Menu Plan Monday- Memorial Day Week 2010

Sunday Lunch- French Club Sandwiches, fruit, chips/carrots and dip
Sunday Night- Beef Stirfry with rice and egg rolls

Monday Lunch- Happy Memorial Day!  Hamburgers and corn on the grill and potato salad
Monday Night- BBQ sandwiches, chips and beans

Tuesday Night- Sloppy Joe Hoagies, chips with fruit

Wednesday Night- Leftover BBQ and sides

Thursday Night- Fiesta Pasta casserole and cornbread

Friday Night- Leftover casserole

Saturday Lunch- Homemade Pizza and Bread sticks
Saturday Night- Breakfast Time (Eggs, Bacon and biscuits)

Sunday Lunch- Leftover Pizza/Breadsticks
Sunday Night- Crock Pot Pork Chops, brown rice and broccoli


We are using several E-Mealz meals this week! Yummy! Yummy! Hoping for a happy and healthy week!  And Happy Memorial Day!
For more meal ideas, visit Laura.  :o) 

Just Sayin'

A few weeks ago, I was feeling convicted of the sin of fear and anxiousness.  I was feeling paralyzed by fear and the "unknown" in certain areas of our life.  I finally decided to stop being controlled by this, give it to God and start living.

Well, I did.  I printed up a long page of Scriptures- ALL having to do with fear and being worried.  I mediated on Scripture that fed me.  I prayed constantly when I began to "worry".  I was doing really good....  I had friends praying for me and I was loving this freedom.....

One of my worries and anxiousness is my germ-a-phob-ia!  Now, I joke about being a germaphob, but I really am!  My husband laughs at me, but sanitizer is my friend and the need for it is my enemy- GERMS!!!  I get annoyed when mothers take their children places when they KNOW they are sick!  I cringe when I see kids with green snot hanging out of their nose.  When a mom says that their child has thrown up and is OUT OF THE HOUSE and PLAYING WITH OUT CHILDREN and its only been 12 hrs, I cringe!  It is seriously an issue!  HAHA!  I just wish parents had the same curiosity...  No one wants to be cooped up in the house with sick kids, BUT lets all be kind and realize that no one else wants to do it either, so STAY AT HOME with your sick kids!  HAHA!

So, anyway, I was starting to feel peace about giving "control" over to the Lord and then BAM! Peanut throws up in the car on Wednesday night.  We get him home, everything cleaned up and BAM! he has a fever!  Random- high fever.  I treat the fever.  No more pukes.  We thought that maybe he ate something?! But then there was this weird fever, so I went into disinfectant mode!  I washed my hands.  I held my breath!  Anything I could do to reduce the risk of these germs being spread....  Thursday the fever went up and down.  I continued to do tylenol and IBUprofen.  The baby and the big brother seemed to be resisting this random bug except for the random and low fever that they both ran late Thursday evening.  Thank the Lord!  So we stayed away from people on Friday just to be safe.

On Saturday, Hubbie woke up with a sore throat.  Lovely!  Then Baby woke up from his AM nap with white stuff in his mouth.... I knew it was either Hand, Foot and Mouth or thrush.  We looked up some symptoms on line and figured out it was thrush.  Sure enough, doc said yes it was....  so far I didn't have it.....  Then I walked out to the car with Baby Bean and a prescription and guess what?!  Peanut had a rash!  Lovely, huh?!  HAHA!  We're assuming thats what the random fever was all about- roseolla.  I didn't take Peanut back into the doc, because I'm about 99% positive thats what he had.  So anyway....

Today, I woke up with thrush and a sore throat.  It just keeps getting better.....

I learned on Wednesday that self pity is a sin.  I have been trying VERY HARD this week to not "pity" myself for what is going on, but its so hard.  The whole year has been one thing after another and I'm tired.....  and exhausted.......  and I know its Spiritual warfare.  


Lord, give me strength.  

Rambling Thoughts On Instructing My Children

My children are all over the place, as I assume, most of my readers would probably say the same for their child(ren).

Bubbie is five-and-a-half  and constantly bouncing.  I should have nick-named him Tigger, from Winnie the Pooh.  He can barely sit still some days.  In the afternoons, a few times a week, if he has been obedient, I allow him to "rest" while watching PBS kids, instead of in his bed.  The only thing I ask of him is to be quiet and sit still- lay down- just be still.  Fat chance of that happening.  My oldest is falling off the chair, laying on the floor- anywhere but the chair.  

Peanut is two-and-a-half and boy! does it show!  He is constantly into things.  I haven't mastered the art of being "one -step- ahead" of him, because its next to impossible.  As I'm cleaning up a mess that he has just made, he is beside me getting into something else.  Its a constant chore to keep his fingers occupied with something good rather than him being tempted to do naughty or destructive things.  

Buggy is eight months, going on eighteen months.  This child amazes me every single day.  He started cruising VERY well, last week, around the coffee table.... He should NOT be doing this!  Baby Bean has broken a lamp 3x, just by pulling up and shaking it.  Hubbie is very proud that his son has rhythm, because each time he gets to standing up, holding on with one hand while shaking the lamp- he's doing it in tempo.  Maybe he'll be a musical soul.....  Anyway, I couldn't begin to tell you the countless things this child has been able to get into his mouth.  I am always surveying the carpet, as I sit him down to play.  If there is something- anywhere- he will find it.

Having these three boys, at different ages and stages, has been a challenge, but mostly a huge learning lesson from the Lord.  I find myself getting frustrated and annoyed, because of their lack of obedience or frankly, the fact that they really don't care if they've left something on the floor for Buggy to get ahold of or for using EVERY SINGLE Dora band-aid in the cabinet, so I have realized that the Lord has gently been guiding me into learning the "art of instruction".

One day I heard a devotional on the radio.  The sweet sounding lady, on the other end of the air waves, was remembering a time when her children weren't being perfect angels and that she had also been reminded that she is to instruct- guide- discipline her children.

"....Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry."

I also need to be reminded daily that I am not just spanking them, putting them in the corner, scolding them, because they did something wrong, but because I am to instruct them in how to act, behave and treat one another.  They need instruction- discipline- guidance.  That is what they are here for.  Hubbie and I have a job to raise them, to teach them....

"For whom the Lord loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects a son in whom he delights."

This parenting thing is not for the faint at heart.  Its tough.  Parenting is so much more than creating children that are submissive when they know they should.  Parenting right now, especially in these early years, is a constant struggle of wills so that one day, these precious creatures, will be productive citizens, loving husbands, devoted fathers and above all else, men after God's heart.

"These commandments I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  "

We have been teaching Bubbie obedience for what feels like FOREVER, but not just any obedience but NOW obedience, quickly without argument or drama.  So, one morning, as I sent my oldest son to the corner for the 2nd time already that morning, I began to get angry that he just wasn't LISTENING AND OBEYING, but a gentle voice reminded me that this is ALL that I have been called to do right this moment- to love and serve my husband and to instruct and love my children.  That verse (above) is a precious reminder that I don't have to get angry or flustered.... Thats my own sin- to let anger boil.

I do get caught up in what everyone else is doing... so-and-so volunteers here, so-and-so works with this organization, or takes meals to them or helps care for those people...and I get down on myself, because if I'm not doing "those" things, then what do I do?  Is just caring for my children not enough?  Perhaps that means that I'm not as productive or as "giving" as those other women or as valuable, but I have been reminded A LOT, by loved ones, that that isn't my job right now.  Sure, I can serve and volunteer or whatever put in front of me, but my main job and focus should be on the raising of my children.  And I should take joy in the fact that I have the ability and responsibility to do so.  Free time and extracurricular activities for myself will come, at the right time, but right now, I am going to start learning how to say "NO" more often and keep my family a higher priority.  

