Menu Plan Monday- Week of February 28th thru March 6th, 2011

Well, I didn't meal plan last week (shocking, I know!) but since it was the end of the month, I still had meals planned from my monthly menu I made for the month of February.  Nothing sounded appetizing but tuna fish sandwiches for lunch and breakfasts for dinner.  Even things like Naan Pizzas sounded awful, but once I made it and sat down to eat, it was really yummy and a delicious meal for two nights out of the week.

But anywho!  Here we are..... another month is beginning and I'm in my food rut STILL.  I did take a quick gander at E-Mealz to get some ideas and inspiration.

So, here is what we'll hopefully be eating this week.

Monday-  Leftover Chicken and Dumpling casserole Sides:  peas

Tuesday-  Kids Eat Free Night at Chick-Fil-A  (Dr Seuss' birthday celebration!)

Wednesday-  French Toast casserole   Sides: sausage and strawberries

Thursday-  Leftover french toast casserole with sides

Friday-  Homemade pizza  Sides: salad and cheese bread

Saturday lunch-  Leftovers from pizza night
Saturday evening-  Dinner with friends

Sunday lunch- Steak tips in crockpot Sides: mashed potatoes, squash and biscuits
Sunday evening-  Burgers on the grill Sides:  oven fries and baked beans


Breakfast for the week:  Oatmeal, cereal (whatever we already have), Peanut Butter muffins and/or banana bread.

Lunches for the week:  Egg salad sandwiches, subs, mini hot dogs, quesadillas and p.b. and j with chips, fruit, yogurt and jello.


For more meal tips and ideas, visit Laura at I'm An Organizing Junkie.  :o)  Have a great week!

A Message For Mommies

The other day, while making breakfast, I started listening to this message.  Probably not a good idea, since I didn't feel good and was already emotional......  tears started falling at one point and I wasn't sure if I could continue breakfast.  :o)  Its such a wonderful message of encouragement and the last part gets me every time.  I encourage you to spend 28 mins listening.  

Comfort In Knowing...

"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.  Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.  If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.  Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."                          




                                                                             Matthew 6:25-34  

Fighting In A Marriage

The other night, Hubbie and I were arguing in the kitchen and Bubbie was doing something that made him come and go out of the room.  Finally he sat down and exasperatedly said "I do not like when y'all fight."  Hubbie and I continued to finish our argument that ended quickly with apologizes,  hugs and kisses and the realization that we were arguing about something that we argue about the most- COMMUNICATION!

Ugh!  When will we conquer that?!  We don't fight money.  We don't fight kids.  We rarely fight s-e-x.  We don't fight all the biggies, but most of our fights come from lack of communication and/or expectations of the other.

After the fight was over, and we continued about our evening, getting the kids fed and in bed, I started to feel guilty about fighting in front of Bubbie and him disliking us doing it.  But after I thought about the situation for a second, I decided that I had nothing to feel guilty about.

Ya see, I grew up never EVER seeing my parents fight.  To this day, I have NEVER EVER seen my parents fight.  I've seen my Dad annoyed.  I've seen my Mom annoyed.  But never did I hear anything negative about father until I was much older, married and out of the house (and even then, it was just a "oh, Dad does that" kind-of-a-thing)...... and not saying fighting has to have parents bickering or saying negative things behind the other persons back, but they didn't fight or argue or bicker or show any kind of disappointment or disdain for the other.... MY WHOLE LIFE.

Some would say, "THAT IS WONDERFUL!!!  Your parents are role models to follow!"  And while I agree with that statement, I also know that a big part of Hubbie's and my marriage issues is that we came into a marriage not knowing how to argue and fight in a Godly way.

Hubbie says he didn't grow up seeing his parents argue either.  Since this isn't his blog.  I will stop there and not say more, out of respect, but I do see how my views and his views of a marriage and marriage issues make us clash on this topic of fighting.

So, the other night, after we had finished and resolved the argument, I went up to Bubbie, kissed and hugged him and told him that I loved him, that I loved his Daddy and that married people sometimes have disagreements and argue, but it doesn't mean we don't love each other.

Now, I know, that part of Bubbie's dislike for our arguments is because he doesn't like conflict,  but I have a guilty suspicion its because he grew up listening to us arguing when he was a baby.

We argued A LOT when he was a baby.  We argued for probably the year or two of his life.  It was the way we communicated.  Without arguing, we didn't have much productive communication.  We were both stressed and MAXED out on life, bills and each other.  Once we began FPU and marriage counseling, we began to learn better communication skills and expectations.

So, what do I want my children to learn from their father and myself about fighting in a marriage?

1- Don't argue/ fight often.


Jesus got angry.  I believe that the Lord added that verse in the Bible so that we wouldn't beat ourselves up about getting angry or mad at someone.  Its what you do with that anger that the Lord wants to convict us about.  In a marriage, there is going to be "conflict" and arguments and fights.  You just don't want a marriage full of fighting and bickering.  If you are, get counseling to determine the issue and resolve it quickly.  Once satan finds a hole in your marriage, he will wear away at it until its no longer a "small issue" and it can break up the marriage.


2-  Fight clean.  Don't fight using words that will damage.  And stick to the issue.  And SHOW RESPECT!


Psalm 34:13 says "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies."  And Steve Green did a song YEARS AND YEARS ago from this verse (which is the ONLY way I knew that this verse existed!  I remembered the tune!)


When Hubbie and I were first married and when we argued, we pulled all the guns out and did a lot of damage to each other.  We brought up anything that was low and what we knew would hurt.  We learned years later what kind of damage it had done.  I think we are much more cautious to not "fight dirty" and knowing that once we've said those things, we can never erase them.  And that this marriage thing is long term, so you're gonna have to sleep with that person later.  ;o)


Also, women will internalize the hurtful things that he said as in " I don't love you"  But men will hear the same words, spoken by his wife and internalize them by thinking that his wife is saying "I don't respect you."


3-  Always ALWAYS resolve it!


I know this is more of a thing for me, since I'm a deal-er... Hubbie wants to let it go and move on and not deal with it.  I want to deal with it(meaning talk it to death!) and THEN move on.  True, I can pester someone to death about a topic, but I just want it resolved so that it doesn't come up later.  Many-a-nights we've gone to bed angry.  And yes, I know (Eph 4:26) .....  I have no good excuse.  Sometimes its late.  Sometimes its a big issue.  Sometimes one of us has been too angry to communicate and its been late when the fight starts...so we go to bed....Something I wouldn't recommend BUT sometimes we don't do things the right way.


