blah, blah, blah

Monday, October 31, 2005

Happy in the know


#3 has been singing "If you're happy in the know" all day. I love it. Puts a smile on my face every time. So tonight we did the trick or treat thing in my parents neighborhood. I really enjoyed it. The kids got enough candy to last them for years, especially since they only get about one piece a day. The mental pictures I have from tonight of the kids are priceless. I am so fascinated with how they interact with each other. I guess it is from being an only child. Today they all three were tromping through the yard and #3 reached up and grabbed #1's hand. They walked like that for a while. My heart was bursting with joy. Before they went to sleep they all climbed in #1's bed and snuggled all over each other. I just love it. I love how they roll their eyes, taunt, hit, scream, laugh, wrestle, and love each other. I am SO SO SO happy I am at home with them everyday to witness it.

I did it! I got up today and went for a walk. OH it was so nice. I layered really well to keep warm. I can't wait to go again tomorrow. Ok I am very sleepy. night.

Saturday, October 29, 2005

getting older & goofing around

We started off the day with #1's soccer game. Nobody on the "Rescue Squad" had a shining moment today. His team only scored one goal. I went and got my hair trimmed. The lady was rude and I had to dry my own hair. She offered me a brush once I was one minute away from being finished. I thought, "How nice.....Ha". I can't believe it has been a year since I had my hair cut. I am keeping it long to help me feel young. After lunch I attended a funeral for my great uncle Jack. He was 80. I saw a lot of family I had not seen in a while. I even saw a guy I went to high school with and his wife. It was fun catching up. It's strange when I see people I went to school with. I am always amazed at how much they look like an adult. See, I have not kept up with anyone and in my mind the last image I have of anyone is that at graduation. I recently saw one girl who was always shorter than me, bit her nails to the core, skinny and very flat chested. We were the best of friends during our middle school years. I couldn't hardly look at her when we spoke. It was weird. She is now taller than me, she has manicured nails, I think she may have had some help up top, and now she looks like a woman. A beautiful woman. She just looked totally different than my mental picture. Oh, one other story. Two Christmas ago, I was at an outlet mall shopping with the kids. It was a get up and go day, I was looking rough. #3 was only a few months old. Me and the gang was at the public eating area with our picnic lunch. #2 decided to cause a HUGE scene. Finally she calmed down and then #3 decided it was time to eat. So we were munching on our homemade lunch, #3 nursing discretely under my green outdated corduroy jacket. Next thing I know a police officer stops at our table. He leans down and asks my maiden name. I was clueless. I thought something terrible had happened. Then he introduces himself as Randy, and it hits me, this grown man is this kid I went to school with. Nice... perfect timing. He sits down to talk as I try to pull #3 off in a proper manner, trying not to embarrass us both. It was really strange. I kept looking at him and thinking, "He's a man, no longer a boy but a man". I know I show signs of aging. The highlights of gray can be clearly seen from across the room. I am not stopping it but I don't feel the age I look. I mean I feel like college was just two years ago. I guess reality hasn't hit me that I am old enough to have been married for almost 8 years, I have 3 kids and I getting grayer by the day. Oh well.

So the rest of the day we just goofed off. The kids were so much fun tonight. We snuggled up and watched Bugs Life. I absolutely LOVE the feeling of one kid in my lap, the other two on each side, all bundled up in a blanket. Man, there is nothing like it.





Friday, October 28, 2005

I was going to whine


I was going to whine about how much I hate the cold. Well I will get a few lines in: freezing cold floors in the house, all the layers on the kids, lacing up tennis shoes, no suntan, etc etc. So today my patience really almost did not exist. The kids did not listen very well and I had a big case of the grumpies. By dinner we all pulled through and it ended up being a nice night. I am headed off to watch some shows with my man. Here's some more shorts that will really make you laugh. They are not quite as good as the two Chinese. I love those guys. My favorite is "My Name Is John Daker." Thanks Los for helping me discover these.
  • Recital
  • Thursday, October 27, 2005

    Come get "your laugh on"

  • Two Chinese


  • It is truly amamzing how the American Culutre affects the world!