Where Does Your Mom Live?

I am very blessed to live in the same town as my Mom.  I don't know what I would do without her (and my Dad) sometimes.  Now..... I am a realist and one day we will probably be in separate towns, but for now, I am loving the opportunity for my children to grow up with involvement from their grandparents......

Go here to read more.

Thrifty Thursday

My "life long" penpal, Kristin, is hosting a summer series on how to be thrifty without feeling deprived.  Its open to all who would like to join in.  Since this speaks to me and who I am, I decided to jump on the bandwagon and share my "wisdom".

My thrifty-goodness this week is- Make your own cleaning products. 

I began making our own cleaning products 2 years.  I found this website when I decided to give it a try.  You can typically spend about 50 cents or less on a bottle of disinfectant or window cleaner instead of a few bucks-even with coupons and this way its safe around kids- no harmful chemicals.  It is definitely cheaper, its easy and it does work!  We have also made our own dishwashing detergent!  

For more thrifty ideas or to join in, visit Kristin.  

(Not So) Wordless Wednesday

I just have to brag.  This is probably border line TMI for most of my readers, but- what the hey?!  Its true!!!  

My-husband-is-HOT!  

Today this was posted on Facebook by a local photographer.  When I saw it, I knew what my Hubbie's favorite part would be, so when he (Hubbie) got home, I asked him "What did you like most about the pic?"  And I was right- his calves!  He loves his calves!  ;o)  Its the little things in life- right?!

My husband began his weight loss journey 18 mos ago and he has done fabulously.  He does have a blog, but I wish he would  write more posts, because his story is wonderful!  And he is a wonderful encourager, coach and friend!  He has lost about 110 lbs- all from portion control, running and eating good foods.  He is almost at his goal weight, but I think he looks great as he is and doesn't need to lose anymore!  If you don't think you can "do it", then you can put yourself in his "shoes" and think about a 300+ lb man running, lifting weights and doing whatever necessary so that he could be healthy for his family.  

Go here to read/see other pictures from the Mud Run.  

Wanna See?

Wanna see what we've been eating....  go here and check out our Upside Down Pizza and Hubbie's birthday cake!  Yummy Yummy!

Menu Plan Monday- Week of May 24th, 2010

Monday night- Upside Down Pizza (e-mealz) and salad

Tuesday night- Roast (leftover from freezer), mashed potatoes, peas and biscuits

Wednesday night- French Club Sandwiches (e-mealz) with chips and pineapple

Thursday night- Leftover pizza

Friday night- Leftover sandwiches, etc

Saturday afternoon- Hot dogs, fries and beans
Saturday night- Burgers on the grill, potato salad and beans

Sunday afternoon- Out after church
Sunday night- Breakfast (eggs, sausage and biscuits)

 I hope everyone has a fun week planned!  We have a busy and fun week ahead!  School is out here in GA, but I signed the kids up for 2 days a week at their school for "summer fun"!  Bubbie will actually be in a class to help prepare him for school next year(basically review) and Peanut will be in a class that does crafts and plays!  Both boys are super excited!  And so is Momma!  ;o)  I am looking forward to getting something done in the AMs especially when little Bug goes down for this AM nap!!!

Its the end of the month which means "clean out the cupboards" and make some meals out of nothing!!!  HAHA!  Hopefully our evenings will go as planned.  We(I/He/We) are suppose to go 3 or 4 nights this week, so hopefully our evenings won't be rushed and we can get to where we need to and want to go!  Lord willing we'll see Hubbie for most, if not, all dinners too!!!

Have a great week! 

For more weekly menu ideas, visit Laura at I'm An Organizing Junkie!

How We Met- Part 4

Well, this is probably the longest post EVER!  I'm glad I went ahead and broke it up.  Otherwise, I would have lost everyone!  So, I think this post has become not only "how we met" but also leading up until our wedding....  so, if anyone is still reading this, lets continue!

If you wanna get caught up, go here to read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.  And yes, I know, I take FOR-EVER to tell a story!  But my Hubbie says he likes this, so I'm gonna keep telling it!  ;o)

So, when we left off, we had finally chosen a date for our wedding, October 5th.  I was excited and doing my favorite thing- planning!!  I think around January or February, I told my parents that we had talked about moving the wedding up- closer.  They agreed that it would be a REALLY good idea and we set the date- June 21st.  Now, June 21st 2002 was a Friday.  We had SOOO many people tell us how this was the most STUPID idea. I kinda liked it.  Ya see, I'm a "go by the beat of my own drum".  If everyone else is doing it, I don't want to do it.  I dislike copy-cats SO much!  HAHA!  I use to have a friend that "followed" me instead of walked with me.  It got on my NERVES so bad!  Yes, I know, I'm strange, but anyway, I liked being different and not doing the typical Saturday night thing!

As I said in part 3, my father and mother gave me a budget.  I think they were very wise to do this.  Dad told me an amount that I could use.  He told me that if I wanted to elope, we could take the money and use it.  He said if I wanted to have a very VERY small wedding at the church (cheap!cheap!) and then have a huge honeymoon, we could do that too!  It didn't matter, but we had to stay on budget.  I was thrilled that we had an amount to work with and I started to organize my thoughts on how I wanted to spend it.  We had one of the cheapest, yet most elegant weddings ever.  Most people called it a Southern Living wedding and I would agree.  But, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Over the next few months, leading up to June 21st, we faced so many obstacles.  We couldn't find the right location.  Dates didn't always work with where we wanted to get married.  The preacher that I had spent several years growing up listening to at church was suppose to preform our wedding and at the last minute needed to back out.  I was crushed, because it was something I really wanted but I totally understood his reasons. So, we were down to no church, no preacher and no dress!  Yes, no dress!  The closer to the wedding it got, I had started to go to the tanning bed, so I was nice and "dark"...and when I say "dark" I mean not pale white!!!  One day I tried it on and my mom and I both looked at each other and said BLAH!!! It was a very VERY white dress and with my coloring, it just didn't work.  So off we went to find a new dress.  The first place she and I went was to a consignment store.  I tried on several dresses and nothing worked, until.... I tried it on!  It was so pretty and so different (see, I told you I liked different).  It wasn't the latest trend and it was cheap!  We bought my wedding dress for around $200.  It had been last years model that sat on a maniquen all year.  It was perfect!  And not only was the dress perfect, but some friends from church offered their home.  It was a perfect solution!  Their home is gorgeous- out in the country- beautiful home and truly a Southern Living setting.  So, finally, we had a dress, a date and a place!  Things began to look up.

We continued to face a lot of stressers.  I won't go into them on the blog.  The people that lived through these days with us, know, but to say that I was stressed was an understatement.  I lost more weight while planning the wedding than anyone I know, which was cool!  ;o)  I brought up eloping and moving FAR FAR AWAY several times!  Even my Mom asked me if I wanted to elope!  HAHA!  It was crazy!  But I am thankful that I have the memories of my wedding day.

The reception, the evening before our wedding, was crazy.  I was frazzled and I was upset about some of the stresses going on.  To say that I dealt with them well would be a lie.  I didn't do well and I was a basket case.  At one time Hubbie's grandfather came up to me and asked me if I was OK.  I was a tad bit  put off, not really because he asked me, but because I hadn't ever met him before.  So, obviously I didn't hide my emotions.  I feel bad that I acted so poorly at an important event, but I had had my breaking point and I guess, when I've gotten that frustrated with something, I'm not gonna sugar coat things.  Anyway, I went home that night and did some serious soul searching.  I asked the Lord if He really wanted me to get married.  Not because I had doubts.  I loved Hubbie and wanted to marry him, but I think I knew it was do or die, so I needed to have a heart to heart.  I released all my stress and anxiety and emotions and asked the Lord to allow me to sleep and be rested for my BIG day!  God answered my prayers and I woke up renewed, excited and ready to tackle the day!

