My Version Of Sanity

Happy Days Are Here Again!!!!!

2011-08-23T19:44:00.004-04:00

School started today and my kids couldn't be happier!

The last few weeks have been filled with, "Mom, I'm bored," or "Mom, I'm hungry."

I am excited for them. I shed a few tears sending my baby off to Kindergarten.

It's so hard to believe that all of my children are now in school full-time. Just a few years ago, I was writing posts about the madness and insanity that was my life with a house full of toddlers.

Now, my posts are few and far between since we are running around doing all kinds of busy-ness with the kids. Definintely a new and different phase of life.

In some ways, I miss the younger days, but I can honestly say that I'm enjoying my new independence a bit.

Is that bad?

I always hear these moms say how hard it is for them to let go. I definitely love my kids, but I also love my time alone. Sometimes, I feel guilty for actually acknowledging that--like that somehow makes me a bad mom, or at least, less of a mom.

Life changed when I had kids. It turned my life upside down. I wouldn't change it for anything, but now that I'm at a stage of being able to have some freedom, I'm going to soak it up and not feel, at all, guilty about it! I just hope I don't pack on the weight from all the Bon Bons I'll be eating......:)

I'm Baaaack....After An 8 Month Sabbatical

2011-08-17T16:50:00.003-04:00

Okay, so what's so wrong with taking an 8 month vacation? Well, apparently, a lot!!!! I miss blogging and connecting with you all!

I am not going to attempt to recap what life has been like for the past 8 months. It's been life! Hectic, fun, frustrating, hilarious, stressful, momentous and full of adventure. There.

So, as I type this post, my children and running amok and playing as children do, but I have a question for you fellow parents. What do you say or do when your children are blatantly mean to one another? For example, saying mean things to each other (that would certainly hurt if reciprocated). Fighting over ridiculously, minuscule things. Not respecting each other or each other's things.

I'm looking for some advice and really screaming for help! I have tried praying with them, sharing what God's word says, showing them my favorite spoon and letting them experience it and I'm needing some creative ideas to mediate this chaos......

Hey, At Least I'm Posting Something

2010-12-19T18:56:00.004-05:00

I have stunketh at blogging for quite sometime. I don't know if I'm just busier or the newness has worn off, or maybe it's that my fodder tank is on "E". I have short little tidbits, but I usually take 2 seconds and post it to Facebook.

That being said, I would like to wish all of my "frans" in Blogspot land a very Merry Christmas. I just want you to know that even though it looks like this picture was taken with utmost ease, I stressed hardcore about which one to choose. I loathe taking family pictures. There's something very stressful to me about trying to get everyone looking just right and sitting just still. I like to get it over with as quickly as possible. Not to mention, trying to select a frame that does not reveal my double chin is maddening.

New Year's Resolution........abstinence from eating. ever. again.

Fun With Floor Polish!

2010-11-20T14:12:00.003-05:00

I went to a craft night at a friend's church last night and made these adorable Christmas ornaments!

Here is an instructional video on how to make them. They are super easy and will make great gifts for teachers and such.....:)

Two Enthusiastic Thumbs Up!

2010-10-23T23:38:00.002-04:00

I just saw the cutest movie tonight. I had not even heard of it, but it was playing for $2.50 at our local theater and I couldn't pass it up. I highly recommend it! You can even take your teenage girls to see it. It passed the family friendly test!

Frugalicious!

2010-10-21T12:46:00.004-04:00

This couponing thing is really fun. Just wondering if any of you coupon? It's such a thriil to get a great deal. I have gotten quite a few freebies as of late! Yesterday, I got 2 G@in dish soaps for free. A few days ago, I got 4 Ment0s gum packs for free.

I wanted to share a few sights that I frequent several times daily:

Who Said Nothing In Life Is Free?

Wild For Wags

Time2SaveWorkshops

DealSeekingMom

Buxr

What websites do you use? I'd love any couponing advice or tips!

Oh yeah, if anyone needs toothpaste or deodorant, give me a call. I can hook you up! :)

Ants In My.......House!

2010-10-07T13:50:00.005-04:00

There are some things about my life that I just don't understand. There are plenty of things about my life that I would like to tweak. I could stand to lose about 50 lbs. I've been thinking about how nice it would be to never have to wear glasses ever again. I wish my kids behaved better when I take them out in public.

However, there is one thing that I am over-the-moon about. My husband is an amazing dad. He takes time to kick the ball with his daughters. He coaches their soccer team. He cooks......sometimes. He lets me get out with the girls so I can have a break from being a full-time stay-at-home mommy. He throws the football with our son and helps with homework. He is stern, but loving and most of all, he teaches and models Jesus Christ to them. All around, he is a pretty amazing man.

Last Saturday, he and Michael spent the entire day working on a homemade ant farm. Michael has a love of all things science. My two males are totally cut from the same mold. Michael is a miniature version of my husband, only with my killer red hair.....:)

On Monday, after school, Daddy and Michael went on an ant hunt in our front yard. They found some "Red Harvester" ants, which apprently are really neat to look at, but will sting the fire out of you with the same intensity as a wasp! Dad put "said" ants in our refrigerator for 10 minutes to slow down their metabolism for easier transfer to the farm. Apparently, 10 minutes isn't long enough because the transfer was anything but easy. We had ants going everywhere! Michael was very specific about which ants were important, so as they were attempting an escape, he was trying to catch them with his hands. Mistake. Michael encountered the wasp similiarity at this point.

We eventually got most of the ants safely to their new home. They have since been working hard to make tunnels all through the farm. Michael is just tickled with what he and his daddy did together. I must say, I'm rather tickled, myself. It cost them a whole Saturday and some Afterbite (for the painful sting), but the priceless time being invested in a parent/child bond is well worth it!

Random Meme

2010-09-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

1.What was the 1st car you drove?

My first car was my light blue 1986 Subaru GL-10. The back passenger side door wouldn't open and the brake light was called a "stop lamp"......loved that little car.

2.Who is your favorite author?

That's a tough one. I love Jane Austen, but Charlotte and Emily Bronte are great as well. Syrie James has some excellent fiction books about Jane and Charlotte. I love her writing style.

3.Do you collect anything?

Yes.

If so, what?

Dust.....:) Um. Actually, I stopped collecting because we move so frequently and I hate packing all of the stuff.

4.What is your favorite vacation destination?
Somewhere that I can just relax and have no itinerary. Tropical or Mountainous........doesn't matter. Hot Tub or Swimming pool. Just give me time alone with a book and one of those and I'm in heaven.

5.What season is your favorite?

Fall.

What is it about that season that you like best?

The colors and the food that go along with Fall.

6.What song can you listen to over and over and never get tired of hearing?

Jesus, Messiah by Chris Tomlin

7.At what age did you receive your 1st kiss?

1st Grade. Yeah, I was a play-ah.

8.What fast food restaurant is your favorite?

Sonny's BBQ

Okay, I'm tagging.....

Heather @ This is The Day

Shelley @ I'm Changing My Name To Ouisa

(I don't have 8 people on my blogroll to tag without tagging others who have already been tagged. Redundant sentence, I know. Feel free to answer these questions anyway).

Here are my questions for you:

1. What is your favorite 80's song?

2. Favorite Casserole?

3. Cheesecake or Pie?

4. If you could do one thing over, what would it be?

5. Would you rather read the book or see the movie?

6. Are you a yeller or a talker with your children?

7. Do you prefer to fly or drive?

8. Would you rather go to New York City or California?

I'm in the Mood for a Flashback

2010-09-27T18:20:00.004-04:00

Okay, so Pandora is my favoritist new thing. Actually, I've been enjoying it for about 8 months now, but it's still new because I keep coming up with new artists to plug in to it!!!!

My most recent venture was to "Olivia Newton-John" radio.......OMGoodie-ness! What a stroll down memory lane! Music really does it for me. It takes me back to a time when life was so much simpler (or, at least, it seems that way looking back).

So, here are a few selections that came up on "ONJ" radio via Pandora:

Ty From China

2010-09-16T10:30:00.005-04:00

A while back I posted about a friend of mine from high school with whom I reunited. I don't know how many of you went to her blog to check out her life, but she is such an amazing woman. It's hard to believe that her and I were once just little high-schoolers who dreamed of being physical therapists.

Amy and her husband, Marc, have just adopted their 3rd child, Ty-age 5, from China. They also have 3 of children of their own! I stand amazed at the courage and strength this family shows as they strive to do their part in helping these children who, might otherwise, remain orphans.

If you have a moment, visit her blog and check out their amazing story! I promise you, it will tug at your heartstrings and possibly even cause you to consider adoption as it has me.

What are your thoughts on adoption? Have you ever considered it?

Has It Been Half a Decade Already?

2010-09-14T11:49:00.009-04:00

It's so hard for me to believe that my youngest child is 5 years old! Emily was a surprise in every sense of the word. She came at a time in our lives when we were completely unprepared. Lauren had just turned one, Eric was out of a job, I was overwhelmed with 2 children and staying at home with them. Needless to say, I cried for the first 6 months of my pregnancy.

I've heard some people say, "Once you have 2 kids, you might as well have 3." I want to slap the person who says that. I was okay with 2 kids. Three was never in the plan.

Then Emily Grace came into our lives. I should have known when I was pregnant with Michael that I would have three. My parents called it the "Haynes Family Curse". You see, if Michael had been a girl, he would have been Emily Grace. Then, when I got pregnant with Lauren, I just never felt like she was my Emily. When we saw her, I knew for sure she would be Lauren Elisabeth. So, why was I so surprised when I found out I was pregnant with our 3rd? Because I'm just thick like that, I suppose.

I remember when the nurse handed her to me after she was born. I looked at Eric and said, "Honey, we're outnumbered." That couldn't be any truer. The third child was the back breaker for me. For Michelle Duggar, maybe not, but for this woman here?

