Our Gingerbread House

Update

It has been awhile since I have posted anything...not much to catch up on.

I finally put up my Christmas tree yesterday. It is my little 3ft tree, but hey at least I have one up now. The kids were very happy!
I am going to make a gingerbread house with them this weekend...that should be fun :)

My Jada bought me the Twilight series for Christmas. I have borrowed hers since we started reading them but now I have my very own books!! I can't express how happy this makes me :)
The release date for New Moon has been set for Nov 20, 2009...as long as they keep this up I will get to see Twilight for my birthday 4 years in a row, (they better keep this up!)

That is all the news I can think of at this time.

Twilight

As most people know, I read the Twilight series a couple months ago and have been counting down the days to see the movie.
I went saw the movie last night with Jada, Dixie and my Mommy. I loved it!
Sure it was cheesy sometimes and some scenes had bad acting, but it was still thrilling to see the book come alive :)
I pretty much glowed all evening...sad I know, but still true :)

The books are 1,000,000x better but I love the movie too!!

Hurting

I am trying to be ok...really I am, but if I am being honest with myself, I'm not ok.
I tell myself "he isn't himself right now" but it doesn't make it hurt any less.
I tell myself "he doesn't mean what he says" but it breaks my heart.
I tell myself "he still loves me" but it is getting harder to believe that.
I put on my happy face and try to act like my world isn't falling apart, but really I have never felt so scared and broken.
I try to say and do the right things but I am so tired of being bounced back and forth. How can someone who loves me, hurt me this much??

I said this on that day and I still mean it..."I love you, no matter what you have done, no matter what you are still doing, I will always love you!"
Please remember that I love you and come back to us, I need you!!

Thank You

To everyone who has been there for my family this week.
To my family for not walking away when it gets hard.
To my friends who let me cry on their shoulder.
To my church family for all the prayers and support.

Thank you all so very very much!!

Life

really really stinks sometimes and this is one of those times!!

Kids....

"Hey Mom, smell this diaper, it smells weird..."

Just one of many very strange things my kids say to me.

This one came from Stasia. I think I offened her by NOT smelling the diaper, I am sure she will get over it :)

Happy Birthday Anakin

I am week late on getting this post out. Worst. Mom. Ever.

Last week, Oct. 8th, my baby boy turned 9.

Wednesday, I surprised Anakin by taking him to meet Gabe at his office and then we took him out for lunch at Shylers. On our way home, we went shopping for his birthday present. I really enjoyed the one-on-one time with him and I think he did too :)

Saturday, we went to watch Eli and Noah's football game. Afterwards I took the boys to see Journey to the Center of the Earth. We came back home and had pizza & cake.
My van STILL smells like sweaty football socks...yeah, it's great! (of course I still have a pair of Noah's shoes, so that probably explains the smell :)

Happy (very late) Birthday my Little Man!
I love you so very much!!

Baby Powder

Yesterday, while I was in the kitchen doing the dishes, my little girls decided to "change" their baby doll's diapers.

The results...


Stasia's room now smells Powder fresh :)

Weird...

You Are an Eyebrow Piercing

You are unique, quirky, and more than a little eccentric. You cultivate the weirder sides of your personality, and you don't mind sharing them. Ever since you were a kid, you've had strong opinions. You've never been like everyone else, and you're okay with that. And you've always been able to tell people exactly what you think - even when they don't want to hear it. You love to create, dream, imagine, and communicate. You live in your own universe. And unlike most people who live in their own little world, you're happy to invite anyone in!

What Piercing Are You?

