So my friend over at The Powells wrote about her 5 year old asking for more violence in her cartoons and such, and I just did not get, it I guess? Well I had a small episode of that myself. I am trying to get my 5 year old to remember what the lowercase "f" looks like and told her to try and remember a fish hook for Fish, and it looks like an upside down fish hook. She told me "It is also like Captain Hooks hand," and for the crossing she said as she is drawing "he has caught Tinkerbell, and he is stabbing her." "Oh," I said, "that is just sad." All the while her oldest sister is just laughing. Talk about violence!!!

A first for me.

Today we had a special day. Daddys' job rented out the Ariels Gymnastics, and had Santa, face painting, treats, and a band to play while everybody else played on the Gym things. With my 2 oldest daughters anytime we took them, when they were little, to see Santa they would cry and not want to sit with him. But the baby today, when it was her turn she walked right up to him with arms open wide and gave him a great big hug. I was shocked. We had a good time, the girls got their pictures on their face, and I think we will not hear teh end of it until they get to do gymnastics.

Insomnia

I do not like insomnia, and with this baby I am having that bad. Then all I want to do is sleep during the day. With 3 kids and homeschooling and keeping what house I can you can guess that does not work out so well. Then when I take meds. to help me sleep, I am drowsy all day the next day. Oh well, I guess I just need to deal. Stop complaining about it and just deal with it. I will talk to my doc. on Monday, baby was sick so I rescheduled my appt. from today til Monday, "Pow" says maybe it is low iron. So maybe it will get better.

The funny thing is I do not remember being this tired with any of the girls. I have not had morning sickness. So maybe it is the boy we are wanting. Everything is different. Jan 7th I am going to have an ultrasound, and definately should be able to find out if the baby is a boy or a girl.

Christmas Decor.

Now when I first started thinking about this post I was going to say that this was our first Christmas Decoration, but it is not. It is our third for the season. My mother made us a new wreath for our front door, and my niece made me an ornament for our tree when we get that put up this weekend, just wait "til you see a picture of that :) So this is our third decoration, and the girls and I made it. I think I might change the ribbon, but right now that is the only one I had. I used one of my old vases and we went for a walk and gathered all the things for it. Red wood chips, pine cones, and then the green pine needles. The pic. I saw that gave me the idea looked a little better, but ours turned out preety good, and the girls had fun helping. When we finally get our tree up, I will take pics of that too.

A Contest for free Amazon, woo-hoo.

This website, teeny manalo is holding a contest for two chances to win a $50 Amazon gift card and one grand prize of $150 Amazon gift card. Hustle over and leave a comment and they will put your name in the drawing for one of them. So far there are not very many entries. Good Luck.

Happy Thanksgiving. We had a great time fixing all our food. My girls did a great job helping. Here is our spread. Quite a lot, for the 5 of us. Ooooh, but it was good. And I am looking forward to BBQ Turkey sandwichs, and cold Turkey Sandwichs. So how was your Thanksgiving. I hope it was great!!!
edited to add: I need to learn how to flip my pictures before I upload them. Sorry about the sideways looks.


My girls, great helpers.
Bella, the new gravy queen
Brisa, and the deviled eggs. Is that how you spell that?
Sharing the wisk.
Our fancy dessert. The girls wanted to use the wine glasses, cute huh?
Bella catching some relaxing time, :)
Yummy, Yummy Turkey. Good color!
Bellas picture of our spread.
Bella showing off our spread.
Mamas shot of our spread. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Pa Pow and Pow

