Lord about how to deal with it in the right way.

3 John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth

Deut. 28: 1-6 v4 The fruit of your womb will be blessed,...

Lunch Police

I didn't mean to post 3 blogs at once...but I had to add this one..

My son, J is the Lunch police. I should hire him for all my other jobs because he is So thourogh. (yes, my spelling is probably wrong..oh well.)

This is the conversation that ensues:

"Mom-Tevin is putting 2 pieces of meat on his sandwich!!"

"J-just make your lunches-leave him alone"

"But Mom-we're not supposed to put that many"

"J-seriously-leave him alone!"

No more than 5 minutes later I hear

"Jordan-you don't need to eat your apple now, that was for your lunch!"

"Jacob-Please just let her eat the apple-she's fine"

"But Mom--"

"No butts, just leave her alone-ok?"

and his final words...............


"but I thought we were on a BUDGET?"

me...."Nevermind"

"Not me" Monday!!

Here's to my first "not me" Monday...Thanks Mckmama!!



I so did not lay in bed until 10am in my jammies (after getting my children off to school @7am) then promise myself to clean and didn't.

I did not just see my 3 year old flick me off (not realizing what she had just done)

I did not eat a Dove chocolate bar, Peanut M&M's and some sour punches last night...nope not me


Nope....certainly Not Me!!!

Jakes Field trip

Aaaa...my sweet Jacob. I love the boy...but I lovingly got myself into this field trip of an event. It was quite lovely if it didn't have so much history and walking involved. Well, the walking would've been okay if I didn't have an almost 20 pound baby to carry....but hopefully it helped me loose the extra 20 pounds I've got on my body (from carrying her 9 mos ya know).

Anywoo...It was a fun trip and very interesting. I love his teacher who is a history buff (I so am not) and it was a nice day spent with the one child who is my husband's spitin' image!! (I ain't lyin on that one!)

So here's to Jake...

Wordless Wednesday...

Jordybugs birthday!

Wednesday and Thursday Before Jordybugs birthday were crazy. I woke up early both days and painted my door~I was so proud. It was this really cute pinkish red~I loved it. Hubby didn't. He didn't say anything at first-until Friday AFTER I had finished it and it looked SO cute-did i mention I liked it? So, he decides that he wants it back real red-what is real red anyway? There are like a million different reds. An argument ensues and I just suck it up and tell him "You want it painted-YOU paint it-whatever!". The door comes off after his short trip to HD and he gets the kids involved (only to involve the fact that HE doesn't really have to paint it himself) one with a small paintbrush (really only used for watercolors-ha-we'll get a lot of painting done with that!) and the other with the real paintbrush. So here they are with paintbrushes in hand with a door off the hinges in a dark room with barely any light painting my perfectly lovely door-go figure.

I just endure-praying that it will come out descent. I wake up on Saturday morning and open my door- "OH MY GOSH-DO YOU SEE THIS DOOR? IT HAS RUNS EVERYWHERE! HALF OF IT'S NOT PAINTED-IT WOULD'VE BEEN FINE IF YOU JUST LEFT IT ALONE!" (can u tell the infuriation in my voice?) His response "nobody will see it, I'll fix it next week" my response "ARE U KIDDING ME? I HAVE GUESTS COMING IN 4 HOURS AND YOU MESSED UP MY DOOR!".........fight ensues.

I knew (at the last minute mind u) that he had a meeting at 12:30 (which made me even more frustrated that he would schedule a meeting with people on his own daughters bday party-oh well) so, he finishes the lawn-which of course he wanted a million thanks for (not gonna happen-u ruined my door) and he showered and got dressed. He came downstairs in this.................................................................................

Yea...you see it? It's a shirt that says "I love my marriage". I about died....trying not to laugh, but I couldn't help it. I mean the man gets on my nerves sometimes, but gosh do I love him.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The party was great! She had just enough kids here to be a good crowd, not overwhelming. She got a lot of wonderful presents, and the fact that the cake wasn't one of my exciting creations (i ran out of time)-she didn't care. You know people eat it anyway- it's the taste that counts!

Here are some pics...

On a side note...

As I was watching everyone leave, something occured to me-I never thought I would be standing waving to little girls with princess dresses leaving my house. After Preston was born, we waited and I really didn't want anymore kids, although Chris did. He bugged me...I said no-then he said "Pray about it"-I didn't-for weeks atleast.

Then we went to Africa on a missions trip-(totally awesome) and the Lord started speaking to me before I went that I was afraid to have kids because I didn't think I would have a girl-(boys are great-but God knows the desires of our hearts and I wanted a GIRL-didn't want to be completely outnumbered-ya know!), so He told me to confess the desires of my heart and He would give them to me because I was faithful to go on the missions trip. It didn't take much convincing and I started speaking.

After the missions trip- I got pregnant and when they did the ultrasound- IT WAS A GIRL!!! I called everyone I knew.....God is faithful!

I think God wanted to remind me that it's not too late and not to forget what He does in our lives! What a great reminder! Thank you Lord, for not only blessing me with One baby girl, but two!