    Wednesday, October 26, 2005

    A few of my favorite pics

    Here are a few pictures that make me happy!


    OH he is SO DREAMY!


    This picture reminds me of how many people have never heard the name of Jesus. I am so thankful that I have been given a purpose.


    This was taken over a year ago. So sweet. No more babies in our house. Kinda sad.


    I am so grateful to have a home.


    They really do love each other!

    Tuesday, October 25, 2005

    New Recipe

    Tried a new pasta dish tonight. It was so delicious.
  • Chicken Tequila Fettuccini
  • We did not have any tequila so I am not exactly sure what you would have called my version but it was great. The jalapenos gave it a BIG KICK, we really digged it. The kids ate plain pasta, of course. We have yet to get the whole family eating the same thing. Maybe once they are 18 I will have it mastered.

    Tonight I took a long bath to get warm. When my man woke up this morning the house was 60 degrees. He mercifully turned on the heat. I really don't like winter. When I get cold all I want to do is curl up in bed and remain. Still emotional from yesterday. Kept busy but it is something that I just can't figure out. I am so analytical I want to think it to an "end". I appreciate the sweet support from all the comments. I was so hesitant to write about it, but you know, it's my blog. It's my life. So I started a novel tonight to help round up my brain waves and let them get hyper on something else.

    Only one week left to be lazy. I cannot wait until the time change. I honestly have really enjoyed sleeping late since it's too dark for me to exercise in the morning before my man leaves for work. But with the upcoming time change that means I've got to get back in the groove. I really am excited! I love my mornings outside. It's so awesome.

    okay, I am off to bed. Feeling pretty random, which isn't very unusual. Good night.

    Monday, October 24, 2005

    oh what should I say today?

    Another picture of my mess!


    It was 64 degrees in our house today. Winter is on it's way. I was too cheap to turn on the heat. As we all sat around huddled under a blanket playing Strawberry Shortcake match game today, I thought, "this is ridiculous I should turn the furnace". Then I said, "Nah, I am the only one complaining."

    Okay. I had something hard hit me today. I got a call from a friend and was confronted with something that hit me like a freight train. If you know me, I am totally okay with confrontation. But this wasn't confrontation. This was someone saying they wanted to end a friendship. No real reasons given, it's just over. You know women, we want reasons, explanations, closure. I got none of that. You know it's okay. "I will praise the Lord no matter what happens, I will constantly speak of His glories and grace." Psalms 34:1 That was the kids memory verse today, perfect for me to dwell on. So many emotions have been swimming around my head. Am I a bitch, a brat, too self absorbed? Who cares, I am me, I am not perfect, never claimed to be. Why am I rejected, why should I care, but I still do? Is it my pride that has been hurt, really my heart is broken, I want a chance to say I am sorry but I don't even know for what..........I am pushed to the cross, I can see His face. Beaten, torn, broken, spat upon, hated by so many, rejected by those he came to save. Here is me, rejected by one, the hurt will never compare, His pain is one I can nor ever will know. All I know is to say thanks. OH Lord, Here am I , all of me, take all of me. Take my life to be used only for you. I desire you oh Holy One. I only desire you. May every ounce of me cry out your praise. I will run to you Father. I will abide in you.

    Saturday, October 22, 2005

    YARD sale, you know you want my stuff


    Middle of the week, two friends asked if I wanted to join them in a yard sale this weekend. I swore never to do another one, but you know, I did it again. It was actually really relaxing. Well the selling part. Hanging out all day with two of my good friends and watching all the kids run around did me a lot of good. It felt amazing this weekend, especially Friday. Only thing is I am dog tired. My house is a disaster, and now I listing crap that didn't sell on ebay. I know, why am I complaining? It's my choice. It is a choice of love and hate. I love making the money and it amuses me to see what people will pay for our "junk" but I don't like all the time it takes. So I am off to bed, $100 richer than before, well $192 including all my winnings from ebay. Not too bad. I definitely made enough money to cover my man's speeding ticket, which he got a few nights ago with all 3 kids in the car. Nice.