4-  Always ALWAYS show affection in front of your children.


I know this isn't a "fighting" one, but I think showing affection in front of your children will remind them that even though their parents argue sometimes, they still go back to being loving and affectionate with one another.


Now, just in case someone is wondering, our marriage is fine.  We've weathered A LOT of storms together and are stronger because of it.  We cling to the hope in Him and know that there isn't any other way to have a marriage than one that Christ- centered... something we need to do better at.  We don't argue a lot, but a few nights ago was one of those things that just happened unintentionally-  I was sick.  I am pregnant.  He was super late.  I had expectations of him doing certain things once he got home.  He was annoyed that I was annoyed at him about things that he was doing because I had asked them to be done....etc. etc. etc.  :o)  A very silly argument.  And one that could have been avoided by COMMUNICATION!  ;o)

Sure, it could have been taken care of behind closed doors, but again, my children need to see parents argue- LOVINGLY, resolve it and move on with life.  :o)  Geesh!  We are about to have 4 children, if every time we had a disagreement or something to say to each other and we needed to be behind closed doors, the issues would NEVER get taken care of and we'd be two 50 yr old empty nesters- looking at each other, resentful of all the things that we didn't discuss!  :o)  HAHA!  In my opinion!

I think if Hubbie and I strive to live a Godly life and marriage, knowing that the other is a fallen-sinful human being, but yet, show them respect and love WHILE arguing, I think our kids will pick up on that.

If not, then its one more thing to add to the therapist bill YEARS from now!!



These are just my opinions and thoughts on the subject.  PLEASE! tell me your thoughts and opinions.

 ...How do you fight and argue in a marriage?  Do you?  In front of kids?  Do you think the way your parents did it has made a difference in your marriage?

Week of Blahs!

This week I feel like I'm in another world.... the world of Blahs!  I feel crappy.  I have no desire to do much.... no cooking, no cleaning and definitely no laundry.  UGH!  I am trying to remember to be THANKFUL for me feeling crappy and us not having some infection or sickness that requires lots of antibiotics or doctor's visits or months of being cooped up.  God has been so good to us this Fall/Winter... He has answered so many prayers and I am very thankful for our health.

But, when a Mama feels like this, its hard to do much.  I did get out on Monday for my filling and shopping and felt terrible as the day wore on.  Plus, it was warm... like in the 80s and I was dressed for 60-70's weather.  I was hot and a cold/sinus issues+pregnancy+being hot wasn't a good combination. On Tuesday, we HAD to get to the library.  Late books and late videos mean $$ $$... and we already had fines!  UGH!  We stopped on our way home at Brusters to use our gift card and coupons and I was able to feed our crew lunch and ice cream for $3.  SCORE!  The weather was gorgeous and the boys and I enjoyed our fun outing....  I did feel better getting up and out of the house, but once I got home, I had to lay down.  Its like the trip drained me.  On Wednesday we have BSF but I just knew with us being up since 4 am and my head pounding.... I didn't want to rush and struggle to get me and the kids there on time and sit in lecture miserable.... plus, I still wasn't sure what was wrong with Bugs.  Whether it was a cold or sinuses.  I'm still thinking sinus issues.  He seems to be the same as me.  Anyway, now we're at today.  We all seem to be dragging today.  The weather is dreary.... kinda how I feel..... dreary......  I seem to get a burst of energy and do something (like make breakfast) and then start on something else and feel that slap of "crud" again.  Buggy's nose is actually running today... probably because I actually got Xlear up in BOTH nostrils this morning!  YAY for holding your STRONG 17 mo old down to clean out his nose!  Fun stuff!  We have done some school.  I have "cleaned up" the kitchen (i.e. I don't clean the kitchen anymore.  I straighten it for my sweet, darling husband that CLEANS it after his long days at work. XOXO).  Now the boys are happily playing blocks before we start on the rest of our school and I can grab a shower......  hmmm.... can't remember the last time I showered.  Tuesday I think.... so I should probably get off the computer and grab that before its tomorrow and I stink!

Life as a Mom... never dull.... never boring.....

Life as a homeschooling Mama...... never EVER dull and never EVER boring......  

Would I change being either (Mom or home-schooling Mama)?  No way.  

This morning, I got to sit and listen to my 6 yr old do math flash cards.  He got them all right.  Math flash cards!  He wouldn't be doing them, at this level, at an away from home school because he is only in Kindergarten, but because he is at home, I am able to stretch him in areas he needs to be stretched in.  And in other areas that he doesn't enjoy (like writing!) we can take it a bit slower.  I get to sit and listen and teach and watch him grow.  Flashcards of sight words that he had trouble with 6 mos ago, now he's only missing 2 or 3.  To see his progress is so wonderfully encouraging and to be able to see his excitement when he realizes he does something right... .. priceless!

BUT, I am envious of Mamas that send their kiddos to school... right now, I'd love to have my 3 kiddos farmed off at various schools and MDO programs so that I could lay around while they are away.  I know.  I know.  Grass is always greener.  :o)  

Bubbie's To-Do List

Monday- Play outside

Tuesday- Go to library

Wednesday- Clean playroom

Thursday-  Play outside

Friday- Put clothes away

Saturday-  Go to Lowe's to build a race car

Sunday-  Go to church, see friends and listen to a story about Jesus

Monday-  Relax!

I SO wish I had gotten a picture of his list BEFORE he started to cross out.....

I promise you, this morning, while on my the phone with Nana, Bubbie brought me a piece of paper that he had written out his to-do list.  He had been talking about writing out a to-do list all morning, but when I wrote down MY to-do list for him, he got upset.  I guess he took it upon himself to make his own.  He drew pictures, wrote days of the week and the activity......  all by himself.  

Anyone wanna take a guess who he takes after?!

My favorite part was his "relax" day.   Unfortunately, Monday is not a relax day.... he has his magnet class followed by errands on Monday mornings.  But needless to say, I got such a chuckle out of his to-do list.  

And, did you see his chores on the list?  Not too long after the writing up of this to-do list, guess what?!  He actually QUIT complaining about cleaning the playroom and DID IT!  It was a miracle (and probably an answered prayer..... or two.)  Of course, once he finished, he quickly crossed it off his list.

Hmmmm.....apple doesn't fall far from the tree, huh?

He cracks me up.... we are constantly telling him to not worry, be a kid, let Momma and Daddy handle the "details", etc.... and its beginning to be quite difficult to have a conversation where Hubbie and I are trying to figure out things.  Bubbie has to give him input and sadly, its not needed!  :o)  Poor Bubbie... so hard being a kid wanting to be a grown-up!  