I love my Pastor and his wife. They are great teachers and listeners. My favorite thing with my kids and them is every single one of them, when they were little at least, would just v-line it straight for them and give them the biggest hugs everytime they saw the Powells. Now that my 2 oldest are just that, older, they do not give as many hugs and as excitedly as when they were little, but they still do give hugs. Now my youngest is not even 2 yet and she has a fondness for the Pows as well. That is not a typo, that is what she calls my Pastor and his wife, they are Pa Pow and Pow. Everytime we see them she shouts, "Pow" for Mrs. Powell and "Pa Pow" for Pastor Powell. It is very funny to walk into church and hear her shouting, "POW." Just imagine this little thing, I say little but she is far from little, shouting. I laugh everytime and I am not the only one, Mrs. Powell I think has taken a liking to it too. Now here is the kicker. Everytime we leave the house now, even if it is to go outside to play, Meaghan shouts "Pow" and she thinks we are going to see them. This means one of two things, either we see an awful lot of the Powells, and we really do not see them that often, just the stuff we do revolves around church. I like that. It is Bible Study and church and every once in awhile a play day with other ladies. But really just Bible Study and Church. And of course we see the "Pows" there. Very funny.

Christmas Giveaway at 5 Minutes for Mom

5 Minutes for mom is hosting giveaways until Nov. 25th, All kinds of giveaways, so click above, or follow my link in my sidebar, and check out the giveaway daily. The first is from a mom owned store and she has offered a snazzy new diaper bag, or a gift certificate for her site in the amount of $116. Just in time for Christmas, definitely, and who could not use a chance to have an extra $116.

My smoking.

I am not doing as well as I thought I would. On the 3rd I took my patch off and had 4 cigarettes. The 4th I only had 1, today I have had 3. I guess that is better than the normal 10-12 daily, if not more. Keep praying for me. I need all the prayers I can get I think. I know eventually I can quit altogether, it just might take longer than I thought. I have to remember baby steps, right? Some new things I started that I have stuck to daily is with my morning coffee, I take out my devotional that I got from my friend the day I got baptized, my bible, and a journal that I started. I have read my devotional, bible and have written in my journal first thing in the morning, everyday, and plan on doing it continuously. So there are a couple of things that are good that have come out of this.

Today is my day.

Today is the day that I quit smoking. I bought the patch yesterday, hoping it will take the edge off so I can stay calm, not fidgety, or anxious. I started smoking when I was in 5th or 6th grade. I rode the city bus back and forth to school. There was 6 or 7 kids who did the same and one of the girls smoked, and I started then. So it has already been about 18 years and now on baby #4, I am really done. The last 2 days I went all day without "Iggy-Ciggys" and then when hubby got home I smoked one. Actually the first day, Nov. 1st, I went until like 10:00 at night before I smoked a cig. and got a little cranky, then I smoked it. Yesterday I lasted until hubby got off work and the minute I got in the car I smoked one. So today, I have thought about it a couple of times and I have only been up for 2 1/2 hours, and the patch is itching. The package says the spot I put it on can get itchy and red but it should stop after a few hours. If it gets worse I cannot use them. So hopefully it does not get worse. Hubby is quitting too. He bought 2 packs of "Iggy-Ciggys" yesterday, and after today, he is not allowed to take them out of his coat when he gets home and I asked him if he would go outside. When I do not see the ciggys it helps me not think about them. Hopefully me not smoking will help him cut back and quit too. He is taking the Chantix pill. I notice that he does not reach for the "Iggy-Ciggys" as often so soon I think he will be done also. And he has been wanting to start walking after dinner so maybe I can try to bring that up more too. And I started a journal, I know some people use their blog like that, but sometimes I need to say stuff that is between me and God. You know? So that is where my journal will come in, So hopefully I can do this. I am ready, I just hope that it is not as difficult as I have always heard it is. You know I just thought, I have stopped doing things willingly that I actually enjoy, and I do not even enjoy smoking. It was just something to do, and after a while it felt like something I needed. So I am praying. Will you say prayers for me too? Thanks, I hope you all have a most wonderful weekend and great Sunday.

Guess What?

