I'm Okay, your okay.....

Well, I survived the day. I actually got to take a nap. I never do that. But boy did it do wonders for mama. I took hubbys advice and took the boys outside but it was way too cold for me and the little guys. And tomorrow is another day.

I totally got on here to post a clever blog and now I cannot remember what it was. Oh well.... I shoud go to bed anyway.

An Equation

Not much sleep + headache + kids runny noses + kids not listening + I wanna take a nap + I wanna eat some serious chocolate and don't have any = grumpy mama

I am glad that my big lil man is feeling better. He was pathetic yesterday. You know he doesn't feel well when he doesn't want to talk, at all.

My hubbys solution for a grumpy mama is to take the kiddos outside so I think I will try that before I put them down for naps. I hope they both take one so I can too.

Just Wondering?

Does anyone else think it is a bad thing that my children have begun to talk to each other like monkeys? Maybe it is time to limit the Curious George watching.

And I just want to say that I am SOOOOOOOOO Happy that I do not live in the other half of the country that is dealing with freezing temps and crazy snow, ice, sleet, etc. I will stay right here thank you very much.

And I just thought I was tired of hearing the news....... Can it get any more absurd?

And I would like to ask all of my blog buddies to keep my family in your prayers. Lots of drama these days and we are in need of some major guidance, direction and strength from the Lord. Thanks!!

Here I Am

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm a

Romantic Lifelong Learning Believer

As if I needed a quiz to tell me that I am what I am........Romantic Lifelong Learning Believer

I've Been Tagged

So Mrs Sofa tagged me and I thought that I would respond. You are supposed to go into your pictures and open up the 4th folder and then post the 4th picture. Then explain it. Then tag 4 people.




This is my sweet, sweet, sweet nephew Bryten in his crib. Honestly this is probably one of the few pictures that he is not smiling his face off. What a cutie!!

Oh! And I tag Tara M., Tara S., Christy C. & Katie G.

Silence Is Golden

I never really understood that line in the movie previews. But now that I have children and it is hardly ever quiet, I understand, completely. And boy am I enjoying it right now.

AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!

Just some thoughts

I realized this morning that I never followed through on my movie quote blog. Sorry, it has been crazy around here but I will get it posted sometime.

I have been feeling a little melancholy the past few days. You all read about little bit moving up to his big boy bed. But I have been really bummed about it. Not that he is in a different bed but because it means that I do not have a baby in my house anymore. We took down his crib and put it in the attic for my sister. Then we went through all of the toys and stuffed animals and bagged up a bunch to give away. I always wanted a house full of kids. I grew up as the oldest of four kids and we always had at least one or two extra kids at our house at any given time. My mom watched other kids. And then my 3 cousins came to live with us for a while. During that stretch it was not odd to have 9 kids, ranging from 9 months to 13 years old running around while my mom was cooking dinner. So I was comfortable with kids and I thought that I would have a house full.

Then I met my hubby. I love him so much and I wouldn't trade him for anything. But he did not grow up like I did. There are 6 years between he and his sister. I am sure that they had friends come over but they did not have other kids live with them or anything. And he was not around children growing up at all. So when it came time for the "children talk" we were at complete opposite ends of the discussion. I wanted as many as God would give us and he wasn't sure he wanted any. Needless to say I was very frustrated and aggrivated by this. Then came "the List". You women know about the list, right? The list that the man has that has all of the stuff he wants to have or do before he has kids. Well, everytime we would knock something off of the list he would add something else onto the bottom. Meanwhile my biological clock was ticking pretty loudly. It was getting so loud that it was really making me a grumpy person. LOL

Then in April 2004 we were at a church service with a visiting speaker. He called us up to the front and said that he had a word from the Lord for us. He said that we would have a child before the year was over. I was so excited! And my hubby said that for the first time ever he felt a peace about having children and being a daddy. The Lord spoke to his fears and doubts and told him that it was okay to have kids. What we didn't know was that I was already pregnant. I think that God is so awesome that He took the time to reassure my hubby and I before we found out.

Fast forward 8 months to December and the birth of Reid. What a blessing! But because of complications afterward the doctors said that having more children increased my chances for more problems. But I knew that God put the desire for more children in me and hubby & I decided to try for one more. Fast forward to December 2006 and the birth of Pierce. Another sweet blessing!! Then came the tough decision to have a tubal. I didn't really want to but I felt that it was the best thing since I didn't want to have any further complications and risk leaving my two sweet boys without their mommy. God had already saved my life once and I didn't want to push it. It seemed like a good compromise. Hubby didn't want any and I wanted a Dozen, so two seemed perfect. And it still does but that doesn't mean that I still don't get a little melancholy knowing that this stage of our family is over. I am not sure why I wrote all of that this morning. Maybe it was just to process some things and for my own benefit. So I guess I will just have to borrow my sweet nephews and love on them. They are such cuties!!!