10 Things

10 Things I love about being a Mommy:

10. I Love holding my baby for the very first time

9. I Love hugs & kisses, the ones where they hold on to you and never want to let go

8. I Love being the center of their universe...yeah, that's awesome!

7. I Love watching my kids sleep...they look like angels

6. I Love hearing them say "Momma" for the first time

5. I Love hearing them say "I love you"...anytime :)

4. I Love how they snuggle against me just to hear my heartbeat

3. I Love that they think I am Super Mom, able to fix any boo-boo, make them feel better when they are sick, and make bad dreams go away...yeah, those are my super powers :)

2. I Love how they watch everything I do and then try to do it too. This pushes me to try to be a better person everyday and that's never a bad thing :)

1. But most of all, I Love how being a mommy showed me what true love is: To love someone completely, not because of what they can do for me, but because they are my heart, outside of my body

Today...

is day 5 in my workout/eating healthier plan.
And so far I am doing fairly well :)
I have only had 1 Mt.Dew everyday and I have been drinking water the rest of the time.
I'm not as sore and the workout routines are getting easier to do.
Overall, I feel pretty good :)

2 Things I HATE...

Exercise and diets!
My reason for hating these 2 things is really very simple. Exercise HURTS and I LOVE food.
I have started doing the Turbo Jam and Hip Hop Abs workouts this week.
Today was my first day...and it SUCKED!!
Don't be surprised if I am not moving much at all by Wednesday, I think it will be the hardest day for me.
I am not doing the diet part because I LOVE FOOD! And I am just not ready to give that up! I am going to try to eat slightly healthier during the day but I make no promises on that.
Jada is doing the workout with me so it's her job to keep me on track (no pressure Jada :)

Well that's all I have for now...more whiny baby posts to come, I am sure...

Written By Gabe:

I love rainbows

Yeah. I like rainbows. Probably not what you'd expect to hear me say. Or type, I guess. Allow myself to explain... myself.

I was just driving home from work on my motorcycle in the lovely indiana 'almost-raining' rain. It was just enough rain to get my lower legs wet, but that's about it. As I approached a clearing soon before reaching Boonville, I saw it. A HUGE rainbow. End to end I could see this thing. I could see in the fields to my right and my left where it 'ended.' I looked for the pot o' gold at each end, but alas.. The rainbow was so bright that I could see colors below the purple (or indigo as I was taught in school.. pff it's purple) I could see yellow and red starting again after the purple.. it was that bright.

I love rainbows. Why? Scientifically, they're wonderous. I think of how it's an optical illusion, how every person sees the rainbow differently at the exact point in space they are in relevance to the position of the sun. How nobody ever sees the same rainbow, but their own rainbow. Deep eh?

So why is it weird for me to say 'I like rainbows' ? In today's world, they stand for lots of things. Gay rights, Unicorns, and who knows what else. If I was to wear a shirt to school (when I was in highschool, that is) that said 'Rainbows are teh WIN' I would been beaten up. I would have expected such.

But herein lies my point. Rainbows are not a symbol of gay pride. They are not what the world has made them to be. The Bible tells us thus:
Genesis 9:13-15
13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.

As I was riding home, I realized that this world will turn everything that God creates into something that it is not. How many examples of this can we see? This world was not created, it just happened by chance. Human life was not intentional, it was evolution. Human life does not begin at conception, but at the moment the baby pops out. The list can go on.

But as I think of this, I also remember that what the world tells us is stupid, or pointless, or accidental, that God can use for his will. He can take that cancer and use it to glorify His Name. He can use that divorce to show His awesome power. He can use a child's death to bring a heart back to him. He can show a rainbow in the sky as a promise against destruction. But he can also use that rainbow to remind us: Don't turn this world into something that God has to destroy.

I love rainbows.

I forgot...

I really can't believe I forgot to mention this in the reunion post. I blame the crazy week before for my memory loss...

We were sitting at the table as they are giving out awards to the most interesting people from high school, ya know, the people that have done something worth getting noticed :)

The speaker says " and the next award goes to someone who has had 4 kids in the last 10 years...their ages are 8, 7,2 & 1. Will Gabe Matthews please accept the Best Dad Award".

I mean really...we get it everywhere we go,even from people I have never met. Will the teasing never end??

So there you have it, my husband's most outstanding achievement since high school is having the most kids.