October 11th, was the day that I started my blog a year ago. And I also missed my 100th blog entry. So this is #154, and I am past a year. Pretty neat, I guess. I did not even realize it though. Anyway, thanks for reading, and keep reading, I am bound to get some good blog fodder eventually. My kids make for good stories but most the time by the time I get to my blog I have forgotten what it was they said that made me think it would be a good story for ya' all. by the way, I already won one of the giveaways at the Fall Ya' all giveaways. There were so many wonderful giveaways. Maybe I can win more, Thanks and you will read me later, hopefully.

Our Halloween.

These are our pics. from Halloween. We always have such a good time and this year my girls got even more candy than normal. The baby caught on really quick. When she said twiceet (trick or treat), she got candy, and she thought that was awesome. So here are me and the girls.
This is my oldest daughter,
This is the baby, sorry the pic is twisted, did not know until it was too late.
My 5 year old was She-Ra, she is He-Mans sister. You can see her costume with all of us together. It was a fun night.

A Fall Ya' All Giveaway.

If you participated in the Dogs Day of Summer giveaway, then you know what this is all about. Hop on over, and look. There are more than 300 blogs participating. There is bath goodies, candles, chocolate, books, scrap booking, oh my. Head over and see if anything catches your eye. It is a lot of fun. Last time I did not win anything, maybe I will have better luck this time.

The Golden Compass.

Before you read the following, which I received in my email, I wanted to let you know that this was something my husband and I talked about a couple of weeks ago when I saw the movie on "E" or some show like that. I thought, ooh a new kids movie, with books too. Then he told me what it was about. I thought that it was kind of freaky, to say the least. Now other than that I have not read anything or heard anything else about it. I have thought about reading the books myself that way when my oldest asks if she can read them I will be able to talk to her about it with a little back ground knowledge. Is that supporting the books? I do not know if I will yet but if I do, I will certainly let you all know what I think. Anyway read the following, and take heed, I do not think this sounds nice.

There will be a new children's movie out in December called "The Golden Compass". The movie has been described as "atheism for kids" and is based on the first book of a trilogy entitled "His Dark Materials" that was written by Phillip Pullman. Pullman is a militant atheist and secular humanist who despises C. S. Lewis and the "Chronicles of Narnia". His motivation for writing this trilogy was specifically to counteract Lewis' symbolism's of Christ that are portrayed in the Narnia series.

Clearly, Pullman's main objective is to bash Christianity and promote atheism. Pullman left little doubt about his intentions when he said in a 2003 interview that "my books are about killing God." He has even stated that he wants to "kill God in the minds of children". It has been said of Pullman that he is "the writer the atheists would be praying for, if atheists prayed."

While "The Golden Compass" movie itself may seem mild and innocent, the books are a much different story. In the trilogy, a young streetwise girl becomes enmeshed in an epic struggle to ultimately defeat the oppressive forces of a senile God. Another character, an ex-nun, describes Christianity as "a very powerful and convincing mistake." In the final book, characters representing Adam and Eve eventually kill God, who at times is called YAHWEH. Each book in the trilogy gets progressively worse regarding Pullman's hatred of Jesus Christ.

"The Golden Compass" is set to premier on December 7, during the Christmas season, and will probably be heavily advertised. Promoters hope that unsuspecting parents will take their children to see the movie, that they will enjoy the movie, and that the children will want the books for Christmas.

Please consider a boycott of the movie and the books. Also, pass this information along to everyone you know. This will help to educate parents, so that they will know the agenda of the movie.

