Did You See It?

Whether you voted for Obama or not, you gotta admit, seeing the extra money in your paycheck this week was nice, right?! I just wish it had been a little more and...well....I'm not gonna go into the rest of my thoughts! ;)

Hubbie's check was an extra $60( he gets paid monthly ). Cha-ching!

My lovely, wonderful and smart sister in law told me that now I can diaper my 3rd baby bundle!

Woo hoo! Life is good!

I'm An Organizational Freak!

I am freak when it comes to organization....well....I use to be. I do like order and I DESPISE clutter, but over the years, when I've been overwhelmed by something, I tend to shove stuff, because I have no solution. Our financial papers are the thing that I most despise and can't seem to handle. I tend to keep every receipt and every possibly important paper, warranty, etc. This causes an overflow of paper! The drawer we use for our "stuff" is OVERFLOWING! When we moved last May, instead of going through all the papers, I shoved them in a bag and yes, you guessed it....that bag still sits in our laundry room today. No shredding has been done. It still sits. So now I have at least a year, possibly two years of STUFF to sort through and manage. We do not have a home office, so we do need a solution that would be easy to store in very little space! In the past I've saved stuff for a year, gone through it and then whatever needed to be kept- bills, taxes, warranty papers, etc., we've boxed away and labeled. Since we've been married, I've done that for maybe 2 yrs....maybe 3..... the rest.....Its all somewhere. I am just overwhelmed. How many times have I said that? I need a solution. I need system. Like I said, I tend to keep anything and I just think, if I throw away that receipt, watch something not turn out right on the bank/credit card statement and then I don't have the receipt.

So anyway, that is my challenge to myself...to find a system that works for me. It needs to be simple enough to do with 3 kids and not too complicated that if I can't do it for a month or two, that its too overwhelming to pick it back up. Hope that makes sense! Any suggestions?!

Hilarious!

The other night we were all gathered in the master bedroom. Bubbie was playing a game and Hubbie and I were playing and wrestling with Peanut. Bubbie continued to do something not nice to his brother, so finally I told Bubbie to go stand in THE corner (we have one corner that we use the majority of the time). Bubbie started to fuss about it. Peanut stopped what he was doing and walked over to the corner, stuck his nose in it and had a guilty expression on his face! Hubbie and I looked at each other and tried not to crack up laughing. We told Peanut that he wasn't the naughty one...THIS time.....

This past week it seems like Peanut has really started to understand our demands. I told him to sit down so I could put his shoes on and he sat down. I was shocked. Usually you are having to force the child to do anything but play and eat! When we tell him "Go to the table. Its time to eat." He tries to run/fast walk for our little chub-O and goes all the way to his chair and shakes the chair until someone puts him in his booster seat!

I can't believe he's getting this big! I'm thankful and a little worried...once YOU know they start understanding you, you also realize when they start rebelling! Am I ready for the temper tantrums?!

Overwhelmed

I've written several times over the last month that I am overwhelmed by the amount of blogs that have been left unread on my Google Reader. The count was over 1000 and I was NO where close to having the time or patience to sit down and read that many blog posts! I love reading blogs and connecting with people and reading about people's lives, but I just don't have the time to do it with everyone. I wanted to be that SUPER BLOGGER, but I finally realized today, that I can't be it....not that I ever WAS a super blogger! I went through my following blogs and my google reader and deleted A BUNCH of blogs! I just can't do it and have to keep the ones that I actual DO keep up with or do blog. I realized I was following a lot of people that haven't written posts in months! I hope to some day have time to pick back up and read and comment on everyone that stops by, but I can't always promise it!

Now my Google Reader has 0 unread blogs...now if I could just keep up with the amount of emails and responses that I need to do.....that is my NEXT tackle! :)

Going to See Thomas LIVE!

About a month ago, Mom Select sent out an email telling bloggers (that have signed up with MomSelect) that there would be an opportunity to receive tickets to see Thomas Live! I was ECSTATIC! but it was only for people that lived in the Western part of the US.

Last week another email came out, stating the same thing, that we had an opportunity to win tickets to see Thomas Live and now it was available to everyone! I quickly put my name, info and blog address in to be considered for the drawing! The entry form said it was first come first serve, so I was hopeful that I was one of the first!

I guess I was, because yesterday I got an email saying that we will receive 4 tickets to go see Thomas Live! I was more excited than Bubbie was, I think! These tickets are $40 a piece, so we wouldn't have splurged for the trip to Atlanta and for 4 tickets to see the show! What a treat!

To learn more about more the show or to see if Thomas & Friends Live on Stage is coming to your town, click here!

To learn more about Mom Select, click here! Its not a gimmick or anything deceptive. I've been signed up for almost a year and have been able to review several different products and receive information on upcoming events. Check it out!

We've Had Fun, But I'm POOPED!

Ok...bare with me y'all....this post is RANDOM!

We have had such a fun week, but this Momma is tired...I'm secretly glad no one has called us today to go out and do anything. I'm ready for a lazy day around the house in my pjs!

Monday was a typical busy day with things leftover from the weekend to finish and do. I had a few days of my BSF study to finish and after rest time we made our way to the park. We met one of the MOPS moms and her son to go walking. We were at the park for over 2.5 hrs- which is a long time for us. The boys had fun playing and then riding in the stroller while S and I walked! It was nice to just get out and enjoy the sunshine and chat with a girlfriend!