And really, I couldn't be more proud of my family :)

Friends

15 years ago, I met some of the best friends I will ever have. For 5 years we did everything together. We had secret code names, made up words that only we knew the meaning of, kept each other secrets, laughed together, cried together and swore to stay friends no matter what.
Then life happened and we all went in different directions. We stayed in contact even though some of them were half way across the world most of the time :)

Last night most of us were able to meet for our reunion of sorts...here are my girls:



Christine Creager (Zahn) married Jason.
They recently had an adorable baby boy, William.
She is a lead teacher at a day care.


I have known Christine for 25 years :)




Rhonda Powell (Troutman) married Josh.
She teaches at the school in their church.
She and Josh are the youth pastors at their church.



I have known Rhonda for 12 years :)




Megan Barnhill (Meyers) married Larry.
They have 2 beautiful kids: Judah Elisha & Hannah Grace.
Her family volunteers at the local coffee house where live Christian bands play every Sat. night.

I have known Megan for 15 years.





Casey Jenkins.
She owns her own Cafe shop.
She does photography on the side.

I adopted Casey as my little sister 15 years ago.



( Casey is holding Megan's baby girl...isn't she just a dol!! )

Hopefully Theresa and Sarah will be able to make it to our next get together :)

I LOVE YOU GIRLS!!

10 year reunion

Friday was Gabe's 10 year high school reunion. We had a really nice time. My brother-in-law graduated the same year as Gabe so he and his wife were with us. It was nice to have a few familiar faces there with me :)
It was nice to have a night out without the kids and be able to hang out with other adults.

Tomorrow night I am having my own 10 year reunion of sorts....not a school reunion of course.
A group of girls that I grew up with, attended church with, and pretty much spent every moment on the phone with at least one of them everyday, have decided it is time to get together again. I have stayed in contact with them over the years, some more than others, but we have not all been together in about 10 years. I am really looking forward to it!!

The Song

About a month ago Gabe told me he wanted me to write a song. My first reaction was to laugh (alot) at the idea. It's not like I would be able to sing it or even play it, so why would he think of this?? However, once he mentioned it to me, the idea wouldn't leave me alone. 2 days later turned my song in to him.
I make no claim to this being any good but I figured I would post it because it just fits in this point of my life...

I Bow My Head

I close my eyes to numb the pain
I close my eyes to shut out the shame
I bow my head and cry out your name
Can you hear me?

I feel so alone, darkness is all around me
I don't even remember the sound of your voice
I bow my head and cry out your name
Can you hear me?


You reach down from heaven
Oh God, you are my saving grace
You hold me with your nail-pierced hands
Oh God, you are my saving grace


When I stumble and lose my way
When I am too tired to try again
I bow my head and cry out your name
You always hear me

Many times I fail to answer your call
I don't always see your will for me
I bow my head and cry out your name
You always hear me


You reach down from heaven
Oh God, you are my saving grace
You hold me with your nail-pierced hands
Oh God, you are my saving grace

Still Here...

I am so very tired but I am still here!
There are no words for what is happening so I am not even going to try.

I'm Back

My family has been under attack and I am tired of it!
They are MY family and I will NOT give them up without a fight.
They are my heart, if they are hurting then I am hurting. And they have been hurting for too long. I refuse to take it anymore. My family will be stronger and close than ever!
If the enemy wants a fight then it's a fight he is getting.
I am strong so I say BRING IT ON!!!

Lost

I feel lost, my little world feels like it is being ripped apart at the seams.
Things that were once so clear are now distorted.
I am trying to keep my head above the rushing waters, but I am not strong.

I am sorry this is not my usually happy self posting...I am sure I will be back to normal soon...

Gabe's Quiz

Take this quiz (if you dare) and see how well you know Gabe :)

http://www.quizyourfriends.com/take-quiz.php?id=0808022138215856&a=1&

Then let me know how you do :)

Youth Camp

Our youth camp was this week. It started Sunday and ended with a trip to Holiday World Tuesday.

I love love love working with the youth. Some say it keeps you young, I am not so sure about that. I feel my age more around them than any other time :)
No matter how many times people say I could pass for one of the youth, after just a few hours with them, my body quickly reminds me that I am NOT that age. Not even close :)

I can't express the burden that I have on my heart for these kids. When I am with them I have such a content feeling, knowing that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. And yet at the same time I have such a yearning to be doing more with them. It definitely isn't an easy ministry but it's where my heart is.