I cannot wait to meet his wife!  What a pair they will be!!!

Whats Up?

Well, I didn't mean to take another blogging absence.... but I did!  I've been so preoccupied with baby girl, sewing, family, to-do lists and the weather!

• On Saturday we had a yard sale.... it was successful.  We were able to get some stuff cleared out and make some money.  Sadly, we still have LOTS left!  The shoppers didn't even make a dent in the boys clothing!  I guess we'll plan for another yard sale in May or June.  

• I made a few bids on Ebay for girlie clothing on Friday and won!  I got several outfits for less than $10 (includes shipping!) so that made me happy that I had purchased SOMETHING for baby girl.  Then on Saturday my neighbor offered for me to go through her girl's clothing, that was prepped for a local consignment sale.  I found quite a few pretty dresses and outfits.  Such great colors and thankfully, nothing with butterflies!  :o)  What is it with girl's clothing and butterflies and Winnie the Pooh?!  Oh and everything being pastel pink?  Thankfully, the things I've found, have been so pretty and colorful and girlie!

• The weather has been GORGEOUS in Georgia for over a week now.  I'm just SHOCKED that its stayed this warm for so long.  I know it'll freeze again before Spring stays, but I kinda wish it would go ahead and happen so that I can stop wondering what to dress the kids in every day.  I finally pulled out "Spring/Summer" wear yesterday.  70-80's and sunny!  Awesome!  

• I made my first successful pair of "ruffled pants" for my niece on Sunday.  I have tried two other times and failed MISERABLY!  :o)  I can make the ruffle GREAT and the pants I can do!  I've got ruffles down with a great "trick" but the pants AND ruffles are tricky for me, for some reason.  The pants came out OK... the pattern is CRAZY BIG.... so hopefully they'll fit my sweet, petite niece!  

• Yesterday, after my dreaded cavity filling appt(which went very quickly and was FINE), I ran into Hobby Lobby to browse for bow supplies!  I had a great time thinking and planning.  I found some ribbon CHEAP CHEAP! and a coordinating fabric to go with something I already had.  I am busily browsing Etsy for ideas!  Now that I have a few outfits coming, I knew what colors to match and when she would need bows!  I know girls don't HAVE to wear bows, but goodness! after 3 beautiful and ALL boys, I am ready for some bows!  I know this little one will probably be a little girlie and a little tomboy but while I get a say in her dress, I'm gonna do bows!  

• Bubbie lost his precious teddy bear.  I don't know where Teddy is.... its gotta be in the house SOMEWHERE...  I know we'll find it... but Bubbie is just so crushed to not have it.  

• We are suffering with allergies... I'm assuming.... pollen is flying around with all this gorgeous weather.  Drainage and coughing!  UGH!  Poor Buggy was up SUPER early coughing.  I went ahead and got him up, afraid he would gag on the drainage and throw up.  He fell asleep SUPER early.  Hoping we can adjust to this quickly and it not turn into an infection.  

• Less than 1 month until Hubbie runs his 1st marathon.  He's been training super hard and I think we've both been a little shocked at how intense it has been.  I am begging for a break from training plans after this is over.... and maybe just running for maintenance and stress-reducer for a while.  

• Mom went into the attic to see if she could find anything leftover from my childhood.  She found a few dresses from my baby days.... things that both my grandmothers, mom and even my mom's grandmother had made me when I was itty bitty.  Such memories and a sweet moment for my Mama's only daughter to be having her only daughter.

• Buggy has started pouting and poking out his lip when we tell him "No".  Its HILARIOUS!  He huffs with his lips poked out.  We just laugh at him while he gives us the puppy dog look.  Poor little man! 

• Bubbie got his first library card!  The librarian reminded Bubbie that if he loses the card, he has to pay $2.  My child told the librarian that he had $6.50 so he could replace his card.  Obviously that wasn't the message that the librarian wanted to get across to Bubbie.... UGH! 

Well... guess thats about it.  :o)  Have a happy week!  

The Name Game... Once Again....

What has been occupying my mind lately?  

Baby girl.  

I hope this isn't a foretelling of things to come.... because the night after the sono, I couldn't even sleep.  

My mind was TOO busy to sleep.

I wanted to get everything ready for her- RIGHT THEN.  The bedding!  The clothes!  The tights and bows!

I think she may cause me to have a small anxiety attack.  

Just another one of God's many blessings and lessons in learning to completely trust Him in providing!  

We are so grateful for this blessing of a new life and creation .  

And its a G-I-R-L too! (she's kicking away)

Who would have thought?!

So, my mind is racing with names and clothing and room ideas and car seats and yard sale prep.  

Did you catch that?  Yes, the dreaded two words!  Yard Sale!  

I love GOING to yard sales.  Not so much in having them.  

I just pray we make what we are asking the Lord for....That would be a HUGE blessing!

And it would be great to get rid of the clothing and STUFF that I've had piled up for a few months!  

So, back to more exciting things than our yard sale....

BABY NAMES!  

We have a name that we both like... just not sure I'm IN-LOVE... I'm in like but I want to be IN-LOVE! Or...hmmm.....maybe my problem is I have TOO many names I like.... 

Here are a few that have been rolling around in my head.....    

Mary Cate, Mary Kaitlynn, Kaitlynn, April (Bubbie's name), Amelia Jane, Ella Jane and/or something ending with "Jane"

Bubbie's former preschool teacher has been suggesting names ending with "er" because of the way our children's names flow....  We'd have two ending with an "er" and then the middle two names end with "n"....  She thought it flowed.  She has suggested Parker and Harper.  I'm so thankful for name suggestions.... because I'm in a fog!  (baby girl is having a PAR-TAY)

I thought about Savannah the other day.  That would be a tad bit long with "two names"- wouldn't it?  I really like the two name thing and think it flows with the rest of our children's names.....  but which one?!  

Open for suggestions!  :o)  Oh, and we already have a middle name.  

My First Girl Purchase?

My first baby purchase was GOING to be this, a diaper cover...monogrammed, OF COURSE!  

Hubbie got his first taste of absolute baby girl heaven last night as I drooled over things online and even said he didn't like one item because it wasn't "bright" enough.... ahhh....there is hope!  

I almost purchased these, on clearance at Kellys Kids, but then realized that I could probably make them and then get my friend to monogram them for me.  Not sure if I could make them cheaper though.  Plus, how do you make these big enough for cloth diapers?!  Anyone know?