Tuesday we had a MOPS playdate, but since it was indoors at Chuck E. Cheese's on such a beautiful Spring day, I decided to do something else. A few of us MOPS moms kinda had the same idea, so we all met up at a park and we played- again- for over 2 hrs....until lunch time. A couple of us then headed over and ate at ChickFilA and let the kiddos play for a little while. I was TIRED by the time we got home. It was late and the boys were tired! Thankfully we got our naps and were all ready to meet Daddy at MOE'S for Kid's Nite (kiddos eat free here in town) and a quick trip to Tarjey to get me some jelly beans and Peanut some Tylenol.

Speaking of Peanut, he is cutting two molars- on the top- one on each side. Bless his heart. He's just beside himself. If I couldn't feel the teeth poking through, I would think he had an ear infection or something else. He is never this cranky. Poor Nana is praying that this teething is over by May when she keeps the boys while we go on our cruise.

And, speaking of cruise, it is so funny how many people have come up to me and said- "Heard ya on the radio!" I mean, even people that we don't really KNOW have stopped me and said, "I knew I had heard your name before or knew who you were! You won the cruise!" Its been sorta of fun, but also kinda humbling, because SO many people entered that contest and WE WON! Makes me want to put everyone in a suitcase and let everyone enjoy this trip with us. But seriously, our friends have been so wonderful and excited for us! Everyone is so happy and can't wait to hear about our trip!

On a different note, I found out yesterday that another friend is PREGNANT! I am SUPER EXCITED! I won't tell who...because she'll tell soon enough, but I am SUPER excited! The baby will be about 2 mos younger than our newest addition! Our kids already play well together and this is just another one to add to the fun!

On a TOTALLY different note, stop by Dana's blog and say a few prayers for Chloe. I know Dana would greatly appreciate lifting up her daugther in prayers. Chloe is so vivacious and fun and bubbly! The idea of something being wrong with her precious heart, just makes my heart break for Dana. So, go by and read all about what is going....

Speaking of children, I'll be 15 wks on Friday and boy! its going by so fast! These kiddos wipe me out every day and by the end of the day, I have to remind myself that I am REALLY pregnant....not just a lazy mommy! I think I have finally recovered from our weekend ordeal with painting, etc. It took me a GOOD week of LOTS of sleeping to get over those few late nights. I have a doc appt next week and I get to have a sonogram! Yippee! Its so exciting to get so many...of course, I don't want anything to be wrong and thankfully, the insurance company is paying for all of them, but its still so much fun to see my darling baby......and I still think its a boy! I actually told a friend yesterday that I REALLY think its baby B. Not sure why, but I just have this feeling. I did tell the same friend that if it turns out to be a girl, I'm gonna have to take a sit for a little while and let it sink it. Just not as prepared for a girl as I am for a boy! And, again, the thought of never holding a baby boy again, makes me sad.....but we'll see! God only knows what is in store for our family! Oh and one more thing, I am at that awkward and awful stage of pregnancy where I look like I'm gaining weight, but still don't have the look of pregnancy yet. Some britches are getting incredibly uncomfortable and the maternity pants just don't FIT... too big. Ugh! I need to invest in some drawstring capris or something. I did realize that after looking through my maternity stuff, I need some shirts. I guess I'll do that next week. I have never NOT worked at the beginning of a pregnancy, so whatever I've had has been MOSTLY working clothes. This is strange to be pregnant and be able to wear the same thing every day and be comfortable!

Since I haven't said a SINGLE thing about Bubbie, I guess I should say SOMETHING about him.......oh! I have a good one! He has now nicknamed the newest member of our family- Baby Honk! We've asked him why and he just says that it is a good name. He is also telling me that this baby is a boy. Lovely! I have a baby Honk in my tummy!

The rest of this week will be more fun with possible playdates and another park/walking date with S again! It is suppose to rain today, tomorrow and possibly Friday, which stinks, but I think we'll be ok! Next week is another CRAZY week so any time this week that there is a lull in the activity, I'm A-OK with!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday- Leftover Taco Rice and Cheese Casserole (Awesome!)w/ chips and guacamole

Tuesday- Shepherd's pie and biscuits

Wednesday- Breakfast (either Waffles and Bacon or Eggs, Bacon and Biscuits)

Thursday- Leftover pie and rolls (Dad will be gone to a mtg)

Friday- Meat Loaf and veggies

Saturday breakfast- Cinnamon rolls
Saturday lunch- Tuna melts and chips
Saturday dinner-Leftover meat loaf

Sunday lunch- Out
Sunday dinner- JTEAM/ we all do something depending on the meal

For more Menu Plan Monday, visit here.

Changes and Making An Effort....

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

To everything there is a season, and
a time to every purpose under the heavens:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck
up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a
time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a
time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to
refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence,
and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.

I think these Scripture verses are wonderful and for some reason, I think it speaks volumes to a mother's life. Our lives are always changes. The things we struggle with our children today, in 6 mos, they will be a distant memory and we'll be on to something new and challenging and as difficult, but in a different way.