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I have not done "Thankful Thursday" in a while, I just always forget it is Thursday, until it is Friday. Did that make since? Anyway, I am reading this book that I heard about on one of the Christian radio stations that I tune into while I am driving and it is called "Having a Mary heart in a Martha World." Now when I first heard it I thought Mary was Jesus mother, and I thought Martha was Martha Stewart. Boy was I wrong. The Mary and Martha that she (the author, Joanna Weaver) speaks of are the 2 sisters in Bethany mentioned 3 times in the bible. Now most of you know, here is Jesus and all his disciples that are welcomed into this home, and Martha is hard at work cooking and preparing things for the company; and there is Mary kneeling at Christs feet just listening to him. The writer of this book, adds a lot of detail to this part and it probably puts it into great perspective. Martha is extremely busy, bustling around getting food and drinks, probably making sure everyone has a good place to sleep, probably delegating so many things, running around like a chicken with her head cut off, She is looking for her sister, and finds her sitting on her rump, and in Marthas eyes, doing NOTHING. So she pleads to Jesus, pretty much saying, see my lazy sister, don't you care? And Jesus tells her that she worries to much, (not a direct quote from the bible, but the jift of it) and that Mary has chosen the better part of what is going on. So here is what I am thankful for, I am totally THANKFUL that I am not a worrier. Never really have been, until the last couple of years of my life. Things just seem totally and completely out of my control, and lo and behold, they are. That is always the hardest part for me, but most the time I can release my little worries over, and then I forget about them, they just "poof" go away. I will reiterate, MOST OF THE TIME. There are a couple of issues in my life that I still struggle with letting go completely to God. Anyway, I am thankful for the fact that I am not a Constant worrier. I do not let my imagination get the best of me. I do not let the things that COULD happen stop me from living. There are many people who are chronic worriers, and what a burden that is to carry. They let their "what ifs" stop so much. So I am thankful, and I thank God, that if I worry my worries are pretty normal, and not OCD type worries. Now for my friends and fellow readers, if you are a worrier, I hope I did not offend, may I just say though, go get this book from your library, I am just on Chapter 2 and there are so many good tips on how to identify if you are a chronic worrier and tips on some release. Go get the book and read it.

A Tutu giveaway.

Does your daughter love dress up and dancing as much as mine? If so this would be a great hit. Hop on over and enter for your chance to win a beautiful Tutu from Polka dot platypus.

right brain, left brain?

Which way do you see the dancer turning? Your answer tells you if you are a right or left brain user.

updated to add: Yesterday I saw counter clockwise, and today i saw clockwise, Now that is weird.

Cool giveaway.

Hop over here, and enter in for a nice baby sling. I have seen these just on other sites, but the one they are giving away is really cute. So hop on over and enter your name, and good luck.

So this is my new do. Again!! I really like it, and it is very easy to take care of, and with my 3 little girls, I need that. They each have very long hair and it is hard to take care of. So I found this snazzy little do and I really like it. What do you think. Here is a pic of what it was like before my cut.

How to's...

I found a neat site that has some really nest blog layouts, and I would like to try a new one. However I do not want to lose all my links and widgets. So what is the easiest way to "transfer" all my groovy things to a new template? Do any of you know. Or maybe your hubbies? Let me know, thanks.

500 prayers for Luke.

This little guy, well maybe he is not super little but little enough, has been diagnosed with Leukemia. When someone asked what he wanted he said 500 prayers. A family friend has come up with a most wonderful idea and we can help. Follow the link provided and read about it. 5oo prayers for Luke So be sure to check it out. Thanks.

The juice box.

Today as I was preparing lunch, I had a little band in my house. The 2 boys I watch had the girls' flutes, Meggy had the Irish tin whistle, and Bella had the harmonica. Much beautiful music, I am sure you can imagine. All the band members age range from 1 1\2 - 5 years old if that will help your imagination any. Okay so I put lunch on the table, take away all the instruments, (much to my ears' happiness) and my Bella says "Hey mom, I can be the juice box." (aka: Jukebox) What a cutie.

2 Frogs on a log.

I am adding a new link on my blog roll. This lady and her 2 sons; no they are not the frogs and she the log, the boys just came up with this name; make homemade all natural soaps and body products, and they are very inexpensive. I am going to be ordering a chocolate mint bar of soap soon. Her sons make soap and things that look like cupcakes, ice cream cones, and they have all kinds of different scents. Hop on over and take a look. I think you will like what you see.

Oh glorious baths.