Also, has anyone had a baby girl in the summer?  I feel like a duck out of water.  Never had a summer babe before.  How do they dress?  Blankets?  Layers?  I want cute Summery things, because in GA, when she'll be born, it'll be in the 100's, for about another month, but we do keep our fans going 24/7 in most of our rooms during the Summer.  Ideas?  

Aren't babies exciting?  Its still strange to look at girl things though.  I'll see small smocked baby boy items and think, nope! won't ever buy those again.  Strange.  Surreal.  Great.  All at the same moment!

The next subject up for debate is .....  NAMES!  I love deciding names for our children.  Carefully picked out..... Each name has a reason or after someone and we have taken great joy in naming them!  Now, its time for baby name no. 4.... and its a girl this time!?!  How many girl names have we picked out, each and every time?  No clue.  Usually had one or two, just in case.  

With Buggy, our girl name was Caitlynn, but I think we said it needed to have a Kaitlynn, because our oldest already had a first name with a  "C".  I don't even remember our girl names with the other two boys.  

This time around I'm all into the two first name thing....  like Mary Jo (no, this isn't on our list).  I know this isn't a "new" thing, but I have seen more and more people do this when naming their girls.  I know a gal that named her daughter Sarah Grace.  We already have one of those names in the family(twice!) and the other is quite popular, so again, not in the running, but pretty!  I have two "double" names picked out and can't decide which one I like better... or which one suites this new baby girl.  Hubbie seems OK with both... its just getting him to say WHICH he likes more... or if he wants to keep looking around.  So, no names yet, but soon!  Gotta get monogramming!  ;o)  

Announcement Time

its a G I R L

"May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. "  Psalm 20:4

Hubbie and I are rejoicing in His good and perfect plan.  We are overjoyed at the newest addition and the excitement that comes with having a sweet baby girl.  

The sonogram went wonderfully.  The ultrasound tech was actually a friend of Mandy's, so she gave us the "special treatment".... i.e. spent lots of time with lots, gave us a bunch a pictures, explained everything and rejoiced with us as I cried at the news!  

Baby Girl is perfect and healthy.  Heartbeat was at 148.  She was measuring 3 days early.  She had her arms above her head and she had her legs crossed, making it difficult to get a good picture of her.  

I was seriously SHOCKED at the news and asked the ultrasound tech no less than 5 times if she was sure and how she knew!  

Hubbie is in mourning over his soon-to-be-empty-wallet and scared silly, knowing that he is about to be wrapped around his one and only little girl's tiny fingers!

On our way to the doctor's appointment, I was asking the Lord why He hadn't taken away my desire for a baby girl....  my feelings would go back and forth, but the one thing I did pray was for my heart's desire would be what He would bless us with.  

We are thankful to the Lord for answered prayers and anticipating her (gonna have to get use to that!) arrival towards the middle of July!  :o)  

Wanna Guess?!

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Today is the day we find out what little one will complete our family! Hoping that we can see!  And that he/she is healthy and active and just perfect....Just a tiny bit anxious of what the outcome will be.... either way..... this is it!  :o)  Ready or not.... here we go!  

Life With Three....

Today I quickly got into the shower, praying that the three munchkins would be sweet to each other long enough for me to get in, washed and out!  I usually have the same routine in and out of the shower.  Once I get out, I always do deodorant, put lotion on and brush my teeth.  My bathroom habits leave much to be desired, as far as keeping things neat in there.  I am often in a hurry and in the bathroom for less than 20 mins the first time (I come back, after dressing, to do make up, if I have time and blow dry my hair.  As I do every morning, I put lotion on before leaving the bathroom to dress.  As I mentioned, I don't often put things away in the bathroom, in the morning  (I have this habit, I guess because I'm in a hurry, that once we get home from where we went that morning, and I use the potty, I usually straighten the bathroom, hang up towels and put away dirty laundry on my way to do something else) and I usually leave my lotion bottle on the counter top.  This morning, as I was rushing to get out the bathroom door, so I could check on the rugrats, I poured a small dime sized amount of lotion into my hand and not even looking, rubbed it on my arms, face and belly.... just like I always do!  I thought to myself, as I was rubbing the lotion in, that the lotion seemed a bit runny,  but I didn't give it a second thought, because....well...... I had dropped it into my sink, full of water from brushing my teeth, the day before... so I figured I had gotten some water into the nozzle.

I didn't even KNOW that it wasn't "LOTION" until this evening as I was bathing the boys.  I was bathing the kids in the tub in the their bathroom and had to run into our bathroom to grab the shampoo.  Yup!  Guess where I found the baby shampoo?  On my counter top.  I used baby shampoo on my face and body this AM!  And didn't even KNOW it!  Oh my gosh!  How scatterbrained can you be?!  This is ALMOST as bad as using anti bacterial dish washing soap on my hair.... ALMOST!

I'll be glad when baby brain is gone and up-all-night-nursing brain comes..... I think....... either way..... I'm thinking I need to drink more caffeine!  ;o)


P.S.  And in my defense, ecoSTORE's baby shampoo and lotion bottles and labels are EXACTLY alike.  The only difference is one says baby shampoo and the other says lotion!  And since I rarely put up my lotion, I just assumed that I had left it on the countertop the day before and I was in a hurry!

P.S.S.  Not sure I've mentioned that I love ecoSTORE's products (and I'm not getting anything in return for saying this!). And ecoSTORE is having a fabulous sale!  :o)  Baby products 50% off!  What an awesome deal!  We still have a lot of products that I bought at the Black Friday, day after Thanksgiving sale, but you can never be too stocked up with cheap, great natural products for the kiddos!

Menu Plan Monday - Week of February 14th, 2011

Monday-  Heart shaped waffles and bacon with strawberries

Tuesday- Taco cups (recipe on my food blog) with chips and toppings

Wednesday- Not sure... have a doc appt that might be a late doc appt... so leftovers maybe??

