Four Kids, No Brain Cells

What to write about

2007-03-21T15:33:00.000-06:00

I wish I had the problem of not knowing what to post about...unfortunatley my life is so crazy busy right now that I have a million things to post about but not the time.
Things like...

- My kids are on spring break this week and that is always an extra adventure!
- I just got back from spending 5 days with my sisters in Michigan (where it snowed...while my home was enjoying 90 degree weather I was FREEZING with barley above freezing weather).
- How much fun I had with my sister Jodi and Joy and my friend Stacy without any of my kids in MI!
- My husband survived with ALL four kids by himself while I was gone...he even did Sarah's hair!
- We are getting ready to leave the country in 5 weeks to move to Southeast Asia!
- My husband found out on Friday (while I was in MI) that he would have hernia surgery on this last Tuesday (remember, we leave in 5 weeks!)
- He had his surgery yesterday and has been blissfuly unaware of much going on around him due to pain pills that I am hoping he has leftovers of so I can take one when he is better! :)
- Our house is for sale (and people generally want to look at times that aren't so opportune but will happen because we REALLY want it to sell!)
- We are packing, sorting, buying plane tickets, saying good-bye's, and going to a million doctor and dentist appointments before we leave!
- Potty training my daughter
- Celebrating Kolby's birthday with a party that he invites literally EVERYONE he sees to. (Thankfully most people know to wait for mom's invitation and not just go off of him!) :)
- How much we love our family right now...especially as our time gets closer to leave and not see them. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law have 2 boys and one on the way...YEA...but we will miss them, so we want to spend as much time as we can with them! :)
- My cousin is getting married on Saturday after a whirlwind engagement (2 weeks!)

Believe it or not, my list of things could go on...but I think you get the idea!
I will have to remember this post in the event that I ever do have a brain block and need something to write about...this could supply me for months! :)

Happy Birthday Stacey!

2007-03-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STACEY!

We have known each other for such a long time. We pretty much grew up together. My sister and her were best friends...I was the big sister! Then she married my husband's brother. In the last few years we have become much more than sister-in-law's...we are friends...very special friends. I cannot imagine being aThomas without her!

Here are some things I LOVE about Stacey...

- she is a very giving person (she is constantly doing things for others...it lets others know she loves them and is thinking about them,..so wonderful!)

- she is so much fun to be with (how else would we have come up with the tinationary...find out that everytime you eat jellybeans you drool...or laugh so much in public that we draw attention to ourselves!)

- her family is very important to her (she has 2 wonderful boys...another on the way...and she does such a good job taking care of them. My kids would often rather be with her than with me!)

- she is a good cook (we all know Jon likes her cooking better,right?)

- she is a great listener (we have had many talks...as many as 14 times on the phone in one day...although that was a little extreme...stayed out talking until the middle of the night...we never run out of things to talk about and she is always ready to listen!)

- her relationship with the Lord is obvious (it is neat to look back over the years and see how much the Lord means to her. To listen to her as she talks about what God is teaching her and what she is learning. She is a great encouragement in that way!)

- she is a HUGE encourager (what else can I say?)

My list could honestly go on and on. But overall, I just want to tell you Stacey that I love you. You are a wonderful sister and friend to me. God has blessed me with your friendship and love. I can't really even imagine what it is going to be like without you in my life to have those daily talks, shopping trips, crazy family holdiays, and the special times we share. I will miss you when we leave for overseas in a few weeks...but I will always Love you, I will always be proud of you, and I will always count you as more than just a sister-in-law. ( I have to stop now becuase I am starting to cry...)

Happy Birthday! :)

A cell phone...in the mind of a 7-year-old!

2007-02-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

I overheard this one-sided conversation between my oldest son, who was on the cell phone and my next son who was at home:

Andrew: Kaleb, want to hear a secret?
Hold the phone real close to your ear, are you listening?
(at this point I could just imagine him burping really loud...we were at Target)

Then I hear this: HHHHHHHHHHHHH

Andrew: Did you feel that Kaleb?
I will do it again, HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Can you feel it? I am breathing hard! Can you feel my breath?

Who knows what cell phones might do in the future...smells...feel breathing...the sky is the limit...at least in a 7-year-olds mind! :)

I'm Weird?

2007-02-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Stacey tagged me to do this fun...weird thing!

THE RULES: Each person tagged must state 6 weird things about themselves. Next, those who are tagged are to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 more people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1. I drink Diet Coke almost every morning when I get up...it is my coffee!

2. I didn't like coffee. I have friends who LOVE it. We often went to Starbucks. I would say to the Starbucks employee, " I don't really like coffee, what do you suggest?" Yes, I got many strange looks. I decided I wanted to like coffee (hopefully to fit in better at Starbucks). So then, I asked the employee's, "I am trying to learn to like coffee, what would you suggest?" Yes, even more strange looks.
Now, I am a pro (as long as I am ordering the one thing that is my favorite). I walk in and say, "Iced, Tall, Nonfat, No whip, White Mocha!" It has taken me awhile but I now like coffee...(although, I will probably still take a Diet Coke over it any day!) :)

3. I get nervous after I speak (rather than the normal...before!)

4. If the bed isn't made when I go to bed...I must make it first, before I will get into it.
I like to sleep in it with the sheet up over the blankets, head OUT! My husband likes to sleep with the blankets all jumbled and his head UNDER! Yea, makes for some interesting nights!

5. I love to read, it is my way to keep my sanity sometimes. Here is why that is weird...where I go to read...
- IN the bathroom, door closed, toilet seat DOWN. (They still find me here, but can't get to me!)
- IN the van. not running. sitting in the driveway. ALONE. (I have only done this when my husband is home...and even then it took them quite awhile to find me!) :)
- IN the guest room. door shut. (it is normally shut, so if I can get in there without anyone seeing me I am good for about 5 minutes at least!)

6. I don't mind washing the laundry, folding the laundry (which is good with 6 of us to keep up with!), but when it comes to putting it away?! I would rather clean the bathroom (which we already know it NOT fun with 3 small boys!). I don't know...Weird?

Now, I tag, You, you , and You! Try it, it was alot of fun! :)

Living in the Bathroom

2007-02-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt like you lived in the bathroom...really just spent your entire day in there?

I have come up with one reason for everyone to do that at some point in their life (not because they want to, but they don't have much of a choice) and 2 more reasons moms do!

Reason #1 (for everyone) - When you are sick. You don't have much choice!But it will go away eventually and life will return to whatever kind of normal you live.

Reason #2 (this is a mom one) - When you are pregnant (no I am not, so don't get any ideas). It is amazing how such a little person can push so much on your bladder that you are literally going ALL DAY LONG..and all night too! I think that was one of my favorite things after having a baby (besides the baby itself of course) was that I would once again have control of my bladder (well except when I laugh really hard or sometimes when I sneeze...goodness, am I turning into my mother?)

Reason #3 (also for moms) - POTTY TRAINING! Already I have made it through 3 boys (and can I just say here that cleaning their bathroom has got to be the WORST job in the whole house. I honestly don't think they know they are suppose to hit the water...and the smell that seems to be a permamnat fixture in there...oh the joys of being a mom to three boys!).

So, now it is my daughter's turn. We have been trying for a little while now but she hasn't been too interested. It all changed yesterday when she told me she had to go... we ran into the bathroom..and she went! Then she did it again...and again! IT HAS STARTED! THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF MORE-THAN-7-YEARS-WITH-KIDS-IN-DIAPERS! Okay, maybe I am getting a little bit ahead of myself...obviously she isn't potty trained yet, but at least she is training!

But her excited to go potty means spending much of the morning in the bathroom. In fact, about 2 of the 4 hours she was up this morning was spent in the bathroom. This could be in large part to the fact that she had panties on (princess panties...and yes. it matters!) and I did not want to find little puddles on my furniture, carpet, beds, etc. Therefore, about every 5-10 minutes (this might seem extreme, but she drinks a TON and if I waited even a minute or two over she was already wet!) I asked her (very excitedly) if she needed to go potty...she would jump up and we "ran" to the bathroom to go potty. From there we did everything from singing to playing piggy's with her toes to reading books to playing peek-a-boo to you name it, we did it to get her to stay on the potty long enough to go! Fortunately, each time she was on the potty she went quicker than the time before!

So, as happy as I am that she is going, that she is in panties (she only wet about 3 times this morning which is GREAT!), I am SO thankful to have put her in a pull-up and down for a nap. Now maybe I can go more than 5 minutes without looking at a toilet and singing... :)

Thank you, your welcome...Please?

2007-01-31T09:45:00.000-07:00

Please and Thank...words that must be apart of my kids vocabulary on a regular basis! Sometimes I feel like a broken record constantly reminding my kids to say these important 3 words!

After having 3 boys and now having a girl I would have thought I had it figured out on how to get them to say these words. Nope. Not with Sarah.