Yeah.

Emily was the sweetest, most smiley baby. Then she turned one. Still sweet, but a switch flipped. Don't know why....I just know it did. She was into everything. She started eating, ripping, climbing on and destroying everything. All the while, looking so stinking cute that it was very difficult to not laugh.

There has been many a blog post about her shenanigans and I'm sure there are many more yet to come. She's 5 and spunky as ever. She calls me "girlfriend". What 5 year old does that? We are never short on laughs with her around. She is a blessing from God and I know that this strong will and determination to emulate the Tasmanian Devil will take her far in life. In the meantime, don't stop praying for my sanity to remain in tact. Thank you.

My Bodyguard Is Famous

2010-09-08T18:31:00.003-04:00

So a few weeks ago, I posted about Antoine, my new bodyguard. He has recorded a rap song about his adventures in the projects. Here it is:

Missing An Organ Ain't So Bad

2010-08-30T21:42:00.002-04:00

I have one question? Why did God give us gallbladders if so many of them have to be removed? Is it just because as Americans we don't eat healthy and as a result we have marbles of hardened cholesterol floating around in there? I don't know, but I'm happy to be rid of that nemesis.

So, I survived my first "real" surgery. Other than having my baby tubes clamped (for which I was already in the hospital) I've never been cut. For wisdom teeth, I was given anesthesia. For my endoscopy, I was awake, but I don't remember. So, for me, this was a first time. I had four incisions--one in the belly button and 3 to the right of it. They call it a "Lap Chole" which is short for Laparoscopic Cholesystectomy.

I've had several friends and acquaintances tell me "it's no big deal." I agree, partially. Compared to a hysterectomy.....my "ectomy" was nothin'. Hernia surgery....well, no staples were clamped in my belly, so, you know, piece 'o' cake, right? Wrong....I'm a bit of a wuss when it comes to pain and day 1 was painful. Day 2 hurt worse! Day 3 was a little better. It's steadily gotten a little less uncomfortable everyday. The CO2 they fill you with is what is so uncomfortable. It is so hard to breathe for the first few days. All that air is trapped in your chest cavity and shoulders. They don't prepare you for that. I was very short on breath and could not talk well because of it. So, if you have a "lap" procedure done, don't say I didn't warn you.

I'm still a little nervous around gluten, I will admit. All my test have come back okay, but my tummy still hurts when I eat, so I'm just gonna watch it. Not gonna be gluten-free if I don't have to be, but I just want to feel better.

I really want to thank everyone for the prayers and well wishes. I have some wonderful friends.

Now, I'm almost back to normal. For the record, ask your doctor to go ahead and give you a script for laxative if you are taking Percocet. Just sayin'.

Back To The Drawing Board

2010-08-19T12:42:00.006-04:00

Many of you know I have been dealing with stomach issues for several years now. I started eating gluten free about 2 1/2 years ago and that seemed to help.

I have had several different tests done to figure out what the problem is and isn't. It's been very frustrating because nothing has come back conslusive. I feel sometimes like I'm crazy or that I'm a hypochondriac.

Well, a few weeks ago, my symptoms started again. This time, it didn't matter what I ate. My insides literally felt as though they were burning up. Literally, burning in acid. I like to be descriptive, as you can tell. This wasn't just a "tummy ache". This was pain as close to child birth as anything I have ever experienced.

So, I went back to the doctor again. This time it was a new doctor that came recommended by several friends. She sent me for some blood work and an ultrasound. My bloodwork came back very good. She even did a blood test for Celiac disease. NEGATIVE!!!!!!! Eating wheat still bothers me, but I now know the problem is stemming from something else completely.

I had my ultrasound yesterday and saw a lovely picture of my gallbladder. This is not my gallbladder, but this is kind of what it looked like:

See those cute little round things? Yeah. That's what has been causing me such pain. Gallstones. I'm still waiting to hear from my doctor about what we are going to do, but let me tell you how much I want a big old SANDWICH right now! Bring on the wheat!

By the way, this is what a normal gallbladder looks like:

While I can't get the last 3 years of my life back, I'm just glad that I'm not crazy and am finally going to get some relief.

It's The Little Things

2010-08-09T20:36:00.002-04:00

The past few days have been so precious to me. I have spent time with my two daughters just being, well, girls.

Eric, his dad, Michael and our BIL took their annual trip to Marathon in the Florida Keys. They have been extremely successful in their hunt for lobster this year. Eighty-six so far!!! Tomorrow is another day.....hope for 100+!

So, me and the girls have done some bonding. After not having them at home for 3 weeks, I was in need of some alone time with them.

Thursday night we started with the routine trip to Chuck E. Cheese (CEC). We had a blast. I took them to Perkins for dinner and we had breakfast. Lauren got this French Toast Tower that looked super yummy! Then we went back to CEC and closed the place down. The manager even let them pick out something that was more that their tickets. She also gave us some cotton candy "on the house".

Lauren and Emmy both wanted to sleep in bed with me and I, of course, said......"ABSOLUTELY!" Slumber party!!!! So, I had one girl on each side of me. It was so special. They woke up in the morning and thought I was still sleeping and I opened my eyes to them giving each other a good morning kiss. Precious. I love it when they get along. It was unbeknownst to them what I had in store for this day.....

CALYPSO BAY Waterpark! We had such an incredible time! Waterslides, lazy river, water playground, yummy hot dogs and wonderful weather. The girls were so surprised and they surprised me, too! Both of them wanted to go on the big slides. Lauren and Emmy both have been terrified of water until about 3 weeks ago. They have taken swim lessons and now both of them are like little fish. I am so proud of them!

The next day we went to visit my mom and dad in their Boca house for the last time. They finally sold it and are going to be permanently living in Murphy, NC. I have never seen that house empty before. It actually echoed when we walked in. Very surreal. I am excited for them. It's a burden lifted for sure. This housing market has put a hurting on a lot of homeowners--my parents included.

We came home that night and had a chic-flic night on the couch. We watched Barbie: A Mermaid Tale. A perfect end to a perfect few days with my favorite girls on the planet.

This time with them made me realize how quickly they are growing up and if I don't take the time to spend with them now, I may not ever get it. In a few years, they will have their own friends and agendas and I don't want to look back with regrets, wishing I had taken the time while they were young. I have had many friends tell me I will miss this special time when they are older. I think I get it now.

My New Bodyguard

2010-08-04T08:49:00.002-04:00

Okay, seriously? If my home is ever broken into, and I find an intruder in my bed, I want this dude on my side.....FO' SHO!

Done!

2010-07-31T16:44:00.003-04:00

I can't wait to see the girls' reaction! It's so bright and cheery!!!

While The Kids Are Away....

2010-07-29T10:02:00.005-04:00

.....the parents.......ummmmm........have been.......

REDECORATING! Actually, we have been painting. This is a project much easier done sans kids.

So, the white walls in the girls' room have been getting to me for a while. Couldn't think of a more perfect time to remedy that than while they are having a blast at the grandparents' house.

We came up with a color called "Fresh Pears". It's bright and cheery and goes perfectly with their comforter. (This needs a second coat)

My poor husband has a phrase that he uses everytime we try to tackle a task such as this. "Everything is a project." I feel really bad for him. He is right.

A few years back we put up bead board paneling and have regretted it ever since. We should have spent the extra money and purchase solid wood. We were trying to save time and money....and that was a mistake. This paneling is forever coming away from the wall. Liquid nails aren't all they are cracked up to be.

Eric attempted to "fix" the problem and this morning I hear, "You suck! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!" Not a nice way to wake up.......although, he wasn't talking such smack to me....he was talking to a wall.......not a perverbial one (cuz that would have been me....:) No, it was a real wall that wasn't cooperating. The paneling just doesn't want to obey. So, in Tim-the-Tool-Man-Taylor fashion, this is what the wall looks like right now.......

Thankfully, is where the bunk bed sits, so we won't have to gaze upon it's almost artistic, crop circle quality.

Finished room pics will come in a few days.....:)

A New Old Friend

2010-07-22T23:23:00.004-04:00

I love Facebook, for the simple fact that reuniting with old friends and peeking in on their lives is totally fascinating to me.

Well, today, I reunited with a friend that I haven't seen in probably 14 years. She and I were really close our junior and senior year of high school since we had every class together (at least senior year, I think...am I right Amy?)

So, when I found out she blogged, I instantly had to go peruse her page and see what she has been up to!

She is an amazing mother and wife and she is in the process of adopting her 3rd child from China. This would be in addition to the 3 children she gave birth to! I am blessed to link you up to my new, old friend Amy at Our Family, Our Story.

Make sure you scroll to the bottom and watch the adoption videos. They are incredible!!!! Get the tissues!

Got Meaning?

2010-07-22T16:00:00.002-04:00

What I mean by that is simply this......I was looking through some older posts of mine and I realized that I miss the days of actually pouring my heart out on this blog. I guess it just got too laborious to keep up this thing so I have resorted to short picture posts to keep some readers coming back....as if....

Life is busy and blogging is sometimes too much for me to worry about, but after reading back a ways, I realized how much I miss the way things used to be.....

It could have something to do with the fact that my kids aren't home and I have all the time in the world to look back at old posts and laugh and cry and mourn for the old days.

Seeing Katrina on Tuesday really made me wish for another Bloggy girls get-away. I am still sad that I missed seeing Heather in June. What can we do to remedy this problem?

Bloggy Buddies Reunite!

2010-07-21T15:09:00.003-04:00

I wish more of you could have been there! But Kat and I enjoyed hanging by the inlet in the beautiful St. Augustine.

It makes me long for a girls road trip or a long weekend somewhere with my bloggy buddies. I'm sad we're not doing EE again, but I would love to get together......when it's convenient....and cheap......which seems to be almost impossible.....grrrr....