Thursday- Chicken Pot Pie (recipe on my food blog)

Friday- Naan pizzas with carrots and tomatoes and dip

Saturday- Steaks, corn on the cob and carrots (all on the grill)

Sunday- Spaghetti, bread and corn

For more menu planning tips and ideas or to link up, visit here.    Have a great week!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hubbie and I were able to go out last night while Mom and Dad took the boys to their church's V-Day celebration!  Sounds like the kids had a great time, even Bugs!  Hubbie and I actually went to a sit down restaurant(and we had a coupon!!  Woo hoo!)!  We avoid those like the plague... mainly because of the wait time!  Every once in a while, we'll go to Chili's because Kids Eat Free (certain days/etc) but besides that- no way!  Too expensive x 5 and too darn slow!  Anyway, we enjoyed sitting around and eating and being served!  So yummy! Then we wandered around a book store and Fresh Market WITHOUT kids!  Afterwards, since we didn't find anything yummy at Fresh Market that we wanted, we went to Earth Fare and wandered around and got desserts until Daddy called us!  :o)  Once my parents left and the kids were in bed, we had our desserts!!  A great evening!  Oh, and of course, Hubbie went ahead and gave me my gift yesterday so that I could wear them out...and TOTALLY surprised me..... beautiful red corral (my fav!) earrings! to match my fav red corral necklace!!!  And he got them from Etsy!!!  Ahhhh.... my husband is a smarty!!  

The kids (especially Bubbie) are really excited about Valentine's Day! I guess what I did to show them we loved them, last year on V day, left a lasting memory and he is EXCITED!  I tend to not go overboard, but I do try to do a little something....  just makes the day a little special for everyone.  I found a few books for $1 at Goodwill/$1 Spot at Target and a few fun candies!  Probably $10 for all three kiddos, but they sure do enjoy the surprise! 

Yesterday, Hubbie and I made heart-shaped Whoppie Pies as the special V-Day treat for our family!  Yummy!  The kids seemed to enjoy them.  They didn't turn out EXACTLY like the picture on the magazine page, but it was a good first attempt!  

Today we have a Valentine's party at the park with our homeschooling group!  If I get my butt moving, I plan to make rice krispy treats to share!  I got the bag of candy and all the Valentine's written out!  Whew!  I sure am glad I decided to do 1 to each friend from all 3 of my children....  Happy Valentine's Day from "The Lu Boys" was much easier than writing Bubbie, Peanut and Buggy on over 90 valentines!!!  Geesh!  I don't know how Mamas do it all!  :o)

And I probably am going overboard and like I told Hubbie, I am probably setting myself up for disaster YEARS from now when I don't want to continue doing these little things for holidays, but I guess its worth it to me to have the memories!  Its all inexpensive and makes the day special!  

Happy Valentine's Day!  

A Few Reminders...

As I was pondering my "energy" levels and how I was able to get so much done in such a short amount of time AND my lack weariness by the end of the day, I slowly began to realize that it WAS of God.....and He is more than good.

Think about it.... this girl, me, had a VERY VERY messy, cluttered home...... and she was very sad by circumstances of life.  He sent a few grandparents and hours of quiet..... and she was some how not overly exhausted by life....and got busy.  This is NOT like the girl...... and yet, she got it all done...... Not only does a clean and organized home make this Mama function better, BUT it also makes her happy and God knew that.  He knew that because He created her to be a little uptight....a little neat freakish...

.....and He loves me because of it!  Isn't He good?!  What encouragement.

While reading this weekend, I ran across a few passages that spoke volumes to my weary soul.....

"....because  you are precious to me.  You are honored and I love you."  Isaiah 43:4  

"Let the whole world glorify the Lord;  let it sing His praise."  Isaiah 42:12

And God lovingly reminded me, about four times on Friday, my emotional, cry all day, at anything anyone said or sent to me, of this verse.... it was everywhere.  Facebook.  Blogs.  The radio.  So finally, as I crashed into bed, I told the Lord thank you for the message, because yet, again, I heard it, on the radio.  The radio in the bedroom that I had turned off earlier......  yup!  God gets His message across..... in a whisper.... not a shout!  

"Don't worry about anything: instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.  Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."  

But.... have you ever read the verses above?  It speaks of being full of joy...IN THE LORD......  Goes  back to my joy posts(here and here) and how do you have joy?  Well, obviously, Paul? Paul right?  Philippians?  He knew.....  Friday was NOT my joyous day.  It started off with me crying... for no reason....and being angry..... and resentful.  Then a blogger sent a beautiful email full of encouragement....and that started it...... I bawled, in my living room......  thankfully God knew I needed 3 kiddos to still be asleep and a husband already at work.  Then, as the morning went on, I was short tempered.  I wanted a pity party.  The day went from bad to worse...as far as emotions went.  I went to my mom's to pick up a bookshelf and was a blubbering fool.... couldn't stop.  I cried for the next few hours off and on.  I didn't have a tissue...and poor Bugs..... riding in the car with his Mama making noises.  :o)  I did NOT have joy and I was forgetting who I was.  I was down about circumstances and I let it get the best of me.  True, I am pregnant and hormonal, but still, I should cling to His promises.  So, I did that.... I made a list of blessings and prayed and thanked God for each and every one of them.....  I told God what exactly we needed.  And I found some peace amidst the uncertainty because His promises.  And because I am His.  I am precious.  I am loved.  I was bought for a price.  And because of what He has done.... 

4 Days......

......til Wednesday.  Silly!  ;o)  

Just kidding.  

And 4 days until we have our sono appt.  

Yay!  We get to see our precious little one.  

As of today, my heart and mind still say different things.... and they flip, flop or agree quite often... changing sometimes by the hour!  

All I can say is that its good I'm not making the decision......because I honestly don't know what I would pick.

A precious boy would complete our little family of all men....but we will definitely be getting a girl dog if no. 4 is a BOY...... I have loved cuddling with our little men.  Laughing at their insanely funny comments about bodies and dinosaurs and trains and life.  They are unique (just like girls) and have been a joy to raise, thus far, and being able to see them grow into men.  Lord willing, God loving and strong men of the Word.  Faithful and loving.  Kind and compassionate.  Leaders for their wives and children.  Wherever God leads them, to do the best job they can for GOD.  Raising little boys into strong spiritual leaders is my hearts desire.  I came to "terms" with not having a girl quite a few years ago and felt like it was my "mission in life"  to be the best mother and mother in law I could be to my, hopefully, three or four, daughters-in-love.  I have seen first hand the friction that can be created by being a daughter in law or mother in law.  And I have seen mothers do a fabulous job with welcoming their son's future wives, go shopping and love on them and who they are.  I know it won't always be easy, BUT God did consciously make me aware of the different ways to approach that new chapter in life and I am praying for myself in that future role AND for my son's wives.  If I am not blessed with daughters, I will eagerly await the day when my sons bring home "the girl" that will become a member of our family.  