She does say Thank you...and...Your Welcome. Here is a typical conversation with her regarding these words:

Me: Here is your milk Sarah (oh that is another thing...she does NOT like water or juice or anything but milk. So, we give her a cup of 3/4 water and 1/4 milk! She likes it and reminds us to put the water in if we forget! The doctor said to do it, that way she gets her water and milk! Sounds gross...but she likes it!)
Sarah: Thank you mommy
Me: You're Welcome Sarah
Sarah: You're welcome...you're welcome...you're welcome...mommy, say you're welcome.

So, she definitely has you're welcome down.
She is also great at reminding others to say Thank You!
For example:
She is currently filling my lap with all kinds of things (cards, books, polly pockets, necklaces, etc). With each item she hands me she says, "Say Thank you mommy". I say thank you, she says you're welcome, you're welcome, you're welcome...(and it keeps going from there).

It is good to know that she can be greatful for what she has.
However, getting her to say please...that is another story!
SHE. WILL. NOT. No matter what we do (believe me, we have tried many different things).
She is very good. She is so cute. She has her own mind!

Any suggestions?? ;)

I Would Have...

2007-01-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck

(written after she found out she was dying from cancer)

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have never insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day becuase my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away the nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more 'I love you's" more "I'm sorry's".

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it...live it and never give it back.

STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you , who has more, or who's doing what. Instead, let's cherich the relationships we have with those who do love us. Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with, and what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally.

I have been thinking lately about how quickly life goes by, how important it is to enjoy the little things in life. To take time to stop and "smell the roses".

I don't know that I would ever insist the car windows be rolled up becuase my hair has just been teased (that just isn't my style...). But I do want to have fun and think about the life the Lord has given me and appreicate each little thing, not get so wrapped up on what needs to be done!

He's at it again!

2007-01-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

This morning, my oldest son had another attack of organization-have-to's!
(remember the refrigerator?)
This morning (before school) it was the snack cupboard (which is generally a mess because the kids are the ones in there to get snacks...) that got to be to much for him!
He came out to get breakfast, opened the cupboard shook his head and began organizing it!

It is now all nice and neat, everything has a place!
Maybe I should think about hiring him out to others...who cares if things aren't in a place you cannot find...it looks great! :)

Please call me...

2007-01-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

I found this on a blog Stacey did and I thought it was interesting!

Hmmm, I wonder how it comes up with your title? Does it fit me? :)

Let me know what you should be called! :)

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:
Imperial Majesty Tina the Extemporaneous of Hardy St Thomas
Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

The liging room and other cute things

2006-12-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

All kids have funny things that they say or do...here are a few of my kids favorites...

Kolby: When we put him to bed he wants us to scratch his back...and his tummy...and his legs...and his cheeks...nose...chin...neck...and he won't go to sleep until we do it. Weird! :)
Last year for about 6 months he changed his identity to Elmo! When asked what his name was he would tell you ELMO. When he saw ELMO on TV or at the store he would run to it and say, 'That is Me!" :) Now he has NO memory of ever being Elmo and looks at us like we the weird ones when we mention it! :)

Sarah: She likes to go to the "LIGING ROOM" (living room).
She will NOT drink water...so we give her 3/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of milk...every time! That way she is getting water and milk. Does she know we do this? You betcha...she remnds us to put water in the cup if we forget! Weird! :)

Kaleb: He once had an imaginary family that lived in Dallas. He had names for all of them, would tell me what they had for dinner the night before and even what the weather was like!
This went on for about 5 months. One day he was in trouble from me and said, "Well, my mom in Dallas says...". That was where I drew the line to his imagination...there is just no way I can compete with an imaginary mom! :)

Andrew: My favorite for him still has to be wanting to organize my fridge! WHY?!
Also, one time I went away for a weekend when we was 2. When I came back he had my pillowcase (Jon gave it to him because he missed me)...he still has it today. It no longer goes places with us, but it is always with him in bed or if he gets hurt.

Sometimes I can get so frustrated with my children...but then I think about all the fun crazy things that they say and do and I realize how truly blessed our family is to have each one of them! :)

Who needs Pajama's?

2006-12-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

My daughter continues to amaze us!
Last night I had a meeting at church. My husband stayed home to put the kids to bed and stuff and seal Christmas Cards/Pictures ( I had already signed all 430 of them!).
I walked in the front door and see Sarah's bedding all on the floor in front of the washer and my first questions was did she get sick?
My husband starts laughing and tells me this story...

He put the kids to bed...they all went to sleep pretty fast...even Sarah (who is known to talk for up to 2 hours before going to sleep...not cry, just talk and play on her bed!)...OR SO HE THOUGHT! About an hour or so after they were all "asleep" he heard something crinkling. He looked around but couldn't figure out what it was. He heard it again a few minutes later. He got up, looked down the hall and there stood Sarah...a handul of wet wipes (okay like half the container acutally)...COMPLETLEY NAKED! She had undressed herself, diaper and all and somehow gotten her bed all wet (do I need to expound on that at all?), decided to get into the wetwipes to clean it up. So, the cards went on hold while he got Sarah dressed...the bed dried off and changed...the wet wipes put away...and a little girl who was WIDE awake...back in bed!

Wow! I don't think our boys ever did that one...there are surprises at every corner! :)
At least she was trying to clean it up...

Does a Cat have 9 lives?

2006-11-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

This morning before I left to take the kids to school I started the van to get it warmed up (after all it is a FREEZING 40 something outside...maybe even 30 something...FREEZING). The first time I went out I heard what I thought were kids yelling, and figured mine were probably in the house doing it...nothing too new, right?

The second time I came out with my daughter (whom I woke up, grabbed her milk cup and put her in the van with her eyes barely open and a warm blanket...because did I mention it is COLD here?!) I heard the sound again. This time it sounded more like a cat. I looked around...there it was...headed for my front door that was WIDE open! I ran at the cat yelling at the boys inside the house to shut the door and not let the cat in! I made it to the door before the cat and I thought it would run away...it didn't. It just stood there meowing at me!

I told the kids get in the van, but don't let the cat in the house or the van...
"Why mom? It could be cold..." JUST DON"T!!!

#1 and #3 got in the van (oh, i had to carry #3 to the van because he couldn't find his shoes and it was too cold to walk on our FREEZING cement!) #2 didn't come out...I ran in to ask him what he was doing and we was literally CRAMMING the rest of his waffle in his mouth (I know, it should have been gone already but we were running late and the remainder of breakfast was suppose to be eaten in the car). I told him to hurry and get out the door, he started freaking out because the cat would smell his food and get him! (By this time the cat had wandered away from our front door...not very far, but at least we could open the door!). I calmly told him the cat will leave him alone, but that he will be LATE for school if he doesn't GET. IN. THE. VAN!

Finally, we are all in...I make sure the cat is not behind me when I back up and off we go. Last we saw of the cat it was on its way to our neighbors yard!

Okay, fast forward 15 minutes...home from school...

A truck pulls up on in front of our house as I am turning on our street...hmmm, what for I wonder?
I watch him get out and go over to the side of our busy road...and see him pick up a tail! I think, Yuck. Then, as I get the kids out of the van I seen him Pick this tail up and it is attached to that CAT!!!!

I tell my two younger kids what happened...that the cat got run over.
Kolby says to me with a big smile, " So, now we don't have to worry about him coming in our house, do we?" I say, "Right Kolby...right."

Once we got inside he came to me and said, "That cat doesn't really have 9 lives does it mom? It won't come back to life, right? It can only die once, right mom?"

"Yes, Kolby, you are safe from the cat."

13 Adventures before lunch time

2006-11-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Things about my adventures just TODAY!1. My two oldest boys are BOTH home sick from school2. That means I have 4 kids at home.3. # 3 kid feels GREAT4. #4 kid is on an anitbiotic for an ear infection so a little cranky but not too bad5. #1kid had a fever yesterday so can't go to school today6. and #2 kid...you sure wouldn't know he spent the whole night over the toilet! 7. Needless to say no one is really sick anymore...just too sick to go to school... and they are BORED! 8. #2 kid has had on my roller blades (a million sizes to big for him)...in the house...and ran into the time out chair and fell flat on his bottom...with a smile! 9. I found them outside in the sandbox...with the hose...ON...building tunnels! (After serious discussion...I was trying not to laugh...I found out it was #1's idea but #2 did the foot work!)10. When #1 kid has been lying on the floor watching TV #3 thinks it is fun to run and jump on him becuase today he has the advantage...so why not?!11. Then there is yelling...screaming...12. Whoever said it is girls that scream? Mine Scream and it drives me crazy!13. I think I need a sick day tomorrow...or at least nap time today...
Links to other Thursday Thirteens!1.

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SURPRISE!!!