I remember when I was a new mom, I would tell myself OVER AND OVER AND OVER again...this is a season. It is so true. I would struggling with the late night feedings, being essentially a single parent and then having to be awake and alert enough to do my full time job outside of the home for 8 plus hours. Once Bubbie started sleeping through the night, it was like a sense of relief fell over me...until teething began and then he started to crawl and walk and get into everything...and on and on. Its always something new.

In the same way our job as mothering changes, I think our expectations in marriage also change and grow as the relationship grows and matures. And also, there are seasons in marriage too.

Right after Peanut was born, Hubbie worked atrocious hours. I don't mean little overtime here and there. I mean, phone calls at 2 am and working until 8 at night. It was pretty miserable and thankfully the Lord gave me the ability to forget A LOT since I was already sleep deprived and living on about 3-4 hrs of interrupted sleep. I truly don't remember how I made it through those months, but several months later the Lord heard our prayers and gave Hubbie a position that he wanted, is meant to do and doesn't involve late night calls very often. Since last Spring, when Hubbie changed positions, we have constantly been not arguing and not fighting and maybe more of a struggle with the need to provide consistency in meal time, mainly dinner time, for our family. We have never had a SET dinner time. We don't eat late, but we also don't always eat together. I guess it didn't really matter AS MUCH when it was just Bubbie eating since Peanut was nursing for the first year of his life. Once Peanut started to eat table foods and was weened, dinner time became more of a ordeal. I didn't only have one child to feed, I had two. I couldn't just whip up a sandwich every night. That might have been ok with one child and when I was sleep deprived and only had one hand to do things- since the other was being occupied with a nursing child. But now that I had two children that needed nourishment, dinner time became a truly big deal. I think what made it a little worse was that Peanut goes to bed quite early. From 6 mos until a few weeks ago, he was in bed, every night, and asleep by 6:30. This made it VERY difficult for Hubbie to get home and to eat with us since most nights dinner for the boys was around 5:30. There have been weeks where Hubbie did not sit down to eat a meal with the whole family. Either I would wait for him or he'd be too late that I made a plate for him. It just wasn't ideal, but again, it didn't cause fighting or arguments, I think I just pleaded a little bit more for some type of consistency, but I also knew that he has a job to do and sometimes has deadlines.

I do hate time changes and especially the time change in the Spring. I wasn't sure what I was going to do about the boy's bed time since Peanut did go to bed at 6:30 and its very light outside at that time as well. So, I made the decision to push Peanut's bedtime back to 8pm and see what happened. Well, this not only has made meal times a lot easier, but he's sleep in a little bit later too and it sure has helped me and my pregnant body! Hubbie has been home every night for dinner this week. I am being able to serve dinner to my whole family and we're all eating by 6 or 6:30. How ideal is this! I couldn't be more pleased! Hubbie is actually home to help me with the bathing and getting kiddos to bed- which had always been done between 6 and 6:30 before. I just love it.

A huge kudos to my darling husband for making such an effort this week! He truly has gone way beyond the call of duty to make sure he made an effort to leave work in order to be home at a decent time.

I don't kid myself and thinking that this new change will stick forever, but I do know that pushing Peanut's bedtime back just a tad bit will help the evening dynamics of our family. I know that when Fall comes, I'll push the bedtime forward a bit, but again, that will be a whole new season...when we welcome our brand new baby! Stay tuned for that!!!

After Much Anticipation.....

I am finally going to post the long awaited kitchen photos. If you wanna know what happened to our kitchen, read here and here. I would like to block any memory of the those stressful, draining and miserable 2 weeks! It was that bad! Ugh! I know it could have been worse....because I've heard worse.....but still....hope to never go through that again!

So....I tried to find before pictures. Since I HATED our kitchen floor, I tried NOT to take pictures of it....so finding some was hard. Here are a few....


the floor was old 70's style brown and yellow. I could never get it clean. I would hand mop the floor with vinegar, baking soda and murphys oil(if you want the recipe, just ask!) and it would still have dirt on the floor. It was just disgusting for a clean freak like me. The walls had a striped wallpaper on them. It wasn't bad, but it was old and it had grease stains around the stove top. It was just worn and it was gross....to me.

And now...for the NEW look.....
The floor was replaced with a standard vinyl. I don't think its what we would have picked (we were already trying to negotiate with the landlord to let us replace the flooring), but for free- it works! Its nice, clean and feels wonderful under my feet! I can actually SEE the dirt that is on the floor and with one little wipe, the mess is gone! Just fabulous! The walls we painted....err......Hubbie painted.....was a light yellow with a little brown in it, since we have NO desire to paint the cabinets. If we knew we were purchasing the house, we'd take on the challenge, but with a new baby and 2 little boys needing watching and the fact that the job would take a GOOD week. Heck no! I just cleaned them up with some Murphys and they looked clean and good to go! Anyway, back to the paint. Its amazing what the paint job and the new flooring did to my kitchen. I already get great light in the kitchen, but its actually a REALLY bright kitchen! I am amazed!

And since every post is better with my two scrumptious boys....here is a picture or two... I saw my two boys sharing and the littlest brother was just TICKLED about his brother being so kind, so I ran and got the camera. They were just about done being sweet, but I got these two pictures. Such precious-ness! Makes me want to have another ;) !

Party! Party! Party! UBP '09

Welcome to the party! I am thrilled that you have decided to stop by my little corner! Just in case you've never been here before, let me tell you a little bit about me and this place- Hyperactive Lu.