My Quiz from QuizYourFriends.com

All About Me 1) How old was I when I met Gabe? 14 13 12 11

Powered By: QUIZYOURFRIENDS.com Make A Quiz - Take This Quiz - View Scoreboard

Welcome Violet Corinne

My little niece was born six weeks early on July 17. My sister-in-law had very high toxic readings and they had to induce her.

Abby and Violet are both doing great right now. As of yesterday she is out of her incubator, and her feeding tube is out. They have her in a little bassinet, she still has her monitors on and the iv in her foot, but the iv is not in use -- just there in case something happens and they need it.

We are so proud of how well she is doing!!

Congrats Abby, Eddie, Savannah and Tori!! She is beautiful and perfect in every way!

The ABC's of Me

Took this from my friend Melissa's blog :)

A. Aromatherapy? Satsuma from The Body Shop,

B. Best Buds? Christine, Jada, Cathy, Mellisa, Laura

C. Can't eat just one? Peanut M&M's

D. Roller Derby in your future? HAHAHAHAHAHA... Only as a spectator

E. Essential item? Lipgloss

F. Favorite thing to do in your spare time? Read

G. Gotta love it when? Another month passes and I am NOT pregnant :D

H. Home town you grew up in? Chandler

I. Favorite Indulgence? Mocha Latte from Starbucks...mmmmmmm

J. Just what where you thinking when you said? "That wasn't too bad, I could do that again" ...2 seconds after Anakin was born

K. Do you have Kids? What are their names? Yes!! Anakin Sky, Anastasia Starr, Sorsha Adonai, Gabrielle Arwen

L. Life isn't complete without? Jesus Christ

M. Marriage Date? Jan 9, 1999

N. Number of brothers and sisters? you just had to ask....6 brothers & 3 sisters

O. Oranges, apples or other? oranges

P. Phobias? heights, small enclosed spaces, and SPIDERS *shudder*

Q. Quotes? "what are we eating??"

R. Reasons to smile? My hubby and my kids

S. Speed Dial Numbers? none..they are all in my head

T. TV shows you don't want to miss? CSI, House, Heroes

U. Unknown fact about me? I love vampires :)

V. How do you Veg out? A good book on the couch

W. Worst habit? so many to choose from...

X. eXperience you don't want to do again? an unplanned pregnancy :)

Y. Your favorite food? Italian

Z. 'Zactly what were you thinking when you said? "I think I will run a daycare in my house"

Catching Up

It has been busy crazy around here.

My first week home was full. The Saturday right after I came home, we all went shopping. Since having 4 kids usually only Gabe or I go and the other stays home with the kids, it's just easier this way. But I missed them and didn't want to be away from them so we all went. It went pretty smoothly, it helps that the kids are older now. We were told at least 4 times that we have a beautiful family...now what mom doesn't just love to hear that :)
Later that day we took the kids to the splash park and Sunday we went swimming at mom's house. The rest of the week was full of our normal routine.

Last weekend was really busy. Gabe and I went on a date Friday night. We saw "The Happening". We both liked it, even though it really disturbed me, I shuddered the whole way home.

Saturday was the Square Flare. The clinic had booth so I was there, helping pass out popsicles.
That evening I went to Jada's Body Shop party...I love those things!! It appeals to my girly nature.

Sunday Gabe left to go to Ohio for the week. He has a training course for work that he has to attend.

Monday, Sorsha tried to overdose on Advil and I had to call poison control. She is fine and we didn't have to make a trip to the ER.

Yesterday I had to take Stasia to the doctor because she had this weird little bump on the back of her head. The doctor said it was a swollen Lymph Node. He said it should go down in 4-6 weeks. He gave me a list of things to watch for just in case it turned more serious.

I just want to know why these things always happen to me when Gabe is out of town. But when I go out of town, nothing happens. It keeps me busy, that is for sure!
I am hoping the rest of the week passes without anymore doctor visits or calls to poison control.

