I have another request for prayer from all of you. I am sure most of you can recall me talking about my side kick, Paula. Paula and her boyfriend Jake, will be having their second child in about 3 weeks. Their family has recently received some terrible news. Her "father-n-law" has been suffering from esophageal cancer, and has now been told that he only has a couple of weeks to live. They were hoping to induce, so that "Grandpa" could meet his grandson, but her Dr said they won't do it until she is almost 29 weeks. It is a very devastating time for everyone, especially Jake. He has had a very rough year, and I can't imagine how he will get through this. It is suppose to be a happy time for them, and now they have this thrown on their plate. I guess it is true that "god giveth and he taketh away." Like I have said before, god has a plan an reason for what he does, but sometimes it is hard for us to understand. Please pray for god to give Paula and Jake's family strength to get through this devastating time.
Thanks everyone!
Paula, Jake, Sam, and baby~ I love you so much! I know their is nothing I can say to take away your pain, but I am here. Always and forever, never judging and always with open arms. I would walk on the sun for you! As long as I am still on this earth, there will always be someone out there that is crazy about you. If even for a moment, I hope I put a smile on your beautiful faces today. Love ya!
Nothing too exciting happened at the homestead yesterday, as these pictures clearly depict. 
The boys were just lounging. What is lounging you ask? I had to ask myself that very same question, so I looked it up at dictionary.com and this is what it said....
lounge , lounged, loung·ing, noun
1.
to pass time idly and indolently.
2.
to rest or recline indolently.
3.
to go or move in a leisurely, indolent manner; saunter
4.
to pass (time) in lounging.
Who would have thought such a thing exists? I hope to try it one day!
Have a great day!
Do you ever feel like the things you do go unnoticed? You can clean and clean and the second you turn around, someone makes a mess in that exact same spot. Its like they either didn't see you standing there slaving your life away, or they just wanted a clean spot to make a new mess. May be you have been running around with your head cut off all day, and now its time to sit down for supper. You think, "Finally, I can relax for a moment." Wishful thinking. Now the dogs need to pee, your kid needs something signed, your husband can't find the pepper, the baby needs his poopy diaper changed, and the cats need water. After all of those things are done, everyone else is done eating. You sit down, eat a couple of bites of your cold food and the baby starts crying because he is bored and wants something new. Welcome to Motherhood. It requires patients, love, understanding, strength, the ability to multitask and most of all, MOM. After all the hair pulling and loss of sanity, it is still the greatest job on earth. Ironic isn't it?
Just when I start to wish I could spontaneously combust, someone finally notices. My hubby has been pretty good about thanking me for various things lately. Yesterday, he said something that made me feel good. Al was playing with Colter and he was getting fussy if Al didn't do what he wanted. After a while, Al handed him back and said something like, "He is a handful. I don't know what I would do if anything ever happened to you." I don't know if he meant it to be a compliment. In my translation, (which I know is much different than man language) it meant... I am so amazingly lucky to have such a wonderful, beautiful, brilliant, magnificent woman in my life. Okay, so that was a little over the top, but you get what I was aiming for. It also meant, I don't have to worry about him offing me for my life insurance policy anytime soon! :o)
Cheers to all of you wonderful, beautiful, brilliant, magnificent Moms and Women! May the cleaning fairy visit all of your houses today, and may you receive recognition for it. Have a glorious Tuesday!
Congratulations erinb1977! Way to go! You are the winner for March! Your prize....
Our winner wins this delicious April Fools wiener, complete with mustard and onions. I'm sorry to say, but because we only played for half of the month of March, you only get half of your prize. Enjoy!!
Good luck to all of our players this month!
Well, I didn't want to be the odd ball here, (wishful thinking) so I am working on changing my blog. Please bare with me while I am trying to get it changed. It has been a long time since I have photoshopped or done any html. So I have been refreshing my memory. I wish I had more time to mess with this kind of stuff. I love creating things. On the computer anyway. Not so good at the arts & crafts.
Ya'll have a Super Dooper Weekend!
The following was an attempt to deter Tanner from doing something he shouldn't. It actually took place a few years ago, but I happened to think of it today, and thought I would share.
Tanner: What is that metal wire in your mouth? (Referring to my permanent retainer.)
Me: (Light bulb! Opportunity knocks.) They put that in your mouth if you are caught swearing.
Tanner: What for?
Me: (I am a genius.) Every time you swear, it gives you a shock on your tongue.
Tanner: Ouch! Why do you still swear a lot?
Me: (Um, Um, Um) Because I its been there for a long time and I am used to it now. (Smacks forehead. I guess that didn't work. Yep, your a real genius all right.)