Lu is not my real name. It is a nickname my SIL and brother gave to me when they were in college. It has always stuck. The hyperactive part....well, the definition describes me almost perfectly-

" Hyperactivity can be described as a physical state in which a person is abnormally and easily excitable or exuberant. Strong emotional behavior, and sometimes a short span of attention are also typical for a hyperactive person" So there you have it. My name.... may not be completely flattering, but that is me none the less!

Now, about my life, I am married to Hubbie, going on 7 yrs and we have two beautiful, precious boys- Bubbie (4yrs) and Peanut (15 mos). We also have another "bun in the oven" and that wonderful little creature is due in September! AND NO! we are NOT trying for a girl- boys are ok by us, but when we do find out the sex, y'all will know! ;) I love my life and I am beyond blessed. I am priveledged to stay home with my two little stinkers every day and we stay on the go with MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) and outings and playdates with friends! A few other things that make me Hyperactive Lu...are I love to cook and bake for my family and we are on the quest for a more natural and healthy living. I started babywearing with Peanut and LOVE it! I plan to do it for as long as I can and with as many children as the Lord blesses us with! We are involved in our church and have recently begun a small group in our home, which is awesome! I am very anal and uptight. I love to have a clean and organized home. I enjoy order and structure in our home life and my kiddos are on a schedule!

I started blogging in the Spring of 2007 when our life began to go through a lot of changes and things began to fall into place for us as a family on a lot of different levels. One of the things I blog about is our desire to become debt free. We have been working on that since Jan 2006 and it has become a focal point in our lives. Along with paying off debt, I blog about our life, struggles, cute things the boys say or do and just general life. A lot of times I use the blog as a way to get my thoughts out and I enjoy hearing what others think. This blog has been a wonderful source of encouragement and has helped me grow in different ways.

So, if you're interested, read on and find out more out about life! I do twitter here- though its become very rare now- and I am on Facebook (just ask and I'll add you as a friend).

If you like what you read, come back and often! I'd love to get to know you!

And a thank you to 5 minutes for mom for hosting this fun blogging party!

Here Again! Ultimate Blog Party 2009!

Its here again and you don't want to miss the fun! 5 minutes for mom is hosting the Ultimate Blog Party- going on from March 20th-27th! I had so much fun last year meeting new bloggers and finding great new blogs to read! Join in the fun! Visit here for all the details and button! See you around the Blogosphere!

Give Him Some Praise

After an emotionally taxing day(i cried a lot and my heart ached so much for these women) yesterday at our MOPS group's annual Tea and Testimony, I sure was convicted that I have WAY too much to be thankful for and boy! I shouldn't complain AT ALL....EVER! So, after seeing this on Kelly's blog, I thought I'd join in and remind myself of why I am truly a blessed gal.

- Hubbie's job, house, clothing, food and WAY too much stuff that needs to be purged and given away
- 2 beautiful boys that light up my life, make me laugh more than i ever knew possible, make me worry more than i ever dreamed i could and allow me to kiss and cuddle with them every day
- a wonderful, dashing husband that not only works hard and provides for our family, but allows me to live my dream and is extremely supportive with all my extracurricular things
- friends, friends and more friends...gosh! not just in MOPS, but i had NO clue what God had in store for me when I joined MOPS. i've been blessed beyond belief with a fabulous discussion group and steering team this year and wonderful friends that i KNOW i could call on day or night!
- a church home.... hubbie and i searched for a church home for almost 5 or 6 yrs. we decided on one and it just never felt right- more like a church and not a family.... and we started to look again. God knew where we were needed and we are so encouraged to be where we are at.
- a precious peanut growing inside my belly.... after yesterday, i will NEVER, EVER, EVER take for granted a pregnancy..no matter how miserable!(not that i ever have, but pregnancies aren't usually easy and fluffy for me!) gosh! one of God's true and perfect gifts, huh? i am so in love with this darling child and know its soooo of God and we can't wait to meet!
- my parents...need i say more! supportive, encouraging, willing to help, loves their grandchildren and prayer warriors for our family
- speaking of prayer warriors....OUR CRUISE! Gosh! Isn't God good? I mean, that a little trip for two would even hit the Creator of the earth's radar!?! I know He answers prayers and He's done it TIME AND TIME again for us. I shouldn't be shocked, but I am still baffeled at His perfectness and love for me! Again....just awesome and I think its incredible that He answered it down to every detail!!!
- the promise of seasons....Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter... I mean, how perfect is it! The changing and the excitement and the ability to do new things in different seasons! I love it! I don't always enjoy the season, but isn't that life? I don't generally LOVE Spring, because it involves pollen, but this year, I'm ready to be able to get out of the house and enjoy the Sun!
- a new kitchen....and we didn't have to pay for the flooring... now I know I shouldn't complain, but it did take 2 weeks, but it was the landlord's responsibility, because of the slab leak and we got a new, updated kitchen floor out of it! our kitchen is so open, light and airy! i've been spending so much time in the kitchen and its just wonderful with all that sun coming in! i love it! thanks to hubbie's new paint job...it looks marvelous!
- facebook...hear me out...i know it sounds odd.... i am able to stay in touch with friends during the day. i'm NOT a phone person and i do not enjoy just chatting on the phone. i LOVE talking to friends, but i would SO much rather meet you for coffee or ice cream and chat that way! facebook gives me the ability to chat with gal pals when our kiddos are sick or we're not able to leave home. i have been able to stay in touch with girl's that have left MOPS and have returned to work. i can find out what is going on in my brother and SIL's lives in TN. i can chat with them really quick and ask questions. its just a wonderful tool and i love it! my grandparents and aunts and cousins and parents are on there and its just wonderful that we can all be on there together and stay in touch instantly! :) also, i've gotten back in touch with friends from TX, high school, friends that have moved away and friends that we've just lost touch with! its been great!
- schedules....if you don't live on a schedule with nap and bedtimes...you're missing out! aren't early bed times and naps awesome?! Bubbie has just about given up on naps. he might take one twice a week, but he still rests and reads or plays quietly. their little bodies need it and its just so wonderfully peaceful every day somewhere between 12 and 2 and by 8 pm! its always wonderful to have that quiet time with hubster! now...this will all change in September, but for now...i'll enjoy our quiet, simple and uncomplicated lives without a newborn!
- Answered prayers. Prayer works people. Don't believe me. Give it a try. The answer might be no, but God hears and cares. Several of the prayer requests for friends have been answered and their lives are different because of it! :) God is good!