2006-10-24T11:40:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago a friend of mine asked if I would like to go to a new place opening called Dinner My Way. It is one of those places where they have eveything set out for you to make a main dish. All the ingredients are there, you mix it all together, put it in a bag, and take it home to freeze it until you are ready to eat it! She had a coupon to go try it for free and so I thought, why not...it would be fun! It was for this last Thursday when my mom was also in town so I asked if she wanted to go...it would be a fun "girls night out"! :)

On Wednesday my friend called with the idea that since we already have our husbands watching our kids, maybe we should go out after for ice cream or Starbuck's or something to celebrate my birthday. I thought it sounded like fun, so long as my mom wanted to.

Okay, Thursday (OCT 19) arrived. My parents were on their way here from about 4 hours away...my mom had been really sick the whole week and I wasn't sure she would really want to go to a place we would be making food. It is one thing to have my kids throw up somewhere public...but the thought of my mom doing it was too much for me to imagine! :)
She was adament that she would be just fine and she could go...I thought how great of her to want to spend time with me and my friend! :)
So at 6:30 off we went.

The place was really fun...we made a main course in literally 10 minutes.
Which left us alot of time to go out for my birthday (which was really on Sat, the 21st). My friend (Connie) is currently on weight watchers (and doing AMAZINGLY WELL I might add), so I figured we would go somewhere like Starbucks or something where she could still get something. So, when she mentioned The Cheesecake Factory I was somewhat surprised. She assured me there was a low fat something or other that she could eat (which, why would you go there if you aren't going to have something totally fattening...hence, why she is doing good on her diet, and I, well...you get the idea). I thought...okay, that is fun, lets go.

My mom and I drove seperate from Connie..she got there a minute before us and I saw her go in. I thought...hmmm, she probably has to go to the bathroom (I mean what else could it be!). She came back out to meet us as we were walking in. We got up to the hostess where she asked us to hold on.
Here is how the conversation went from there...(Are you ready for this???)

Hostess: "Do you know where they are sitting?"
Connie: (With uncertainty in her voice) "WHO?
Hostess: "You are here for the surprise party, right???
Connie: "Oh...(turns to look at me)...SURPRISE?!

Yes, until this moment...I HAD NO IDEA THAT THERE WAS A SURPRISE FOR ME!
They almost pulled it off! I think that hostess felt bad...especially when Connie had gone in there (nor for the bathroom like I thought) to tell them I was there and could they just seat us with the rest of the group when we came in.

Anyway...we went out onto the patio where my sister-in-law had planned a surprise party for my birthday with all of my dear friends! There were a dozen red roses (my favorite), a scrap book with pages from each of them (which some of you still need to get done by the way...), diet coke (which is more important that the cheesecake), and CHEESECAKE! It was wonderful to see all my friends and know how much they love me and were willing to get together. We laughed so much (you wouldn't belive some of the things we talked about! Let me put it this way...some bodily fluids/functions, etc were mentioned...it is good we were on the patio away from everyone else!!).

Thank you to each of you who came and made my birthday so special...to my sisters who wish they could have been here, and to Stacey for arrainging the whole thing for me. That was so sweet and something I will never forget and always be thankful for. Especailly as this was my last birthday for a VERY LONG TIME in the states around family and friends. Turning 28 really wasn't such a bad thing...it was really fun, thanks to all of you!

Here are some pictures that were taken during that "SURPRISE". :)

Okay... I cannot get the pictures to post, i will try it on a seperate post!

Update: Tried to post the pictures...still can't get it to work. So just imagine all of us having so much fun...laughing, eating cheesecake (well all but one of us who had strawberries...that actually I will possibly order next time because they came with DARK chocolate to dip them in!), and laughing some more! It really was a great time (have I mentioned that before...?)

UPDATE #2: Check out Stacey's blog...she has pictures! :)

Thursday Thirteen

2006-10-19T09:14:00.000-06:00

Thirteen Things about FALL BREAK

1. It is nice to let the kids sleep in past 6:30 (and for the first time ever they really are! Before they started school they were always up by 6, now they think it is great to sleep in!)

2. We get to spend extra time reading.

3. Bedtimes don't matter quite so much!

4. Special plans with familyand friends during the days.

5. It is only ONE WEEK LONG (YEA!)!!

6. Playing outside in our 80 degree weather

7. More time to be together and subsequently more time to argue (my kids...not me)

8. Not having to leave the house at 7:15 every morning (often having to wake my daughter up to go)...

9. ...or wake up the little ones from naps to pick them up at 2!

10. Makes me remember what it was like to have 4 kids at home every day all day long...

11. I LOVE having my kids at home (that is why I am a stay at home mom), but it is amazing how much more I can get done with just 2 of them!

12. My oldest two are here to help entertain my younger two!

13. All the laughter and silliness that comes with 4 kids home all day!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!1.

A Four Word Meme

2006-10-09T16:54:00.000-06:00

I was tagged by Stacey to do another meme (what does meme mean exactly anyway...?)

She gave me four words and I am suppose to write about the first thing that comes to mind.
Here goes...

Pizza - I used to like it before I got pregnant with my first son and was always ready to eat it. During all 4 of my pregnancies I very much DISLIKED it. Now, pizza is okay sometimes, but I could easily go for something else! My husband and kids really hate that my like for it never came back!

Friendship - Wow, I think of alot of my friendships I have had over the years since I was in Kindergarten (I know a long time ago, but I remember them!) with different people. Some not so good, most of them wonderful! Each of them have taught me something. I am so thankful that the Lord created friendship and for the wonderful friends he has given me. I have friends to laugh with, cry with, be silly with, share my kid woes with, even go to the movies or out to coffee with...thank you to all my dear friends!

Daisy - My wedding...I had red roses and daises. I carried 3 red roses in my bouquet (my husband and I have a special message...123 means I love you).
My girls carried 1 yellow rose with daisies in their hair and my sister (maid of honor) carried yellow roses and daisies! Ahhhhhh...... :)

Grace - Of course I first think of the Amazing Grace that God shows us.
But I also think of my Great Grandma Grace. She lived with us for awhile when I was growing up. She was born in 1906 and at one point played the piano for Dwight L Moody and his revivals! She died on my 16th birthday. :(

Well, there we go. If you would like to participate in this meme, please feel free to do so! It was fun! :)

Andrew & Kaleb questionare

2006-09-18T18:23:00.000-06:00

Answers given by Andrew, age 6 1/2

1. Something I do well: Riding bikes, art

2. Something I'd like to improve on: swimming

3. My favorite food: macaroni & cheese and hotdogs...together

4. Three words that best describe me: I like soccer, happy, helper

5. My happiest moment: playing army on bikes with big kids...it was lots of fun

6. The most important thing in my life now: friends (especially Isaac)

7. Then to the moms - Is there anything that surprised you?
I was surprised at #2, swimming...I thought he hated swimming! Last summer when we had him and his brother in swimming lessons the first week they cried (screamed is more like it) EVERY day! So, that was good to hear! :)

Answers given by Kaleb, age 5

1. Something I do well: riding bikes, basketball (I don't think he has ever played basketball!)

2. Something I'd like to improve on: drawing, my numbers at school

3. My favorite food: man, there are so many...here are some...
chicken, rice, and that is all. (I thought there would be alot more!)

4. Three words that best describe me: funny (as he laughs), happy, goofy (do we see a pattern here?)

5. My happiest moment: GOING TO DISNEYLAND!!!!!

6. The most important thing in my life now: my teacher is important, Mrs. Even!

7. Then to the moms - Is there anything that surprised you?
#3 did...he loves all foods and he eats it all like crazy...chicken and rice? I thought it was lettuce and carrots! :) Also, he has had kind of a rough start at school this year, so it was good to hear him say #7!

This was fun to hear them come up with their answers...Andrew thought this was great and wanted more questions, Kaleb couldn't believe the questions kept coming and wanted to know when we would be DONE!

I don't know who else to tag, but check out my my sister-in-law and nephew
Stacey and Josh at Just Me and My Guys.

Where are your eyes?

2006-09-08T08:23:00.000-06:00

Don't all moms have eyes in the back of their head?
I remember looking for my mom's when I was little...I mean staring at the back of her head trying to figure out where those eyes were that always knew what I was doing when she wasn't looking!
Now I know where those eyes are...they are mommy eyes...

I didn't realize my kids believed me until a few weeks ago when this happened...

I was sitting on the floor writting some thank you notes and #1 kid was on the couch behind me. All of a sudden I felt this blowing sensation on the back of my head!
I couldn't figure out what it was...I kind of shook my head and didn't think about it. Until, it happened again a few minutes later. I realized Andrew was BLOWING on the BACK OF MY HEAD! I asked him to stop, and he did...for a few seconds and then he would start up again.
Finally I asked him what he was doing and he told me he was looking for the eyes in the back of my head...just where were they he wanted to know...

And when this happened...