    Tuesday, October 18, 2005

    God bless this little mess

    I got my little gang some new paint today. Praise the Lord for washable paint. #3 really enjoyed it. God did not create her little hands to be neat and careful. He crafted them for exploration, creativity and espeically for making messes. No matter what this pigpen does, she ends up with it all over her and everything thing else. I am CONSTANTLY cleaning up behind her. I'll admit sometimes it is frustrating. I am like, "I just cleaned up this crap up and now it is a disaster again". But most of the time I just smile and enjoy seeing the trail of her tike size world that she leaves behind: all the clothes she loves to try on all day; her booster seat filled with crumbs; her hair glossed with sweet sugar; her shirt and chin covered with drool; the Little People she loves to dump all over he floor; the baby dolls found in random places like daddy's closet; the matching cards she screams for and leaves all over the house; the wet wipe box left half opened with 20 hanging out (at least she's trying to clean); the crayons (thankfully washable) randomly scattered from one table to the next; the hair barretts she pulls out, some are found & others lost forever; the toilet paper unrolled as she is learning to wipe herself, water & toothpaste all over the bathroom counter because she loves to brush her teeth; the blush sprinkles on the toilet lid and bathroom floor, she loves to put on her makeup with me; the pile of books beside her bed along with all the other random toys she insists on keeping close as she sleeps; traces of her meals can always be found on my shoulders once we've been out to eat; her face and hands (and most of the time her tummy, too) always coordinate with her plate. She loves to scream for joy, and I mean scream. If she hears water she comes a running, I have almost never get a shower alone. She is a grazer, eating the whole day through. She has a way of forcing herself into the middle yet at times she is content to do her own thing. She is wild, daring, extremely independent, loud, loving, and a ham. Her excitement for the little things in life is contagious. I adore this messy walking piece of art. I am so happy she is mine!



    Monday, October 17, 2005

    Wiener Roast

    My man's car battery blew up today. Crazy, huh? So long story short, it meant the kids and I were on our own for dinner. I noticed grandmother had two nice burn piles going at her house. So on a whim, I grabbed juice cups, BBQ Lays, mustard, ketchup, 3 plates, an apple, knife, some napkins, and the only 2 hotdogs we had left. I rounded up the gang and we headed down to grandma's for a quick first novice wiener roast. I had planned on using long nature sticks but I should have known and remembered that in her "old treasure box" basement she'd have the perfect hotdog roasting metal sticks.

    We all got around the pile of ashes. They stood there all of about 3 minutes and tired their luck at outdoor cooking. In those 3 minutes, each hotdog got dropped in the grass, stuck in the ashes and #3 slapped her hotdog across her sister's face. Then of course I ended up cooking all 3 while they ran around like wild little Indians. When it came time for our dinner to be served, #1 admitted he liked the crunch the fire gave the hotdog. #3 sat in grandma's lap and tried a few bites. #2 refused to eat it. I don't blame her, they looked pretty gross. I tried to rubbed all the grass and ash off on my jeans, but you know there is only so much you can do. So we spent about an hour building up the fire with new sticks and leaves. The kids were completely fascinated by it. As we walked home #2 looked at me and said, "Mommy this has been a really fun day." It sure has.




    Saturday, October 15, 2005

    ebaying again

    Have lots of emotions today. Not any I really want to type about, just want to make note of them. Sitting here ebaying tonight. Matt Kearney and Jason Mraz keeping me company. I've listed 12 things in 2 hours. That is pretty quick for me. Lot's of $0.99 deals. We'll see how they do. Ok, I am off to bed. Oh, got a girls night out tomorrow. WHOO HOO!

    Thursday, October 13, 2005

    nothing like a package


    We hear the front door bell ring, which can only mean one thing, A PACKAGE! The kids starts running around squealing with excitement. It's a big envelope from MeMe. Thanks for adding a special thrill to our day.

    Tuesday, October 11, 2005

    squooshed or squished?