Honesty...

I am going to be honest here. This past year has been rough. The finances. The marriage. The kids...you name....the devil has tried to undue it.
Today, I sat in church, in tears. Wondering where it all went wrong. Why it had to be like this. Why it looked so fake to me. Fake. You know-when it looks all hunkydory to everyone else, when you're really dying on the inside.
Dying to find who YOU are. Yes, I am Chris' wife. Yes, I am Tevin's mom, Jakes mom, Preston's mom, Jordan's mom, Caitlyn's Mom. But, who am i? Where it all went to. How you got into this mess.
I love my Jesus. He so know's how to explain who you are and what you need! I sat in service (mascara faced and all) and listened to my Pastor tell me what God wanted me to hear. He said that we should run to the altar-be willing to not hold in what we need from God. To give it to him. Wow! He also said that God knows everything about us-even before we ask. To allow God to use others to minister to one another. That is what the body of Christ is for.

Then...get this: I came home and checked my blogs for new ones and one of my favorites showed up....and that was a God thing too. Check out http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/ ! I cried all the way through. It spoke to my heart. Look what God does-even when we think we are not worth it! We are in His eyes.

I have a lot to blog about, but for now....I am spending time with my God......

Quick post on a crazy day!

Today was supposed to be predictable...nope...it is CRAZY so far...this is my done list:

1.Took kids to school
2. finished painting front door
3. Washed 2 loads of clothes
4. Picked Jordan up for appt @ 9am
5. Went to appt~that's a whole nother blog
6. Took Jordan back to school
7. Came home
8. Pulled weeds in front flower bed....why did God create crabgrass???
9. Ran to store........
And the list continues

Thursday Thoughts

Today is the anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. I can't believe it has been 7 years! It sounds crazy! On http://www.msnbc.msn.com/ (I was actually watching it) they replayed the whole day~it was surreal.

I remember waking up that morning, taking the kids to school and coming back and turning on the tv to the same thing. I cried then, I cried today. I said a prayer for all the families that are still struggling with this.

So my thought for today is....please pray for these families and our nation. Our nation needs change!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other thoughts:

1. I'm proud I painted the boys bathroom almost completely

2. The first coat of the front door is done

3. I've done 4 loads of laundry (don't ask how many I have left!)

4. I have too much to do before Jordan's birthday party!!!!

oh...did I fail to mention...I am having a party here Saturday?? Stay tuned for pics afterward! My sweet girl will be 3~ I can't believe it!!

5. I have to work tonight.....ugh...too much to do there!

*note to self....go take nap so we can accomplish all of this.....*reminder...you have a list 3 pages long to do before Saturday!!

New Sections

I'm gonna start some new sections, to give my blog something new......

Monday....maybe? (I'm gonna try something new)
Tuesday Tidbits (Where I share a tidbit of usefull info)
Wordless Wednesday (self explainatory)
Thursday thoughts (where I share a thought on whatever)
Friday....we'll just see

I'll see how it goes after the first few weeks-

So proud...

Of myself...I'm finally figuring all this blogging stuff out-can u believe it??
So excited.....LOVE MY NEW BACKGROUND!!!!!!
Yay for me-haha-I'm silly...I know!


Oh.....and I wanted to post this for fun....(ignore the stuff...they just got home from school..go figure)...there is a story to tell behind the video......



Here's the story...my hubby works for the our bookstore @ church and we get in new music even before it's out...so we were enjoying it...then all of a sudden...we had a breakout...it was.........................SPONTANEOUS DANCING!!! They are just too funny!

Wordless Wednesday

I AM...................

Repost if you like...share yourself.....


I AM
i am: finding myself and thanking God for the gift of life

i think: I am rich...and I'm not talkin' money.

i know: I'm a good Mom.

i want: to live a long life and watch my kids be happy

i have: so much to be thankful for

i hate: lies. not being able to share my life with my mom

i feel: happier than I have ever been

i hear: Hillsong, my baby girl snoring..(I love that sound)

i search: for God's plan for our family in the future

i regret: not having enough individual time with my kids, what happened with my brother

i love: my kiddos, my hubby, the smell of cake baking, my babies drool, Jordybugs kisses, Sydney's talks, Eryn's company....the list goes on...

i ache: to be completely healed

i care: about people ALOT, my Grandma ALOT

i always: try to thank of others first

i am not: very confidant sometimes, patient, organized (I am getting better)

i believe: In Jesus and in the power of love

i dance: when no ones looking or with the kids on a Saturday morning

i sing: alot.. I love to sing

i don’t always: remember everything

i fight: too much

i write: to express myself

i win: when I am selfless

i lose: a lot....then I pray and find it

my motto is : "It's all worth fighting for-love that is"

i never: want my children to die before me

i listen: sometimes....I'm becoming a better listener

i am scared: of losing my family

i need: to enjoy life...don't sweat the small stuff

i am happy about: most of my life

Ode to Carmen...or such...