I was fixing dinner the last week and there was an open pack of powdered donuts on the counter. I had just finished telling #2 kid he could not have any more grapes before supper...but I guess he didn't think that would apply to donuts. So, while my back was turned he grabbed one and ran off to eat it.
My dad happend to be here visiting and saw him do it...let me know and I called him back into the kitchen.
I made him spit it out, rinse his mouth out, no donuts the next morning...the whole consequence thing.
A few minutes later he came back into the kitchen and said, "Wow mom, you really do have eyes in the back of your head, don't you?".

They ask me if they will ever have eyes in the back of their heads...and I tell them no, only mommies have them...and sometimes grandmas and aunts.
Hey, if it keeps them on their toes and prevents them from doing something they probably shouldn't because I might "see" them, it works for me!! :)

Fish, Mice, and other Yucky Things

2006-08-29T13:14:00.000-06:00

I am not a bug person...never have been, don't really ever see myself becoming one...even with 3 boys!
I have a history in my family of being afraid of bugs...especially the big ones that are really ugly, generally live in the sewer, and CRUNCH when stepped on! Instead of killing them, I get one of those red plastic cups and put it over it for my husband to take care of when he gets home!
I know, silly, but hey...I HATE the CRUNCH! I have even gone as far as taping the red cups to the floor in case the roach was strong enough to move the cup!!

Okay, that said, now we all know my HATE of roaches.
Well, we have discovered some new types of things in our house...all to do with animals...all in places I never would have expected them! They also are interesting stories...

We returned home the end of June from a 5 month trip. Right after we left our home in February a couple came and stayed in our house for 1 week. We were happy to let them use our house and let it get some use while we were away. Well, use our house they did...including the oven.
The night we came home my sister-in-law and her family came over to welcome us home and brought dinner. We turned the oven on to cook some delicious looking enchilada's. Upon opening the oven we discovered this...

Upon closer inspection with our eyes and noses, we discovered it was FISH!!!! 5 months before, when the couple stayed at our house, they had cooked fish and forgot it in our oven! Needless to say the whole pan went in the trash...outside (oh, and we went out to eat)!! :) YUCK!

Next animal... Our dryer has not been drying clothes very quickly lately (meaning it was taking like 90 minutes to dry one small load...since I need to do a minimum of 1 load if not 2 a day and can only do it at night from 9pm to 9am, this was a problem! Oh, I can do it at that time because we are on some plan that makes it cheaper that way.) Anyway, last week my husband decided to take the dryer apart to see if he could fix it...being an airplane mechanic I had the utmost confidence he could take care of the problem. As he was taking it apart he came to a point where he had to stop. He made me come look at it (as if I would know the problem!). I didn't see a shorted wire or anything mechanical, instead I saw something with a tail and whiskers! Once again, upon further inspection we discovered this...

You got it...A MOUSE!! It somehow crawled up the back almost to the top and basically got fried! A MOUSE!! IN MY HOUSE!! (Now I sound like one of those beginner books my 1st grader is reading...) YUCK!

Okay, so we have a majorly decayed fish, a fried mouse, crunchy roaches...I think God is preparing me for the mission field! Just give me a whole case of red SOLO cups and some Duct tape and I think I might survive...

First Haircut

2006-08-23T12:30:00.000-06:00

Sarah got her first hair cut today.
Really, it was just a trim and to even it up.
It is amazing how much older my little girl looks!
Here are some pics...

Before: aren't those always the prettiest pictures?

She was so good during it...she just sat there! (Could it be the goldfish and milk I bribed her with...?)

"I am going to look beautiful!"

"The pain you must go through to look good..."

The finished product...what a cutie pie...so grown up!

Organized Fridge?

2006-08-18T09:42:00.000-06:00

The kitchen...it is my kitchen. The dishes are in the cupboard I want them in, the silverwear in the drawer I want, etc. After all, if I am the one in there cooking and doing all the work, why would it be any different?

Well, my 6-year-old son thinks I need help!

We have a rotating schedule for seats at our dinner table (that way all the kids get to sit by mom and dad and also have to take a turn just sitting by sibblings...yuck!). Whoever sits by me (which is twice a week) it is there turn to set the table, clear the table, etc.

Last night was my oldest's turn. I had him put all the things from the refrigerator away...most of the items went on the door. He tried to talk me into letting him put it on the shelf and I told him, 'No, things are where I want them, put it ALL on the door". Then I left the kitchen.

A few minutes later he comes to me and says...
"Mom, I think I could help you. If you will let me I could really get your fridge organized for you and make more room...really! I just need a few minutes, well, maybe a little more, but I can do it."

I told him no, I like the fridge the way it is, but thank you for offereing. He replied, " Mom, I really think you should let me organize it, I can make more room for you and it will be better. You will like it, I know! I can just have the door open for a little bit and I will take care of it!"

After a few more minutes of him trying every which way to talk me into organizing the fridge, and me trying hard not to laugh at his seriousness...we finally agreed that we could talk about it later!

WHEW! I better make sure that I warn his wife someday that she is getting someone who will want to be involved in the organizing of the refridgerator!
As long as he does the cooking...

Sarah's Meme

2006-08-13T18:34:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone, it's me Sarah. My sweet friend (and cousin) Seth tagged me for this meme. Hope you enjoy!!

3 Things that scare me:
~ New people
~ Big dogs (up close)
~ Bath time...I love the thought of the bath, just not the bath itself!

3 People who make me laugh:
~ My brothers, Andrew, Kaleb, and especially Kolby
~ My mommy
~ Anyone who will tickle my tummy!

3 Things I Love:
~ Sef (aka, my cousin Seth)
~ The camera
~ Dolls

3 Things I Hate:
~ Getting my hands dirty (mom says I am such a girl!)
~ Bedtime (I love night, I am so happy, why do they make me go to bed?)
~ Drinking water

3 Things I don't Understand:
~ Why mommy won't hold me all the time
~ Why I can't eat Peanut Butter and Jelly for every meal
~ Why I have to brush my teeth!

3 Things on my Floor:
~ Play dishes
~ Dolls
~ Blankets ( I know it is summer...)

3 Things I'm doing right now:
~ Crying...

~ because I had to go...

~ to bed!

3 Things I want to do before I die:
~ Ask Jesus into my heart
~ Get married

~ be a mommy

3 Things I can do:
~Sit still while mommy french braids my hair

~TALK

~Climb on top of my dresser and go to sleep (story about that here)

3 Ways to describe my personality:
~ cute (and I know it!)

~ shy (until you get to know me, then watch out!)

~ a PRINCESS! :)

3 Things I Think you should listen to:
~ My brothers and I when we all start laughing

~ Me singing (I have just started...)

~ Music...any music, it is fun to dance to! :)

3 Things I Don't think you should listen to:
~ My brothers arguing

~ When mommy and daddy say it is bedtime...:)

~ Hmmm...

3 Favorite Foods:
~ Peanut butter and Jelly sandwhiches

~Macaroni and cheese

~ DORITOS!

3 Beverages I drink regularly:
~ Milk
~ Milk
~ and Milk (okay, so my mom does this thing where she mixes my milk...it is 3/4 water and 1/4 milk. I know she does it, but this way my mom is happy because she thinks I am getting water and I am happy because I am still getting milk!)

3 Shows I watch:
~ Little Einsteins
~ Clifford
~ pretty much whatever my brothers are watching!

A Baby I Want to Tag is: If you have a baby and want to do this, I tag YOU! (Let me know in comments so that I can add you as a link!)

Bed vs. Dresser

2006-07-19T15:51:00.000-06:00

Have you ever had one of those heart stopping moments as a mom?

I had one of those moments last night!
My daughter (who will be 2 on Saturday) has just started sleeping in her "big girl bed"...which for now is a matress on the floor.
She has done GREAT...no problems putting her down, doesn't come out of her room, etc.

Last night she did something I haven't even seen one of my boys do yet!
We put her to bed...she cried and cried and cried...much longer than normal for her.
I went in to check on her and she was standing on top of her toy chest by her dresser (this is not the scary part!)
I think she got up there and couldn't get down...so I got her up, calmed her down, cuddled...everything was all good after that.
About 30 minutes later my husband put her back down to bed. She cried for about 1 minute (which is normal) and then stopped...we figured she was one tired girl!

We had my sister-in-law and her family over visiting last night, and when they went home they were missing my nephew's flip flops. My husband checked in Sarah's room.
He didn't find the flip flops...he found this...

...where my heart did a little flip flop when I saw her!

She had climbed up on her toy chest, up onto her dresser and FALLEN ASLEEP!!! It looked like she was lying there with God's hands holding her. It was a very precious picture, but a heart stopping one also! How easily should could have fallen, but she didn't! God holds little ones in his hands!

However, the toy chest was moved last night before we went to bed! :)

For some more cute pictures of her check out my sister in law's blog here.

What is that?

2006-07-18T12:33:00.000-06:00

The other day I opened my new tub of butter...supposedly never used before.

What I found, instead of the nice smooth top I am accustomed to with new tubs, was this...

It doesn't look so new to me!