Finally, our wedding day rolled around.  My parents had said that they would begin to pray for beautiful weather 78 degree evening and pleasant.  Now, if you live in the South, you know what our Summers usually are like around June 21st.  Yup!  Hot! HUMID!  Together!  For a long LONG summer!  I woke up to cool weather, windy and it was a true answer to prayer!  It stayed beautiful ALL DAY LONG and when I got married, guess what the temp was?!  You guessed it- the High was forecasted at 78 degrees. Yet again, the Lord shows us how precious He can answer the silliest of prayers!  One my wedding day, I spent the day by getting my hair done, prepping for the wedding and getting really excited!  Hubbie spent his day by playing some pool, eating yummy food and hanging out with his men!  I had 4 bridesmaids- a friend from homeschooling, met at Worldview Camp, B, my friend growing up, K, another friend from my homeschooling group, sweet precious J and then a new, yet wonderfully supportive friend, M.  Each gal played a big part in my life and each one had lived through almost all of my ups and downs in mine and Hubbie's relationship!  HAHA!  They knew it all!!!  Hubbie had 5 best men.  Several guys from youth group/CFA and then a long time best friend from school days.  They were our closet friends and we were thankful that they stood up and supported us on such an important day.

Our wedding was suppose to start at 7, but the sun was setting over the trees.  We figured that since we were doing an outdoor wedding and with the sun setting, no one would be able to see!  So, we waited for the sun to set.  I walked out to "Christ We Do All Adore Thee" sung by some fabulous singers from the church I had grown up in.  They did it a cappella and did a wonderful job!  Seconds before walking out, I had a moment with my Daddy and I was thankful that he would be walking me down the isle.  As we came out of our friend's front door and down the steps, we realized we had a big problem!  My veil kept getting caught on the concrete.  I started to slow down and I just knew people were thinking that I was changing my mind.  Daddy and I started to laugh and our wedding party saw what was happening.  With each step, my hair and veil were getting snagged.  I was worried that my hair would be ruined!  Dad asked if I wanted to stop, I said No, because I was determined to get down that walk!  I finally got to Hubbie.  Our friend, G, did a welcome and then asked "Who gives this woman away?"  and a prayer.  Then my Dad got back up and did our vows.  Yes, my father married us... isn't that a sweet memory?  He did a great job and I still have his wedding notes.  Every once in a while I find them and read the words.  I sure wish I had listened closer.  HAHA!  What wise words...  Oh well, I was caught in the moment and  too busy to really let the words SINK!

The wedding ended and we were so happy to have it finished and be married!!!  The best memory I have after the wedding had just ended was my brothers coming up and hugging me and shaking Hubbie's hand.  I was so thankful for my whole family being there.  Both sets of grandparents came, several aunts and my siblings and SIL.  They were a huge help and a great support system!  My Dad's sister and g'aunt got stuck by some traffic and had to turn around after HOURS of waiting.  It was a BUMMER!  Our family will FOREVER know when a certain music concert will be going on in a town between here and there!  It was bad news!

The rest of the evening, I gotta say, was not a ton of fun.  I barely sat down.  Actually, I did sit down, for 2 secs and then someone asked to take another pics.  I didn't eat any of our food and I had one sip of punch.  That was it.  I was famished, thirsty and tired, but I was happy.  My parents suggested we do a receiving line with Hubbie's parents and that was really nice.  I was able to say thank you to each person who came and I think if I hadn't done that, I wouldn't have had the chance to talk to a lot of people.  But, the reception was marvelous.  I did cupcakes (yes, I started another trend! Hee Hee!) as my cake.  My grandmother had made homemade peppermints.  Several of the ladies from church helped serve.  My mom worked so hard on everything.  My piano teacher growing up played the piano for the reception(as well as the wedding) and some good friends from church did the sound system.  I gave him a list of songs and the CDs and he worked the music magic!  My father and I did our daughter dance and Hubbie and his mother did their dance.  It was a cool evening and finally, a little before 10, we got in our BADLY razzed vehicle and left!  It was covered in shaving cream, toilet paper, vaseline...it was NASTY!

We decided to stay local for the first night.  The next day we were going to go to a nearby beach town and stay a few nights.  When we drove into the parking lot of the historic inn, a man saw Hubbie and I, in the car, and gave Hubbie a thumbs up!  I have never been more embarrassed.

The next morning we awoke to my mother calling!  HAHA!  Yes, exactly who you want to talk to the night after you've gotten married... we forgot to sign our marriage license!  AHHHH!!!  We drove to my parents house, met the friends, who had the wedding at their house, signed our marriage certificate and left.  We were heading for some relaxing and fun sightseeing.

I wish I could say that our honeymoon was awesome.  We faced a big obstacles.  I wish we had done a big getaway like a cruise or resort, but we were already putting the nearby trip on the credit card and Hubbie only had 3 days off.  He was going to school, working a HORRIBLE job in the evenings and then CFA on the weekends.  I think I would have preferred to have waited on a honeymoon.  I wanted to get home and set up house, plus all our family was in town and we were missing visiting with them.  HAHA!  If I could have done it over, I would have changed a lot.

One thing about being young and getting married, is that we did a lot of stupid things.  Its funny when we look back and wonder why we did some things really smart for our age and then the next second question and get frustrated that we did something so completely ridiculous.  Uhhhh...all I can say is that God really did walk with us through some of our stupidity and dark days.  Hubbie and I both agree- we got married WAY too young!  It was what it was, but everyone that told us we were too young.... yup.... they were right, but we're here, almost 8 yrs later and stronger than ever.  Hubbie and I have faced things in our almost 8 years that couples celebrating 10 yrs haven't faced yet.  We've walked through some really dark and disappointing days, but through it all, I can honestly say, that God is a precious Savior.  He never left us.  I think we lost sight of Him.  He allowed us to go through some REALLY REALLY hard days, but its obviously because we are very hard headed.  I have a very sensitive conscious, so I think the whole time, I knew something wasn't right, but I felt like it was my duty to give everyone a perfect image.  It was far from perfect and still is, but God is faithful and a loving Father.  We are stronger because of each and every obstacle we have faced and we are proud to say that we've been there and done that and got the TEE SHIRT.

Happy 29 Babe!

Happy Birthday to my handsome, hard working and loving husband!  Happy 29 yrs!  We love you!

How We Met- Part 3

Over the last few months I have had several friends find out that Hubbie and I met at Chick-fil-A and since the story is a long one, I decided to write our love story on here.

Part 1

Part 2

In Part 2, I finished off the post by describing our first date.  Over the next few months, Hubbie and I continued to talk and go out on dates.  I still remember the first date that Hubbie grabbed my hand.  We were out to a movie that Hubbie had to see for a college class.  I can still remember the butterflies that were fluttering in my stomach!  Ahhh...young "love"!  I enjoyed being with Hubbie, but I wasn't sure that I was in love.  One day while chatting with a co-worker, she asked how everything (our relationship) was going?  I remember telling her that I didn't feel very special.  I didn't feel like Hubbie was "woo-ing" me.  Hubbie wasn't very romantic.  Also, Hubbie had decided that we would stay "hands off" which means no kissing.  We had both already made a decision to remain pure for our future spouse.  Hubbie and I also agreed that if our relationship wasn't going to lead to marriage, it wasn't a relationship we wanted to be in. Years later, I thank God for Hubbie being able to stand up for what he believed in and knowing his own weakness.  I wanted to feel special and like I was the ONLY one for  him.... silly I know, now, of course I see what he was doing.  He was trying to protect his heart and mine, but I, like a silly girl, complained.  I told my Mom that Hubbie just wasn't romantic and I was thinking about dumping him.  