Okay, so for the pamper me contest, I had to write about something I did to pamper myself, and trying to indulge in a bath once a week was one of those things. So my hubby got me a book from the library called "The Bath Gourmet" by Rhonda Van. So, I have tried a couple so far. The first one I cheated on and just used 100% grapefruit juice, and it did not work for me, but you could try it and let me know if it works for you. It is called the Turbo Tub and it is for energy:

you need 3 TBLS. Honey
1 Grapefruit
2 TBLS. Baking Soda
Start running your bath water, no warmer than body temp. Add honey by squeezing into your fist and holding under the faucet, letting it dissolve. Cut grapefruit in Half and pick out seeds, and squeeze the juice into the tub. Add baking soda last. Do not think about staying in the tub to long. It is supposed to have a sneaky energizing effect, definitely not a bath for when you want to relax.

Soon I will post the next one I have tried, which did work for me. So stay tuned, and let me know if the Turbo Tub, works for you. Maybe I did not stay in long enough or something.

Another You Tube video, pretty cute

Now if you omit all the gadgetry stuff, this could be me. My kids are not old enough for all the techno gadgets yet, but my oldest does want one of those barbie ipod thingies for Christmas. My sister, Steph, sent this one to me.

and now for........... a pink camera!!

Hop on over to 5mfm and enter yourself in for a snazzy Casio pink digital camera. It is really nice. Go, Look, and enter. Good Luck.

My oldest daughter.

I thought since I shared my most interesting delivery with you I would share my first and last also. I will start with my oldest, and first delivery, and considering time I will share my last with you another day. When I went into labor with my first daughter, everything was normal from the sound of it. It was about 11:00 a.m. and I started feeling really hot and then very cold with the shivers, then hot, then cold again. Anyway, I was with my mother at the time, who knew I was in labor (she told me later) and she left the apartment. I do not know where she went. Well then my oldest sister came over and she called the hospital for me and they said to go ahead and come in. Well on the way to the hospital my contractions started and we were able to time them, 2 minutes apart all the way to the hospital. Well we get to the hospital, get in my room, still having contractions, but nothing else was happening. I was so scared, and paranoid, the doctor said that maybe if I got the epidural it might help me relax. So I did, and it did. My friend Myra was there during the whole birth, eating Taco Bell by the way, in a chair right by the bed. And when they brought the needle in for the epidural, she said she just wished I could see how big the needle was. Hah, I am glad I could not. Anyway, after the epidural everything went off without a hitch. Baby girl was born on April 1st, 1998. Poor girl has to have a prankster day as a birthday. So far daddy and I have been nice. I am saving all my good stuff for sweet 16. Anyway, I do not know what happened after that, from pretty normal delivery to freaky quick. I guess after reading all the posts from 5 Minutes for Mom cyber shower I should thank God for that freakish quality.

My "Brother."

I need to let ya' all know, the brother I speak of in my new snazzy button, Is my sister Lisa's' hubby. He will be leaving next Thursday for his 3rd tour in Iraq. Keep them in your prayers please. My sister and John were both in Iraq for their whole first year of marriage, and they have been home together for about as long, and now he is going to go back. So pray and pray, for God to keep him safe. Thanks. Hats off to John.

Oh so funny.

I found this on Deo Veolente. It is great. Any mama and daddy can find some giggles.

Another chance for a Pink Dyson

okay so 5MFM already drew for their dyson, but through the midst of baby shower hopping I found another chance to win a pink dyson. Hop on over to mod mom and enter for your chance to win AGAIN.

The night Bella was born!!!

Okay, so 5 Minutes for Mom is having a virtual baby shower, head on over and check out the prizes and what you can do to win some for you or for some friends. Here is my most interesting story. Some of my closest friends have heard this story so many times, my hubby loves to share it, but for my new readers, or those participating in the babyshower, you will probably love it, or hate me. These always seem to be the outcome from this story.



Flashback July 25th, 2002.