Upon further inspection I realized they were fingerprints! One of my kids (who will remain nameless but has given us countless stories to tell so far) was hungry for butter?!

When we asked him why he ate the butter...WITH HIS FINGERS...he replied, he wanted to see what it tasted like...over and over and over. :)

Crazy Kid! Butter is good on popcorn, potatoes, toast, but on FINGERS?

Happy Birthday to Joy!

2006-07-16T22:09:00.000-06:00

It has been so long since I blogged, I almost couldn't remember how...but it is all coming back now... :)

Today is my sister's birthday. Joy is 24! Wow! She is the baby of our family, and I love her to pieces! Her and her husband and their little girl Arika (the cutest neice ever!), live in Canada right now while they do some missionary training. Phoenix and Canada are not very close to each other, so we don't get to see them very often. :(

But on our trip home from North Carolina (when we traveled 3921 miles with 4 small kids in the car over 11 days...that is another whole blog in itself...or two or three...!) we were able to meet them on the border of Michgan and Canada to spend the day with them. It was so great to see her and her family!

Joy, I miss talking to you my dear, I love you and am so proud of you for what you are doing! You are such a good mom and I am so thankful for your friendship and love!
Hope your day was wonderful...at least you have running water for it, right?? :)
Happy Birthday Joy! :)

Packing like crazy!

2006-06-13T12:51:00.000-06:00

We made it! Jon has been home since Friday...we were all SO happy to see him!

Now we are busy getting ready to leave...or move. That is what it feels like!
We have been here in North Carolina for only 4 months, yet it has been long enough to settle in and have much more stuff now then when we came here the end of February...which means much more stuff to pack and go through...

Anyway, so I am now busy getting things packed, some to be shipped (we won't see it for about 6 - 8 weeks), some to be packed in our car carrier (once that carrier closes on Saturday, it will not be opened until we arrive home on the 29th of June!), and the rest to go in the back of the van (hopefully just the necessities so that we can still see out the back window and not get to closterphobic!).

I have a feeling when we pack in about 5 -6 months to head to Southeast Asia I will look back at this and think how easy it was to just pack an apartment with 4 months worth of stuff, verses a house with YEARS of stuff! It is all in your perspective I guess.

So, now, if I can just keep my kids from finding new things to bring in the house, or keep them occupied so that I can acutally get some stuff done (like blogging...it is very important...), we will make it! Only 5 days until we leave, then it is an 11 day trip up through Ohio, Michigan, Colorado, and then HOME! :)

8 down...3 to go

2006-06-06T05:01:00.000-06:00

Isaiah 41:13: "For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you!"

This verse has come to mean a lot to me in the last 8 days. My husband is gone for 11 days total.
While there has been less laundry and I haven't had to cook if I don't feel like it (my kids would eat PB & J for every meal if I let them), it is so much harder without the second part of my team!

It has been everything from my #2 kid getting cars sick on the way to church on Sunday morning, to constant fighting between themselves, to a BIG bike crash (it happened to #1 and he tends to be very dramatic...), it taking double the normal time to get them to bed because there is only one of me to do showeres/baths, brush teeth, pray, scratch backs...to the extra hugs and tears because they miss their daddy.

It has been challenging, but when I think about that verse, and can visualize the Lord not only being there with me, but actually taking my hand and helping me...WOW!
We serve such a great God...He won't leave us alone when we need him.

Happy Birthday Jodi!

2006-06-01T10:27:00.000-06:00

Today is my sister's 26th birthday!
Happy Birthday to my dear sister and forever friend!

I love you so much Jodi and I am very proud of you and all you have done.
You have come a long way since making fun of me for wearing a diaper (inside story...not able to share in public...).

Jodi, I love that we are so close, but I hate we live so far away! I am thanful for you and the HUGE part you have played in my life. Thank you for your love for the Lord and others. Thank you for your true servants heart and your listening ear!

I love you so much my sister and hope you have the BEST Birthday Ever today!

Now for the Letter "L"...

2006-05-31T09:24:00.000-06:00

Here is a fun little game, courtesy of Lauren and then Julie. It works like this: Julie assigned me a letter (L), and I have to list ten things that start with L, and why I chose them. If you want to play, email me and I'll assign you a letter, etc. etc. Got it? Good.

Ten significant words that Start With the Letter L...

1. LOVE: Where would I be in my life without love? The unconditional love of my Heavenly Father, the amazing love from my husband, the faithful (no matter how many times I tell them no) love of my kids, the special love of my family and friends.

2. LAUGHTER: Truly this is the best medicine! I love laughing at my kids ( I mean with them) and with others...it makes you feel happy! :)

3. LIFE: It is great to be alive, to have a family, to serve the Lord. I am just glad my life is now and not back in the olden days when I would have had to use an outhouse, spend the WHOLE day cooking, wearing long hot dresses...I like that I can fly across the country in a couple of hours, drive in a couple of days vs. months in a wagon! :)

4. LUCY: I love Lucy! I think that was such a funny TV show! I have seen her shows over and over and still, they make me laugh. Somehow Lucy and Ethol remind me of someone...

5. LANGUAGE: There are more than 6900 languages in the world today and over 2500 of them have NO Bible in their language! That is an astounding number!
I am thankful the Lord is allowing us to help bring His word to those unreached people groups!

6. LEARNING: There is always something to learn, whether it is some life lesson or just something little that my kids remind me of. Learning is good...it can be difficult...sometimes it takes a shoe over my head...but it is always good.

7. LEFTOVERS: I don't like them very much!

8. LETTERS: It is so much fun to get letters, whether in the mail or email. Especially now, while we are away from our home and family and friends. It lets me know I haven't been forgotten, and it is fun to encourage others with them too! :)

9. LEGO'S: They are all over my house! No matter how much I try to keep them picked up, and tell the boys to take care of them too, my feet always seem to find a stray one! It is fun to watch my kids imagination at work with them! :)

10. LOTS OF PICTURES: Pictures of my kids, my adorable neice and nephews, my family, friends, places I have been, old pictures, new pictures, cute pictures, laugh out loud funny pictures, I just love pictures! (Except for ones of me of course! :))

HE DID IT!!

2006-05-26T11:23:00.000-06:00

Kaleb can ride a two - wheeler!

On Wednesday we were outside, when all of a sudden I got this urge to see if he could ride his bike without training wheels. We went over to the grass and in less than 10 minutes he had it figured out and was riding like he had been doing it forever! :)

Of course, there were some little falls here and there, to which he quickly got up and said, "I'm okay, it didn't hurt!" And off he would go.

But at one point he wiped out (really, I watched him), and couldn't get up because the bike was on top of him. He was crying...so I went over to him, helped him up and told him it was so cool that he just had his first real fall on a two-wheeler!
He was so excited he forgot to cry and promptly told all around him he had just had his first fall!
Hey...whatever works, right...? :)

He was so excited to ride bikes with the other kids and his brother especially. He can go fast like them now...
However, I think he was a little too excited about riding bikes when yesterday morning he woke up at 5:30 (AM!!!) and cried when we sent him back to bed. When asked why he was crying, he put his head in his hands and wailed, "I just want to go ride bikes!".

Wow! I think we might have a bike fanatic on our hands! :)

Know what you say...and what you don't say...

2006-05-24T08:08:00.000-06:00

This sweet face...he is capable of not so sweet things!
The other day he was in the bathroom...on the toilet...

First, let me say, we have a rule in our house regarding toilet paper for our kids...they are only allowed 3 squares at one time...then they can have 3 more...this eliminates the 10 ft long piece per wipe! (It saves us toilet paper and a clogged toilet).

Okay, that said...he must have been bored while sitting there...he remembered our 3 square rule and only did one square...OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER...just putting it in the toilet, not using it!

So, the next day while going to the bathroom (thinking I had him figured out...now realizing I should never understimate a 3 year old!) I said, "No Toilet Paper, I will help you when you are done". I even called to him while he was in there and asked him if he was touching the TP. He replied, "NO!"

I had forgotten that I had left a container of wet wipes in the bathroom...did I say anything about the wet wipes and not touching them? Of course not!!

So....
When I went in to check on him, there was a mountain of wet wipes in the toilet!!!!!!!!!!!
He had pulled them out one by one and stuffed them in between his legs. There was over half of a container of wet wipes in there!!

He looked at me with that ever popular Kolby like smirk. I know what he was thinking...

"Mom, you didn't say anything about not touching the wet wipes...."

Thursday Thirteen

2006-05-18T06:05:00.000-06:00

Thirteen Things about potty training

1. Just because your child was easy...and your second child was easy...don't assume you have potty training figured out on your third one...he will change it!

2. I spend more time in the bathroom now than when I was pregnant and throwing up alot!

3. In my mind, going potty (or poop!) in your pants is not a choice, my son thinks it is optional...depending on his mood.

4. Just when I think he has got it, he doesn't want me to get to comfortable, so he gives me a day where he goes through every pair of underwear he has...and some of his brothers.