During this time, my brother had moved back home to attend school in town.  My future SIL had moved back to her parents home to attend school in her town.  Since they were 7 hrs apart, they would rotate between visiting each town once a month.  I decided to go up to TN with my brother so that I could visit with my grandparents.  Since I was still kinda wishy-washy about my feelings for Hubbie, I thought that this would be a perfect opportunity for me to clear my mind and REALLY think.  I wanted to see if I could live without him.  I wanted to know if I missed him, if I thought about him.  

Well, it didn't take long for me to see that I couldn't live without him.  My heart was crushed.  During this time, my Aunt gave me the opportunity to move up to TN and do an internship of sorts to see if I wanted to learn her trade and carry on her business.  It sounded like a wonderful opportunity, but since I knew that I didn't want to live without Hubbie, I had to make a decision.  I called Hubbie and told him about the job offer.  I told him that I missed him and that I had decided that I wanted our relationship to work.  Now we just had to decide if it was worth the long distance relationship.  I really can't remember the rest of our conversation, but Hubbie did say that he wouldn't have asked me out if he hadn't wanted to marry me.... so my brother and I headed home.  I thought it was ironic how when we were leaving town to head home, my brother was sad- he was leaving his girl, but I was so happy, because I was going home to see Hubbie.  

I decided to take the job in TN.  It was just going to be a few months- just to see if I wanted to stay permanently.  But I missed Hubbie horribly.  We talked daily.  He visited a few times.  I went back home once or twice.  The end of my stay couldn't come soon enough.  I quickly realized that I was destined to be Hubbie's wife and I didn't care about a career.  

Once I got home, Hubbie and I began to talk about getting engaged.  I was on cloud 9.  I was back home.  I was with my future husband.  I began a new job and I was getting married!  To say that we didn't face opposition to our relationship would be the understatement of the year.  So many people told us we weren't "right" for each other.  I won't bring up who said what or whatever, because it really doesn't matter... we've been married for almost 8 yrs....but it did hurt..... the names..... the doubt.....  The thing that touched my heart like nothing else was that my Daddy came to talk to me one day.  He said that he knew people were saying things about my relationship with Hubbie.  He told me that he didn't know Hubbie very well, but that I had always had good judgement when it came to people.  He said that I had always been very wise about the people that I had hung around with and that they (he and my mom) would trust my judgement this time.  To hear my parents "back" me on something that that was so important to me meant the world to me.  Even if they had their doubts.  Even if they hadn't liked him.  It didn't matter, they supported my decision.  

This is a LONG story......  Sorry if you're bored by now!  Geesh!  

One day in September, Hubbie and I went and chose my engagement ring.  He paid for it in cash.  It was gorgeous.  I still remember it.  It was gold, several diamonds placed along the band in "stair steps" with the diamond in the middle larger/higher than all the rest.  I was impatient and antsy to get the ring on my finger.  When we were eating dinner, at where else?, Chick-fil-A, Hubbie acted as if he had dropped his straw, did a quick turn and before I knew it, he was on one knee.  He spoke beautiful words of love and adoration and before he asked me "the" question, he said my full name.  I, of course, said yes.  Now, if you didn't notice I used the words "I still remember it" which means, its no longer in my possession.  A week, Hubbie had the opportunity to go to Promise Keepers with a bunch of guys from my parents church.  Between that cost and his school books, he didn't have enough money.  I told Hubbie to take back my engagement ring in order to be able to afford both.  It was more important for me for him to be able to go instead of me having a ring.  After a lot of convincing, he did take the ring back.  

Later that month, Hubbie went to another store and opened a credit card in order to buy me a ring.  I had told him to spend very little.  The ring was a small sapphire, white gold ring with a diamond on each side.  It was pretty, but just not an engagement ring to me.  I asked Hubbie to take it back and that we would continue to look for something else.  We went back to the store a few weeks later, I found something I fell in love with and he purchased that one... or...errrr....... we put it on the credit card.  The new ring was gorgeous.  White gold, with a few yellow gold "pretties" and then a diamond in the middle and along the side.  It wasn't big, but it was just perfect.

Now that I had a ring, we began to think about the date.  I love the Fall and thought it would be perfect to have a fall-ish wedding.  The date was set for October 5th.  My Dad gave me a budget.  By Christmas, I had bought my dress on Ebay.  We had figured out how much it would cost for us to live, on our current salaries.  Hubbie was working a couple of jobs and going to school.  I was working for a family friend's doc office.  We didn't make much, but we knew we would make it work.   

To be continued......

How We Met- Part 2

Go here to read Part 1.

When we last we left off, Hubbie had come back home, different... a changed man!  ;o) He was reading his Bible on break.  He seemed very calm and self assured.  He wasn't wearing "crazy" clothes. I found out, through the grapevine, that he had accepted Christ and had gotten involved with Campus Outreach. He was so different and I found myself wanting to talk to him more and more, but I knew that he could in NO way still like me.

A few weeks later, Hubbie, a close girl friend of mine, along with a bunch of other Campus Outreach kiddos were all heading to Florida for the summer.  It was called "Beach Project" and college students live at the beach, work and then area missions.  (Go here to read more about it.)  The night before my close girl friend left, we were outside my house talking and saying good-bye (they don't have time or the ability to have a lot of contact with the "outside" world!!).  I hadn't really verbalize my thoughts on Hubbie being different to anyone.  Hubbie's name was mentioned, because they were caravaning and I said "After seeing him changed and everything, I kinda wish I hadn't ended "it" so badly."  J (the friend) looked at me and said "Really?!?!"  I'm sure she was like most everyone who had "lived through" the relationship with Hubbie and I, it was a shocker!  The next day, Hubbie and J left and were gone all summer.  I got letters from J.  Towards the end of the summer I got a letter from Hubbie.  I wish I still had it.  I might....  But, anyway, it just said that he apologized for being so angry with me for not dating him.  He admitted to not being a Christian and thanked me for not dating him.  I guess J had done some talking to Hubbie and helped him see the "error" of his ways! She suggested that he write me a letter and apologize.

At the end of the summer, J and Hubbie came home.  Hubbie began to attend a local college and work at CFA in the AM.   I had graduated high school that earlier Spring and was working at CFA,Richs(Macys now) and taught piano lessons.  When we did work together, we were cordial with each other.  We still had a fun group of kids that hung out every weekend and Hubbie and I were usually out together.  One evening we did our usual Saturday night activity- dinner and a movie.  Before the movie, we stopped at Borders.  A gal and her boyfriend were talking to me about Hubbie and I mentioned that I liked him.  I guess that was all it took, because it was suggested that I ride with him and some of the guys to the movie.  Later on Hubbie told me that he wondered why I was riding with them.  I guess he assumed that I still detested him.  Eventually, the "gal" told Hubbie that I did "like" him.  From then on, we began to talk on the phone.  Sometimes for hours.   Then Hubbie asked me out.  I said yes.