Ok... I know there are TONS more praises, but my darling baby for the time being is up. Motherhood calls! If you wanna play along, let me know so I can read yours too!

Order, Confusion and Life

So, our life has been CRAZY the last two weeks. Our floors took two weeks to repair. The men left around 8:30 on Friday night and boy! was that a relief! Hubbie and I had been talking about taking down the wallpaper and painting, so since the floors look so nice and new, we decided to start. Hubbie and I began to peel wall-paper late Friday night. Hubbie was up until 4am the last two nights peeling or priming or painting. I got to bed a little earlier than he did on Friday night (aka Saturday morning), but Saturday night (aka Sunday morning) we both went to bed at 4 and slept for a total of 4 hrs to make it to church on time on Sunday. Needless to say, our kitchen it beautiful and bright and fresh looking. There is still some touch up work and cleaning that needs to be done around the baseboards, but we're done! :) Hubbie did a fantastic job and was very protective of me and baby no 3- We did not paint! I'll post pictures sometime this week!

During the last two weeks of insane living, I've come to realize that you can live without a lot if you're forced to and that fast food isn't ALL that bad! You do survive- no matter how unhealthy or not frugal it may be....life does go on and kids barely notice! I noticed and have 2 weeks full of healthy and complete meals planned, but that is probably because my body is craving some yummy veggies and home cooked meals!

I have 129 unread emails in my gmail account and over 1000 unread blog posts! I must regain order and control! I've gotten to where I don't even want to open my email, because I know how much reading is ahead of me and deciding what to keep, respond to, etc. I must find a method and regain control! So, if you've sent me something or have blog posts that I haven't commented on, don't worry! I'm alive and fine and haven't lost my bloggin' love.....just overwhelmed!

Surreal and In Awe of God's Goodness

I wrote this post in January right after we discovered I was pregnant! About a month later, I wrote this post explaining our decision to NOT take our longed for family or couples trip. I was so sad. I longed for a trip to take and just relax and be and unwind- like everyone else, but I KNEW our decision was the right one.

Once we had made that decision to forgo our trips, I began to pray that God would send us on a paid for trip. I was never specific and just told God how awesome it would be. A month later, our local Christian radio station announced they would be giving away a trip on the Music Boat cruise. I eagerly listened to the rules and what I had to do to enter the contest. Last Friday I mailed in our entry form and eagerly waited for the day the Morning Show would announce the winners- which was March 12th.

Yesterday was a busy day. Hubbie was working late for some mandatory over time on a project and the kids and I were in and out of the car all morning doing errands and a trip to the park, so I really hadn't listened to the radio the whole day. That afternoon, when talking to my mom about the developments on getting our floor fixed, she said- out of the blue- I've been praying for you to win that trip. We really hadn't even talked about it, so I was kinda like- "Ok, wow! It might just happen if we're both praying!" but after that, I really didn't think anything about it. When Hubbie got home, we did our usual- put the kids to bed, worked on a few of our "to-do" lists things and then fell into bed. We knew that Hubbie didn't have to be into work until later, so neither one of us were planning on getting out of bed until the kids woke up.

This morning when I turned over and realized that it was morning, my foot had fallen asleep, so I stood up and tried to get the sensations to go away. I decided that since it was almost 7, I could get up, shower and do my devotional before the rest of the family woke up. Then....I heard it.....the doorbell started ringing like crazy and there was pounding at our door! Hubbie and I were like "What in the world?!" My first thought was that my Mom needed to give me something and they were already out and about. I thought for a second, "Why is Mom here?" So I quickly got my robe on and started to look around for signs of who this could be. I walked to the front door and listened. I heard this man's voice say "Come on!, Come on!" and some music. Then I thought, "Who has paid for a musical men's group to sing to me? And who ever it is, is dead!" So, I started to unlock the door and heard the same man's voice say "Ok, here they come!" When I opened the door, I saw 3 men all dressed in Hawaiian shirts on and one with a ucayali. I died! I knew it....we had won! I looked horrible and had morning breathe and they wanted me to talk on the radio! I was so embarrassed! The radio men finished their spill and I invited them in. By this point, Hubbie had gotten himself dressed and had made his appearance. He was as SHOCKED as I was! I then told the radio guys the story of paying off debt and us deciding to not take a trip this year and how this was an ANSWER TO PRAYER!