5. I have become excellent at entertaining in the bathroom...singing, reading books, telling stories...not something I ever thought would become a part of my daily life.

6. If I hear a door close, it is time to run as fast as I can, throw open the door and yell..."Get to the bathroom"...hopefully before his underwear become like a cloth diaper that I am having to rinse out in the toilet...YUCK!

7. Ice Cream is not a motivator for him (how is that possible?!)

8. I know where all the bathrooms are for the stores we frequent...so that when I hear, "I have to go potty", I don't waste those important moments looking for one!

9. Each time we make it to the bathroom is a huge victory and calls for the POTTY DANCE! (Don't ask)

10. He does better now than he did 1 month ago..that has to be progress! :)

11. Sometimes I think my daughter (16 months younger) might get this figured out before my son does.

12. Over all he really does a good job...I just wonder if we will ever get completely over it...

13. ...But I know...HE WILL BE POTTY TRAINED BEFORE HE GOES TO COLLEGE! :)

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. Julie

2. Addie

(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

ABC Meme

2006-05-16T11:25:00.000-06:00

Accent: Not now, but when I was in 9th grade I spent a month with someone from North Carolia (she had a great southern accent), and somehow, I picked it up for about 3 months...we have it on video and everything...

Bible Book that I like: Philippians...there are so many positive things in there. I love reading that book and memorizing verses from there.

Chore that I don’t care for: I hate putting laundry away, and cleaning the bathrooms...let's just say YUCK with 3 little boys!

Dog or Cat: We have no animals...yet, eventually we will get a dog. But only if my husband and kids agree to cleaning up after it...I have better things to do than clean up dog mess! :)

Essential Electronics: Cell phone and computer

Favorite Cologne: I like body sprays...vanilla is good!

Gold or Silver: Gold

Handbag I Carry most often: The only one I have (good thing I like it).

Insomnia: Are you kidding? I fall asleep in about 3 seconds at night!

Job Title: Cook, House Maid, Launderer (is that a word?), Owie kisser, story reader, Bed maker, Snack provider...MOM! :)

Kids: 3 boys (6,4,3) and 1 girl (22 months), and that's all folks! :)

Living Arrangements: 4 bedroom house in Phoenix (which we can't wait to get back home to in about 5 weeks!)

Most Admirable Trait: Good Listener

Naughtiest childhood behavior: I was great at getting my sisters to do things, and then leaving the room before my parents came in. They were the ones to get in trouble for my ideas! :) (Now my oldest son does this same thing...but I am on to him! :))

Overnight hospital stay: Each time I had my kids. Plus, when I was pregnant with my second son I was in and out alot for pre-term labor.

Phobias: BIG Bugs! Especially ROACHES. They are so ugly and they CRUNCH!

Quote: Hmmmm, not sure....

Religion: No religion, I have a relationship with my Savior and friend, JESUS.

Siblings: Two sisters, Jodi and Joy (both younger). I also have 1 sister-in-law, Stacey, and 3 Brother-in-law's, Jeff, Wes, and Jim.

Time I wake up: Around 6ish.

Unusual Talent or skill: I will have to think on this one...I can drool almost every time I eat a jelly bean...does that count??!! ;)

Vegetable I refuse to eat: PEA'S!

Worst habit: I put things in special places so I won't lose it, and almost EVERY time, I cannot remember where I put it.

X-rays: Yup, had them...

Yummy stuff I cook: Enchalada's, Chicken Alfredo, and Lasagna (hopefully my husband would add a few to this list if he was asked) :).

Zoo animal I like the most: The flamingo's! (Right Stacey?) :)

Now I tag, Jodi!

My Mom...My Friend

2006-05-14T05:38:00.000-06:00

I remember a cross stitch piece that hangs in my parents house. It says,

"Always my daughter, now too, my friend".

My nana (mom's mom) made it for her. When I was little I looked at it and tried to figure out exactly what it meant.

I now understand...only I would switch it around and say,

"Always my mother, now too my friend".
My mom is the greatest! We talk an average of 2 - 3 times a day (we do not live near each other - thank goodness for cell phones and free long distance!).
She is such a good friend. I know I can tell her anything...while she can sometimes be quick with an answer, I know that she wants to help and make things better for me. I value her opinion, and I appreicate her openess. She is very real in what she says and how she lives her Christian faith.

One of the things I love the most about my mom is her love for the Lord! When talking about a problem to me or anyone, she is quick to say, "Let's pray about it."

I love that she enjoys hearing me talk about my kids almost as much as I like talking about them...seeing as how they are her grandkids and all! :)

Now that I am a mom too, I have so much more appreciation for her!

I understand things like I never understood before.

Things like...

why it is such a big deal if you have a cookie 10 minutes before supper
"there are kids starving in Africa..."
loving someone so much it almost hurts
being willing to do just about anything to see your kids smile
why my mom put us before herself and her needs SO many times
how you can be up in the middle of the night with a sick or scared kid and still be the first one up in the morning...with a smile on your face
why it is good to have mommy time sometimes
how important it is to still take time to go on dates with my husband.
how I want to cheer when my kids do something new, but then cry because it means they are growing up.
crying at commercials...WHAT?! We used to make fun of my mom for that, now I am my mom! I am telling you, when you have kids it does something to you...
What unconditional love really is

Thank you mom for all you have done for me through the years, for being there for me whenever I need you. You are so imortant to me, you are a big part of the reason I am who I am...thank you for investing so much of your life into me. Thank you for your laughter, for your tears, your prayers, and for your constant encouragement...even when you don't agree with how I am raising your grandkids! :)

God knew you were just the mom for me. I LOVE YOU MOM!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Three favorite words

2006-05-12T14:19:00.000-06:00

As a mom there are 3 words I can hardly wait to hear my kids say to me for the first time and each time after.

Each time I hear...I LOVE YOU...my heart melts!

To me it is important to let others know they are loved. Each phone conversation I have with family, I always end with I LOVE YOU. Every night at bedtime, to my kids and my husband I say, I LOVE YOU. Even as my husband leaves for work or to go to the store or anywhere, or as my son leaves for school, the last words I always try to remember to say are I LOVE YOU!

I want them to know that if something happend to them or me those would be the last words we might have to hold on to.

So, to hear my kids frequently tell me that they love me, makes me smile!

No matter how much my kids mess up, I will always love them...NO MATTER WHAT!

I have come to realize that no matter how much I mess up (which is OFTEN...I cannot figure out this parent thing!), they will always love me!

That is why my 3 favorite words are...I LOVE YOU!

Thursday Thirteen

2006-05-11T07:28:00.000-06:00

Thirteen of my favorite things...

1. Color - Purple (before I had 3 boys I liked the color blue and very much so disliked pink or purple...now that I have a little girl, I find that I rather like the colors pink and purple!).

2. Food - I love to eat chicken (are Hot Tamales...you know the candy...considered food? Lately I have been eating those alot).

3. Movie - I love the Anne of Green Gables series.

4. Job - I love being a mom, wouldn't trade that job for anything...ever!

5. Weather - Warm, the warmer the better...guess it is good I am from Phoenix!

6. Hobby - When I have time to have a hobby, I love to scrapbook.

7. Holiday - 4th of July! I like what it represents and the fireworks!

I have to admit though...Christmas is a favorite too! :)

8. Day of the week - FRIDAY!!

9. Resaurant - Chili's, Chino Bandito (a hole in the wall mexican/chinese place...oh so good!, and Chipolte's.

10. TV Show - AMAZING RACE!

11. Verse - Jeremiah 29:11. It is so awesome to me to know that God has a plan for me, there are no surprises for Him in my life!

12. Time of the day - When I put my kids to bed and have the evening with my husband! :)

13. Drink - DIET COKE!! I am afraid I am a bit of an adict. It is kind of like coffee for me. Give me a diet coke and I am ready to face the day...

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Happy Birthday to Who?

2006-05-08T13:26:00.000-06:00

My third son loves to sing.
He sings just about any song he can think of...and he actually is pretty in tune most of the time. However, he has a favorite song...A song that he enjoys singing at the top of his lungs everywhere he goes!

"Happy Birthday to you..."

He sings it in the bathroom...in drive-thru at McDonald's...he breaks out with it in the middle of dinner...while he is playing...wathcing a movie...pretty much whenever it crosses his mind he sings it.

We have asked him who's birthday it is, and he looks at us like why would we ask a question like that and replies (with that ever Kolby like smirk), "It is nobody's birthday!", and promptly goes back to serenading us! :)

My kids!

2006-04-28T12:02:00.000-06:00

Andrew... my big helper!

Kaleb...makes us laugh! :)

Kolby...our little man!

Sarah...our tough princess!