If this precious new bundle is a girl.....boy! watch out!  I will -OF COURSE- be that Mom that puts bows and monogramming on EVERYTHING.  Why wouldn't I?  Oh and smocking!  Love some smocking!  My boys wear lots of smocking...why wouldn't my girl wear MORE?!  My darling daughter probably wouldn't wear a "play outfit" for the first two years of her life...and those who knows me are probably nodding their heads....very true.  I'm all about accessories and completing the outfit.  But in all seriousness, we would welcome a darling little girl with open arms.  Even if she grew into a tomboy, because she would bring a newness and added spice to our family.  She would definitely give the boys a chance to learn how to treat and live with a girl, before they were married.  I'm sure our darling daughter would challenge us on a whole new level, than we are use to, but to be able to raise a daughter of the King.... in pure, holy living.... to value herself in His eyes..... would be a pleasure.  And not to mention, the tea parties, shopping trips, all the other girlie things we could do and to be able to have a little girl to watch grow up in His likeness, cling to her chosen one and create a new family.  


What do you think?  What do you think we need?  Boy or Girl?  

Hubbie is going to come with me and this time is bittersweet... this is it.  This is when we will find out who will complete our family...... we will be Hubbie, Lu, Bubbie, Peanut, Bugs and ....... our little family of 6.

We're still debating on boys names.  I've got a few girl names.  Not sure why its so much harder this time to choose a name.  Last time, with Bugs, I KNEW it was a boy and by May or June (he was due in Sept), we had a name.  And I loved it!  So unique and classic and original... to me.....  each of my children's names were carefully picked......we want our names to be a tad bit unique....different....and to flow with the other siblings.

I will be 18 weeks on Wednesday when we go in.....  wish us luck for a cooperative and above all else, healthy baby!

While I Got A Sec...

Peanut just got home from spending the day with Nana and Pops.  Bubbie is still with Ma and Pa.  Buggy decided to have a party in his bed and is still napping.  So, while I got a second, I thought I'd show the blog-o-sphere what I've been working on.

Now, let me tell you, these rooms did NOT LOOK LIKE THIS 48 hrs ago, so please, don't think I'm a 'SuperMom' because this is a NEW thing....for my home to be semi straight.....my home does NOT look like this.  I think I found a burst of energy or motivation.  Don't ask me where it came from, because peeps, my home has been neglected for a LONG TIME.  I just haven't seemed to  have any energy or motivation...... and with the kids here with me 24/7, I just haven't had a chance to do anything with them under foot or pulling things out behind me.  Maybe its "of God"..... He knew I needed a burst of something to brighten my week!  These neat and organized rooms or spaces are because of grandparents taking my children.  Thank you grandparents!!!

This bookshelf has all of our schooling, coloring books, papers and supplies.  Those little containers are old brown tupperware canisters(found at Goodwill for $4 about a year ago).  I spray painted them(and my patio table/front porch! Oops!) black and then with a coat of chalk board spray paint.  Then I wrote with chalk what was to go in each bucket.  One has crayons.  One has markers.  And the last one has craft supplies- paint, stamps, etc.  On the bottom shelf, I have my cookbooks which have been taking up space in a cabinet that I desperately need for mixing bowls and measuring cups.  

I've wanted to  have one spot for all our "schooling" materials for quite some time.  I went back and forth about where I wanted it and what I wanted.  I would LOVE LOVE LOVE a school room, but that isn't a reality or, really, a need.  We do it fine at the kitchen table.  I took the bookshelf from the playroom, which I hated to do, but it was the only thing we had that I thought would fit into our tiny eat-in kitchen.  We took a large china cabinet out of this space about a year ago and Hubbie and I really didn't want to crowd the kitchen back up.  This does add something else into the room, but its something I can live with.... and looking at it makes me happy that I am organized.  

I love being organized. I think its in my genes and a part of my personality, but frankly, with three kiddos and homeschooling, I just have felt like it was something that I was incapable of creating anymore.  I spent $12 on the baskets, from the Dollar Store (Dollar General, I think) and everything else, I already had.  I have our "next year" school books (a few that I've gathered) in another drawer, so when we're done with these, I'll get rid of, pack up or throw away and then add the new books.  

Do you see that Christmas wreath STILL ON THE FRONT DOOR!?! Ooops!

The playroom, about 4 hours ago, looked like a tornado went off.  And I'm not joking.  Puzzle pieces.  Shoes and socks.  Things from the bathroom.  I mean, these kiddos, grab something, run around and then DROP IT wherever they are.  This playroom was SO BAD that the kids didn't even want to go in.  I decided, since I was almost kid-free today, that I would tackle it.  We're having a yard sale soon and I thought it would give me a chance to see what was left in there that they don't ever touch.  I was able to eliminate a few more toys.....now my bedroom and laundry room look AWFUL.... I cannot WAIT for a yard sale to get rid of all this stuff.  

But anyway, I took the bookshelf from this room, but I still had tons of things that needed a home.....  Mom graciously offered to let me borrow a small bookshelf of hers, that was in the attic.  I'd love a wall system that would eliminate a lot of things on the floor, our plastic shelf and then the small book shelf, but its not in the budget, so I think what we have works.  

We recently added the pack and play into the playroom, for Bugs, when we're doing school.  I've hated to get it out, since its SO big and takes up so much space, but its easier to find a spot and leave it up.  (Can you see my Peanut watching his favorite show?!  So cute!)

 The rug we have to "protect" our already stained carpet, is outside awaiting the Hubbie......  it needs shaking out BADLY!  Too many cracker crumbs!  

And last picture.......

As of last night at dinner time, this room looked like a clothing store had exploded...... clothing EVERYWHERE!  I cannot remember the last time the living room was free of stuff- clothing, toys, whatever.... over a week....probably more..... I tell you, people, I am NOT a laundry gal.  But, with the help of grandparents these last two days, I've gotten it folded.  With help of my 4 men, Bugs didn't help, I got it all put away!  YAY!  And guess what?!  I actually did 3 loads of wash today since I was so "bored".  I haven't folded it, but its washed!  Yay!  There is hope!  

In addition to these rooms being picked up, cleaned or organized.  I also tackled our junk/silverware drawer. Its so neat and decluttered!  My laundry closet is organized.... everything is folded!  

Now, if you come to my house RIGHT NOW, it'll look decent!  I can't promise anything tomorrow....  oh and don't go into our room or the laundry room.  Its.....hmmmm...... disgusting?!  Ummm... yeah....thats a good word.... stuff and piles EVERYWHERE....... can't even walk around in our room..... we get dressed and we sleep in there.... oh and I try to sew....but that is IT!  I think I need a week without kids to tackle those two rooms and Buggy's closet (a.k.a. the closet that houses the boys out of season or too big/small clothing)......but once we have the yard sale, it'll make things a LITTLE easier to weed through.......  