Home Sweet Home

I am so tired...it's bed time right?? Please??

We had to get up this morning at 3:00am to get a shuttle to the airport. 3 airports and 2 flights later, we were home :)

We met Gabe in Evansville for lunch and then I went to mom's house to see my babies.
I missed them so much!!

I am trying really hard to think of more to write, but my brain is in shut down mode...I think I am just going to sign off :)

I had a wonderful time! I am very glad to be home!

The End!

Days 3 & 4 in Florida

This vacation has been pretty much perfect. It has been so relaxing and fun.

Yesterday we did much of the same thing - swim, lay out, shop. That night, we dressed up and went out to eat at a really nice local Italian restaurant. It was very yummy.

This morning we got up at 5:45 to watch the sunrise. It was very pretty.
We didn't do much today...walked along the beach, went shopping and ate at Joe's Crab Shack again...very tasty!!

All in all, it has been an awesome week, but we are very much ready to come home.
We will wake up very early and head to the airport.

Here are some pictures of the sunrise

2nd Day In Florida

We had another wonderful day.
We went to the beach right after breakfast. It is so peaceful, I love it!!

After we laid out for a few hours, we walked around to few shops and ate at Joe's Crab Shack...it was pretty much awesome! Best popcorn shrimp EVER!! The waiters also did this sad little dance to "workin at the car wash" it was embarrassing but funny to witness :)

We took a lovely nap and then went walking around town, went down to the beach at dusk and Jada took wonderful pictures.

The beds here are magic beds...you can't help but fall asleep if you lay on them for 5 minutes...not even joking!

Here are some pictures for you to enjoy :)

1st Day in Flordia

Jada and I are finally here!! Much planning and patience has gone into this vacation and it has been so worth it!



Our day started at 3:00am...3 airports, 2 flights later we are HERE!!
Everything has gone so smoothly so far. It has been a great day!



Our hotel is wonderful!! It is everything we wanted!

We played in the ocean, laid out, went shopping and walked along the beach at dusk.





While we were laying out, we were attacked by the local seagulls. The family sitting next to us had brought a picnic and the little boy shared his with the birds. Of course they wanted more...











This all happened right above our little heads, but we got lucky and escaped poo free :)

More updates to come in the next days, but for now...it is time to rest this little head!!

Crazy Hair

A very bad case of bed hair. It made me laugh...a lot!!

Update

Anakin had his cast removed yesterday. He is very glad to have his arm back!

Waiting for the doctor...

The cast...

This is what his arm looked like before...

This is his new and improved arm

...9 more days...I can't wait!!

80's Night

Sunday night was 80's night at our church.
I had so much fun dressing up and teasing my hair!!


Me and Gabe ... aren't we the perfect 80's couple...haha


Jada and I had so much fun shopping for our outfits!
Nothing beats having friends willing to look silly with you!!



Melissa, me and Jada...we is pretty much fabulous!!

Busy/Bored

Is it possible to be so busy that you almost go crazy, and yet so bored all at the same time??
I say yes, it is possible. That is how I have felt all this month.
I am so busy that by the time my head hits the pillow at night, I am out in a second.
So how can I be so bored & restless??
I need a book to read...any suggestions?? I have read all the ones I have so many times that I pretty much have them memorized.

20 days till my Florida vacation...still pretty much excited beyond words.

What is there to NOT be excited about??

Stressful things in my life have pretty much settled down. Family situations have calmed down. Past friend issues have melted away and I can focus on the beautiful friendships that I am so thankful for. School is out. Anakin's cast comes off next week, YAY! Summer is almost really here...life is good :)

Happy Mother's Day

Before I Was A Mom

Before I was a Mom
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wonderful Mothers


This is for all the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms,
wiping up barf laced with Kraft dinner and wieners, birthday cake, and cherry Kool-Aid saying, "It's OK honey, Mommy's here."
Who have walked around the house all night with their babies when they kept crying and wouldn't stop.

This is for all the mothers who have shown up at work with spit-up in their hair
and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.