So to help myself I am going to take a lesson from Mrs. Sofa and write out how I feel. (for those who haven't read her blog, this is supposed to be sarcastic)

I Will Not miss waking up in the middle of the night to nurse and hold my beautiful boys.

I Will Not miss that new baby smell.

I Will Not miss seeing them smile for the first time. Crawling, sitting up, walking for the first time.

I Will Not miss giving them cereal for the first time.

I Will miss diapers.

I Will miss carrying around a diaper bag.

I Will Not miss just sitting and holding my boys while they are asleep.

I Will Not miss being able to put them somewhere and knowing that they can't go anywhere else.

I could go on forever but I won't.

Enough of that. So now I look to the future and the new things on store for my boys and our family. With the passing of every season comes a new season with its own joys and I will choose to think on those. I know that those reading have children in all ranges of ages and stages so I know that I have some kindred spirits out there. We are all truly blessed! Blessed by the Lord.

Havin some fun

The new background is just something for fun. Sometimes I think we need to take a step back and remember to not take ourselves so seriously. And I wanted a change and when I saw this one it made me smile. And I am "Hot Lips" after all. LOL

I wanna

crawl back into my bed and go back to sleep. It is sooooo cold outside and I am sitting on the couch with a blanket (no, its not a snugglie) and a space heater. But it is making me want to go to sleep. The boys are playing nicely together so why not? No, I have way to much to do today.

Oh How I Love Them...

This morning as I sit at the computer I am reminded of just how much I love my sweet little boys. The youngest is walking around talking in his sweet little voice. He is getting better at it. I can actually understand most of what he says now. And what I don't understand, his older brother is willing to translate. However big brother always translates it so something having to do with wanting a snack. Must be a firstborn thing. I seem to remember using my younger siblings as pawns to try to get my way too.

I love the way they play together and sing together. They got a little CD player with a microphone for their birthdays. They have loved that thing. They have a few songs that they will sing over & over & over. Luckily they are songs that I don't mind because after hearing them for 25 times a day I might go crazy otherwise.

This morning they begged to watch a video about construction equipment. They are fascinated with all things tractor related. Must get that from daddy. I certainly do not have affections for them.

Well, the house is coming along, I promise. I have been purging closets, cabinets, and clothes the last few days and reorganizing everything. So after everything is the way I want it I will post some pics. My hubby told me this morning that he had prayed last night and thanked the Lord that his wife was getting organized. I didn't realize it was that bad. Oh well, you know what I say. If you don't like the way I do it, then go ahead and do it yourself. Hahaha

We had the second session of our Breaking Free bible study last night. So far it is great. There is just so much that the Lord is showing and teaching me. One thing that really has hit me hard is that I want a new passion and love for the Word of God. There is so much power in the Word and so many promises that are available but I can't claim them if I don't know what they are. I am also realizing how many areas of my life need total transformation by the Lord. And how many areas of my life need to be surrendered completely to the Lord and His will. I feel that this is going to be a process and maybe sometimes painful but I know that the freedom on the other side will be worth it.

New Quote

"Don't be exhausted simply because you are undisciplined." - Pastor Jim Laffoon

Girly Day

Today was a "girly" day. I took my little angels to their grannys house for the day. Then picked up my mom and my sister (plus awesome nephew) for a day together. We went to the fabric store. Yippee!!! I absolutely love fabrics and seeing and touching the different colors, textures, combinations. I was looking for fabrics for my house. I went with something in mind and ended up with fabrics that were even better. Plus they were having a sale. Double Yippee!! I ended up getting it all for around 75% off. I couldn't have planned it better myself. I think it is so cool when things fall into place like that. I know that some people might call it coincidence but I call it the favor of the Lord. I think he takes pleasure orchestrating things in the lives of his children. Especially when we are seeking him and asking him to guide us. So call it what you want but I will be believing that the Lord loves me enough to set this day up for me.

Us ladies went to lunch and then to a bakery for some delicious delectables. So yummy!! Gotta love cannolis. We even prayed that the fat of our desserts would not go to the hips after passing the lips. hahaha That time I am kidding. I wouldn't be so arrogant as to think that he would undo the consequences of willful behavior.

So I am still working on the house and while some things are progressing I am finding other things that I need to do. Like rearranging the kitchen cabinets. Reorganizing the boys rooms. Go through closets and drawers and get rid of unwanted items. But at least I am staying busy.