This post actually really doesn't have anything to do with the title. I just wanted to say it. Or should I say, write it.
I am really just thinking a loud here, so humour me. I keep seeing all of these commercials and different advertisements for products that are inspi(red), etc. If you purchase these cell phones, shirts, etc, a donation will go towards fighting aids in Africa. That's great that someone wants to help them out, but I can't help but wonder why they wouldn't want to help fight aids in America. Also, they never ask us to sponsor a homeless kid in New York City or any other city for that matter. Mmmmm, may be I will get inspi(red).
I am going to admit to something that I am ashamed of. I am a hypocrite. I despise them, yet I find myself being one. For two reasons. One, I hate when people make lame excuses for things, which I am about to do. Two, I used to laugh about these people and now I am one. Back in high school, I thought it was ridiculous that someone would drink water that came in a bottle. There were a few "more fortunate kids" (as I will call them), who would carry these bottles of water around. I could not for the life of me, figure out why someone would be so vain, or at least that is what I thought at the time. To good to drink from the faucet. Well folks, I am now a bottled water drinker. My lame excuse? I grew up in Podunk where the water tasted good, not so much here. I have to force myself to choke it down.
*Warning* The following may sound like a shameless plug for Aquafina. I am not a employee of theirs, nor are any of my family or friends. However, if the fine people at Aquafina would like to furnish me with an endless supply of their water, I will shout out their name in the streets every day. Great people of Aquafina, you can reach me at 1-800-H2O-psycho.
I am a water snob. I refuse to drink water from a faucet, unless I am truly dyeing of thirst. The only water in a bottle that I have found to be very good, is Aquafina. This is some high quality H2O. It is the only water that I have found can still taste good, even if it is room temperature. Okay, the only bottled water. There is one other type of water out there that is great. A friend of mine has PiMag water, and it is superb. She keeps her PiMag Aqua pour right on her counter. It is so great, it does not have to be cold to drink it.
I am looking for a Waterboy. I need my high quality H2O. I spend to much time and money chasing down my Aquafina. I have put numerous calls in to Bobby Boucher and I have not heard back from him yet. I am not sure, but may be his Mama or Vicky is monitoring his calls, and will not give him the message. Whatever the case, I am getting desperate, and can not wait much longer. I would prefer that you have a serious love for water like Bobby does, and will work for free. He would not want me to have to drink nasty water, and neither should you. Seeing me enjoy your delicious water, should be the only payment you need. I will need references and I will be doing a serious back ground check on you. This is a highly important job, and I will only accept the best. You should be able to turn my toilet water into gold if I ask you too. Tap water scammers need not apply.
Have a fabulous Thursday!
I saw this cheesy toy yesterday and thought it might be fun. Boy was I right. Colter was having a blast with it. After a while, he started to get mad. I am not sure if he was mad because he couldn't actually catch the fishies inside, or if he was just hungry. The little oinker ate one big jar and one little jar of baby food for supper, followed by four ounces of formula. He must be going through a growth spurt, because he sure has been eating a lot lately. I guess he takes after his dad and brother in that department.
Here he is screaming at his fishies.
If you look closely at the picture below, you can see some drool coming off of Colter's chin. This kid is a drool monster lately. I have to keep a bib on him to keep him dry, and it does not take long for the bib to get drenched. I keep thinking he has got to get a tooth soon, but nothing. He was really chewing yesterday. I am afraid that he is going to get a tooth, and I am not going to notice it right away. I am sure that is impossible, I worry to much. Hold on while I kick myself. Doubtful that will stop my worrying, but it was worth a try. :o)
While I was out browsing at the store, I bought myself a cheap pair of sandals. I am totally bummed because my favorite pair no longer fit. I know a couple of you will be happy about that. I loved those things. They were my pals for almost 7 years. Tanner made a comment about me buying new sandals. I let him know that they were just cheap stand ins, until I have enough money saved for a new pair. He asked how much they cost, I told him, and he said "Geesh! Women are expensive!" Now, those of you who know me well, know that it is not often that momma splurges on herself. He is in for a rude awakening someday, if he thinks that I am expensive. I told him he better have a good job, or choose wisely, because a lot of women would have to have a new pair every year, or a heck of a lot more pairs. No offense ladies. I know some of you love to shop, and if I didn't feel so guilty, I would be right there next to you. I cannot wait until I get a new pair. Until then, I will be staring at my old ones longingly. (Tear rolling down my cheek.)Later gators!