For all the mothers who have run car pools and made dozens of cookies for school teas and sewn Halloween costumes.
And all the mothers who haven't because they're at work trying to keep on top of the bills.

This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see.
And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes and all their love.

This is for all the mothers who have frozen their buns off on metal bleachers at hockey, baseball or soccer games any night of the week instead of watching from their cars, so that when their kids asked,"Did you see me?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," and meant it.

This is for all the mothers who have yelled at their kids in the grocery store and swatted them in despair when they stomped their feet like a tired 2-year old does, who wants ice cream before dinner, and then hated themselves for "losing" it.

This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies.
And for all the mothers who wanted to but just couldn't.

For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And then read it again. "Just one more time."

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school.
And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.

This is for all the mothers who taught their sons to cook and sew and their daughters to be brave and strong (and sink a jump shot.)

This is for all mothers whose heads turn automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home.

This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away. And they do.

This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, and who can't find the words to reach them. For all the mothers who bite their lips sometimes until they bleed when their 14-year-olds dye their hair green.

What makes a good Mother anyway?
Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips?
The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?
Or is it the heart? Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time?
Or the terror in your heart at 1 AM when your teenager with the new driver's license is an hour late getting home.
The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?
Or to feel the dull ache as you look in on your sleeping daughter or son the night before they leave for a college in another city.
The need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?

For all the mothers of the victims of all the school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting.
For the mothers of the survivors,and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.

This is for mothers who have tearfully placed flowers and teddy bears on their children's graves. Whose children have died from illness, accidents and the worst of all and hardest to comprehend, suicides.

This is for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation.
And mature mothers who have learned and are still learning, to let go.
For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.
Single mothers and married mothers.
Grandmothers whose wisdom and love remains a constant for their grown children and their children's children.
For Mothers with money, and Mothers without.

This is for you all.
So hang in there.

Update on Anakin

Anakin had his doctor appointment this morning. Everything looks good, his arm is healing nicely.
He has to go back in another week for more x-rays and exams. The doctor said in another week or 2, he will take the long cast off and put a short one on.
Anakin is very excited about this as it will allow him to move his arm more.
He is adjusting very well. He has his frustrated moments but that is only normal. Bath time has proved our greatest challenge. Monday night, he put his arm down in the water to keep his balance as he sat down in the tub. Lucky for us, I had wrapped his arm so well, the cast wasn't even damp.

I am so proud of him and how well he is handling everything!

Potty Break

Sorsha has been sitting on the potty a couple times a day for several months. She reads, brushes her teeth or jabbers to me the whole time. A few times she has actually peed in the potty. There is much rejoicing each time, but it has been more of a coincidence that it was in the potty.
But today...
She told me she needed to go potty and she actually peed in the potty!! Not because she just happened to be sitting there, but because she knew she had to pee!! I am so excited.

Now I know you may think I am crazy to get this excited over potty time with my third one, but Anakin and Stasia were awful when came to potty training.
Anakin was 4 before he started peeing in the potty on his own. I tried every thing for 2 years to get him to do it. But he just didn't care. Then one day he did and my life was easier after that. Stasia was 3 before she was potty trained. She was grossed out by the whole thing and cried if you even mentioned potty to her.
The fact that Sorsha has been willing to even sit there has been a nice change for me. And now she seems to be catching on to the whole idea at the perfect age of 2. I am pretty much thrilled :)

The Weekend

I had a busy weekend but it passed with no accidents.
Saturday was crazy!
3 of my youth girls (Jenny, Lesley, Charlene) had their graduation party at the church. I love these girls so much! I stopped by for a few minutes before I had to run to take Anakin to get his baseball pictures. His coach was really nice when saw Anakin's arm. He told Anakin he was welcome to come to every practice and game. This made Anakin's whole face light up. The coach also told Anakin he could be the bat boy at the games. Anakin is so excited about being able to do something. It almost made me cry.
After that, Jada and I hung out while our guys went amp shopping. We were going to watch 27 dresses but they were all rented out. So instead we just had girl time and it was wonderful! When the guys returned, Jada and I went tanning. Ben bought Anakin a huge bag of candy when he broke his arm. We busted that out and stuffed ourselves on yummy candy. We even shared with the kids, aren't we the best :)
Sunday was spent shopping and cleaning. All in all, it was a good weekend.