Our first date was to a local church conference, I think.  Hubbie picked me up, met the parents and we headed to dinner.  I was so SO nervous.  Hubbie asked me where I wanted to go.  I really didn't care, but I was hoping it was somewhere cheap.  Hubbie said he was taking me to Carrabbas.  I dreaded the dinner.  Expensive restaurant.  A lot of time to kill between ordering and eating.  I remembering chattering a lot.  I ordered the cheapest thing on the menu, the pizza, and later on Hubbie told me that during the entire dinner I had a piece of basil stuck to my teeth.  I was mortified!  The rest of the evening went well.  No kiss.  No hand holding.  He did open all doors for me.  He was a perfect gentleman.......


To Be Continued.......

How We Met- Part 1

In the last few months people have been asking me where Hubbie and I first met.  Its an odd story that includes a lot of chicken and a lot of fun!  Since its been a while since I've posted about my handsome Hubbie, I figured I'd go ahead and give you some background on how we met.

It was 1998 and I had just turned 16.  Hubbie was 17.  We both were in high school and had just started our first jobs at one of the few Chick-fil-A restaurants in town.  My first encounter with Hubbie was one Saturday during lunch rush!  It was my first Saturday to work on the counter and I was scared!  We had to have memorized all the menu items, how much they cost, what they were, etc.  Several items had "chicken salad" in the name- one was sandwich and one was a salad.  One of my few orders on the register that day, was a mean, middle aged man who ordered chicken salad.  I kept asking him if he wanted the sandwich or the salad.  He kept telling me chicken salad.... I kept saying sandwich or salad?!  HAHA!  Its really quite hilarious now.... but it wasn't at the time!  This went on for a while and I think I finally rang up the salad.  When I gave the customer his order, he was furious!  He yelled at me!  He called me all sorts of mean, nasty things!  The whole time Hubbie was beside me (don't worry...this isn't the sapp part yet!) trying to help diffuse the angry man.  It didn't help.  Finally the customer took his tray and sat at the a table.  I was relieved that that was finally over.  Fat chance!  Before I knew it, the angry man stormed up to the counter and threw the chicken salad cup at me.  I broke down in tears.  I was devastated that someone would treat me so mean!  Uhhhh.... life.....  the manager of the day came up and asked Hubbie to help me the rest of the shift!  The end of that day didn't come quick enough!  I was so upset and had cried too many tears over that mean man!  When my parents came to pick me up that afternoon, Mom said it looked like I had been crying.  The man throwing the chicken salad at me became a fast favorite around the store and at home!  

The next few months went by OK.  I was quickly dubbed a "chipmunk on crack" because of my size and personality!  I also did anything and everything someone told me to do......  All the pion hazing jobs!  Can someone say gullible?!  Thankfully other "newbies" came along and the distraction was focused on other kids and I quick thrived at my job.  During the Fall, several of us kids started to form a friendship and began to hang out on the weekends and attend local concerts, out to eat/movies and church events.  Hubbie was among one of the "kids" and I quickly realized that he was starting to like me.... a lot.  I didn't really like him, but I decided to give him a chance and get to know him.  The more I hung out with him or talked with him, the more I realized that this was an angry dude.  It wasn't necessarily WHAT he did or WHAT he said... I just didn't think he was a suitable guy for me to date, etc.  Hubbie said that he was a Christian and I questioned that.....which made him angry.  He was 100% positive that he was a Christian.  Hubbie attended church with me a time or two but that was met with opposition(on his side, not mine), so it ended quickly.  

When Valentine's Day rolled around and I walked into the "break room" of the store, I saw some roses and a card for me.  I was mortified.  Not only did he embarrass me, but I had NO desire to date this guy!  That evening as we were leaving the store, I put the flower arrangement on the top of my car and the vase slid off.  I had a broken vase and a bunch of roses on the ground beside the car.  I was so upset. Not because the vase had broken, but because I didn't want anyone to think that I had done that on purpose!  

All this time, the co-workers had gotten very involved in our "relationship"!  Most became a sounding board between the two sides.  I was at a loss for how to break his heart gently.  Then Hubbie asked me to the prom.  I was in NO way going to attend his prom with him!  I had friends tell me to do it just to have a fun night, but I just wasn't someone who would string a guy along in hopes... so I began to ignore his phone calls and tried the "ignore him and maybe he'll go away" approach.  It didn't work.  I finally wrote him a note telling him that since he was not a believer I would not date him.  I was honest.... brutally honest, but I wanted him to know what was going on and I was tired of him "stalking me".  Hubbie wrote me a VERY angry letter back.  He defended his "relationship" with God.  He said he wasn't a hick... yes, I did... I did call him a hick.  Believe you me... he was one!  Tight jeans.  Tee shirts.  Belt buckles.  Cow boy boots.  Yes sir, he was.  The note was long and mean and he was angry!  After that we barely spoke.  We worked together, but I would always beg the manager that evening to put me as far away from him as possible.  I usually got my way.  

The summer came and went and Hubbie was going to a college a few hours away.  I was relieved that I wouldn't see him on a regular basis.  Around Christmas time, he did come back to work at the "Chick" during vacation. I had been promoted to a Team Leader and was starting to run shifts.  In the Spring of 2000 Hubbie had finished his first year at the out-of-town school, came home and was going to be attending a local school here the following year.  He came back to work at the Chick and was so different.  His whole attitude was different.  He was mellow-er.  He was more "agreeable".... just a different demeanor.  He was even reading his Bible on breaks.... this was weird!  Who was this guy?

To be continued.......

After All Tomorrow Is Another Day

Does life just ever get you "down"?  Last week was one of those weeks.  Hubbie and I were assuming that since this week was gonna be a doozy at work, he'd be able to come home at a decent time aka home in time for dinner.  Well, Monday mid morning rolls around and Hubbie tells me to not expect him home early any night that week.  Lovely, huh?!  And he was right.  He wasn't home for a single dinner.  Saturday finally rolled around, but Hubbie had already paid for and organized his team for the Mud Run, so he had to run.  When Hubbie got home from that, he told me that he'd be at work ALL DAY Sunday.  Yup.  He did.  ALL DAY LONG.  I think my husband has worked almost 70 hrs this week... maybe a tad bit more... maybe a tad bit less.  Either way, he worked a ton.  And he's gonna be working a ton this coming up week too.

I'm exhausted.  I'm frustrated.  I'm annoyed.  I miss my husband.  My boys miss their Daddy.  I'm a bunch of things I can't say on the blog.  (HAHA!  It wouldn't be nice.)  I've cooked just about every easy meal known to man.  We've been to Chick-fil-A and had frozen pizza and pb and jelly sandwiches too many times.  Its been a long week and another long one just started.

About half way through the week, I had HAD it.  I kept holding out hope that maybe- just maybe- that night was the night that we could have a normal, family evening.  Then Hubbie told me that afternoon to not count on it and I went into fussing mode.  I know I can't really fuss at Hubbie.  He doesn't have any control of the amount of work put on him.  Or the deadlines.  Or the "bugs".  So, I fussed and fumed and hollered and yelled a little too much at my children.  It didn't make me feel any better.  Throughout the day a verse had been "popping" into my head.....

"And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Actually, the verse didn't pop into my head, but the Scripture chapter and verse did.  Finally, half way through the day, I decided to stop ignoring the urging of the Holy Spirit and go look it up.  Well, boy, did I feel stupid!  All that day, God had been gently tapping my shoulder and telling me to be careful of my attitude.  I felt convicted and tried sooooo hard to keep my bubbling anger down and to start counting my blessings.  I prayed a lot that afternoon.  I still got frustrated that Hubbie was still not home by bedtime.  Peanut kept saying "Daddy home soon?"  and it broke my heart.  Or when Bubbie said "Daddy's working late AGAIN?!"  But, I do need to be thankful for what God has given to our family.... and that my husband has a job.... whether its stressful or difficult or bad or whatever... its a job and it pays the bills......and I know the stress of having a family and being out of a job.  