Oh!!! Last night my hunky hubby helped me move one of the beds out of our Big boys room into our little boys room. Currently he still is sleeping in a crib but with moving things around I decided that I wanted to go ahead and move it. So he jumped on it and played on it for a while. Then I gave the boys baths. After his bath he went in the living room and told his daddy "night-night" and then went straight to his new "big-boy" bed and pulled up the covers. So cute!!! So that is where he slept last night. I was totally NOT ready for this. He is my baby. But the bigger issue is that he is part monkey and part mouse. I am not 100% comfortable knowing that he is ranging free is he so chooses in the middle of the night. Hopefully my mommy sonar will not begin to fail me now. I usually hear him if he starts making noise.

Well, gotta go. I am hoping that hubby will let me have the TV soon so I can watch CSI. Tonight is supposed to be Grissoms last night. I am anxious ot watch it.

Ever Notice?

Has anyone else noticed that everyone says to '"be yourself", "share what you are feeling", etc.....but what they really mean is "share what you are feeling as long as that is what I want to hear and it doesn't make me uncomfortable".

Quite honestly I have spent alot of my life not saying what I wanted to say for fear of it offending someone else. I think that as a society we have gotten really good at faking it so someone else won't be able to look down on us for being "intolerant". Well I am finally fed up. I am what I am. The only person I have to please is the Lord. The only thing that matters is what he thinks of me. I don't see anywhere is the Bible tht Jesus was afraid of speaking truth because it might offend someone. And aren't we supposed to be like him? And I am not talking about just going out and being hateful or deliberatley hurting people. I just feel that if everyone else has the freedom to be able to speak up and tell me what they don't think I should say, then I have the same freedom (in Christ, and in our great country) to do the same.

I think the world would be a much different place if we as Christians hadn't allowed the world to tell us to "shut up". So while the world, or maybe even you might not agree with me, the beautiful thing is that I can still be me and share what is going on in my head, heart & life.

One quick reminder.....everyone out there has different life experiences that have shaped and molded them into who they are. I believe that we all have the capability to improve and be better people. But I think it is a detriment to relationships and to people when we compare ourselves to each other and then expect someone to feel the way we feel, or to do what we would do. Because that is when judgemental and critical thoughts come. And who knows what God has planned for someone else. I think it just might be Gods business, not ours. With that said, I would like to encourage everyone reading that if we would first seek God and his plan for our lives, and then live in the peace that accompanies Gods will, we might be less inclined to offend or be offended when we don't understand what God is doing in others.

I keep thinking about the scripture that talks about the speck and the plank. I know that I have fallen into the trap of looking at what other people need to change or work on when I have a HUGE mess in my own life. How different our lives, our families, our churches, our communities would be if we would just take care of our own business with the Lord and let God do his thing in others. And in the process remember to love on people the way God would.

This blog is totally for me. It may help someone else but today I am writing this to myself. There is so much to work on that I might as well put up some caution tape and traffic cones. LOL

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I don not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Phillipians 3:12-14

Progress Update

The painting is going well. I really like how it is turning out. I want to do a happy dance about the fact that the dark cave paneling is gone. It feels so much lighter and brighter. Now I am working on painting the dining room & kitchen. And also rearranging the furniture. Living in chaos right now but it will be worth it.

I am so tired of hearing and seeing commercials and such about losing weight. It annoys me. But enough about that.

Anyone else see the absurd "Snugglie"? Apparently is a blanket with sleeves so it keeps your hands free. They even show the people wearing them at a football game. Absurd!

I am totally excited about the new season of American Idol starting tomorrow night. Can't wait.

Oh! I am starting a new Bible study tomorrow night. It is called "Breaking Free" by Beth Moore. I am looking forward to it. I will try to post what I learn.

And on that note, I am reading a really good book called "If Momma Ain't Happy, Ain't Nobody Happy". It is a great book about joy and making the choice to rejoice. I am loving it so far. I would recommend it to every mommy, wife, daughter, friend, etc.

Have I mentioned lately that I absolutley LOVE being a stay at home mommy? I know that it isn't for everyone but for me there is no other choice. I am so grateful and thankful to my hubby who supports me in this decision. He works so hard so I don't have to leave my babies. The time will come too soon when they are not with me every day and I want to treasure every day and moment until then. I feel that it is my duty and my God given responsiblity to raise them up and train them in the ways of the Lord. But more importantly it is my pleasure to do so. And I don't care what anyone else says.....being a stay at home mommy is making a huge contribution to our society. I think it is absurd for someone else to make a living taking care of my children when I would be working just to pay them for doing it. Here is a concept.....how about me watch them for free. And before anyone out there reading gets offended, that is not my intent. I am just very blessed and want to express that. Afer all, it is my blog.