These are my four FAVORITE kids in the world! I am so thankful the Lord gave them to me and I get to be their mommy!! :)

Thursday Thirteen

2006-04-27T06:43:00.000-06:00

Thirteen Things I did/ did not miss about my family when I was gone

1. I missed kissing them goodnight at bed time.

2. I missed hearing about my oldest son's day at school when he came home.

3. I missed doing my daughters hair in the morning.

4. I missed the laughter that seems to follow them around.

5. I missed sharing dinner with them each night (although I didn't miss hearing , "Do I have to eat that?")

6. I missed having someone to cuddle with at night (my sister just wasn't the same!) :)

7. I missed the crazy jokes my 2nd son makes up and finds hilarious.

8. I missed my oldest learning how to make himself burp (can't say I missed it, just that I missed it, know what I mean??) :)

9. I missed playing outside with them in the afternoon while we wait for daddy to come home!

10. I did not miss having to get 4 kids dressed each morning!

11. I did not miss the whole potty training thing (will it ever end?!)

12. I did not miss waking up in the middle of the night!

13. I missed spending time with the people I love most in the world!!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. Sherry

2. Julie

3. Stacey

(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Beautiful Bride...Beautiful Day

2006-04-25T11:21:00.000-06:00

The wedding was BEAUTIFUL! It was so fun to go back to Ohio...see my "second family", and get to be there for my best friend's wedding!
We enjoyed our time together...although there was never a dull moment! We were busy from the second we set our feet in the house! But we laughed and laughed.

I had met Stacy's husband back in October, but hadn't gotten to know him. This last week I did...he is a funny, crazy guy! I think the two of them are perfect together! In fact, when Stacy first told me about him a few years ago...I told her that I liked him (this is before they were together) and I thought that he was the guy she would marry!! Needless to say, we hit it off! :)

We made many more memories together.
Memories that I will cherish forever.
Stacy is such a special friend and I love that I got to be a part of her special day! The wedding was beautiful (have I mentioned that already?!) :) As we were eating supper (at the reception) I leaned over and asked the two of them if this is what they wanted. Stacy said that it was perfect, a dream come true. What more could you ask for? I am so happy to see my friend so happy, I love her to death, and I miss her even more than before. It was very hard to say goodbye to her. We did so with tears streaming down our faces. It isn't often that God brings a friend like this into your life, so I need to make sure I cherish her and her friendship.

I am praying for you Josh and Stacy as you begin your new life together!
I love you both very much!! :)

Here are some pictures of the wedding, and I will share stories and pics in the coming days

The "girls" at the rehersal

The "girls" on wedding day!

My sister, Jodi, and I with Stacy!

Here comes the Bride...

2006-04-18T08:58:00.000-06:00

Josh & Stacy

Today I am leaving my husband and 4 kids to fly to Ohio to be in my best friend from high school's wedding! She gets married on Saturday! I am very excited to go and spend this special time with her...it is sure to be a fun, crazy, and special time!

Stacy...I met her when I was in 10th grade. We have done so many things together...she is one of those people who is really good at getting me to try crazy things I would never even think of without her! Needless to say, we always have a blast together!

We have so many great memories...I even lived with her family for awhile after high school! It would be better to describe her as more of a sister than a friend. It is so neat to look back and see how the Lord brought us togther and how we have been able to stay "forever friends" even through the years.

Stacy, I love you my forever friend! I am so excited for you! See you soon!

7 years!

2006-04-17T11:10:00.000-06:00

I remember when I used to think being married for 7 years was a long time!
Wow, now we are there...are we getting old? :)

Today we have been married for 7 years and I have to say that I love Jon more and more with each passing year.

Here are some things that I LOVE about him...

1. He treats me like a queen!

2. He helps me around the house...he even mops and does dishes for me sometimes!

3. I frequently hear him ask if there is something he can do to help me!

4. He likes to go on dates.

5. He is fun to be with.

6. We have known each other for so long...it is great to share alot of the same history, friends, family, etc. (I grew up calling his parents aunt and uncle!)

7. I love having his arms wrap around me.

8. He is the most sensitive man I know.

9. He supports me in everything I do.

10. He loves to spend time with our kids and is the best father EVER!

11. He loves the Lord with his whole heart.

12. We pray together...he normally takes the initiative for that.

13. He is an airplane mechanic and is using his abilities to serve the Lord on the mission field...how awesome is that??! :)

14. When I need a break he is quick to take the kids outside for awhile or something.

15. He pays attention to me.

16. Football is not his favorite sport!!! :)

17. He likes baseball!

18. His eyes are such a pretty blue (I was really hoping our kids would get those baby blues...not one did, they are all brown, just like me!)

19. He likes to talk on the phone...to me. :)

20. He loves to help other people.

21. He puts the Lord first in all He does.

22. Before making a big decision he is faithful to pray about it, research it and know about it before hand.

23. He is someone I respect and am proud of.

24. I love him with my whole heart and each day that love grows!

25. I would say this last year was the hardest for us, however, he is so good at making us talk things through (I tend to want to clam up) and get back on the right track. I am so thankful he is willing to take the high road and go "first". :)

26. He is not easily upset (good thing for me!) I have told him that I would much rather be married to him than be married to me!! :)

27. When something stressful comes his way, his first respose is usually what is God doing through this? He has a plan, let's see what it is.

28. He is the spritual leader in our family.

I, of course, could go on and on and on and on.....
But I will stop and just say

I LOVE YOU JONATHAN! :)

Thursday Thirteen

2006-04-12T20:28:00.000-06:00

Thirteen Things about Tina

1. I was born in Baker, OR.

2. I have two younger sisters (whom I love and wish lived closer!)

3. I moved 32 times in the 18 years I lived at home...

4. ...No, my dad was not in the military...

5....He was in retail.

6....and my parents were missionaries at a summer camp.

7. That camp is where I met my husband (when I was in 5th grade and he was a senior in high school...no, it wasn't love at first sight!)

8. I also met my sister-in-law there...we grew up and married brothers...(good thing we like each other!)

9. My husband and I have been married for almost 7 years (on Monday!)

10. Our oldest is 6 years old...yes, he was a honeymoon baby! :)

11. We love having 4 kids even though they keep us on our toes all the time...

12....we are done now though...REALLY! (4 kids in 4 1/2 years...that is alot!)

13. We are missionaries getting ready to head overseas the end of this year (more on that in a later post!)

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. Julie

2. Stacey

Quick Update

2006-04-11T11:31:00.000-06:00

Grandma Mabel made it through her surgery okay. Thank you for your prayers.
At this time she is still in the hospital and we are waiting to see what the doctor has to say. Although, we have heard it is a possibility that she could go home today!
We really appreciate your prayers regarding this and would love for you to keep praying! Thanks! :)

It is so assuring to know that God is in control of all things...especially at a time like this!

Grandma Mabel

2006-04-10T17:06:00.000-06:00

We recieved a call from my brother-in-law earlier to tell that my husband's grandma passed out on the floor earlier today.

They have since taken her to the hospital where they have decided they need to put in a pace maker. Her heart beat is very irregular.

It is expecially hard for us right now because we are so far away in North Carolina and they are in Arizona. We would like to be there with his family during this time...this is a hard part about being missionaries and not able to be there with our family. But we are reminded of Jeremiah 29:11 and that God has a plan. We are praying pray that we will have a peace about his plan and trust Him to know what is going to happen.

We appreciate your prayers for her, the family, and us.

It's Potty Time!

2006-04-09T18:47:00.000-06:00

When I potty trained my first son, I thought I had it all figured out. He started it on his own 3 weeks before he turned 2!
I remember seeing one of those books that are made just for going potty (you read it to the kids as they go or something). i laughed at it thinking...why would someone ever really need this? It is so silly!

Well, I am now one of those silly moms that think those books are great!

We are in the process of potty training our 3 year old son. He is altogether his own person...nothing like his brothers. He has given me a whole new perspective on this potty training thing...

He has known how to go for months now, he just doesn't want to! So, when he turned 3 (2 weeks ago), we made a big deal about 3 year olds and how they are big boys and get to go potty in the big potty. To help him, I bought one of those Potty books called, "It's Time To Go Potty".
It has a little button that sounds like a toilet flushing when you push it. (We have read it so much he has it completely memorized...and so do I!)

You know what...it works! Since we got that and started reading it he has started to get it! Of course, he gets one M&M after he goes and we do a potty dance (that sounds fun, huh?). We have been mostly dry for the last 4 days with a few accidents here and there. So, whether it is the book or the dance or just the right time...I am happy he is getting it figured out.