    8:00 am. I am yanked out of deep sleep by a phone call. It is my mom. She has just passed our house on her way to work and she tells me she thinks our red tabby, Nemo, is dead. She thinks she saw her lying in the road at the top of our drive way. I throw on some clothes and to my surprise both girls are still asleep. I find #1 playing legos in the living room. I say good morning and head to outside. First, I rattle the cat bowl to signal dinner time. No cat. Then up the drive way to the road I go. Sure enough, there was no mistake, Nemo lay dead on the road. I used a huge Styrofoam Omaha Steak cooler lid, that was left as trash near the road, to scoop up her body. It was weird. I didn't really have any emotion. I kept thinking, "How am I going to tell the kids?" I leave her on the front porch. I go inside and grab an old towel, trash bag and Stampin UP! cardboard box. She was pretty messed up, but not one bug or fly could be found on her. For that I was very grateful. I wrapped her in the towel and left just enough fur exposed so the kids could identify her. Now I was ready to break the news. #1 was first to hear. My story went like this, "You know how mommy tells you to never go up by the street. That there is never a reason to go to the mailbox. Even if you know it's full of candy and has balloons on it. You and your sisters are to never go up to the road." and this point, he nods yes. I continue, "Well Nemo made a bad choice, she went up to the road." He responds to me and said, "She got squished?" I nodded yes. Tears welled up in his chocolate brown eyes. I asked if he wanted a hug, He said, "no". Then my dad walks in. He stays and plays legos while I go get the girls. As they are taking their morning potty break I give them the same story. #2 just seemed kind of in a daze. My dad goes and gets the shovel and we all meet up at the porch to prepare for the burial. They stand around and look at her and ask a few questions, all while acting completely normal. I am thinking, this is going ok. Looks like no professional counseling will be needed. We find a spot in the yard and dad digs the small square grave. We place her in it and we all say one thing that Nemo did that made us happy. Everyone got a turn to use the shovel while we covered her up. A huge white stone was used to mark the grave. As we walked back to the house, several comments were made indicating we would all miss her.

    We get back inside and the kids call daddy to tell him what happened. The first thing #1 said was, "Daddy, Nemo got Squished" He told his on version of the story and then #2 had her turn. First thing she told daddy was, "Nemo got squooshed." A few more phone calls were made to retell the story, each time the main line was "Nemo got squished or squooshed".

    The day continued on just as normal. During our bible lesson, Nemo's death was brought up again. We were studying Psalms 34:1 ,"I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace." The kids and I discussed how even when we are sad and can't understand why things happen we should still praise God's name. Then somehow we got on Lazarus. #1 was asking question after question so we read John 11:1-44. He was so into it. It was great for me to review it all again. I loved how Martha and Mary wanted Jesus to come and heal their brother immediately. He didn't. He waited until he had been in the tomb for 4 days. I love the faith that they showed. Even though Jesus did not respond in their timing, they stilled believed he was the Messiah. I like how the Jewish leaders taunted him. I love knowing that Jesus cried. He knew what was going to happen. Their brother would live again, yet he still cried. Why? I think it is because it was hard to see people he loved in so much pain. His close friends were so upset by this death, yet all this pain and suffering was used to glorify God. Jesus raised Lazarus to life and the Jewish leaders were given another chance to see that He truly was the son of God. It makes me think of all those who are persecuted for their faith. Indian Christians who are disowned by their family. Their lives are threaten by people of their own caste. Chinese Christians, beaten in prisons. They are asked to denounce Christ, but they exclaim his glory instead. It doesn't make sense to me. It may never will. I know one thing though. A God who can create this whole earth, the huge ball of flames we circle around and the stars and the billions of galaxies that display his wonder, must be completely sovereign. So not matter how in control I think I am at times, I'm really not, and the truth is I don't want to be. If he can handle all that, then he can handle little ole me. When things don't make sense, I know they do to Him. "He's got the whole world in His hands, He's got the little tiny baby in His hands, He's got you and me sister/brother in His hands, He's got the whole world in his great big HUGE GIGANTIC ENORMOUS, ever loving, gracious, merciful, beautiful, righteous and just hands.