This trip to the Bahamas is an answer to prayer 100%. I am still in shock. Not because God actually answered it, but because He heard MY silly request for a vacation for my husband and I. I prayed specifically for a PAID for trip and its ALL paid for. We have to drive ourselves to the port and pay parking and THAT IS IT. God has answered a lot of our prayers since we began paying off debt and refocusing on lives on Him. He never ceases to amaze me with His power and love for me and my family. I truly could not say enough about the power of prayer. I've seen God's power- time and time again. These kinds of things just show me that there is a God and He cares so much for me that He would send me and my husband on a trip.

Once the radio men left, my phone has NOT stopped ringing. So many of our friends, family and church friends listen to the same radio station and everyone heard me when I was in UTTER shock! I am really just speechless and can't wait for May to get here. After our playdate this morning, Hubbie and I ran to the post office and filled out our passport applications. It felt more real after doing that. We have been contacted my the company organizing the cruise and we've already got our room no., confirmation of payment and we are set!

I think it'll take a few weeks for it to REALLY set in and I am so excited!

Mama's Desperate Need To Stop Time

I am having all sorts of pregnancy issues. Not the normal stuff you think about. The sad feelings when you realize your baby really isn't the baby any longer. This is my desperate attempt to capture all those grins, lovable curiosity, new found independence, but his continued need for his Mama's side!

You are charming in every way,

You're the one who brightens my day. Your voice makes me smile, I love your sneaky style. I like the way you're there for me, I love to have you as my baby. You cheer me up, when I'm down, You are sweet, without you, I'm incomplete. You're my baby boy, To my heart, you bring joy. you're my glowing star, I love you no matter where you are. You fulfill my dreams, And make me shine. -Micheal's mommy

Oh and to me, boys look TOO cute in Jon Jon's, so since I can't do bows and ruffles and girly stuff, my boys will live in Jon Jon's during the summer until they are 4 yrs old! ;) Plan to see LOTS of pictures if Peanut in Jon Jon's!

I Remember Why.... Wordful Wednesday

I DO have piles of laundry and rooms full of clutter. Then I see these faces and remember why.

I think they are worth the extra clutter. (Read post here.)





For more Wordful Wednesday, visit Seven Clown Circus.

I Profess...Not a Super Mom

The last week or so has not been a highlight of the year. The floor issues have caused headaches and frustration. I am learning in Bible Study Fellowship to see God in everything first and then deal with the issue. I am trying so hard to see "what is God teaching me?" but its so hard when your household is all out of order. I can't seem to get anything done lately. The laundry is piled up. I have a basket overflowing with ironing to be done. I can't seem to keep the boy's bedroom clean. Everywhere I turn, BOTH of the boys have opened another cabinet or drawer and the contents are on the floor with a little trail. My husband is busy at work and doesn't get home until after the "dreaded- horrid hour" and by then, I'm ready to crash! I don't want to work on our project list or do anything but sit and fall asleep! I love my husband and he serves me and support me, but he's tired when he gets home too. Our goal is to get kiddos in and bed and after that....we are just too tired to think about "to-do" lists! I get annoyed when I am not capable to get everything done. When I see piles of laundry and a sink full of dishes, it annoys the crap out of me and it needs to get done, but I just don't seem to have as much energy. What will I be like when Baby no 3 shows up? That really freaks me out! My house is already a disaster zone. I know it didn't help that we had to rearrange furniture and every room needs to be straightened and put back in order...and then not having a clean kitchen...boy! that is really irking me! I LOVE LOVE LOVE a clean kitchen! I love waking up and going into my clean kitchen and ahhhh! just starts the day off right. There is dirt and dust on everything. The table isn't really usable, because its sitting on the holes and can't get chairs around it. Without a clean, usable kitchen, I am feeding kiddos in the playroom and not having easy accessibility to everything... its just annoying! Argh! Just annoyed. So, we've also been learning about complaining and arguing and how serious God is about us not doing it...so here my whole post is all me complaining! I am having a difficult time sitting in my situation right now! I know I'm learning something right now, but I'm just really having a hard time today! I feel like crying. It doesn't help that I'm already on an emotional rollercoaster with hormones and the crazies! Geesh! I know we ALL have these periods, but goodness! I KNOW this isn't half as horrible as stuff some people are going through.

So, again, I'm professing, I am not the super mom some people think I am! I have dirt...not just grim and crumbs....REAL LIVE DIRT FROM THE GROUND!....on my floor and no kitchen table to feed my children at. I have 1 basket full of clothes to be ironed, 1 basket of folded that needs to be put away, 4 loads in my living room to be folded and 2 more loads that need to be washed. I don't have a single room in the house that is full of junk on the floor or is neat and pretty that you can just walk into and relax in. I am complaining and taking my requests before my Heavenly Father and saying enough is enough! I need my house back or help me to learn this lesson QUICKLY so we can move on!