Days like yesterday, I wish I had a nice camcorder. Someone had given me one a while ago, but there is something wrong with it and I haven't had time to see if I can fix it. It is also one of those big old ones that kill your arm. I am certainly not complaining, but I am all about those things that make your life easier. Small, easily portable and convenient. My camera takes short video's, but it is not the same.
Last night, after supper, Chopper and I had Colter rolling with laughter. I have never witnessed him laugh so hard. It was so bad that he was actually starting to sound horse. It was the cutest thing ever. I was playing with Chopper and she would run at me and bark. Colter thought that was HEEE-larious. I am almost positive he laughed for 10 minutes straight. That would have been great to capture on video. I think I may have to put that at the top of my lists for priority buys.
What a great weekend. I love this time of year. Its great when you can open your windows and get some fresh air and listen to the birds singing. Tanner, Colter and I went for a few walks. Actually, Tanner rode his bike, and then he decided to ditch me for grandpa. He is way cooler you know. Colter really enjoyed being outside. He even got his first feel of the grass. He was not really sure what to think about that. He is at such a fun age to be exploring the outdoors. It really tires him out though.
Colter is doing very well at sitting up by himself. He still has yet to roll over. He has a few times, but I think they were just fluke deals. Either that, or he just does not want to. (He may be stubborn like his mom.) I am looking forward to him being more mobile, but I am also dreading it. I am going to have to constantly be picking up after everyone. For some reason, I am always finding change on the kitchen floor. (Al!) So I will have to make sure to check it every 10 mins. It will definitely be good exercise. I suppose I should start getting some baby proofing supplies. I have yet to do that.
Enough rambling for today! Have a terrific tuesday!
If you saw this dork walking down the street, would you think they were really tall or really short?
First of all, let me start by saying that I do not have the prettiest feet in the world, but they really are not this ugly! I promise. Darn camera's anyways. I also would like to add, yes, I do know that I have chicken legs. I am sure some of you are wondering why I would be saying that I have much more weight to loose by looking at these ankles. Let me assure you, it is by some miracle of god that they have not snapped under the pressure! ha ha!!
I would like to think that I am of average height. I am 5' 4" and a 1/2. (Had to make sure that was clear.) Now please, if you don't think that is average, keep it to yourselves. You could crush my little fantasy land and who knows what may happen. :o) The picture above is pretty typical of what I find when I go shopping for capri's. They apparently make them for "tall" women, not "average". I have found myself a couple of cute pairs that work, but of course, they are pre-prego. Below is me attempting to be able to adapt to the tall girl world. I just wanna wear capri's too. Boo Hoo!
I hate socks and shoes. When I get home, the first thing I do is rip them off. I would much rather be barefoot. When I have to wear shoes, I prefer to wear sandals. If I could, I would wear them all year round. When I am sitting around with no shoes, I usually have my toes curled under. Al thinks it is freaky. He is just jealous, because he is not so talented. :o) I am not sure if it is normal or not. I know I am not the only one. My brother also does this and I think I may have a new ally.........
Colter was sitting in his bouncer after supper and every time he would stop jumping, he would curl those toes under. I can not wait for Al to notice! mmwwwwhahhahahaaha.
After I picked Colter up from daycare yesterday, we walked around the yard. He was talking up a storm, and he seems to really like the trees. I took him to different trees and objects and let him feel them. It was exciting! (I really am a dork!) I can't wait for the weekend. That stroller is coming out for sure. We are going to explore.
There are so many things I love about being a mom. The most recent is Colter has started to reach up for me when I am leaning over him. I will lean in close so he can touch me and he grabs where ever he can and tries to pull me closer. Other things that "blow my socks off :o)".........When I am cradling him in my arms and he looks into my eyes and starts talking to me. His smiles that are meant just for me. The smiles from behind his binky. His laugh. The way I can make him relax bye kissing the crook of his nose when he is sleepy. When he leans into me as if to try to hug me. Baby massages. This list could go on and on.
It used to drive me crazy when people wouldn't shut up about their kids. As Tanner became a bigger part of my life, I started to not mind as much. I too, was talking about him. It wasn't until Colter came along, that I really understood why people don't shut. It is the greatest gig on earth. I know all you other moms will agree. For the rest of you, I highly recommend it. I promise, you will not regret it!
Once again, I hope you all have a great weekend! Get out there and enjoy the b-e-a-utiful weather!
Usually, I write my posts to entertain you and keep you updated on the happenings in our chaotic household. I have found that I really enjoy "blogging", and it to be very therapeutic. So today, I am going to be selfish and write this one merely for myself. Obviously, it is okay for you all to read it, otherwise I would not have posted it here. If nothing else, I hope it inspires you in some way.