Over the weekend our good friends Carmen and family (you can check her and her wonderful online mag at http://freshwind08.blogspot.com/ ) came over because the hubbies had a meeting and bible school. So we got to share some much needed girly time! It's always nice when they come-we always seem to have much to chat about-even though we talk almost every day!

Well, as we were chatting, Carmen discovered my 2008 FLM STAFF CHAMPION award. At which time, she exclaimed "You didn't tell me you won an award! Every mother needs to talk about that!". I guess I didn't think it such a big deal-it wasn't for being a mom-it was for an all out staff olympics-but crazy of sorts.

There was huge tricycles, hula-hoops, relay races and all the good stuff. We worked as a team (of only 6 of us-against much greater numbers) and came out on top!! Well, the funny thing was that every other team (the red team mostly-love u kasie) ran their mouths and said they would win-but we showed them-we won with even the baby in tow-haha!

Anyway...this is my ode to Carmen....because she told me I needed to show off my medal.....so here it is...

Maybe one day I will recieve a medal for all these kiddos...until then, I am accepting the "drooly kisses award" the "roll my eyes, yet I still love you" award.... and last but not least "I love you, Mommy!" Will do me just fine!!!

Grace....is enough....

As I am typing, I am listening to Hillsong's new CD- "This is our God". It's an awesome CD and one song in particular is touching my heart today it's words are "your grace is enough, more than I need....at your word i will believe....let your spirit make me new. And I will fall at your feet and I will worship you here....your grace is enough"

His grace is enough. More than I need. When I think I can't make it, or I'm just going to lose it...there His grace is. Isn't that awesome?

That the God of this universe that created the stars and every living thing...loves me enough to see that I am good enough...worthy enough...to be loved and given grace beyond measure!!!! He paid an awesome price so that I could live in freedom...WOW..He's amazing!

I am reminded of our testimony and how he just gave me such freedom from all the junk in my life....I'll have to write a blog alone about that one....soon.

I pray you are enjoying His grace today....

Doctors and Deep thoughts....

Okay, so I took my eldest son to the doctor today for a physical. What I thought would be a normal "check-up" so to speak, ended in my son exclaiming "don't EVER make me do that again!". I could completely understand why he was saying it too!
We went in and he had a finger prick -the normal ya know doctor stuff....then it got inappropriate (in my opinion). I mean, I'm one of those mom's that discusses the "personal" things with my child when I feel it's right. We've talked about the "Birds and the Bees" (so to speak) and about how God makes our bodies. But this doctor was talking about REALLY personal stuff and then treating me as if I didn't know what I was talking about-"Mom-make sure you tell him about.......".
There are things that I believe only a parent should discuss with their child-I know a doctor has to make sure that everything is good with the kid and their is no abuse and all-but some things should be handled by the parent in their belief system.
The "world" sees things in a different light-don't get me wrong-some parents don't discuss anything and then their kid ends up pregnant/diseases,etc! I was pregnant at 17 and I definetely don't want any of my kids having that happen. I pray they will be virgin's when they get married-I didn't have that and I regret it.
I want my son(s) to be able to stand before his bride and be able to say that they can give themselves completely to that one person and that person be able to do the same. That's what I am standing believing for.
So, I'm on my soapbox and I am a mother that stands for abstinence until marriage and that God is the creator of everything....including our bodies. You are entitled to your opinion also.

Belle Island

Monday we decided to go down to Belle Island. It's on the James and you just go and play in the water. Well, you don't just walk down to it-you walk across a bridge and then get to it.

The kids had a blast! The boys found an area in the water where it was like a waterslide-they couldn't stop going down it-over and over again. It didn't take long for Jordan to start screaming "I wanna go, Daddy!"-and of course, he gave in!

Caitlyn refused to put her feet in-she would cry everytime I'd put her in. Oh, well-I tried!

Overall we had a great time as a family!! It was so nice spending that quality time together!

Scary Nights

Last night was quite eventful-not purposely though (I wish it was for those reasons-ha)!! My hubby and I went to bed around midnight-after getting everyone settled. And then after being in a deep, peaceful sleep-it happened........

We heard the neighbors dog go berserk-I mean nuts!!! He was barking uncontrollably (which is not normal-I mean he barks some at night-but nothing like this!) and then all the sudden we hear "wam, wam...boom, hahahaha, wam BOOOOOM"!!!!!!!
My husband jumps from the bed-naked bum and all rushing to the window as I jump up with the baby (I was just beginning to nurse) and run to the boys room-and shaking like a leaf!! I was sooo scared. (I've been home alone as a teen when someone tried to break in-scary)
My hubby informs me it was some dumb kids with time on their hands that ran from a truck and banged on our front door with all their might. WHAT IDIOTS!!! And I mean that in the loveliest way possible!
I mean really-its ridiculous. I wanted to beat all of them with the biggest stick possible!!!!

I couldn't barely sleep for the rest of the night-I was still shakin up. I cried in my hubbies arms for a while. And the girls couldn't get back to sleep either. Rough night!