Blogging Slump and Reality Sets In

Well, I guess I've hit the wall with blogging this week, because I just can't seem to keep up with life AND blogging.  I have a desire to blog and lots of things to blog about, but everything that is racing through my mind, no one wants to hear.......

Life has gotten stressful for me the last few weeks.  Bill estimates have started to come in for the c-section(which must be paid for, starting this month!).  Hospital bills that will be coming in July.  The realization that the car is almost at 100,000 miles... which means its time for a new timing belt.  In addition to all these things, we have the normal, monthly bills that can't be changed.

I need God to show up in a BIG and MIGHTY way.  

Not only did God start to prepare me for baby number four back in the Fall when life slowed WAY down and put certain people in my life that had larger families, to encourage me, but He also knew that this year, I really, really, REALLY needed to be in the Isaiah study.  (The reason I know this is because we've only missed one week of lessons.... THAT is a thing of God.)  The whole book is PACKED full of convicting things for me and our life at the point it is right now.  Gosh golly.  There is hardly a week that I don't sit dumbfounded at one of my many flaws and sit back in awe of how AWESOME my Father really is.  Not that I needed reminding, but sometimes to read Scriptures in a new light is refreshing and encouraging.  And right now.  I need refreshing and encouraging. 

Because life is really scary right now for me....because I'm out of my control.  

For the first time in  my life, I've had to step back and throw my hands up to the Heavens and say "Ok God.  I'm here.  I'm powerless.  Show me how."  Never did I dream that we'd be debt free, pregnant with no. 4 and  wondering how to afford all these bills that will be coming in from now until the babies birth.  Hubbie and I even questioned us getting out of debt... maybe we shouldn't have used that large chunk of cash on the debt.  Shoulda.  Coulda.  Woulda.  That money would have come in handy right now.  

Life and what it will bring in the next few months are uncertain.  But life is always uncertain.

But one thing that I am clinging to is that God is the author of history.  He knew as He molded the planets and placed the stars, He knew my life before I was born and that I would be IN THIS VERY SPOT- married, with 3 kids and another on the way.  Questioning the past and holding onto hope for the future.  He has not brought us this far to leave us.... I just know that His timing isn't mine.  And His ways are not mine.  So I cling to His attributes...knowing and trusting and believing that He has an answer for our many questions.  

So, if I don't blog, its not because I don't have happy things to say and write about, but its because the weight of life is sometimes more than I can hide and care to carry on acting as if it isn't there.....and we all live the REAL LIFE in one way or another..... so who wants to read about mine!!!  ;o)  

And please don't get me wrong, I know life could be A LOT WORSE, so I do know that I am blessed beyond belief and I am thankful.... its just been a long, emotional week!  

Look! Look!

I found this fabric that I bought YEARS ago.  I can't remember what I had planned to do with it, but I'm pretty sure we just had one child when I bought this....  oops!  Anyway, I washed it and had planned on making a longall for Bugs.  Once I got ready to start, I realized I didn't have a pattern for Buggy's size, so I decided to tackle a pair of pants for Bugs.  I have made a pair of pants/a some shorts before, so I knew it would be an attainable goal.  The britches were almost finished when I realized that the pants were WAY TOO BIG for Buggy.  I mean, like, up to his armpits long!  So I got Peanut to try them on and decided that they would be his pants.... but the waist was STILL HUGE!  I had already struggled with the elastic for over a hour quite a while so there was NO way I was going to take it out!  I tacked the waist so that it would fit Peanut and realized that I really didn't have a top that matched.  I set some things out so that I could give them to a friend to do some shirts, but realized that I could probably do something to make the outfit work....  so I did a very ROUGH "G" shirt.  WHEW!  I'm tired...... one child down, two to go..... Bubbie wants the same thing, but I don't have enough fabric for all three boys a pair of pants.... so he'll get some shorts and shirt and Buggy will get a smaller sized pair of pants and shirt as well.  

Project 365- Day 38

Day 38- February 7

I think I am in love.  I can't tell you how many times I've drooled over this book since we got home from the library.  The fabric choices and the pictures and the projects.... sigh..... just makes you want to have a baby!  Less than 9 days until sono and I cannot WAIT.  The book is making it very difficult for me to not run to my nearest fabric store and spend oodles of money!  Good thing, I guess, that we don't know, because I didn't add in a budget category for "baby sewing project".... must fix that for March's budget.  

This book.... I must have.... its $24.99 and I just don't spend that kind of money on a book, but THIS book includes patterns.... so its TOTALLY worth it?!  Right?!  

Ahhh...... back to looking at the book one.more.time before I hit the hay.... dreaming of not choking up over a book that costs 25 bucks!, being a perfect seamstress, having oodles of money so that I don't choke up over book and fabric prices and knowing the sex of baby bundle no. 4.......  Isn't dream land grand?  Night.....

Menu Plan Monday ~ Week of February 7th, 2011

Monday evening- Chili w/ fritos

Tuesday evening- Chili leftovers on top of baked potatoes

Wednesday evening- King Ranch chicken casserole with chips

Thursday evening-  Leftover casserole

Friday evening-  Upside Down pizza and salad

Saturday evening-  Breakfast night- Waffles with fruit, eggs and sausage

Sunday evening-  On the grill- steaks, carrots and corn w/ corn bread

Hope everyone has a great week!  

For more menu tips and ideas, visit Laura here.  

Project 365- Day 37

Day 37-  February 6th

I made a pair of pants for Bugsy.... I've had this fabric for quite a while and wanted to make a longall, but found out that I don't have the right size pattern for that, so I figured britches would be fine too.....  

I spent the afternoon making the britches...  didn't really have any issues until I got to the elastic.  OH MY GOSH!  TOOk FOREVER!  Finally got it finished and realized, as I was doing the hemming, that these pants were HUGE!  And I mean, HUGE! on Bugs!  Sooo thankful that Peanut isn't too much taller than his baby brother.  Peanut got a new pair of pants (he was going to get a pair anyway) and I gotta do a smaller size for Bugs!  

I made a size 18 mos for Bugs because all his 12 mos pants are getting too short, but I guess this pattern is off.  The length is set for 31-34 inches and Bugs was 31 inches at his last doc appt, so I didn't think the pants would be THAT long.  I guess I'll make a size 12 mos next time.  

Project 365- Day 36

Feb 6- Day 37

I went out for a few hours this morning.  Some shopping and then a baby shower.... was quite a refreshing morning while my husband was at home with our housebound kiddos(STILL RAINING!).