My house is open for anyone who might be travelling through.....I am childless for the next 2 and 1/2 weeks.....so seize the opportunity:)......

We Don't Need No Stinking Pool

2010-07-06T12:56:00.003-04:00

I'm so glad we finally have grass in our backyard! It's been 2 years of a dirt filled yard and we finally have some green!!!!!

The kids have enjoyed playing in the sprinklers and last night we made a red-neck waterslide!!! We are so clever....yes, we are.....

They played in the back yard for several hours last night. We try to wait for the sun to go down, since all three of my children have fair complexions. That way they can run around without fear of burning.

So, we have spent our days going stir crazy inside. There's not much to do in these parts.

Do you have any suggestions for cheap, fun, clean indoor activities?

The Part Where I Needed Some Cool Water....

2010-06-30T12:52:00.001-04:00

Just sayin'......

At Least She Did What I Told Her To Do....

2010-06-27T21:09:00.003-04:00

Emily was complaining of some discomfort in her "nether regions" today. I attempt to help soothe her pain with some vaseline. Didn't work.

Frankly, I think she was dodging naptime. Why, you ask? She didn't say one word about her "issues" until it was time to lay down. Then it was the worst pain in the world.

So, she persisted and I finally told her to just go sit on the toilet......

And she got her nap in, too.....:)

Better???

2010-06-21T10:14:00.003-04:00

Well, it's not what I would have wanted going in, but this is better than the mullet!

Funny story. Saturday, we were watching Hannah Montana and they were singing, "I Want My Mullet Back"! Too fitting!

Mullett Mayhem

2010-06-18T10:18:00.007-04:00

Ok. Seriously. I am really, really, REALLY T.O.'d.

My daughters decided to have fun with scissors and Lauren cut a rather large piece of Emily hair off the side. My mother-in-law offered to take her to Walmart Smart Style to have them try to "fix" it.

I guess I should have been more specific about what I DIDN'T want.

Who puts a mullet on a four year old little girl? No offense to anyone who does.....just sayin'.

I want to cry. I am at a loss for how to fix this!

Almost done.....

2010-06-17T16:23:00.003-04:00

We have been working Vacation Bible School all week and I am not looking forward to the cleanup at Saddle Ridge Ranch.....:) The hay really was the "WOW" factor....but it's gonna be a bear to make this look like a sanctuary again....

If I Had To Choose...

2010-06-01T09:52:00.004-04:00

Table Topic Tuesday is here for the first day of June:

do you think it is more fun to be a parent or a child?

I believe it's more fun to a be a parent who can still act like a child. For example, giggling at the person in the stall next to you when they toot. Or ordering a happy meal at McDonald's because of the cool toy. Or watching Boomerang all. day. long.

I'm still very much a kid at heart. I like to laugh at silly things with my kids.

Sometimes, I'm grouchy and I tell my kids to act like grown-ups and that is wrong. Very wrong. We are grown for most of our life. Let kids be kids.

Being a grown-up can be so boring. Except that it affords me to do stuff like this:

Then it's really fun to be a grown-up!

Ummmm, How Did I Miss This???

2010-05-29T23:02:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I was looking through youtube for a song to sing at church for Memorial Day.....God Bless the USA is really all I could find and I'm not happy about it (love the song, but it's so overdone...and I like to sing songs no one have ever heard before).

So anywho, I stumble upon a version of said song from season 2 of American Idol. It was really sweet and everyone was crying and the marines were in the front row and Clay Aiken was still straight and his hair was still dorky and Ruben was still chubby....

That being said, I then came across this......and I would like to know why this wasn't vehemently splattered across the news? I'm shocked that the idols sang this song and that there wasn't any rioters ready to attack after the show? Don't get me wrong, I'm totally thrilled that this song with "Jesus" in the lyrics (not being used as a curse word) made it onto one of the highest rated and voted upon shows of all time! I didn't watch Season 7, and it's very possible I was just knee deep in poopy diapers and/or didn't have a DVR yet.....You know, the the days before I could read books on my hubby's iPhone.....

The Much Needed Random Post

2010-05-28T11:31:00.002-04:00

I really don't have much to post about so I'm going random, just to keep my bloggy friends from dropping me off their roll completely.

It's been a week at our house. Sick children since Saturday. Doctor appointments all week. Fevers in upwards of 104°. Nebulizer is about burnt out.
Made some awesome chicken (which, if you follow my status updates on Facebook, all of this is old news). Italian Grilled Chicken is the best marinade. Splash some lime juice, olive oil, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese and apple cider vinegar on your chicken. Let it sit for about 15 minutes and throw it on the grill. You. will. not. be. sorry.
I'm struggling to keep eating healthy. I'm thankful for my friend, Cherie, who's on this journey with me.
Glee is really the best show on right now (since LOST is over :(). I just smile everytime Artie smiles. I love that boy. His safety dance was AWESOME!!!
I can't wait for summer vacation to start. I'm tired of getting up early and packing lunches!!!
I get to hang with 2 of my bloggy girlfriends this summer. Would anyone like to volunteer to be #3, 4, and 5???? I miss you all terribly.
I'm uber sad that I'm not going to TN this fall.
I'm not coupon saavy and I really want to be......it's just too much for my brain to absorb. I'm overwhelmed everytime I see Brandy's awesome savings and I want that to be me.
My house is a mess and I really don't care.
My dog needs a bath and I really don't care.
We have a new Italian Ice place that just opened up that is quickly becoming a stumbling block to my weight loss.

Okay, I'm done throwing up randomness. Do you still love me? I still love you.....:)

A Spinoff Called "Found"

2010-05-23T17:59:00.006-04:00

No, nothing will be as good as the original, not even a spin-off like this one .

I am truly sad that my absolute, all-time favorite show is ending tonight.

LOST begins at 7 p.m. e.t. and ends at 11 p.m. for good.

There really isn't much else to say. It's kind of like not knowing what to say at a funeral. Sorry doesn't cut it.

I'm just thankful for my friends that know what I'm going through. My girls over at Sussing Out Lost are in the boat, on the beach, in the jungle, going down in the plane....however you wanna say it.....

I kinda feel like Holly Hunter in the classic movie "Raising Arizona". Whaaaahhhh! I love LOST sooooo much!!!! Wahhhhhhhhh!! I'm a major emo right now.

Down 14! Butt!!!!!!!!!

2010-05-20T12:32:00.003-04:00

Okay, I was trying to mimic a quarterback, but I'm not sure it works without the proper inflection.

What I'm trying to say is, I'm really excited to be down 14 pounds. My butt is not where I really need to lose it. It's my belly.

Ever since having children, my belly has just been a big, stretched-out, jiggly mess. My diet has definitely not helped in firming it back to pre-baby size.

I'm really trying to stick with this 6 week Total Body Makeover. You eat according to your body type. It's supposed to produce some sort of chemical reaction in your body that helps you drop pounds quickly.

I have been walking a few times a week and drinking 64 oz. of water a day. I eat every few hours and make sure to get protein at every meal.

The whole process has been pretty painless so far, but I've been stuck at this weight now. I can't move passed it. I am not eating more than directed. So, I'm just trying to be patient. I can see a difference.

Can you?

Table Topics Tuesday....Am I too Late????

2010-05-11T17:45:00.006-04:00

Blogging has become quite the rarity as of late. I hope I'm not too late to join my gal Shannon in Table Topics Tuesday......

So I'm going to keep this short and sweet and to the point.

where would you like to go on vacation this year?

We already went to Disney and I'm glad we did, but my dream vacation is not waiting in lines at Mickey's house.....my wish for a true vacation is......

Spending 4-5 days at a beach house with my family. No agenda. No waiting in lines. No crowds. Just me, my man and my kids and a good book......and my BFF and her family....cuz they usually end up coming.
There you have it. I hope we have it this year.

New Look For Summer

2010-05-10T09:57:00.005-04:00

As many of you know, those who follow my blog,.....that's all 5 of you.....:), I change my background like I change my underwear. Well, that's not true, but almost as frequently. I get bored with a look and I have to give something new a try. I found the coolest blog the other day by way of my BFF. Spying on the Swinney's led me to my new background, but her blog led me to laughter. She is hilarious. This post will have you wetting your pants.....according to my BFF, that's a literal statement.

So, it's almost summer and this is what my blog is sporting for the season or the week, depending on my mood.....:)

Tell me what you think. Be honest. I won't cry.

***I'm also responsible for meddling with our LOST blog that I never contribute to, other than the occasional comment and complete background overhaul.......*****

Bloom Where You're Planted

2010-05-03T09:56:00.004-04:00

Eric and I planted our first flower garden. We decided on perennials because we don't want to have to plant year after year. I'm so excited to see what these beauties do......

We Are Not The Griswolds And This Is Not Wally World....

2010-05-01T09:17:00.013-04:00

So, Monday morning, before our roosters were up, we departed for the big DW.

We wanted to be there right when the park opened, but we didn't account for traffic on I-4 nor did we anticipate the lengthy bus rides. You see, in an attempt to be as frugal as possible, Eric and I decided that we would save the $14 parking fee per day and park at Downtown Disney for free.

And yes, we did save money, but we didn't get into the park until 11 a.m. Fortunately, we were just in time to see the Move and Shake Parade.

"♫Hey!.....Get up!........Get Loud!.......Start Pumpin' Up the Party Now!......♫"

(to listen click the words)

So, that totally freaked the girls out. They weren't exactly as excited as I had hoped. Michael thought it was really cool. I think the girls were just completely overwhelmed with the reality of where we were. It was a lot to take in all at once. Nevertheless, it was completely awesome! I was bustin' a move with Mickey, Donald and Michael. We were front row and we actually did the conga line with them as well!

Then, of course, we posed for the castle picture. You can.not go to Disney without one of these....