    I am diggin how the life of Nemo brought my kids to His word. It fires me up to see #1 get so engrossed in Bible stories. It puts a smile on my face to witness God calling #1 to Himself. "I love you Lord. You are it. Everything we need, everything I am, everything I have is all from you. Thanks." Even in the death of a pet cat, God is glorified.

    ***********************************************************

    Here is a little photo tribute to Nemo. Life span from early April 2004 to October 11, 2005. The kids and I picked her and Sophie out the day the two sisters were born. She was a very sweet cat. She endured a lot The kids have squeezed, dropped, choked, painted, held, chased, petted and scared her too many times to count. Through it all I think she still liked all of us. (It is hard to get emotions out of a cat) We will miss her hanging out on the back porch and sleeping on the hood of our cars. It will be different not finding small critters left for dead around the yard that she caught to play with. (Sophie has never been up to par with Nemo's hunting ability) I think she will be missed most by Sophie, her sister. Though lately they have had some paw fights, I am sure all is forgiven and the yard won't be the same for Sophie without her. #1 has already planned to dig her up in few years to see what see looks like. I hope he changes his mind. We will miss Nemo. Goodbye.





    Sunday, October 9, 2005

    Family day





    I feel perfectly full. Full of good quality family time. Today we had a great Church Service. It rocked of course. Everything about it. Loved it. Then we went to our family favorite restaurant. (MeMe, you know what it is) This afternoon we went to watch our home town's Confederate battle reenactment. It was interesting. The kids didn't really know what to think. #1 seemed only to be interested in looking for men who got shot and pretended to play dead. #2 just kept her ears covered. The cannons made your whole body rock. Then we walked around through the "Confederate Camp". There were some tents set up that sold 1800s clothing, canteens, misc. junk. #1 got a toy pistol and #2 got rock candy. A historic plantation home was located at the event so we got to tour it. I learned a lot about the 1800s today. Hopefully the kids retained some of it too.

    Then tonight we all laid around and laughed our heads off at America's Funniest Home Videos. Experiencing it with kids always doubles the fun. We ended the night in a family sandwich, all piled on top of each other on the couch. Well all except #3. She was too busy looking at books, but I did get her on video saying her letters. So I am ending this weekend as one happy Wife & Mama. I am satisfied.

    Saturday, October 8, 2005

    out of sorts & dirt

    Feeling a little out of sorts. I am only using that phrase because I have heard it before, but what does it really mean? Well for me, tonight, it means: lower back ache, weird tummy rumblings, other small strange aliments. Feeling a little melancholy, numb, just blah. Oh well, tomorrow is another day, and we get to go to church. Thinking about that put a smile on my face.

    We met some friends for dinner at a park tonight. Time slipped by. I forgot to remind #3 about the bathroom. Right as the sun was setting (the park will now be closing soon), #3 stands still and screams. She had wet herself all the way to her shoes. Poor thing. It was a long walk for her little legs to make it to the bathroom. I was so relieved when we reached the restrooms and found them incredibly clean. I ended up stripping her down to nothing but a shirt and washing her off at the sink. I carried her little self 1/2 in the buff to the car and we drove to our friends house to change. Now, if this had happened when I was just a mom to #1, that whole scenario would have given me a panic attack. I used to wipe the entire high chair down at all restaurants, all booster seats and grocery carts. He was never allowed to play with shoes (they are way to dirty). I was constantly wearing off his young toddler skin with wet wipes at every turn. Those days are gone. Sometimes I think, I need to be more dirt conscience. Then this calm comes over me and says, NAH, they're kids! It is just part of it.

    Friday, October 7, 2005

    oh what to say?



    It's been a fun week. There is not much to type about. So if I keep going, there is a guarantee my thoughts will be all over the place. I talked to my Mother in-law tonight for probably close to an hour. She just got back from Nashville, where we both used to live. What a great city. We loved it there. As we ended our phone call, I got this "peaceful easy feeling". I love being friends with her.