Update

Anakin and I talked about baseball this morning. He took it so very well.

He asked if he could still watch the games, even if he couldn't play. And I told him "of course!".

He is on his pain meds, adjusting to doing everything with his left hand and keeping his sense of humor through it all.

I love my Little Man!

My Brave Little Man

I had plans of attending the Ladies' Meeting tonight. I had my food made and everything ready.

Then it happened. At 5:00pm, a scream from the back yard sends chills through me. I run out the door and to the back yard. Anakin is laying on the ground telling Stasia to go get me, he is hurt bad. As I reach him, I look down at the arm he is holding. I turn around and yell "WHOA"!!!
I scoop him up and run as fast as can back to house, trying my hardest not to look at his arm. I call my dad and ask if he can bring my sisters over to watch the kids so I can take Anakin to ER. Dad is here in 5 minutes. He puts Anakin's arm in a sling and off we go.

4 1/2 hours later we are home. Anakin is sleeping now and I will be soon.

This is what his arm looked like before the cast:

He was the bravest boy! He had a great sense of humor. He was pretty much the best patient ever :)

I cried. I can't describe what this did to my mommy heart. It was the most painful thing I have ever gone through and I wasn't brave like Anakin. I held myself together for him but on the inside, I was a mess!

Tomorrow I have to break the news to him that he is done with baseball for the year. I couldn't bring myself to tell him tonight. My poor little man had been through enough and this will crush him. Please keep him in your prayers.

One Year With Elle

Want a Bug??

No, not an insect. My daughter.
She has drove me crazy this week.
I have never seen a child that could get into so much, in such a small amount of time.

This morning it started at 5:00am, when she decided to break into the kitchen cabinet and dump an entire box of pancake mix on the floor.
It is now 8:30 and she has dumped the money out of Anakin's piggy bank, unrolled an entire roll of paper towels, emptied the box of diapers all over the floor, unpacked the diaper bag, and ran down the hallway with a streamer of toilet paper flying behind her (still connected to the roll in the bathroom). It's going to be a long day.

So I ask again...does any one want my Bug??

Josie Mae

I am the proud aunt to another beautiful niece.

Josie Mae was born this afternoon at 12:28 pm, weighing 6 lbs, 5 oz. She is 20 inches long.

I can't wait till I get hold her. Isn't she just precious?!

Congratulations Chrissy, Danny, Katie & Daphne!! She is adorable!!

April Showers...

Don't always bring May flowers. Sometimes April showers bring mud.
This was the topic of our devotion tonight, taught by Tina. She did an awesome job and I really got a lot out of it! This hit very close to my heart because I have had a rough year. It has been one bad thing on top of another. Many times I have just sat in the "mud" and cried. It takes a lot to tend to the garden of your heart while there is mud everywhere, but it must be done if you want to have a beautiful garden.
Thank you Tina for reminding me of this. You did a great job!! Love ya!

News

It is that time of year. Dirty fields, bleachers and the sound cheering crowds.
Anakin is playing baseball again this year. I might just be saying this because I am his mommy, but he is doing pretty good this year. He has a little more experience and a lot more confidence.
The only thing I don't like this year is his practice schedule. He has practice on Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:00 or 6:15. For those who go to our church, I am sure you can see why I don't like this schedule.

Elle turns 1 in 9 days...when did she grow up?? I will be weepy if I dwell on this any more, so moving on...

Jada and I are going to Florida in June! I have never been and I am beyond excited!! We have our hotel & flight booked. I have also never flown anywhere so that should be fun :)
We will start tanning soon, this will be the first time I have ever been in a tanning bed.
Noticing a pattern here?? This vacation has a lot of firsts for me.
I will miss Gabe and kids terribly but I really need this. And they probably could use a break from me :)
Overall, I am super happy and totally excited!!