So, as we begin a new week, a week that we will not see Hubbie very often, if at all, I have decided to put positive thoughts into my head.  This is not easy.  All I want to do is complain and scream and yell and make sure SOMEONE knows how unhappy I am, but that could get my husband fired, so I won't go do that!  HAHA!  I have decided that we will have a good and fun week.  I have been praying through Scripture verse that deal with anxiousness and need to be positive about what is going on.  I am looking forward to Friday evening and Saturday.  I am praying for a healthy family(the kids have been sick for about a week or so) for a long, long time.  I am praying for a wonderful weekend celebrating Hubbie's 29th birthday.  

My Pollyanna List

• husband's job- income that provides for our needs and wants
• a sweet and loving Father who gave the Holy Spirit so that I would be reminded of His Word, even during a bad day
• a loving, devoted, caring and self-less husband/daddy/man
• precious friends who let me complain
• supportive family
• a home that the Lord was so sweet to give to us- in our price range- in a neighborhood that we couldn't have afforded
• an unexpected blogging "payday" so that i could get a pedicure    
• cable TV so that I can get my "fix" of reality TV
• clothing to fold
• bathrooms to clean
• food to prepare
• fun day going to yard sales by myself, out with a girlfriend and getting pedicures!          
• a new trashcan (HAHA! Ours has been without a lid for MONTHS!)
• naps
• Buggy's personality emerging and he has quite a sense of humor
• Bubbie, who would rather me read his favorite books, than watch Pink Panther
• Peanut, when he says, love YOU, love YOU and so quick to say "sorry" and give kisses
• a restored marriage
• almost being debt free
• new-to-us furniture coming our way
• answers to prayers (my g'parents house is under contract and I found a co-op for next year)
• we found a new church
• free make-up
• and I'm sure there are a TON more... 
• but you get the idea...  I am blessed and I should have a thankful heart!  Here is to a great week!                                                                  

No Menu This Week...

No menu this week.  I have no clue what I will do this week.  I really didn't have any time to prepare.  We have food in the house, so I know it'll be simple things.  It may be more of what we did last week- a lot of sandwiches, perhaps some quick tacos, pancake suppers, a little Chick-fil-A and probably a frozen pizza or two.

  Have a great week!  

Winner!

We have winners for the giveaway going on here!  A big thanks to all who entered!

Paci Free House

Last Friday, I took Peanut to the doc, for the second time that week, to check up on this mysterious virus/fever/junk that he had had for a few days.  The cold that came along with the fever resulted in a big bad ear infection.  While the doc was examining him, we were chatting about kids and the funny (yeah, haha! very funny!) way kids pick up everything germy and it all goes in their mouth!  I asked about Peanut's constant drooling.  All 4 of his "2 yr molars" have broken through, so I figured the drooling would lighten up now.  The doc mentioned that having the pacifier was definitely helping with the amount of saliva created and that we should  really think about getting rid of that.

Peanut hasn't always been a pacifier dude.  When he was born, Hubbie and I were both pacifier zealots!  No pacifiers around our kid!  We were determined to have a nurser and boy! did we ever!  All he wanted to do was suck, then he would eat too much and spit up.  It was an on going cycle.  By month two or three, I was done being a pacifier for the kid, that ate every hour on the hour, and began to give Peanut every single pacifier EVER made!  We tried them all.  Whether they "resembled" Mama or not, we tried it!  Nothing worked.  Finally, around 6 mos, we began to let Peanut "cry it out" and FINALLY found a pacifier that he would at least "play with".

Soon enough, the pacifier was Peanut's life.  He slept with his pacifiers.  He played with his "paci".  He even ate with his pacifier.  He wasn't quite as attached as his oldest Bubbie was (who slept with at least 2 or 3 every single night!) but it was almost as bad.  

When we found out that we were expecting no. 3, we decided to gradually introduce changes into Peanut's life since he was still so young.  I have no issues with a 2 yr old having a pacifier, but older than that and trying to talk, ehhhh...... thats getting a little yucky for me.  We introduced the "big boy" bed first.  He took to that pretty quickly.  I installed a child's doorknob cover on the inside of Peanut's room so that he couldn't get out. We did the 'ole Super Nanny routine and it worked like a charm- just as it had for Bubbie.  (Consistency is key with kiddos!)  Once we had tackled the bed, baby "bu-boo" came along.  Peanut became more attached to his pacifier and I decided to let him have it for a few more months.  

Finally, in January, Peanut was 2 yrs old and I had had it with the pacifier- talking thing!  UGH!  It would just hang while he was trying to talk!  Disgusting!  So, we began Operation Paci Fairy.  It worked well, as long as Hubbie and I were vigilant with getting the paci away from Peanut as soon as he woke up.  We did really well with that unless Peanut was sick... which is why Peanut had his pacifier at his doc appt on Friday.  When my kids are sick, I usually throw all standard "Mommy rules" out the window and just make my kiddos feel better.  

I came home from the doc appt and told Hubbie that the doc wanted us to get rid of the pacifier.  That night, after looking at Peanut's last pacifier in the whole house (all other ones had gotten dirty, bad, etc.) I realized that this one, too, needed to be thrown away and there was NO chance that I was buying another package of pacifiers, so Operation Get-Rid-Of-Paci began!  

Bless his heart!  Peanut was so sad that pacifier was gone.  Hubbie came up with a story- kinda like when your animal was sick and your parents told you that "it" was going to the farm to get fixed.  I gotta say- my parents never told me this story and I don't think his (folks)did either.... so who knows where he got this from!!  But anyway, Hubbie told Peanut that the pacifier was dirty and that we had to send it to the "farm".  Peanut got really into this farm thing since he loves animals so much.  So, every day, Peanut would say "paci?" and we would say "At the farm getting cleaned!"  Peanut would reply, "with the cows, the neighs and roars?!"  I, begin the best mommy in the world, said "Yup! With the cows and horses and dinosaurs!"  And Peanut would continue about his day.  I think it made him happy to know it was coming back....  Come to think of it, I guess we are teaching to lie?!  Hmmm....perhaps not the worlds "BEST mommy!"  I think I should go add some change to "Peanut's shrink fund"!  

I do gotta say, I felt like the world's worst mother to take away his pacifier while he had an ear infection, but he survived.  He only cried about it once or twice and he didn't even ask about it today....... yet.  

                                   

He is doing awesome and well on his way becoming a big boy!  Go Peanut!  

Hubbie's 1st Mud Run

Hubbie and a few guys from work, formed a group and participated in a local "Mud Challenge".  Its hilarious to look at the pictures.  Hubbie and his coworkers were covered in mud and clay and sprayed with water while they did a series of obstacle courses and ran a few miles.  The guys or better known as "The Extremely Soggy Individuals" did a great job and Hubbie is ready for another one!

This was the mudrun that I was hoping to participate in with a bunch of MOPS moms, but the more I looked at pictures of the course, I decided that I wasn't quite ready for it yet!  Also, a lot of gals backed out and only ended up being 2 of the 10 that had originally hoped to do it!  I would like to say "next year" but frankly, I really hate getting dirty.  Or wet!  I'm sure its fun, but next year, I think I'll just take the boys and we'll watch Daddy get really dirty!!!  