    Oh, I want to take a moment to commend the makers of the Leapfrog video "Letter Factory". Thanks to you, my 26 month old daughter now knows half her alphabet and the sound each letter makes. I guess TV isn't as bad as they say. We watch the video for #2, she loves it. They taught her the alphabet as well. Kudos to you Leap, Lily & Tad. Thanks.

    Wednesday, October 5, 2005

    lost it, the post and the booger


    I blogged earlier, then the site crashed. Sooooooooo, here is a cute picture for you MeMe. #2 got new boots in the mail today from ebay. She is pretending to be a cowgirl.

    One thought. As I was tucking #2 in to bed tonight, we said our thankfuls and then I prayed. As I prayed I became overwhelmed with love for my children. Our love for our kids is their first taste of God's indescribable redeeming love. She asked me to sing our special little love song that just we two share. I am singing sweetly and she is glued to my chest. The moment could not have been any sweeter. In the middle of the chorus, I hear her precious voice say, "Oh no mommy, I got a big booger." I tenderly smiled and continued to the next verse. She quickly rolled it up, wiped it who knows where, and then snuggled in closer to finish the song with me.

    Tuesday, October 4, 2005

    jungle gym at Target



    It has been a fairly normal day. After #2's gymnastic class we all went and ate at Blimpie's for lunch. This is our favorite place to eat. We eat it at least once a week. Then we wandered around Super Target for about 2 hours. Before we even stepped foot inside the store, I had one rule: two in the buggy at a time. They love to pile in the humungous cart, the one with the small waiting room attached to the front of it. It has two seats but in reality 4 small kids can fit. Everyone could ride comfortably if they all stayed still, but of course that is not reasonable. Well #1 started feeling left out. The girls were being selfish and not letting him ride. So he got in the main compartment were all the items your intend to buy are placed. Then it began. As I pushed, they all traded places 10 plus times. All 3 of them climbed all over that buggy, front to back, back to front, sit here, sit there, hang their legs over the side, swing from the front handle. It was like a mini park. I enjoyed seeing all the creative ways they found to entertain themselves. In fact they stayed pretty quiet too.

    Tonight my man was at Perspectives. Me and the gang got invited to go fatten up at the local Pizza Buffet with my parents. I have to admit that I really like the pizza there. It's cheap and the pizza tastes so good with blue cheese salad dressing drizzzled all over it. I feel so gross afterwards. Why do I do that to myself? Anyways, we had a good time seeing Mom-Mi & Grandow. After dinner the kids went to their house and took a royal bubble bath in their huge tub. The bubbles got to be about a foot high. Now our kids are asleep. I am anixously awaiting my man to come home. Soon tomorrow will be here and I will be allowed to spend another incredible day being a wife and a mom, all over again. I love it.

    Thank you Father for all your gracious blessings. Thank you for your incredible gift of love. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

    Monday, October 3, 2005

    Fairy dust


    It is hard to see the tooth, it is on the bottom. The new tooth actually came half way up before the old one popped out. MeMe- I will try to get a better picture tomorrow.

    Well the tooth fairy came last night. She replaced the small baby tooth with a 1979 silver dollar that I have treasured since childhood. On the window sill and on under the pillow, traces of fairy dust could be found. The kids were thrilled to see the evidence. #1 has already figured out who is really behind all Santa's good deeds. He also knows the tooth fairy isn't real. But still his imagination got the best of him and for a few momments, it seemed real.

    Sunday, October 2, 2005

    the weekend is over






    Well it is almost midnight. The weekend is gone. My man is snoring in the background. Yes honey I promise you do. This weekend was very pleasant. Friday night was family night. Picnic on the floor watching the movie Robot. Saturday morning was #1's soccer game. He scored 2 goals. Last night we went to an event for my man's work. Today we went to church, hung out and watched Robots again. The girls dressed up today, which is almost an every day event. #2 was pretending to be a dentist who paints and like to wear shoes. Oh, big news, #1 lost his first tooth during KidStuf. I will take a picture tomorrow and post it. I got to head to bed.