Perfect Weather

On Thursday we welcomed Spring to our Georgia town! Our azaleas are blooming in the front yard and the weather is gorgeous- upper 70's and low 80's and breezy! This morning I have all the fans in the house on and the windows wide open! I plan to keep them like that until either the pollen gets so bad I can't stand it or until we have that ONE LAST dip into cold weather!



Last week was our busy week with doctors appointments and places to be, planning around contractors to work or look at our slab leak and of course, my favorite consignment sale! Because I volunteered to work, I was able to shop early before the public! That is the absolute best time to shop and I will gladly volunteer in order to get into that place before the madness starts! I was able to get toys, books, puzzles, maternity clothes and the rest of Bubbie's Spring and Summer wardrobe for $129. I even splurged and spent $20 on a Leapster for Bubbie with the Cars game! Bubbie is really excited and we've put it away for when the baby comes. That can be Bubbie's "thing to do when Momma is nursing" or taking care of the little babies. Hopefully it'll come in handy!

Anyway, I scheduled myself to work Friday night and when I left the church had already earned $66,000. 60% goes back to the consigners and the church keeps 40% for missions! I can't wait to find out the ending number! I plan to consign stuff and be at the next one in the Fall...hopefully this baby will wait to make his or her appearance AFTER the sale!



Peanut still has a runny nose and a cough even after the antibiotics and medicine. I went ahead and gave it a week, after he had finished his meds, like the nurse told me to, and he's still the same. Now his snot goes from green to clear. Lovely huh? The doctor told me that since he's had it for a month and a half, not to keep him from kiddos, that he isn't contagious, but still! We decided to not go to church yesterday because his nose was nasty and since the weather was gorgeous, we went to the zoo. Let me tell you, we go to the zoo about twice a year, but we probably should only go once. Its just not worth it. Our zoo is lame people! Nothing changes! I did enjoy this trip more than our one in the Fall. Peanut sure did enjoy seeing things and he just watched the animals intently.

Of course, he thought every animal was a dog and barked at each one! His favorite was the monkey exhibit, because they were really showing off and swinging and making a lot of noise! Of course, my oldest, anal child....was more interested in looking at the zoo map than the animals.

The only animals he got excited about was the bear- who he called Nacho Bear (cartoon character that he watches on Boom) and the elephant, because it was "his favorite animal". The rest of the time, he just wanted to sit in the stroller and look at the map! This did not make his daddy happy since we had just paid $8 to SEE the animals! Hee hee! Unfortunately Hubbie has 2 anal people to deal with! :)

Any trip to Columbia isn't complete without our stop to Fuddruckers for their burgers and fries! The day was wonderful and beautiful, but I think it'll be a while before we go back or maybe we'll just check out the zoo in Atlanta next time!

Not sure what this week will bring. Glad that we'll be able to get outdoors every day though. Lord willing, we'll have no holes in our kitchen and a brand new floor by the end of the week.

Out of Trimester 1 and the Long Awaited Baby Names!

I am out of my first trimester! Woo hoo! So glad to have that out of the way! Only two more to go...well, really...not even two, since I'll have a scheduled c-section about a week before my due date....so ya know.....6 mos to go!

I did see my OBGYN on Wednesday. She said everything looked good and I got to hear one of the most wonderful noises in the world...my precious baby's heart beating! Oh! I am in love with this baby and can't wait to see him/her!

The doctor gave me a good report. I had all the normal stuff done- pee test, finger prick and blood taken. I lost weight since my last appointment so that is even better! Probably all the thigh work outs I've been getting by stepping over the gates to get in and out of my kitchen! (No, still not fixed!) The doctor ordered a sonogram for next visit (a month) to see if I have placenta previa. I don't have the cramps like I did with Peanut, so I'm hopeful that I don't have it. I did ask the doctor about the blood clot that never showed itself. She did say we'd see if we could find it on the sonogram and she said it not "coming out" isn't anything too worrisome. The doctor did get on a "preaching" kick on Wednesday about me getting my tubes tied.

Now this is a vent...bare with me! The doctor made the comment that if this baby is a girl, I'll be eager to get my tubes tied. Please people! My life's asperation is not to have a girl! If I live my whole life without giving birth to a baby girl, I will be ok and SURVIVE! I had to laugh at the doctor when she said this! Boy! She does not know me at all! I am not sure why people think that I will continue to have babies until we get that "oh holy girl"! No way! If we feel like 3 is what we should, we will stop at 3- no matter whether we have 3 boys or 2 boys and 1 girl or whatever. I actually think that if I had a girl this time, I'd want to try for another, so she'd have a sister! I grew up without a sister and yes, it was nice, but once I got older, I sure did want one. Thankfully, my brother got married, so I have my next-best thing to a sister, a sister-in-law that I can talk to, but just always wanted that "sister-connection"! But anyway....

Since we're on that topic of girl babies vs. boy babies. Lately I have really had a feeling that this baby is a boy. We have a name- "Braeden" and I just think of it as a boy. If we go in for my sonogram to determine the sex and they say "a boy" I just won't be surprised at all. I might be a TINY TAD bit disappointed that its a boy for about 5 minutes, but I love this little baby- it doesn't matter and I will survive! Now, if God does surprise us, and gives us a girl- we also have a name and have had a name for a while now- Caitlyn and I will be excited to decorate and buy things for a girl, but I think I would be a little freaked out with what to do with a girl. I think I'd get the hang of it really quick, but boys have been so fun! Whenever I see a baby boy, my heart gets kinda sad to think about me never holding my own baby boy again. I mean, its what I know and boys are just so sweet and loving!