We got to see all the princesses dance in front of Cinderella's castle, which was larger than life! Emily asked me, "Mom, is that really Sleeping Beauty?" I, of course, told her, "Yep, that's her." She proceeded to scream out "SLEEPING BEAUTY!!!!!!!!!" trying to get her attention. It was so adorable.

After we watched this show, we went on rides. I have many more pics and I will post them on Facebook. It's just too time consuming to try to get them all on here. And I know it's never as fun for the person reading as it was for the person who experienced it to sit and read about every jot and tittle of our family vacation.....so......click here and you can view the rest of our pics on Facebook.

In summary (I feel like I'm writing a report for school.....:)), we had a very fun, very exhausting, and very memorable trip to the Happiest Place On Earth. Thanks to Heather, for all your help and advice! It really made our trip easier! Love ya!

Back From The Land Of Mickey

2010-04-25T22:19:00.003-04:00

I will post some pics within a few days. I've unpacked, but much laundry must be done before I can really consider blogging. We had a really fun time and Emily, just this morning, made my day by saying, "Mom, I had a really good time at Disney World!" That made all the stress, sweat, and yes, tears worth it!

Shut Up, Richard!

2010-04-06T10:42:00.006-04:00

I love me some Chris Farley, may he rest in peace.......Love you Tommy Boy.

Topic for Tuesday:
what's the dumbest argument you've ever had?

Unlike my friend Shannon, the nut, my hubby and I are very vocal. We argue about everything under the sun. We both come from very outspoken families so we don't miss anything. Our arguments range from the common joking remarks that are taken wrong to being out of white shirts (because no one consistently does laundry around here) to how he drives to where we want to go out to eat.

We genuinely enjoy each other. We are the best of friends, but I've learned something recently. Stress makes you ugly. Eric and I were able to get away for our anniversary to a little Bed and Breakfast and we rediscovered why we are married. It was so nice just to laugh and recollect how much we truly love each other.

So, to answer the question, the majority of our arguments are dumb and there are so many, I don't think I could pick just one. However, if I had to choose it would probably be something about table manners. Huge pet peeve of his. Not so much of mine. I don't like my kids chewing with their mouths open, but I don't care about the major Emily Post etiquette stuff and he was raised in a very table manner savvy home......sigh.

How about you? What's the dumbest argument you've ever had?

Just When I Thought It Couldn't Get Any Better...

2010-04-05T19:54:00.004-04:00

It did! A few weeks ago, I couldn't help but squeal with girlish giddiness at the amazing deal we are getting on our Disney Trip. Well. I'm definitely squealing again. And so is my husband. And this is why....... (click on the photo to see it closer):

And.....

There's another one on the way for $200!

How did we get these? Eric and I applied for the Disney Rewards Visa and with our first purchase of any amount, we were mailed these gift cards (I just got mine today and Eric's should be here in a week or so).

So, basically, what I'm trying to say is.......Disney is pretty much paying for us to come see them. Our 6 day-5 night-4 park stay in Orlando was only set to cost us $279! So, therefore, they are paying us $21!!!!! Is that not just insane?

Now, of course, I do realize that we have gas and food to pay for, but I am just getting more and more excited by the day for this trip.

What good deals have you gotten lately? I would love to hear!

Spring Family Photo Op

2010-04-04T17:21:00.002-04:00

I love Resurrection Sunday. I get my kids all dressed up and we get to take a really nice picture of them together. Daddy had the honors this year because I was madly frying sweet potatoes in the kitchen. They were super yummy!!!

Praise God that the grave could not hold MY KING!!! He's ALIVE!!! Hallelujah, He is Alive!!!

Bedtime Prayer

2010-04-03T18:42:00.004-04:00

Do you all pray with your kids before bed? We do, but sometimes I just want to get it over with because I'm so tired. Those are the nights I just let Eric do a prayer for the whole family. On the nights my kids do pray, their prayers can be so precious.

Michael: "Father God in Heaven (that's what his daddy says), be with all the prayer requests that have been said. Amen."

Lauren: "Dear Jesus, help us to have a good day at school tomorrow and help me to get saved. Amen."

Emily: "Be with Sassy, our dead cat. Amen."

There are a whole range of them that I should be writing down.

Well, I came across this today and I about fell out of my chair laughing......Have you ever seen this guy? Check out his Chick-Fil-A Song (click here) after you watch this hilarity:

Purina, It's What's For Breakfast

2010-04-01T11:34:00.004-04:00

So, Eric, my hubby, got up to fix breakfast for the kids. I was catching a few extra Zzzz's and finally got up to tell the kids to come to the table. When I came out to the dining room, this is what I found........

Looks harmless enough right?

Wrong.

Look closer.....

Is that Purina One Indoor Cat Formula Cat Food, you ask?

Yes. Yes it is.

Happy Fooling.....:)

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner

2010-03-30T12:05:00.006-04:00

So here is the topic for today:

what three celebrities would
you invite to dinner?

1. Steve Carrell. Shannon, Ricky would have been on my list, but I love this guy just as much! Incredible actors! LMBO funny. The attached video is why I love both Steve and Ricky....:)

2. Michael Buble. Do I need a reason? Ok. So he can croon out some jazzy love ballad and make my hubby jealous....:) This man is beautiful!!!!!!!!

3. Meg Ryan. This one is more for curiousity's sake. This is a prime example of why I will NEVER use lip plumper. NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What was she thinking? I will invite her to dinner so I can get the real scoop.

And folks, these are my choices......who would you invite? I can't wait to hear.....:)

My Epiphany

2010-03-26T19:53:00.005-04:00

Okay, that might be a little dramatic, but I am truly excited about this new discovery.

For about 3 years now, we have reserved our Friday nights as "Family Night". We usually do pizza and a movie. It's been fun, but for the past 2 years, I have not enjoyed pizza with the rest of my family.

Many of you know, that I am gluten-free for reasons that are still not completely known. About 2 years ago I started having severe stomach issues which left me bedridden for almost a month. I could not figure out what the problem was and I finally saw a GI Dr. and that was pretty much a waste of time and money. I started doing my own research and, to make a long story shorter, I eventually discovered Celiac disease. I have never been officially diagnosed, but making the adjustments to a gluten free diet have almost completely eliminated my symptoms.

Okay, back to pizza night. A few weeks ago, my amazing hubby decided to make me a gluten free pizza crust......from scratch. It was pretty good. We've experimented with different flours and have finally settled on this:

We are able to make 2 whole pizzas out of one box. It's cheaper than the ready made gluten-free pizza and it's actually really good. I'd still rather have wheat, but I am just tickled that I can enjoy pizza with the rest of my family now.

Eric actually eats it with me and he doesn't even have to, so that must say something.

We put regular pizza sauce on one and the other we use alfredo or pesto. We add artichokes, spinach, fresh tomatos, portobella mushrooms, red onions, black olives, and green peppers. It's really a treat!!! If anyone reading this post is gluten free and you haven't tried this mix, I'm here to let you know it's delish! (Just make sure you have extra gluten free flour on hand to manipulate the dough. It's pretty sticky.)

Put Me In A Box And I'll Be Smitten!

2010-03-24T18:21:00.009-04:00

Seriously.

I love spring!

I love that I can start wearing capris again. (Why are you asking yourself who's butt that is?....it's mine.....:) in sideways reality....See our LOST Blog is you've never heard of this term)

I love the azaleas that are in bloom.

I love that my kids can play outside until it's almost dark......sans the jacket.

I love that most of my favorite shows are new every week (remember when this time of year used to stink for TV watching? All reruns???).

I love that Glee is coming back on in 2 weeks. Can I get a holla?

I love that LOST is finally starting to make sense. What what? Woot Woot!!!!

However, the thing I love the most about spring is probably going to seem lame to most people. (No it's not Easter. I celebrate Jesus every day!!!)

It's the new spring line of Yellow Box Flip Flops!!! These are, hands down, the best flip flops on the planet. Comfortable, durable, adorable. I get so excited when Spring comes because that means there will a be a whole new batch to choose from. Wanna see my newest?

I was stoked even further when I found I that I didn't have to buy them a size too small.....:) They normally only go up to 10's but I found an 11 this year!!! Having children made my feet grow a whole shoe size. Fortunately, these flip flops normally conform to my foot and I can wear a size 10, but I was tickled "pink" when I saw these cuties in my size!

What is your favorite part of Spring?

2010-03-23T10:57:00.004-04:00

I'm going to give this a try since I'm now back to staying at home. It's been forever since I actually just sat down at the computer to blog.

So here's the topic from Shannon:

would you rather live for a week in the past
or in the future?

I think I've decided that I would rather just live for a week in the future. I have regrets from my past, but I wouldn't change anything. Everything I've been through has made me who I am.

I am really looking forward to my week at Disney so I would love to go ahead and just live there right now!!!!

Let's discuss. What are you thoughts on this?

Blogtrotting: Palatka, FL

2010-03-19T00:00:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Blogtrotting Palatka-Style!!!

When Cara asked me to do a post on my town, I kinda felt like, "What in the world am I going to tell you about little ole Palatka?"

However, I have since come up with several interesting tidbits about the town where I currently live.

First, a little about me.....I'm Melissa. I'm a pastor's wife with 3 children. We have only lived here for just short of 5 years. Being in ministry, as some of you might know, does not give me the luxury of staying planted very long. God uproots His plants, sometimes quite frequently. We have lived in 3 parts of Florida, as well as 2 parts of South Dakota.....in 12 years. So, this had the potential to be either a very lengthy post about all the places we have lived or just about the place we are now. For the sake of your reading pleasure, I'm choosing the latter.

So, Palatka.........