Well, I should probably go to bed before I go off on a tangent about something else.

Hoping that everyone has a wonderful week.

Where is Your Tree?

Today my awesome momma was up here helping me paint. And my oldest little man is just so curious that he kept talking and talking and talking. Well, at one point he and my mom were talking about different things. Eventually it got around to the fact the Christmas was over. He asked her what she did with her tree. She told him that she had taken the ornaments off and had taken it outside to the burn pile. She in turn asked him where ours was. To which he replied "we put it back in the box with the rest of Christmas". I could have fallen over for laughing. And yes, we have had an artificial tree the last few years. It is just easier with little ones.

Working on a blog....

Working on a blog about all of the life lessons I have learned from watching movies. Seriously, I could totally give you the answer to most any question in the form of a movie quote. My hubby, sister and her hubby love doing this. So I am compiling my favorites to share with you. But in the meantime, if you have any to share, please bring them on.

Again?

He did it again. Except this time he only pulled his pants and diaper off and then somehow peed through the bars on the crib onto the floor.

Where Are Your Clothes?

My youngest has started stripping his clothes off so he can pee on the floor, the bed, etc. Yesterday morning I went in his room to get him out of bed and he had peed through his diaper and his pajamas and onto the bed. No biggee, right? All kids do that at some point. So I stripped his bed and washed the sheets, blankets and mattress pad. Then at nap-time he went down with no problems.I didn't hear him for almost 30 minutes so I thought he was sleeping. Wrong.... he finally started calling out for me to "come see". When I got in there he was buck naked and had peed on the bed.....on purpose. So I go through the strip down routine again. Then he did the same thing this morning before he called out so we knew he was awake. I am glad that he is recognizing the pee sensation and associating it with getting undressed. I just wish he would call out before he pees on something so we can get him to the potty. I guess it will come with time. Oh, he also did the strip down thing on New Years Day at my moms. Except he stripped the whole bed too. Luckily that day I caught him before he peed everywhere.

This morning I am feeling a little agitated. I would say that I don't know why but that would be a lie. I have alot of stuff swirling around in my head. I am trying to be supportive of my husbands latest career move but am still feeling a little apprehensive. So I am trying to leave it in the Lords hands and let him do his thing. The Lord has continued to provide for us, he always does.

So I am redecorating the house. I started yesterday. We had wallpapered the kitchen when we moved in here over 7 years ago. And while it is very pretty, I was ready for a change. So I tore it all down yesterday. Then I decided that I wanted a wall gone to open up the kitchen. That should be done on Monday or Tuesday. Then I can proceed with painting. I only wish I had the money to change the countertops. Then it would look completely different. Then I will be painting the living room. I have always disliked the walls in here but was too chicken to paint them. They are real heart pine plank tongue and groove paneling. It is alot prettier than the cheap paneling you buy but it is still dark and ugly. And I have been wanting to paint them since we moved in but didn't want to do it in case we decided to sell the house. But it looks like we will be here for a while still. Which is fine with me, I like our house. It seems to be getting smaller as our boys get bigger but what house doesn't, right? So I will be doing more of all that today.

I have been listening to my oldest sweetie sneeze his head off this morning. Unfortunately the kiddo inherited my allergies. The poor little guy....he will come and ask me for some Claritin. When I took him for allergy testing he was really allergic to several things.....dust mites (so we took out the carpet) live oak trees ( our house is surrounded) bahia grass (a huge hay field behind our house) and dogs (no we will not have one). I don't know what is bothering him today but whatever it is bugging me too. Between he and I we must have sneezed around 100 times already.

Well, I better go get dressed so I can get to work.

What Will I Do With Myself?

Alright, so another year has begun. I remember when I was younger, alot younger, how long the years seemed to last. Not anymore. I cannot believe how fast they are flying by. And with that comes the realization that my two little boys are not so little anymore. :( My hubby is looking forward to them getting older but I wish I could freeze time.

So todays post is about the goals I have for myself this year.

1. Be more organized in every area of my life.
2. Spend more time with the Lord and in His Word. To be honest, I have been slacking in this area.
3. Work with the hubby to get out of debt.
4. Find something I can do at home to bring in some income to help with #3.
5. Make better choices when it comes to my health. (food choices, exercise, etc)
6. Be present and in the moment with those I love, especially my hubby and sons.
7. Follow Gods plan for me and to be obedient and compassionate.

So, now that it is out there for everyone to see, maybe it will help me stay on task and motivated.

Happy New Year to you all!!!