Don't you just love this bag?  I am in love with brown paper bags and plain wrapping paper and the ability to decorate it!  These colors really pop off the bag and the tissue!  I found this stuff at Target before the shower.  I know it doesn't scream "baby shower gift" but I thought it was fun and girlie?!  

Baby Bump- 16 weeks 3 days

Bad picture, but I tried to get another one on Wednesday (16 weeks) and it was awful, so this will have to do for this week's picture.  I have definitely noticed a larger tummy in the last week or so.  Can't really hide it anymore..... and I packed away all my normal clothing last week.  Nothing new in the pregnancy world this week.  Still tired, falling asleep around 8 each night.  My body gets really tired if I'm on my feet all day and my sciatic nerve pain is INTENSE if I don't rest at nap time.  That makes it quite difficult to get things done if I am busy with the kids all morning and then come home, put them down for naps and then I rest too.... when do I get everything done?  And thats my dilemma lately.  There are not enough hours in the day for this Mama to get it all done, rest and do school and BLAH! BLAH! BLAH!  Someone recently commented on my FB status that I needed to let things go!  I had to laugh to myself... because I've been letting things go since November and its really starting to get on my nerves, but my body is tuckered!  :o)  I don't know how women do this more than 4 times because mine is done!  HAHA!  As sad as it is for this to be the last, I just don't think I could do it again!  Cudos to those who have more!!!  Because life with 3 and pregnant is TOUGH!  Add schooling and housekeeping and this Mama is having a hard time!  Oh and a husband who is training for a marathon, so any "free" time during the weekends is spent running LONG runs... or he's working until 8 or 9 at night.... its TOUGH!!!  And I need a housekeeper and a baby sitter!  HAHA!  :o)

So, anyway, back to baby.....  anxious to have sonogram... only 11 more days!  Cannot wait to find out the sex so that I can start shopping and sewing, but also so that I can see the baby!  I haven't seen the baby the entire pregnancy and it will be a weight off my mind to be able to see that the baby is formed perfectly and healthy and doing OK.  This is the first pregnancy that I haven't had several sonos by this point, so its weird having such a "regular" pregnancy!!!  I should have said I felt cramping or something....  just kidding...... or last time I said I thought it was twins..... my doc gave me a sono REALLY quick!  ;o)  But I wasn't having any issues, so I didn't feel like it was right to lie!

A Break

I didn't necessarily MEAN to go into a blogging "break" but the first few days of our week were just EXHAUSTING and I needed some lazy days to re-coop!

Monday thru Wednesday had me running in so many directions and my children were awesome during all my "to-dos".  (Prayer works people!)  I even did the first of the month errands with all 3 on Tuesday morning and Wednesday afternoon and they did marvelously.  As long as we kept moving, we did OK...  Even though we survived the monthly grocery shopping trip to Wal-Mart and then a trip to Publix in order to pick up the last of the needs for the monthly shopping, doesn't mean that I want to do it with all three EVERY month.  The ONLY reason I did what I did was because Hubbie has been working late for the last few weeks and I had to take food to a family on Tuesday evening.... and I needed food to cook!!

Thursday was suppose to be crazy too, but because of the rain, our co-op event didn't look like fun, so we stayed home and cuddled, except for milk pick up from the dairy, watched T.V. and re-cooped from the beginning of the week.

Since Thursday was lazy, I had decided we would go do something with friends on Friday, but Buggy puked all over us on Thursday evening, after dinner, so I quickly changed my mind and braced myself for stomach bug x 5.  But Buggy went to bed fine and was fine all day yesterday.  I kept him on the B.R.A.T. diet until dinner and he seemed to be like his old self after naps.... climbing under my legs and pushing me while making dinner and making himself known!!!  Yup!  He's back to his old self....  no other symptoms or complaints from other family members, so I guess we're OK?  So, anyway, we had two lazy days this week.  My kiddos were in a T.V. coma on Friday.  I tended to Buggy and kinda followed him and made sure he didn't get ahold of siblings things.... he was fine.... and the boys were tickled that they were able to watch EVERY SINGLE SHOW on Nick Jr.  Believe me.... that NEVER happens!  By 4:30, I said T.V. OFF! and they played happily until Daddy got home... surprisingly and thanking God, he was home for dinner!  Because this Mama had had a long week of the kiddos!  :o)

So, thats our week.... pretty normal week, but then we added in all the first of the month chores and I am tuckered!!!  But the shopping is done for the month.  Our menu is posted on our fridge and I have everything I need to make those meals.... what a relief!  I will have to run to the store to get things like cold stuff (yogurt, butter, etc) and also fruit and other things we run out of.....  I tried to focus meal fixings and things that we needed to survive a week or two.  :o)

And its FINALLY the weekend... no plans, since its raining, Hubbie is home! and I have to attend a baby shower today that I need to start getting ready for.  Besides that, lots of laundry and sewing, hopefully!

Project 365- Week of January 31st, 2011

I forgot my camera a few days- especially the busiest days, but I did take a few shots....  Here is our week in pics....

Bubbie went to spend the evening with Nana, so Peanut and I snuggled on the couch during Buggy's nap time and watch all HIS favorite shows!  We had lots of good conversations and he said some of the funniest things....  He kept me laughing!

One day I had to change Bugs 4x.... every time he ate ANYTHING, he got filthy and finally, after apple sauce, that he fed to himself, he needed a bath!  :o)  Shortly after the bath, he ate dinner and puked all over us.... NICE!

This was us on our rainy day....  Everyone got dressed but Peanut... not sure why either.. he's usually the first one to get dressed each day.  Anyway, we spend most of our day on this couch or in this room....it was a rainy day, I was cold and bracing for sickies.... that THANK THE LORD!! never happened.  

The other days we were in the car all day long......  I did have the camera and at one point, I thought about capturing my little troopers in the van, because they were in a seat or being dragged along on Tuesday from about 9 until 6:30 when we were going through the drive thru at CFA.... it was a LOOONNNNGGGGG DAY but survived...and took no pictures on Tuesday or Wednesday!  :o)  

Church Talk

On our date last week, Bubbie mentioned that we were passing our church, on the way to get the "dairy" milk from a new place.  He continued to talk about how glad he was that we had found a different church and the he really liked where we were going.  It was so sweet to hear him talk about church.  I asked him what his favorite part of church was and he said that it was when his little brother comes in to worship with him in children's church.  (They go to separate classes, but I guess at a certain age, they combine the kiddos for singing time!)  And both of them LOVE this!  Each week the boys say that they sit next to each other and it just warms my heart.