...........well, the very first weekend we arrived, we were introduced to an annual event called The Blue Crab Festival. This shindig brings people from all over. It's quite the boost to our poor little town's economy. We have even built several new hotels just to accomodate all of the patrons. We have attended every year, except the last. It poured down rain. And for the record, I have never eaten a blue crab. I don't even know what one looks like. The funny part about that is........I love seafood!

.....there is so much more at this festival than just eating blue crab, however. There are rides for the kids, booths with all kinds of neat vendors, and the best part???? Fried green tomatoes!!! Welcome to the south! It's just what we do here. Everything tastes better with batter!

That leads me to my next highlight of P-latka (as some around here call it). Angel's-Florida's Oldest Diner. You wanna good burger? Onion Rings? Heart Attack? You can have it all! Good on the food, bad on the arteries.

So if you're an aspiring Biggest Loser contestant, Angel's will help you get there!!! However, if you want to burn off the fat, then my next feature is just for you!

Ravine Gardens State Park is located right in the middle of Palatka.

It's a beautiful walk-thru/drive-thru scenic adventure full of history and mystery (click the link to learn more. During the month of March, Palakta holds the Azalea festival. In Spring, the Azalea's are in full bloom and it is truly breathtaking!

During the rest of the year, the park is open to walkers and runners to use it's peak/valley terrain as an exercise course! It's full of adventure for kids as well. Suspension bridges and look outs over the ravines are so much fun to experience. It's not the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone, but it's special and unique to Palatka.

So there you have it. That's a snapshot into where I live. One more thing that's neat is that I am about an hour from Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, Ocala, Gaineville and Jacksonville. I guess we are like the Donut hole....:)

Thanks for visiting......

Loved Kate....Love Michael!!!!!

2010-03-12T10:22:00.004-05:00

Did anyone see American Idol on Wednesday? Did anyone else just love Michael Lynche's version of "This Woman's Work" by Kate Bush? Oh. My. Stars. It was just fabulous! Just my personal opinion, but I think I'm spot on when I say.........He Better Win! Yeah, he's cocky, but he's so darn cute......and he is sooooo incredibly talented! That falsetto??????? "Really? What?" (I'm quoting Randy Jackson)!

This is the original from "She's Having A Baby", which if you have not seen, you must. John Hughes is not just known for the popular 16 candles and The Breakfast Club. This is one of my all time favorites! The lawnmowing scene is classic!

And here is the version that was given by new dad, Michael Lynche:

So what did you think? Am I the only one who thinks he is precious?

We're Going To Disney World!

2010-03-06T12:07:00.004-05:00

I haven't been this excited about something in a long time! Listen to the deal we got!!! Our family of 5 is going to Walt Disney World for 6 days, 5 nights, and 4 parks for..........are you ready for this???????

$279!

Yes, you heard that right. It's good to be a Florida Resident.

Here's how we got this amazing deal:

First, we volunteered to pick up trash around our community in the pouring, frigid rain for a few hours. We participated in the Disney "Give a Day, Get a Day" program.

Second, we upgraded our passes to the 4-days for $99(adults)/$84(kids) for Florida Residents. This only cost us $20 for adults and $5 for our kids (excluding Emmy; you had to be 6 yrs. old to volunteer, so her ticket will be the full $84) since our free ticket is a $79 voucher.

Third, we are staying in a resort for $29 per night. Yeah, we have to listen to their 90 minute schpeel, but hey, it's worth it. We've done in before and we'll probably do it again......:)

So, there you have it. That is how my family is taking the trip of a lifetime for $279!!!!! Are you jealous????? Don't hate.....be happy for us! I know I'm happy for us!

A Little Improv is Good for the Soul.....

2010-02-23T17:52:00.002-05:00

I used to love the show "Who's Line Is It Anyway". One of my all-time favorite segments was called Greatest Hits. This is the part of the show where they ask a member of the audience what kind of profession he/she does and they make up random songs about that profession. In this particular episode they met a pizza delivery guy.
Wayne Brady and Chip Estin do an amazing job of shooting lyrics from the hip. I still laugh out loud everytime I watch this clip......enjoy:

Can I Be In Your Circle?

2010-02-22T09:38:00.005-05:00

It's taken me a while, but I will finally be a part of the network of people who do this......

So, if you text and you are willing to let me in your circle of texting......:), email your phone number to me and I will add you to my contacts. I'm super excited about my phone.....Lizzy, you're going to love it.....:) Here's why:

My Sweet Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T16:06:00.004-05:00

My hubby and my kids gave me a super great gift for Valentine's Day.....

They made my favorite breakfast of all time, Eggs Benedict. Eric actually prepared the hollandaise sauce from scratch and he bought gluten-free bread instead of english muffins, which I can't eat! It was super yummy.

Last night, Eric was in the card section at Wal-Mart and Emmy,age 4, found a card with 2 chimps that were kissing. She brings the card over to Eric and says, "Daddy, this is very inappropriate!" Lauren,6, reassures her by saying, "It's okay, Emily, they're both monkeys."

They decided on getting me some flowers instead. I'm glad they didn't spend $4 on an inappropriate monkey love card......:)

Happy Valentine's Day! Hope yours is special!!!!!

Who Has Time To Blog.....?

2010-02-12T19:42:00.004-05:00

This working thing is for the birds. I'm thankful for the paycheck, but my blogging life has gone down the tubes. Plus, since Emmy is in school now, all my writing material has disappeared. Every once in a while I think of something cute or the kids say something that is worthy of posting, but by the time I get home to blog, I have forgotten what it was about.....sigh.

I'm not complaining. I am happy that I'm no longer at home cleaning poopy bottoms and feeding baby food to an infant.......I think......see, I had a sadness in my heart yesterday. Why, you ask? Because of this.......

Yesterday, this little guy was born. Who is he? His name is Micah. Isn't he precious? Maria, the girl I'm filling in for at work, gave birth to this sweet, perfect miracle. And you know what happened to me? I got the fever. This is the second time in about a month that I have internally grieved that I'm not going to have any more of these. It is such a joy to be happy for someone else, but the finality of knowing that this will never be you again is, well, for me, heartbreaking.

I never thought I would feel this way. I mean, I'm the person that, when asked, would say, "Heck no, I'm not having anymore kids! I took care of that after #3...." Now I'm realizing that it really is true.

I guess I will have to live vicariously through my friends who are still bearing children. At least that way I won't have milk leaking from my boobs.

Lost In Translation

2010-02-01T10:53:00.001-05:00

This was the most recent comment left on my last post.

每次看完你的文章，總是回味許久，要經常發表喔。

I went to Google translate and this is what I got.....

"Every time reading your articles, always memorable for a long time, we should always express Oh."

I'm laughing out loud as I type this. I just think something is kind of lost in the translation somewhere.....

Thanks for stopping by and for the compliment.....I think....:)

It can't get any more random than this.....

2010-01-25T10:06:00.010-05:00

...okay, let's see.....this is really just some babble that I'm thinking up because I haven't really, genuinely blogged in quite some time.

....................................................................

Saw the Lovely Bones last weekend and I must say, I was sincerely disappointed. The book was much better. Big surprise. Don't spend the money to see it in the theaters. Just wait for DVD.

.................................................................................

LOST premieres next Wednesday. I'm trying to get caught up on Season 5 since I dropped off the scene of Sussing It Out about half way through the season. I'm not the most loyal of watchers.

................................................................................

I made the yummiest soup last night. It's not for the heart patient or the Biggest Loser. It's called Zuppa Toscana. Let me just say.......the ultimate comfort food. I would eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner......yes, it's that good.

.................................................................................

Some of our chickens are laying green eggs. Seriously. We cooked them the other morning and added some blue food dye to make them green and then we dyed some turkey because we were out of ham. The kids really got a kick out of it.

..........................................................................................

And finally, The Bachelor is on tonight. Is anyone else just a little befuddled at this man's choices in women?

I actually did like how he stood up for himself last week. I just cannot stand Vienna. I just think she is too young and very annoying. Why do I waste my time on this crap? Anyone?

Yes, I'm still on this.....

2010-01-19T10:26:00.002-05:00

Here is someone's home video of the opener for the Newsboys at Winter Jam. Yes. I'm still going on about it. It was so good. Of course, I couldn't hear half of it because it was sooooooo loud! Yowza! I kept my ears plugged most of the concert just so they would not be ringing for days on end afterward.

Also, has anyone else fallen in love with Pandora? Just curious......it's my sanity at work.

I Got A Feelin'......

2010-01-16T14:38:00.005-05:00

.....that tonight's gonna be a good night......(This is my new favorite song!)

Why? I'm going to see "The Lovely Bones" and I'm eating a delicious Gluten Free meal at The Outback Steakhouse. I'm going to complete my meal with Chocolate Thunder from Down Under because it's a true rarity that I get the eat cake! Woohoo!

Me and my hunny at Winter Jam

Last night was also a childfree night at the Winter Jam 2010. It was sooooo good! Loud. But good. Me and my hubby got to enjoy a night together with friends listening to amazing Christian artists.....like him (who is really a them, but I just love him to pieces).....

Mac Powell from Third Day

And him.......who is also a them....but he is just too adorable for words.....Michael Tait: Thank you for singing my new favorite song as an opener for the Newsboys....you're a gem!

My new favorite song you ask?

W.W.M.D.D.

2010-01-12T05:54:00.005-05:00

What is this funny acronym you ask?

No, it's not Wielding Weapons of Mass Destructive Destruction.

It's not When Will My Day Dawn?.....although I've kinda been wondering that lately.

It's my new motto in life. Can you guess?

I'll give you a hint:

No, I'm not expecting.

However, I'm trying to take on a new attitude in my parenting. Have you watched 18 kids and counting on TLC? I love this show and I am fascinated at how a mother of this many children can remain so peaceful and loving towards them........and still consider her husband "wonderful".

This is the Proverbs 31 woman. Seriously. Let's take a look at her, shall we?