A Tribute To My Friends

Christine - We have been best friends forever. I don't remember a time without you. Thank you for your friendship, it has helped me through some really hard times.

Casey, Rhonda Sarah, Megan - You guys made my teen years great! I will always look back on those crazy times and laugh

Stacey, Sonya, Susan - You have been such an inspiration to me. Thank you for all you do!

Cathy - I thank God for bringing you into my life. You brought HOP to me and it has touched my life so much. You are such a kind, warm friend. You are always there for me, to give a hug or a shoulder to cry on. Your friendship has blessed me so much!

Melissa - Our visits mean the world to me. You are such a sweet person. You are there for me no matter what I am going through. I know I can go to you with anything, anytime.

Kristy - I remember the first time I really got to know you...you were 10 and had big glasses that you hate so much. Your fun lovin, goofy self has forever imprinted my heart. You will always be my Kristy, no matter what. You are such a wonderful friend. There would be a huge void in my world without you.

Dana - You were more than friend, you were my sister. I am very thankful for the time that we had together. I will always have a Dana hand print on my heart. I miss you more than I can ever say. I hope only happiness and the very best follows you wherever you go and whatever you do!

Jada - I have enjoyed being able to watch you grow and mature over the many years I have known you. You are such a strong and stable friend. I feel very blessed to not only have you as a friend, but also family. You really are a daisy. Thank you for aways being you :)

Benny - You have been my twin since we were kids. I can't imagine growing up without you. I have always admired your ability to be adventurous. You did things most kids wouldn't even think of. You never let anything stop you or slow you down. I envy that in you. There is not a single childhood memory I have that doesn't include you.

Laura - You are the best sister I could ever wish for!!

Abby, Chrissy - I love you guys! I am so very blessed to have such cool sister-in-laws. You are the best!

Ashley - I feel honored to be able to count you as one of my friends. I enjoying hanging out with you and getting to know you better. I look forward to seeing our friendship grow

Gabe - You are my soul mate. You are my soft place to land after a hard day. You see me at my worst and yet still love me. I love you, always and forever!

Thank you to all my friends! I would be lost without you!

Some Days

I really do love being a stay at home mom. Some days I love it more than others.
Today is of the "other" days.
*poo warning*
I wake up this morning to Sorsha beating me in the head with her sippy cup and I can hear Elle screaming her head off in the background. I get the bigger kids cereal and move on to Elle. When I pick Elle up, I realize that she has NO diaper on and the poo is EVERYWHERE.
I wipe her off, set her in the tub and start cleaning up the bed. (Stasia is sitting with Elle in the bathroom, I didn't leave her by herself)
Sorsha then decides to get down from the table, with her cereal. It ends up on the floor.
Once the bed is clean and the floor is clean, I move to the bathroom to scrub Elle down.
As I am washing her, I can't help but think of at least 20 jobs that would be easier than the one I have.
I could work somewhere where:
I get to wear nice clothes
I don't have to clean up poo
diapers don't exist
I don't have a 2 yr growth hanging off my legs
there are no screaming kids

And the list goes on and on

I have had such jobs and I missed my kids more than word can describe. They may be easier, but they are not as awarding. I LOVE being with them and not missing the first words, first steps, first tooth and so many other things. There is nothing else I would rather do....even with the poo.

But some days, I can't help but daydream...

Thank You

to all my dear friends.
Thank you for all your words of encouragement, excitement, and congratulations.
This is one of the reasons I love my friends...always there for me. I don't have to go through anything alone. Through tears and laughter, you guys are always right there with me.

However...I have a confession...

I love practical jokes!

Happy April Fools' Day everyone!!

I love you all!!

News....

Yes, I am pregnant.

Stasia

Last night Stasia told me that she wanted me to cut her hair. She wanted her hair short like Maggie's. I was very hesitant to cut it because she has been wanting to let it grow long. But she kept asking, so we started cutting. Sorsha helped. She pushed, pulled, combed hair, climbed on me, and pushed some more. Much to my distress, Stasia's hair kept getting shorter due to Sorsha's "help".
She loves it, I cried...