March 22nd. A day of birthdays, shared by a couple of my old friends. Every year, I find myself thinking about them on this day. One of them, more than the other. She was a neighborhood friend that lived on the other end of the block. We spent our days playing and dreaming up crazy things. We both shared a love of horses and spent many hours at the pasture across the street. The old guy who owned the horses, would often let us help him feed them. One of our big dreams was to live on a horse ranch together. We were going to live there with our husbands, and have lots of horses. She also thought we should have a gymnasium attached to our house. I guess we really did have BIG DREAMS.
I was two years older than my friend, and as I got into high school, we spent less time together. We were still friends, and I often gave her a ride home, but that was about it. I was a high schooler now, and I couldn't be hanging with younger kids. That only lasted a couple of years and the summer before her freshman year, we started to hang out again. It was okay, because she was going to be a high schooler now too. Once school began, our friendship started to really pick up momentum again. It was nice to have her back in my life.
School had been in session for about a month and there was going to be no school the following day, due to teacher in service, or something of the nature. It was a Wednesday, and I had plans to go out that night and PARTY. On my way home for supper, I turned the corner, and there was my friend in the street, tossing a football around with some of the other neighborhood kids. I stopped my car in the street and talked to her. She asked me if I wanted to do something that night, but I told her I all ready had plans, but that we could hang out tomorrow. I continued home, where I hurried and ate.
About an hour later, I was out the door, ready to party. I met up with my "boyfriend" at the time, and we cruised for a bit. We saw a cop car speeding out of town with its lights on and decided to follow it. It stopped on the hill, just outside of town. When we got there, we were stopped and asked for blankets by a bystander. There was a couple of cars parked on the side of the road, including the cop car. I wondered what was going on. It was almost like slow motion as I looked over and saw a couple of boys laying in the shoulder. One of them was laying on his back, the other was on his stomach with his arms crossed. The one that was on his stomach looked at me and our eyes locked. I could see fear and desperation in his eyes. I felt like I should know who he was, but I could not place him. We were then flagged through and continued down the road. We were not sure what had happened, because we didn't see any damaged cars. We decided to take gravel back around, hoping to get another glimpse of what was going on. As we came down the gravel road, we saw a car at the bottom of the hill. We now knew what was going on.
We headed out to our party spot and got out the beer and started a bonfire. I was really not enjoying myself, because I was haunted by the eyes of the boy I thought I should have known. Soon after the party got started, another friend of mine showed up and said he had heard that someone was killed in the accident. It was some relation to whomever. I was immediately stricken with fear that it was my friend. I was flipping out and my "boyfriend" asked my friend why he had to tell me that. (I should have realized then and there that he was a jerk and dropped him, but I didn't.) He wouldn't give me a ride back to town, so I begged my friend to take me. I had to make sure it was not my friend. Much to my horror, it was my friend.
I then realized that I did know that boy. He was also a neighbor. Turns out, he suffered from a few broken bones, and his cousin, the other passenger, got away with only a few scratches. My friend had flown out the back and was smashed in the hatchback as it rolled.
She was gone. How could this be? She was only 14. I had just talked to her a couple of hours ago. We were suppose to hang out tomorrow. Oh my god! How could I have been so selfish. I choose to party with my insensitive prick of a boyfriend over hanging with her. If I hadn't, she wouldn't have died. I had experienced a lot of death by now, but this was the by far the most painful thing I ever had to deal with. I had so many emotions flowing through my body. Anger, fear, regret, pain, sorrow, shame.
At her funeral, I refused to look at her laying in that box. They were going to have a closed casket, but her father had not seen her in years and wanted to see her. From what I was told, I am glad I did not look. I did not want that image to be my last, and I did not want to have to remember her that way.
She would have been 28 today. It is hard to believe that she will have been gone for 14 years this year. She has been gone, as long as she was alive. I think about her every year on her birthday. I wonder what she would be doing if she was still alive. Would she be married? Would she have kids? Would she have her horses? Where would she be living? All these types of things. I have found myself thinking of her a lot this past year. Mainly because of the birth of my first child. I wondered many things, but I also thought of her mother, whom lost her first born, and only daughter. I remember her screaming out while we where at the cemetery. I am not sure how she survived it. I can not even imagine her pain.
I have long ago stopped the what ifs, and blaming myself. I also have not followed any kind of siren since that day. I realize now, that god had a plan. He wanted her to be his angel. It brings me great peace, knowing that my friend is in a better place. It brings me even greater peace, knowing that in my mind, she will always be young, she will always be beautiful, she will always be energetic, and she will always have a great smile. I miss my friend greatly, but I am so blessed to have been a part of her short life.