Proverbs 31:10-31:

A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it. √

Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long. √

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing. √√√

She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day. √

She looks over a field and buys it (they have literally done this),√
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden. √

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. √√√√√

She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. √

She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking. √√√√√√

She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor. √

She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear (did you see the Ice Storm Episode?). √

She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks (probably cotton blend, but whatever). √

Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers (Jim Bob ran for a Senate seat).√

She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops (or thrift stores....). √

Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile (She is always smiling). √

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly. √

She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.√

Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise: √

"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. √

Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!

......Okay, I know it's a tall list, but seriously, this woman is amazing. How does she do it? Well, I believe her heart, spirit and mind are all focused on Jesus and serving Him.

My desire is to strive for the Proverbs 31 model and I'm thankful that I have a modern day example of one in Michelle Duggar. You may not think highly of the fact that she has so many children, but I am amazed at the love they share in their family. I highly respect her and have nothing but admiration for such a Godly woman.

So, my new motto in life? You probably figured it out.....

What Would Michelle Duggar Do?

My Keurig

2010-01-06T12:16:00.006-05:00

My close and, yes, personal friend, Brandy (we shared a log cabin for a few fabulous days in November...ahhhh November.....sweet November......ok moving on....) is hosting a giveaway. Not that I'm saying ya'll need to add your name to the pot, but if you must, click on this link.........to win this.......

...but if you love me, you'll increase my chances by not entering. Thanks. I knew you loved me.

What I did on my Christmas Vacation....

2010-01-06T05:53:00.005-05:00

.....again, more pictures, less type. I just don't have time to write right now. Working has really been a huge blog damper. I enjoy the live adult interaction, but miss my virtual adult interaction. I know you all understand because you love me. So just enjoy the scenic views and I'll inspire when I get a chance.....:)

These are pictures from our recent trip to Murphy, NC. We stopped at Stone Mountain, GA on the way back.

Not much to write about.....so, I'll just post some pictures!

2010-01-05T06:42:00.005-05:00

Soooooo cute!!!!

A gift from Uncle Robert! Really cool idea, Hasbro! Love it! The gift the keeps on giving.

Just woke up to discover this!

Kitty-Kat jammies

Horsie girl jammies (Thanks for the find, Kat and Lula!)

Future Engineer/Architect

This last picture is really special because the gal in the middle is my SIL, Darcee. Many of you know she has had a really hard time with pregnancies. She is carrying my niece whom I cannot wait to meet! We may even have the same birthday!

North Carolina pictures will be up in a day or so.....I'm gonna be late for work!

What A View!!!

2009-12-30T12:22:00.002-05:00

This is the view from my parents' living room. It is so beautiful! I just wish it would snow. Can I have everyone's help? Please pray my kids will get to see snow before we leave. Thanks!!!

Merry Christmas from The Botleys

2009-12-26T10:43:00.002-05:00

Spinach Balls

2009-12-24T08:11:00.002-05:00

Recipe for Spinach balls by Melissa Botley:

1 Pkg. Chopped spinach, cooked and drained
1 med. onion, minced
2 beaten eggs
1/4 C Parmesan Cheese
1/2 t. pepper
1 C Pepperidge Farm herb stuffing
1/4 C melted butter
1/2 t. garlic salt
1/8 t. thyme

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Make sure your spinach is thoroughly drained or else the

spinach balls will be soggy.
2. Chill a while for easier rolling.
3. Shape into bite size balls.
4. At this point, balls can be frozen in plastic bag or ready for baking.
5. Place on cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes at 300°. Outside should be slightly browned.

Serve and enjoy! This has been a Christmas tradition in my family for as long as I can remember.

Just a Few.....

2009-12-21T11:16:00.005-05:00

of my favorite things.....

Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses. Have you tried these? They are soooooo yummy!!!!!

My new watch. I've been wanting one of these for a while and someone from our church knew that and bought this for me for Christmas!!!! I love it.

The Town that Santa Forgot:
Just saw this for the first time the other day. If you haven't seen it, you need to. Trust me. It was so heartwarming and something that everyone should watch at Christmas.

Spinach Balls, An every Christmas Tradition.....

Glee......Best. Show. Ever. Seriously. No. contest.

Emily's Sacrificial Gift

2009-12-19T10:24:00.005-05:00

Last night, I had the privelege and pleasure of spending some time with people who could use some cheering up. My family went with our church to a local nursing home to sing Christmas carols and spread some cheer. We brought some gift-wrapped fuzzy socks and a ginormous fruit basket. Everyone really enjoyed the music, but the highlight of the evening was distributing the gifts to the ladies and gents of Kiva Assisted Living Facility.

One lady had a baby doll in her lap and she treated it as if it were her own child. It was so precious. Most of these residents have dimentia and are not able to live alone.

I was so proud of my Emily. She brought her stuff dalmation puppy with her and when she was handing out socks, a woman with dimentia told her that she really like her puppy and said that she would rather have it than the socks. Emily is rather attached to her puppy. She sleeps with it every night and takes it to school everyday for naptime. So, when this sweet little old woman asked her if she could have it, I thought......there ain't no way! However, just as children sometimes do, she surprised me and showed me that Christmas really isn't about getting, it's about giving. She happily and willingly handed her puppy to the lady. The woman's reaction was unforgettable. She hugged that stuffed dalmation so tight, just like a child opening a present at Christmas. I was so proud of her. I fully believe God was giving me a small glimpse of His sacrificial gift to us through sending Jesus. Seeing that play out last night made this one of my favorite Christmas' yet!

(Since I didn't have my camera with me last night, I went to the Toys'R'Us website and found the actual dog that she had)

What has been your favorite Christmas and why?

I'm honored.....

2009-12-16T12:52:00.004-05:00

This like never happens to me, but I'm too excited for words. A few weeks ago, I recommended a book to you called "The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen" by Syrie James. Excellent read and also very informative about Ms. Austen!

I was just checking my email and I got this comment on that post:

Hi Melissa!

I just found your blog, and I'm so glad you're enjoying my novel, "The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen." You might also like my novel about Charlotte Bronte-- another one of my favorite authors. I hope you'll stop by my website at www.syriejames.com and leave me a message. Happy holidays to you and your family!

All best,

Syrie James

I strongly recommend this book! It was such a light, quick, and most enjoyable read.

Decorating for Christmas

2009-12-12T10:43:00.005-05:00

Emptying the storage bins

Pre-lit trees are wonderful!

Love this photo! Good job, honey!

Topping the tree

Lauren was such a good helper

The finished product!

Love Her

2009-12-11T16:44:00.002-05:00

Christy Nockels is, by far, my favorite Christian artist. I got her newest album today and just melted at the words she wrote. She is not only the mother of four, but an amazing songwriter and singer. This is just one of her many songs.......just close your eyes and worship.....

Poor Tiger

2009-12-09T06:48:00.005-05:00

The Wood's most rececnt family portrait

A New Favorite

2009-12-07T10:15:00.004-05:00

I went shopping on Saturday for some little things for the kids and ended up shopping for me as well! I stumbled upon a store in the outlet mall that I will be shopping in as long as it's stylish to do so.

Look at this purse I bought for $11.99!!!!!

The sales person approached me and told me they were having a VIP sale(I guess I looked VIPish) that gave me an additional 40% off my purchase! Not everyone got the discount......ahem. I told the salesperson, that my shopping cohorts were with me so they could get hooked up, too. It's not every day I get the VIP treatment so I take what I can get.....:)

So anywho, I think I will be going back this weekend because they are having a 30% off of everything in the store! Cute hats, scarves, shoes, handbags, and clothes. One stop shopping is my kind of store. As long as it's trendy, cheap and it doesn't have Walmart in the name.

A Glee Singing Bee

2009-12-04T15:54:00.003-05:00

Remember the days when you sang at the top of your lungs regardless of who was watching or listening? As are many of you, I am a big fan of the show Glee. It just gives me the warm fuzzies. It also makes me wish I had a Glee club in school. Did we? If we did, I was too chicken to join. Looking back, I could've been a star. I'll just have to live vicariously through my kids....:)

My kids are way too young to watch Glee, with the exception of the Defying Gravity Episode. Yes, my kids watched it and loved it. Don't judge, please. However, even though they may be too young to view most of the show, they are not too young to sing with wild abandon to the soundtrack on the way to school........:)

***Yes, Emily did say "Hey, we sound just like them!"***

A Christmas Favorite

2009-12-02T14:17:00.006-05:00

I just love Will Ferrell! "I'm a cotton-headed ninny muggins!!!!" Bless it's heart. Buddy is just a big orphan who loves the north pole and Christmas......and for that.....I love him.

The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen

2009-12-01T10:39:00.000-05:00

I am reading this new book by Syrie James. It's really good, so far. Her website is very interesting. She did quite a bit of research. She's gotten around. I'll let you know how it turns out. I actually feel like I've discovered something. I'm normally a bookreading wannabe. I never stumble upon a good one that hasn't been previously recommended by my bloggy buddies or my BFF. If you've already read it, just pretend I found it first.....:) Thanks.

Thankful Thursday

2009-11-26T10:44:00.002-05:00

I'm thankful that this big dog didn't eat my little dog.

Eat, Shop, Eat some more.....

2009-11-25T08:32:00.003-05:00

We're at the in-laws for Thanksgiving. Getting ready for a feast tomorrow. On the menu:

Turkey (duh)

Stuffing

Rutabega

Red Cabbage

Mashed Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

Cranberry Wine Sauce (Thanksgiving is not complete without this)

Gravy

And probably a dozen other things that haven't been mentioned.

What about you? Any favorites?

Are you shopping on Friday? I really don't feel like getting up at 2 a.m. to wait in line for a good deal. My sister shops on Amazon and gets really good deals and doesn't even have to get dressed! That's my idea of Black Friday. I still haven't decided yet. Eric has talked about a new TV. They are really inexpensive right now.........