So, obviously, I could go either way...but I think my heart is set on a boy!

Where Has Lu Gone?

To say that the last week has been crazy is putting it mildly! Last week our toilet, in the master bedroom, got clogged. We knew Peanut dropped something- just didn't know what. We called maintenance, for the real estate company that we rent from, on Wednesday and by Friday at 5 had still not heard from anyone. We weren't TOO surprised, but we were annoyed. On Saturday we FINALLY found some furniture for our living room and God was good! It was a couch and a large chair and ottoman and it matched the chair we had found earlier in the week. We didn't spend more than we had gotten for our other living room furniture, which was a blessing. Unfortunately, the furniture was about 45 mins away in another town and we had a HUGE rain storm ALL DAY Saturday. Hubbie had the pleasure of driving twice to the store to pick this furniture up...in the pouring rain! It was a chaotic day with lots of errands and us trying to get both people to where they needed to go and kiddos taken care of! Saturday afternoon we loaded up the car to make the last few errands together as a family. Once we got home, I was ready to crash, take a HOT shower and unwind with take out! As I was getting ready to hop in the shower, Hubbie told me that nasty stuff was floating in our tubs! Ha! Yes! Not the thing you want to tell a tired, dirty, pregnant lady as she's about to relax and unwind in her coveted shower! It was gross! We called the emergency number for maintenance and the plumber told us he'd be out between 9pm that evening and 7 am on Sunday morning. That night's sleep was horrible. We both slept badly because of the storm outside and waiting on the phone call from the plumber. At 7am on Sunday morning, the plumber called. We both quickly got dressed. By 9 that morning we knew what had clogged up our potty and filled our tubs with nasty stuff....a bar of soap! Thank you Peanut!!! During the plumber's visit, Hubbie noticed our computer wasn't working. We're like Great! The lighting killed our computer last night! Thankfully it wasn't completely gone...just the modem we had purchased from BellSouth. It was still under warranty and we'd get a replacement within a day or two. Whew! So, since it was after church time by this point, we nixed Sunday services and decided to start rearranging furniture and getting the house livable again. When Hubbie had gotten home with the couch and rather large chair and ottoman, we just dumped it. The living room was horrible and we had been climbing and going around stuff....it was miserable. Once we started rearranging furniture, we quickly realized...its all not going to fit! Ha! It was frustrating and we talked and talked. It just wasn't going to work! Well, after a lot of chatting and a little bribing of pizza and more for my darling, hard working Hubbie, we finally figured out a way and it looks fabulous! It looked "hopeless" for a little while, but I love it and its just great!!! So, we had the living room finally livable, so I got busy on the bathrooms next. I scrubbed the tubs with bleach and changed shower curtains and they look great now! The cleanest they've ever been! On Monday morning, we finally got the real estate co.'s call back about our earlier maintenance request. The week before we had also called about our water heater always running and our kitchen floor being warm. Monday afternoon a plumber came out and told us the worst news.... we were losing 3/4 of a gallon of water every MINUTE! Hot water! The leak was under the slab of the foundation in the kitchen! He was going to have to find the leak and then jack hammer holes and fix the leaks! Yes! Doesn't this bring back lovely memories of our leak in the townhouse!!! They had to jack hammer into the foundation for that too! Ugh! I was not thrilled. I called Hubbie. He came home and stayed with the plumber while he worked. I packed the kids up and we went to Nana's for a few hours. Once the plumber thought he had fixed the problem, they heard more noises....there was ANOTHER leak. Those poor plumbers were at our house past 10 o'clock last night. They were hard working and thorough and just fantastic! They were a definite God send! They finally fixed the issues and packed up and headed home. Now...we have two huge holes in our floor with dirt and dust covering EVERYTHING in our kitchen!!!!! Yes! Fun! I have gates blocking the entrances to the kitchen and we eat in the playroom on the floor.

Dana told me a few days ago that during times of "yucky stuff"- like all this crap- she thanks God because it hasn't effected her children or their health.

My week could be so much worse. My marriage could be crumbling around me. I could be watching my child get wheeled into surgery. I could be faced with job loss or the possibility of having to go back to work. I'm have been laughing about this situation for the past day or two, but now....I'm at the point of tears! I'm tired and done with all this crap. The amount of hassle and "displacement" and frustration that we've gone through...and what we will have to go through for the concrete men to come in and then unloading our kitchen and getting the floor replaced....Geesh! Just seems so overwhelming and exhausting!

I'm about 60% positive and the other 40% just ready for it to all be over.

I learned during my Bible Study Fellowship lesson last week that when you complain its telling God that you are ungrateful and actually sinning. Gosh! That convicted me. How often do I complain about the little things? I'm teaching my children to be ungrateful.... so as I type this blog post, I think....ok....my life could be worse! So, I'm trying to keep a positive attitude and SOOO praying that the rest of the process will go quickly and we'll end up with a brand new water heater and a beautiful, updated kitchen floor!!! We might end up eating a little too much fast food or take out, but....we'll live and survive and be better for it!