Hopefully soon, it will just be my daughter in diapers...and she already shows more interest in going than my 3 year old! She loves to sit on the little potty and has even gone a number of times! That has to be good, doesn't it?? ;) After buying diapers for the last 6 1/2 years, the prospect of not having to any more is kind of exhilirating! :)

Thursday Thirteen

2006-04-06T11:04:00.000-06:00

Thirteen Things about Tina

1. I like spending time with my family.
2. I like pickles, but my husband won't even kiss me after I have had one!
3. I like to go on dates with my husband.
4. I like hearing my oldest son read (it is so exciting to hear him!)
5. I like to eat cake, brownies, cookies...for breakfast (not that I do it...well, not that often anyway)!
6. I like to watch my kids play together, hear them talk about things, and see the world through their eyes.
7. I like to write!
8. I like scrapbooking in my freetime ( I don't have much freetime though...that is probably why I am still on kid #2's book!)
9. I like Amazing Race...I am a TOTAL fan (I have even gotten other people interested in watching it. Someday my sister and I are going to do it...Really!) :)
10. I like to travel...good thing since soon we will be heading halfway around the world to live!
11. I like to listen to my children pray.
12. I like girly things...after having 3 boys, it is time for some pink and purple in this family!
13. I like getting mail! Who doesn't, right??? :)

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1.Stacey
2. Julie
3. Addie
4. Sherry

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Happy Birthday to you...

2006-04-05T08:50:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Arika!

One year old today!

Before you know it she will be starting school, reading, riding a bike.

Then she will be driving a car, going on dates, getting married...

Who knows what is in store for little Miss Arika.

But we do know she is so adorable, so loved, and FUN!

Jim & Joy, treasure and enjoy each moment you have with her!

We wish we could be there to help celebrate this special day!

We love you Arika...our favorite neice! :)

To have bangs or not to have bangs...

2006-04-04T09:36:00.000-06:00

My sister (18 months younger than me) once told me that I had to promise to never go without bangs again! I had just finished jr. high (not really a favorite time of anybody) without bangs...I decided to get them cut. That is when she MADE me promise not to go without them again. I promised....

I went back on that promise about 8 months ago. I am so sorry I did! I thought it was a great idea...it looks so cute on other people, so why not me, right? I realized in the last week or so that maybe my sister had a point all those years ago, and really my long face has not changed, I still have a high forehead.
So, after 8 months of all the work of growing my bangs out...I got them cut! (Jodi are you glad?!) :) I love it and wonder what I was thinking to go with out them for so long! I think it makes me look younger to have bangs...which brings me to my next topic...

Jon and I are 7 years apart in age (he is older). I have noticed that there is one comment that comes out of EVERYONES mouth (without fail) after they find that out, it is this:

"Oh, I never would have guessed there was that much of an age difference between you two!"

So, my question is this...does that mean they think I look older like him, or that he looks young like me?? Hmmmm......

I think getting my bangs cut was a good idea......

Time Change...

2006-04-03T07:42:00.000-06:00

My children experienced something for the first time yesterday!
TIME CHANGE!

Living in Arizona (right now we are living in NC for a few months) we are lucky to not have to change time 2 times a year! Therefore, we have never had to explain it to our kids.
Jon and I knew we were loosing an hour of sleep on Saturday night that we would probably never get back...our kids didn't really pay any attention to it...until last night when it was time to go to bed!
It was still very light out! They wanted to go outside and play and COULD NOT understand why they couldn't if it was still light out. When I tried to explain how the rest of the country wants more light at night to do stuff rather than the morning, Andrew (6) thought he should go outside and play, that is what it is for. I said no, it is bed time now.
Andrew: Why is it light out still then?
Me: Because yesterday at this time it was supper but now it isn't, it is an hour later...
Andrew: You mean right now is really supper time not bed time? Where did the hour go?

I felt like we were going in circles to try to explain to him.

Finally, I said...ask your teacher at school tomorrow...she can tell you!
I have learned that teachers know everything, at least more than me, so why not use that to my advantage this time and let her try to get him to understand! :)

Boys will be Boys!

2006-03-31T04:44:00.000-07:00

I grew up with 2 sisters in my family. I babysat a lot, but it seemed to mostly be girls that I watched. Basically, I was surrounded by girls and girly type things!
So when we had our first boy I told my husband he would have to help me with this "boy stuff".
After our 2nd and 3rd boy...I knew I was way outnumbered and that life would never be the same for me!
All 3 of them are 110% boys...they love dirt, mud, wrestling, burping, lego's, cars, bikes, anything outside...

They are continually doing things that I have to ask, "Is that a boy thing?".
For example...

Do you know those orange and yellow cars that kids can ride in and make go with their feet (the Fred Flinstone kind of thing)? Okay, my thinking is get in it and ride around, right?
Not my boys! They (along with some others) put it at the far end of the field, put a pecan on top of it, then go as far back from it as they can and start peddling their bikes as fast as they can and RAM into it making it go flying forward while the pecan comes flying back at them and they try to duck it!

Now, does that sound like fun? Why? But these boys thought it was the funnest thing and did it for hours 2 days in a row!

It has been really cool here..50's...(we are in NC right now), and the last week has seen 3 water fights here with the other kids (all boys...about 8 - 10 in our complex)! WOW! Boy water fights are different than girl ones! Boys run after each other, they think it is fun to get someone down on the ground and just continually spray them with the cold hose water, then they are off and running to tackle and spray some more...thing is all are laughing! It was a fun thing to watch...but not something I could see myself being a part of!

Then there is the whole bathroom thing...lets just say I HATE going in there to clean it. Currently we are potty training my 3rd son, so I am in there often, and it doesn't matter how often I clean it, it still smells and is...a boy bathroom! YUCK!

BUGS! Somewhere my boys got these fake bugs...they look SO REAL! Especially the ROACHES! I HATE Roaches! My boys (including my husband!) have put them in strategic places to scare me! I know it is fake, but every time I find one (in the shower, near a shoe, by the trash can, on top of the stereo...) it scares me and I JUMP! They all find it soooo funny.I smile but think...Why?

Boys will be Boys! :) I wouldn't have it any other way! ;)

Pizza or McDonald's?

2006-03-29T04:39:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday was Kolby's birthday, he turned 3. Since we are away from home right now living in North Carolina we couldn't have our friends and family over like we noramlly do (and we missed all of you!). We have made many new friends here though and thought we could still have a little party.
Kolby had different ideas. He let us know (numerous times) he wanted only his family at his party (then proceeded to name each of us) and that he wanted to order pizza and eat it here at home.
No matter how much the other two tried to talk him into a party ("a big party") he wasn't interested! So, Pizza at home it was...
...until 5 minutes before Jon got off work and we were suppose to order it, then he changed his mind and decided he wanted MCDONALD'S! It was hard to get our taste buds off of the pizza we had been planning all week and eat a hamburger...but he was the birthday boy!
I don't know if he really wanted McDonald's (it isn't like we don't ever eat there!) or it it was fun for him to change his mind and watch us. He does that, he says or does things and then sits there with a little smirk on his face just waiting to see what we will do!
One time at dinner, one of the other boys got down to go to the bathroom. We watched him reach over take food off their plate, put it on his and keep eating like nothing happened. But then, he looked up at us, gave us the littlest smirky smile and went back to eating!
I think we have a funny guy on our hands!
Now, if we could just get potty training down...
(that is a whole other story...)

Sarah...How old is she?

2006-03-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

Sarah is 20 months old...Is that old enough to care about what she is wearing? Is she old enough to know what she does and doesn't want and express it loudly?

I have 3 boys...So this is not my first time to experience the coming of the "2's", however, this is my baby girl, my little sweetheart! I am amazed at the difference there are between boys and girls at such a young age!
My boys don't really care about what they wear...ever!
Sarah? OH YES SHE CARES!

Yesterday morning before church I was going to get her dressed, she took the dress and threw it on the floor. Then she folded her arms and looked at me. It was the look that says "...just try to make me mom"! We tried some different outfits and she willingly expressed her opionion about all of them! Anyway, it was defintely a challenge to get her dressed and I finally gave the job to Jon so he could hold her down as he did it.
Yesterday I was thinking, oh isn't that cute? She cares what she wears!
Okay, today I am not thinking that so much!

Don't you want your kids to always be good for other people, you want to hear how cute they are and how well they listen, all that good stuff that makes you feel good as a parent, right?
Today, I heard something from Sarah's teacher at childcare that I wasn't prepared to hear! When it came time to go outside she didn't want to. She didn't want to put her coat on either. She folded her arms and gave them that look....that "I am going to do it my way and when I want to..." look.
Finally they got her outside and then they had a hard time getting her back inside! At least she is still little enough that you can pick her up and carry her in...

So, my little princess, the one that is so adorable and sweet...she is turning into a real person. I knew this day would come, I was just hoping to hold it off for a little bit longer.

Four Kids, No Brain Cells

2006-03-26T12:11:00.000-07:00

Where did I ever come up with a name like that? I once heard that for every child you have you lose around 25% of your brain cells. Because I have 4 children that would mean I have basically no brain cells left! For some reason there are people in my familiy who would say this is an accurate statement of me. For example, the other day my sister-in-law was preparing to take food to someone who was having a funeral. What is the first question that pops into my mind? "Did somebody die?" (DUH!) Of course, I didn't actually ask that question, my mistake was in telling that I even thought it! :) Thus...Four Kids, No Brain Cells! :)