What are you plans?

Snowman By Moonlight

2009-11-22T08:40:00.007-05:00

So the funeral is done. The service was beautiful. Thank you to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Everything went so well.

My mom told us a story from her childhood that was incredibly precious.

She was about 14 years old, living in Buena Vista, GA and Mae Mae came in to her room at about 10 p.m. and said, "It's snowing! Get your jacket and boots on. We going outside to make a snowman!"

My mom was curious as to why they would go out so late at night. Mae Mae told her that the snow would be melted by morning. So, they bundled up, went outside, and knocked on all the neighbor's doors trying to get them to come out and play........at 10 p.m........

Well, you can imagine the stares and rejections they got. That didn't stop them. They put that snowman together and, sure enough, by morning, the snow had melted.

The moral of the story? Take time to do spontaneous, crazy things. If you don't you may not get a second chance.

My husband wrote a poem about this story after my mom shared it with us. It's so beautiful, I wanted to share it with you:

Snowman by Moonlight By: Eric B.

Live we in a pale reflection of a greater light.
Approaching a new day's dawn we shall go through the night.
Not alone in this shadowed time of experience.
Others with us join in our allotted coherence.
Revealed in the sacred times are memories.
Those which we hold bringing us from pain to ease.
We must treasure each for they may be rare.
As midnight snow are those for whom we care.
Knock on the doors bid others to come.
Pay no mind to those who think it dumb.
Cherish those whom we have to hold.
Weaker our grasp we we grow old.
Let us laugh, play, love and praise taking it all in.
All too soon we only remember what has been.
Hasten as morning comes to set things right.
Take time to build a snowman by moonlight.

Goodbye, Mae Mae....I Love You.

2009-11-19T12:20:00.006-05:00

I have so many mixed emotions about this coming weekend. I have never lost anyone really close to me before now.

My Mae Mae (click here to read her obituary) passed away last Saturday evening at 8:55 p.m. I'm so thankful I was with some really funny women to help me get through it. Beth, your encouraging words on our walk after dinner meant sooooo much to me. Thank you.

She was 91 years old. She was a single mother most of her adult life.

Don't ever say anything bad about any of her grands or you will be in for a hurting. She defended us to the very end!!!

She was one of 12 children.

She thought cats were evil. Like the devil. I'm serious. My cats always loved to torture her for that. They have a sixth sense, you know.

She is who I get my red hair from.

You can see her face in my daughter, Lauren. She always had a sweet spot in her heart for Lauren. She said she reminded her of her older sister who they called "Sug" (Pronounced like Sugar without the "ar").

I am singing at her funeral. I'm going to do a song from MercyMe called, "Finally Home". I'm planning to alter the words slightly to incorporate Mae Mae into the song. It's going to be hard, but I'll get through it.

She lived a long life and I know her legacy lives on in me and my children. We miss you already Mae Mae.

Pigeons in Forges and Other Various Winged Creatures.....

2009-11-18T21:37:00.014-05:00

Okay. I'm home. I have been for several days, but posting about my trip has continually eluded me.

Until now.

The whole bunch

Can I just tell you what an amazing time I had in TN with 13 hot dishes (both ways)? Hot dishes is a word with a double meaning. We attempted to find several of those this past weekend, but HOT DISH was, hands down, the winner.

Hot dishes included Beth, Kat, Shelley, Shannon, Angie, Cara, Heather, Brandy, Lula, Denise, Angela, Jane, and me....

Hot dishes also included enchiladas, breakfast casserole, monkey bread, chili, pizza, and the BEST cheesy tomato grits EVER!!!!

I had the privilege of acquainting myself with 12 people that I had never met before. You never would have known that seeing us interact with one another. We talked and laughed like we had been friends for years.

We drove elderly people out of a restaurant for laughing too loud. Good times.

(The woman in the floral dress pattern with her back to the camera is the wife of said angry elderlies)

We heard some great jokes about swine flu from a man that looked like Bea Arthur back from the grave with long hair. Nervous laughs ensued....thanks for your willingness to be my stand-in Kat. At the last minute I got the nerve.

I know this post probably isn't going to have much meaning for those who weren't on this trip. That's why I'm including pictures.

(We got photobombed!)

I have to say. I'm very disappointed. I went all the way to Pigeon Forge and I didn't see one stinking pigeon. I did see a little winged creature with a bow and arrow, however.

Children of Walmart

2009-11-17T07:02:00.002-05:00

To Pee Or Not To Pee?

2009-11-10T12:06:00.006-05:00

That is the question.

Lulu is a small dog. This translates into "small bladder".

I'm gearing up for a little road trip and am leaving said small bladdered dog behind with the fam. My hubby is not exactly excited about the fact that he will be cleaning up after Wee Wee's wee wee while I'm livin' it up in the mountains of TN!!!!!

I'm kind of mystified as to how I can walk this little tater tot for 20+ minutes and never get her to pee. I am further dumbfounded at the fact that as soon as I give up and bring her in the house she piddles on the stinkin' floor.

How do I get her to do this (She's peeing folks. I don't photograph poop. I'm not Kate Gosselin okay.):

When all she wants to do is this?

And this........("Did I hear a chicken....bok bok?")

Any suggestions?

Portaits of Thankfulness

2009-11-07T08:15:00.010-05:00

I am thankful for.....

Healthy children, who are safe at home....I can't imagine Somer Thompson's mother's anguish. Thank you God for my children. Forgive me where I act ungrateful for them. I would give my life for all three of them. I love you Michael, Lauren and Emmy.

A loving husband who provides and protects. Divorce and abuse are so rampant in our country. Thank you God for giving me a good man (and a cute one ;). I love you, Eric.

A best friend that I can call day or night who will lend an ear. God has bless me beyond what I deserve. I love you, Robin.

Family that will stick by me in good and bad. Thank you, God, for a mother who loves me just the way I am and for a dad that has always been there. I love you, mom and dad.

A roof over my head. I know I have complained about how long it has taken us to renovate this house, but we are so fortunate to have a place we can call home.

A Savior who deserves my everything. Thank you Jesus for my salvation. Your love is extravagant and Your friendship is intimate. I don't devote enough of my life to You. I owe you my life since You saved it!

You Can Thank Me Later.....

2009-11-05T06:14:00.003-05:00

Alright, java lovers......this is for you. I don't think I've stumbled upon something that you may have not already figured out yourselves. However, I'm pretty dern tickled that I thought of this for myself.

Anyone love the pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks? Okay, love is not a strong enough word for how I feel about the flavor of that delicious hot beverage.

Anyone not wanting to spend $3 or more on a cup of steamed milk and coffee?

I have the solution.

I have started buying Espresso from Publix because I prefer a stronger cup of joe that just the coarse ground classic roast.

So, the other day, I was craving my fall flavored treat and I said to myself, "Self, sprinkle some allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg in your coffee." So, I did.

Problem solved. I can have my favorite hot drink anytime I desire. This morning I just mixed it in with the coffee ground before brewing. That works, too.

Don't worry, I do realize that most people have probably already figured this one out, but just let me savor my moment of discovery. Thanks and enjoy!

Back From Mae Mae's

2009-11-02T13:30:00.002-05:00

My grandmother is doing okay. She will remain in Hospice Care for the rest of her days, however long that is. When I got there she recognized me, but the next day she didn't. She started eating again after not having anything by mouth for 2 weeks. She is completely bedridden. This is not a way to live. She is in so much pain from her back that they have to keep her on pain meds constantly. I really thought this visit would be the last time I'd get to see her alive. I'm praying she makes it until Thanksgiving. I got a chance to read God's precious Word to her and pray with her. She just kept saying "That's so beautiful." I'm praying she understands.
Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. She's still hanging on.

Art Is All About Perspective....

2009-10-25T08:08:00.006-04:00

That being said, what are your thoughts on this picture? (Click on the photo for a close-up)

My darling daughter, Lauren, drew this picture for me. She said, "Mommy, this is you!"

I would love to hear your comments......what's your perspective?

Lulu

2009-10-22T18:43:00.002-04:00

We have a new member to our family. Her name is Lulu. She is a Chiweenie dog. She is 8 weeks old and she is about 3 x smaller than our cat, Stanley.

Shower Singer

2009-10-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

Lauren is actually not just a shower singer. She will sing just about anywhere. She sings with all her heart and her voice may not be right on key, but she is passionate. I have been wanting to catch her on video, but it's hard. She normally stops as soon as she knows I have the camera.

However, without embarrassing her too much, I finally got it! This is her shower debut, singing "Glory" By Selah and Nicole Nordeman.

And this is the original version, just in case you didn't recognize it from her rendition.....:)

Game Over...maybe.....

2009-10-17T10:36:00.002-04:00

I'm done with Hunger Games. It took me longer to get into it than I thought it would, but it was worth hanging on. I cannot wait to "Catch" fire....:) But only if Cinna makes my clothes....wink, wink.

I'm a dork.

Yes.

I am.

Finally!

2009-10-15T11:27:00.002-04:00

Is anyone else absolutley thrilled that this show will be ending? I'm mean really. Hasn't this gone on long enough?

I'm not here to take sides with Jon or Kate. I'm on the kids' side. It baffles me that these parents did not immediately stop filming when they filed for divorce. There will already be some damage just from being on film their whole life, but add a nasty divorce and all this crazy media coverage? I am praying these children can go on to have a relatively normal life after this.

Good Mother, Where Art Thou?

2009-10-13T20:37:00.004-04:00

Today, I feel like a bad mother. I'm running out of options with darling #3.

Frankly, she is working on my last, already frayed nerve.

I feel like I'm failing as a mother.

She does. not. listen.

She throws fits if she doesn't get her way.

She lies.

She colors on things.

She destroys things.

Really?