Photo credits:  Top pic, a friend of Hubbie; Bottom pic, Sharon, from Scribbletime Photography

Baby Bean is 8 Months

Baby Bean,                                                                                                        May 15, 2010


  What a joy you have been this last month!  You are so ecstatic to be moving!  You crawl like a pro... never missing a beat.  You have been pulling up since you started crawling (just about a month and a half now) and I am just amazed, everyday, at how big you are getting.  Your daddy says that you wave to him, when I'm not looking, of course!  You are starting to find your voice.  Every once in a while you start to make sounds that sound like Mama or Dada or hi, but you never get to finish your thoughts!  Someone else is always talking... big brothers or your Mama!!!  You love your big brothers... you watch them... you take their toys... you grin and just want to be near them!  Your big brothers are a wonderful entertainment for you and help Mama A LOT!  I wish you could stay this size forever.  You are so pleasant and smiley.  You continue to be a social butterfly and get passed around everywhere we go!  Everyone just loves to hold and cuddle with you.  Speaking of cuddling... you don't do much of that with me anymore.  What is up, dude?!  You nurse for 2 seconds and then move on.  It worried me enough to pull out the sample of formula and start to give you a bottle or day a day.  You still nurse and for that I'm thankful, but having that bottle of formula that I know you'll drink, on the go, makes this Mama a tad bit more comfortable.  You still do not have any teeth and must be following your oldest brother on this one.  Peanut had teeth by now.  You still LOVE to bite me after you're done eating though..and I just LOVE that!!!  You are eating everything you can get your hands on.  You do not enjoy Mama's homemade carrots, but everything else Mama makes you, you gobble up.  You love biter biscuits, graham crackers, gerber puffs and yogurt!  You love all fruits in your "feeder" and enjoy sucking on your two fingers(second and middle of your left hand) after each and every bite!  You continue to stay on a wonderful schedule of napping after nursing every day around 9 or 10 am and then again around 2 with your big brothers.  You don't always get the quiet nap time that you deserve, but I do insist on a quiet house between 1 or 2 and 4 or 5 and HATES anyone that rings the doorbell between those hours!  You had your first fever this past week... around 100 degrees.  We aren't sure if it was something to do with teething or perhaps you caught a tiny bit of your brother's virus.  Either way, I am thankful that it only lasted a few hours.  Now you have a cough and a tiny bit of a crusty nose.  You bring a lot of laughter and joy to this house.  You are a wonderful baby boy who is growing too fast for this Mama!  We love you to pieces and can't get enough of your chubby cheeks or precious squeaky toy laughs!

lovin' the hat, dude

 those precious baby hands.... and those cheeks...yummy

my baby boy's blue blue eyes....  what a handsome baby boy you are...

And I do not know what we are gonna do with that hair!!!  It crack me up and we get stopped all the time in stores and doc offices...all talking about that hair!!!  Someone told me today to just buzz it....  HECK NO woman!!

Happy 8 months to my darling baby boy! 

My Surprise!

You may remember, back in February, my lovely SIL and I were asked to participate in PAXBaby.com 13 Days of Peace and Love.  Go here to view my entry.  We were promised a surprise and today it came in the mail!

I got the one with dark brown hair, tan shirt and black/white sling and I love it!  Its the cutest keychain I have ever seen and I think its quite fitting since about 50% of the time, Baby Bean is attached to me!  I can't wait to find out which one my SIL receives!  

These wooden peg dolls are made by Fancie Fannies and they even have an Etsy store here.  

A big thanks to the PAXbaby.com peeps!  It was a sweet surprise!

Check on my giveaway here.  Ends Sunday.  

Long Road To Community

About a year ago, we found out that our small church (an extension of a larger church nearby) was going to be shutting its doors.  To say that we were devastated was probably an understatement.  We were crushed.  Hubbie and I had fully immersed ourselves into this body of believers!  We joined small groups and helped the children's ministry.  Anything we were asked, we did.  We weren't always happy about some of the things going on, but we stuck with it for one reason- we fell in love with the people.  I think this church was the first time that I was fully surrounded by real believers.  Now, before I continue with this blog post, I want to define "real believers" so that no one gets huffy!  When I say "real believers" I mean, a large group of  real people who believe in God.  Not Sunday morning Christians, but people that mess up.  People that don't always look "the part".  People that don't necessarily have a squeaky background and actually admit to it!  It was, I think, a beginning of a new way for me to approach God and to question, perhaps, my own Christian walk and daily living.  Ya see, I have been raised in church my whole life... So, being around these people that loved God and, some of them, on this new journey to learning how to live a Christ centered life was a wonderful experience for me.  Like I said, there were issues that we weren't pleased about.  Hubbie and I had discussed things that we were hoping would change and towards the end of Spring, we felt like things were getting to an unhealthy point.  Sure enough, the church closed its doors and we were left without a home again.  We have moved around to so many churches in our marriage, it was really upsetting that we had been totally plugged in and in a home and now the rug had been pulled out from underneath us.

In the last year, Hubbie and I have taken a lot of time in deciding on a new place of worship for our family.  We wanted a place where we felt like our children were safe and properly cared for (and no, not every church has this).  Hubbie wanted a place with good sound teaching and a decent worship experience.  I wanted a place that I could be free to be myself in and to wear my baby and even nurse in the auditorium, if necessary.  I wanted a family home.  The weeks turned into months....then life got crazy when Baby Bean was born, so we took a month or two off.  We had found a church or two that we liked, but we didn't love it.  The more we went, the more Hubbie and I would question why we were going....  finally, we realized, that we were going for the wrong reasons and it wasn't our home.  So, the search began again.  I think towards the end of Fall, beginning of Winter, we were fed up.  We were tired of trying and taking our children to a new nursery every week.  We were tired of not being able to really worship on Sunday, but "interview" the church and the different areas.  It was exhausting and we were tired!

As the months went on, we wondered if we were suppose to go back to the church that I had grown up in.  I talked to a girlfriend about it and I needed to know why were we going back.  Its a LONG LONG story of why we left and its about a bazillion years old and water under the bridge, so no need to rehash it on the blog... but I didn't want to go back, find something else "better" and leave again.  Not that the church isn't "good" enough for us, but I didn't want to go for the wrong reasons and I love the people that go there, but I don't know if it felt like home.... maybe its been too many years to go back.  Either way, we were stuck in between two places of worship- two different types of worship- and each offered a different type of home.

Finally, a friend, suggested a church her and her family had just started going to.  I was doubtful because of an experience we had had with the same church about 8 or 9 years earlier, but encouraged when hearing her description of it!   It sounded like something we would like.  I went home the same day and did a "sales pitch" for the church to Hubbie.  He was just as doubtful as I had been.  Our first visit was a week or two before Christmas.  We questioned a lot of it... but we really had no where else to try.  We continued to go through Christmas and the early part of this year.  We had an issue or two with me keeping Baby Bean with us.  I hated posting that anywhere (on FB or on the blog) but we did.  I think it might have been an over zealous usher, but still, he(B) barely made a noise and I was "ushered" out AS I was leaving!!  (Mommy pride had to be swallowed and I have to forgive this woman!!  ;o)  )  But anyway, that situation definitely made us rethink this particular church and churches in general.  We stayed away for a week or two and started the search again.  We kept going back to this particular church, because of the Pastor.  The sermons are phenomenal.  Every single one has been full of teaching, a lot of Bible flipping and notes taking going on in the service.  You can tell that people are there to study and learn and grow.  This is a little different from the last church where the sermon was more geared to seekers.  It was nice to be able to sit and be taught.  Hubbie and I continued the debate and questioned the situation with the baby.  I still keep the baby with me in service.  I don't know why I do.  I haven't left him at very many places.  He finally started taking a nap right around the time the service starts, so I sling him and just prepare to leave the auditorium if he makes noises.  I did have a friend speak to the Pastor about our issue and it sounds like it might have just been an over zealous usher.  Once we switched sides of the auditorium, we haven't had any weird looks or issues.  Thank goodness!  But anyway....