I mean, really?

Where did I go wrong? I love this child, but I get so angry at her defiance.

I'm spent.

Wits end.

Edge of the cliff.

What the heck do I do with her? She's too young for boarding school. We've tried pretty much every form of discipline under the sun. She is just Emily. This is who God gave me. I'm just questioning why He thought I could stay sane in raising her.

Your thoughts?

Have you tried these???

2009-10-10T22:55:00.005-04:00

The Caramel Cob

A fall treat! I love my pumpkin seeds, but this hit me right in my sweet tooth! It's caramel corn in the shape of a corn cob! Clever, huh? My sister sent my kids some in a care package. Now I'm wondering where to get them??????

Wanna play the game?

2009-10-02T17:56:00.002-04:00

This is a guessing game.....I will give you 5 key words and you have to guess what I'm doing right now.....:

Seam
Catnip
Forest
Capitol
Gale

Let the "games" begin. Some of you, I'm sure, will get this right off the bat.....

5 Little Words

2009-09-27T22:33:00.003-04:00

Heather, upon my request, gave me five words to elaborate on.......here goes:

Maternal:

This word is hard for me because there are days when I wonder if I truly have what it takes to be maternal. I love my children and would do just about anything for them. However, when my youngest leaves a half eaten applesauce container in the cup holder of her car seat after I told her "no eating in the van".....ummmm maternal is not the word that comes to mind. Psycho Hose beast says it better. Maternal is not a good word to describe me in the morning when I'm having an argument with my 5 year old about what uniform she will wear to school that day. I can't figure this out. It's. a. uniform. for the love of remaining goodness in this world. I envision maternal as someone who understands that kids will be kids and they will grow out of this stage. I don't really have patience like that. I'm afraid to pray for it because I heard where that gets you. Okay, enough about that.

Vacation:

I love it. I love taking time with my family where we have no schedule of things to do or places to go. Just me, my man and my kids at the beach. I'm set.

Childhood:

I'm doing everything I can to make sure my children have one. There are so many children that don't get that chance.

Nightmare:

My worst nightmare is that one of my children will drown. I have nightmares about this frequently. They wake me up gasping for breath.

Laughter:

I laugh all the time. I love to make people laugh. Especially my mom. She gets tickled at the most random things. I hope she reads this.....Mom, remember the Dirty Dancing Foot Show on the way to Georgia?

Passionate Praise for Sunday

2009-09-26T23:59:00.002-04:00

I just felt like sharing some of my current favorite praise songs. The songs totally speak for themselves. Just close your eyes and give Almighty God the praise due His NAME. Have a blessed Sunday.

A Visit With A Friend

2009-09-24T17:29:00.004-04:00

Today I went to Jacksonville to visit Kori. We had a great time. Really good fellowship and some yummy food.

Aren't our matching glasses so cute???

I cannot even tell you how blessed I feel to have met some really amazing, Godly women from blogging. I am so looking forward to our trip in November for the Estrogen Extravaganza!!! It's gonna be crazy fun. I'm just thankful that I'm able to be a part of it.

Kori is hanging in there. She is hurting, obviously, but we were able to talk and laugh and eat (which I never seem to have a problem doing). Keep praying for her. The days ahead are going to be challenging. Richard only passed on the 26th of August and then to lose her father on September 18th??? The song "He Is With You" by Mandisa is beginning to have even deeper meaning now.

Kori, thank you for your friendship and thank you for being my sister in our Savior! I feel so blessed to know you....;) I love you.

Random Things Kids Say

2009-09-23T08:21:00.002-04:00

Emily has a new little girl in her class who is Asian. She doesn't speak very much English and Emily says her eyes are freaky. I told her that God created her, too and that everyone is different.

Then, we started discussing where she was from. I said, "She could be from China or Japan or Malaysia or Vietnam...."

Michael then says, "Or Turkey."

Then Lauren says, "Or Kentucky."

I love those kinds of discussions on the ride to school. It makes my day go so much better than breaking up a fight about who gets to claim the yellow punch bug that just drove by......

I Want My Co-Pay Back!

2009-09-15T23:35:00.004-04:00

Okay, so last week I had to take Michael to the doctor because he stepped on a toothpick and part of it broke off in his foot.

We tried everything at home and were unsuccessful in dislodging the part of this thing that remained in his foot. I knew there was something in there, but he would shreik and flinch everytime I would put any pressure on it. This is where the doctor visit comes in.

So, last Tuesday, I took Michael to his pediatrician. We waited, in the office, as far away from the Swine flu infested waiting room as we could. We sat there with our shirts over our faces to avoid contamination. Some of you may now be asking the question, "Why on earth would you wait with all those sick people?"

The answer is simple.

Michael has a toothpick stuck in his foot!!! I could not get it out. It wasn't an emergency room type need, but it needed to be removed.

Okay, so we waited over an hour to be seen by the doctor. The doctor takes one look at his foot and says, "There's nothing in there. It's just 'swollen' from the puncture."

I'm thinking...."Are you sure???" But nevertheless, he is the doctor and I am not, so he writes me a script for an antibiotic and sends us on our way. I, however, am not satisfied that it's just "swollen". So, we go home and continue to soak his foot and try to work the thing out. I'm convinced there is something in there.

Well, this last Monday night, after a week of my son walking on the ball of his foot, my husband decided to squeeze the area around the entry wound (is that a good medical term, Heather?). Oh my goodness.....when he did.....it was........Awesome! That thing just popped and all of a sudden a piece of wood came up to the surface. Eric took the tweezers and pulled out the partial toothpick. It was 3/8ths of an inch long! Can you imagine how painful that must have been for Michael to walk on? I am so mad at the stupid doctor. I realize he had other patients to see, but really? All I wanted him to do was numb the area and get that thing out. Was I asking too much?

I want to take this photo into his doctor and ask for my money back.

What do you think? I'm curious. What would you have done?

September 13, 2005, 10:03 p.m.

2009-09-13T22:03:00.001-04:00

Tonight, as this post publishes, my baby will be four years old. It's been one wild ride thus far. Emily has never ceased to make us laugh and keep us on our toes. For each of my children, I made up a lullaby that I would sing to them when they were little. They still ask me to sing them when they are sick or scared. It's something I treasure and gladly do.

Emily's Lullaby:

♫Emily, you're my sweetie,

Emily, you're so precious to me.

Emily, you're my sweetie.

God sent you to me, Emily.♫

Ready to have this baby....and have my tubes tied!

Chunky Monkey, 8 lbs. 2 oz.

Emmy at 18 months

3 years old

Can you tell she just woke up! She was so excited to turn 4!

We bought her a barbie with non-removeable clothes. These dolls were made for children like my Emily.

I cannot believe, as I'm sure other moms cannot with their own kids, that Emily is four years old already. She makes me laugh☺, she makes me cry (literally scream like a baby at times), she makes me tired, but God hand picked her for this family. She is ours and we love her to the moon and back....♥

There's a Reason for my Blog Title

2009-09-11T17:07:00.006-04:00

My "Version" of Sanity is not really sanity at all. Sanity is a very fluid concept. From day to day, I wonder if today will be the day I actually go completely nuts.

Anybody?

Moms? Are you as tired and worn out as I am? I really just need some validation right now. It is really important for me to know that I'm not alone in this madness.

I have started experiencing emotions I never knew existed prior to having children. Ya'll know I have three. Someone once told me that when you're outnumbered, you're in trouble. That someone was correct.

I know I have shared Emily stories before. A lot of them came from my previous blog, Another Day in Paradise. I gave up blogging for a season to get my priorities back in order.

Anywho, Emily has been nicknamed Destructo (which we don't call her to her face for fear of her being labeled "destructive") because she likes to......well.....destroy things. She makes the bull in the china shop look like a bunny in a basket.

I adore her. Immensely. I'd die for her. But for the love of everything decent and sacred, how am I going to survive her? She is a calculated Tazmanian Devil. Every blessed day I am throwing away something she has broken. Every day I am trying to figure out which clothes are clean and which close are dirty because she empties her drawers and tries on one outfit after the other.

I could go on and on to try to prove my point, but frankly I'm tired and I don't feel like it. I know what I'm dealing with. I'm just weary and frustrated.

I've tried every form of discipline. Spanking, to bed without supper, time-out, yelling, talking sternly. She no longer even has toys in her room because she just destroys them. My husband is just as much at a loss. She's really only like this at home. She seems to be very well behaved at school. The structure will hopefully be good for her.

My mom and I were talking last night and she was telling me stories about her trials with my brother. She said she literally had to be on top of him all the time. Is that really what it comes down to? Cuz frankly, I'm just not up for that.

I just want some semblance of normalcy back. November is way too far away.......

I hope she grows out of this. I'd hate to make her throw away a really good handbag when she gets older....:)

Clever Girl

2009-09-03T21:49:00.002-04:00

So, I'm laying down on the girls' bed while they brush their teeth and in walks Emmy, who is three.

Me: "Emily did you brush your teeth?"

Emily: "I'm not Emily, my name is Pastor Sherry."

Me: "Can I just call you Sister Sherry?"

Emily: "Sure. (takes a deep breath) Okay, so what do you want to from Sonny's?"

Me: "I'll take a sweet tea."

Emily: "Um, no, you can't have sweet tea. It's all got drunk by the other people."

Me: "Okay. I'll take some pepperoni."

Emily: "Um, no. Remember the last time you ate that you frew (threw) up?"

Me: (trying not to laugh) "Oh yeah....(not). Okay. Can I have some french fries?"

Emily: "Um, yeah, that will be $48 dollars."

Me: What the heck kind of high priced, hoity toity establishment are you running here? (That's what I wanted to say).....but instead, I said, "Lauren, pay the girl...." ;)

My kids just crack me up sometimes. They are so random and yet so imaginative. We should take notes.