Two months ago, we decided to take the first step in finding out more about the church and becoming members.  We took a membership class and got one-on-one information about the church.  The best thing the men said was that they didn't want us to come and join the church, unless we felt lead to worship and serve there.  Now, if you've been going to a church for a long time, you know this is pretty unusual talk.  HAHA!  Most people want to "pack the house" and fill the pews!  Numbers!  Numbers!  But not this place.... and I think thats when we started to fall in love.....  We went home that night searching for answers.  We needed to figure out our gifts and then pray and see if we could use ours at this church.  We talked a lot those first few weeks.  We asked the church for some time to pray before signing  the "dotted line" and becoming members.

I think, for us, it wasn't a perfect church, but its definitely a family church.  Lots of kids.  Lots of older people.  Tons of small groups.  Not too big and not too small.  Hubbie had to get use to the style of music (which is something that I had grown up listening to) but all in all, its an awesome place to worship!  I enjoy getting up on Sunday and knowing where we will be worshiping that day.  We don't try and rush to church to get there for worship (we try to get there on time) but we don't want to miss the sermon, which is exactly opposite than our last church.  We never left the church talking about the sermon and excited about what we had heard and learned.....  so we are joining.  And it feels great.

This whole process has been a huge learning experience.  I questioned God's reasons for allowing the church to close.  We still miss our old small group buddies and their weekly friendship desperately.  Facebook just isn't enough.  These people had become like family, but we are joining new small groups and getting plugged in the best we can at the new place.  We are excited about our journey at this new place!

Giveaways!!

Check out my giveaway blog!  Two winners for this giveaway! I am giving away 2 bottles of the new all Oxi-Active laundry detergent!  All you gotta do is comment!  Contest ends on Sunday!




A girlfriend has started a blog called The Mom-tage and is hosting a giveaway along with starting up a book club of sorts every month!  I can't wait to start reading the first book!  Check it out here!  And don't forget to drool over the header made by my talented friend.  Lots of cute pics, including my family's pic last Spring! ;o)


Hope everyone has a great weekend!  Here is hoping and praying for a sick free rest of the month for our family so that we can enjoy it!

Mother's Day 2010

My husband does a marvelous job making me feel special and always putting my needs before his.  On special days like birthdays and mother's day, he goes way beyond and pulls out all the stops!  This year was no exception!  

Hubbie made this for my Mother's Day breakfast!  Just in case you can't tell what it is....its a homemade Strawberry and Cream Cheese danish... Oh yeah!  Entenmann's eat your heart out!  

I woke up to coffee cake, cards and flowers.  Hubbie also made me my favorite drink- a mocha java chiller!  YUM!  It wasn't breakfast in bed but I did get to sleep in until 8am which is a pretty big deal since I am the one that always gets up with the kiddos.  

Mother's Day wasn't necessarily relaxing.  I was still trying to recover from several long nights of being up with Peanut who was sick with a virus and ear infection.  I was assuming we would be sick on Sunday, so I didn't prepare well for my parents coming over.  Once we realized that everyone was well, we had to hustled to get the house and food ready for lunch!  Lunch was lovely though.  Hubbie made burgers and grilled and a lemon pie.  Mom had potato salad and a strawberry pie.  The weather was gorgeous- sunny and cool!  

We gave Mom her gift - a canvas with each of her 6 grandchildren's hand prints on it- thanks to my beautiful SIL who took on the responsibility of getting the frame and sending it to me so that Mom could have it on Mother's Day!   Dad set up Skype so that we could get online with my brother, SIL and their 3 kiddos and open the gift together!  It was so nice to be able to see the kiddos!  The boys get so excited about their cousins on the computer!

Hubbie and I ended the day with an at-home date!  We love having our mini dates at home with some take out and a movie, Everybody's Fine!  We get the kiddos in bed a tad bit early, eat dinner and watch a movie!  Its so much more relaxing than running out to dinner or trying to arrange childcare!  (I know, we're an old married couple!) And I get to stay in my PJs and fall asleep whenever I want to!!!  What could be better!

All in all, it was a fabulous Mother's Day and I felt loved and appreciated!  I enjoyed spending the day with my family!  

Queen For The Day!

On the Friday before Mothers Day, I got to be queen for the day!  Bubbie's teacher had a special "Mother's Day Tea" set up for all the children's moms.  The tea started off with a special "production" and the kids did a great job!  I wish I could share the pictures, but too many kiddos in the shots!  After the kids sang to their Mothers, the children served us yummy finger foods!   The kids did a wonderful job!  Once everyone was finished eating, all of us Mothers were given gifts!  Talk about being spoiled!!  Bubbie had done a wonderful job creating special keepsakes for me and even made me a crown!

On our way out of the school, hand in hand, Bubbie told me "Mama, you look so pretty!"  What more could a girl ask for?!

Maybe He Was Right?!

Maybe Bubba was right?!  I think I really do love pasta!  Go here to see the lastest pasta meal that I served my family!

Free Detergent?!

Who doesn't LOVE something free?!  Especially if you're a Mom, have little boys and/or have piles of week old laundry like I do!  Check it out here!

Check It Out

A new blog has been born!  You might wanna check out what Dana has been up to!  Go here to read more!

Bubbie's Words

I received a special treat in Bubbie's folder, from school, today.  It was a "fill in the blank" mom-questionaire where Bubbie was asked certain questions about me.  I totally love his answers.  Its always nice to find out what your child thinks of you when you aren't around coaching or putting words in their mouth.  

My Mom......

    is?  28 yrs old    YES!!  Way to go Bubbie!  Correct answer!

    is the prettiest when? she blows the candles out on her birthday.  Aw, how sweet (as a tear falls!)

    likes to make? PASTA  Really?!  Oh, ok!  Maybe that was a hint that I need to make more?

    always says?  Be good.  No, not as much as "BE CAREFUL!!!" and "OBEY!!!"

    is funny when she?  has me help her with dinner.  Why is that funny Bubbie?!?!  HAHA!  

Like I said, its always great to find out whats going on in the head of your child!  

Menu Plan Monday ~ Week of May 10th

Monday night- Breakfast (waffles w/ hand picked strawberries and whip cream, bacon)

Tuesday night- Leftover Creamy salsa tacos, guacamole/salsa/sour cream and chips

Wednesday night- Rio Grande soup with bread (from last week- forgot about Mother's Day lunch!)

Thursday night- Leftover soup

Friday night-  Homemade Pizza

Saturday lunch- Leftover pizza/ Saturday night- Chicken Penne Alfredo with veggies and bread

Sunday lunch- Out/ Sunday night- Dijon chicken on the grill, baked potatoes and veggies

                We had a pretty hectic week and then everything went South when Peanut got sick in the middle of the night on Wednesday.  We did have a good family weekend.  Thankfully Peanut's fever broke on Friday afternoon and no one else (knock on wood!) has gotten this awful virus or the cold that follows it.  Its one nasty bug!  Peanut ended up getting an ear infection as a result.  But anyway, we had a lazy at-home weekend.  My parents ended up coming over on Sunday for lunch.  Hubbie made all my favorites for Mother's Day (more about that later).  It wasn't a relaxing day because of having three kids, BUT Hubbie did let me sleep in until after 8!  Go Hubbie!  




For more menu planning ideas, visit Laura.