I was standing at the stove when I started feeling this pain in my back that slowly moved to the front. Not knowing for sure I called my mom to see what she said and sure enough she just confirmed my thoughts and said it did sound like contractions. Well about 4 hours later I was still feeling the same way. My contractions were not getting closer or stronger. Well I called the triage nurse and she told me to drink the water and go lay down for an hour and call her back. So that is what I did, around the time I was to call her back, I had one contraction that made me say, "okay, that one hurt." i made a mistake, one they tell you not to do, I went to the rest room, and had my husband dial the number for the nurse again. He tried to answer her questions, and as he handed me the phone, I could feel the baby's head dropping. I told the nurse and she said, sounding a little panicky, "Call 9-1-1." and she hung up on me. Well now the contractions were coming so quickly, I can't even tell you how quick they were. Now while I was on the phone with the nurse my husband woke up our oldest daughter, because he thought we all would be heading to the hospital. Now we only live about 1 block from the hospital, but I told him we could not make it, the head was there. So he is holding our 4 year old who is not quite all the way awake yet and proceeded to call 9-1-1. To this day he says the dispatcher had to be reading out of a book and was about 5 pages behind. With every contraction her head would come out and at the end of the contraction it would disappear. I do not know how long it took, but the emergency help finally arrived. The firemen showed up first and as soon as they came in my husband got up and moved into the living room. I was laying right in front of the front door, when the fireman got down I asked if I could push and he said yes. One push and that was it, baby was born, umbilical cord cut. The first picture we have of her is on our kitchen table being checked out by the paramedics before we were put on the gurney and carted off to the ambulance. My husband and oldest daughter followed the ambulance all the way to the hospital, and my mother met us there. The first thing she said to me was "you just had to beat me didn't you." The reason she said that was because when I was born, I was born in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. Anyway, That has been the most exciting birth for us.

Aspartame what say you?

Okay so here is something that is throwing me for a loop, What do you know about aspartame? I did a search on Web M.D.and saw both sides, it is bad, it is not bad! So which one is it? My kids like the drinks that have aspartame in them, like Fresca, and the flavored waters. But I have heard it is bad. So what do you know about that, and besides web M.D. is there somewhere else to check on something like that?

Dont forget the lyrics.

Have any of you watched this show. The other night I tuned in right on time to see the contestant get engaged on national T.V. Her boyfriend had it all planned out. She was freaking out, and then she walked away with $350,000. What a night for her. I like the show, and I think my sister Stephanie should go on. She is a great singer, and she knows all kinds of music. Anyway, the show is cute, and last nights was really neat.

5 Minutes for Mom at it again.... II

So if you have not been there lately I would really suggest heading over there. They have a baby phonics giveaway, a DVD loaded with music and phonics for you just learning to speak babies. They are also giving away Kabba Mikey, i think that is how you spell it. It is a boy in Tokyo, cartoon, superhero DVD, looks pretty cute. And the greatest of the week, drum roll please, ANOTHER DYSON VACUUM. This time it is pink, and the proceeds of the giveaway, $400, goes to breast cancer awareness. Dyson just gives it to breast cancer, pretty awesome. So go now, when I entered I was 885. Maybe that will be a new lucky number.

The Marine.

This is a poem being sent from a Marine to his Dad.For those who take the time to read it, you'll see a letter from himto his Dad at the bottom It makes you truly thankful for not only the Marines, but ALL of our troops. This poem is something the marines want to roll over the US.

THE MARINE



We all came together,
Both young and old
To fight for our freedom,
To stand and be bold.
In the midst of all evil,
We stand our ground,
And we protect our country From all terror around.

Peace and not war, Is what some people say.
But I'll give my life,
So you can live the American way.

I give you the right
To talk of your peace.
To stand in your groups,
and protest in our streets.

But still I fight on,
I don't complain,
I don't whine.
I'm just one of the people
Who is doing your time.

I'm harder than nails,
Stronger than any machine.
I'm the immortal soldier,
I'm a U.S. MARINE!

So stand in my shoes,
And leave from your home.
Fight for the people who hate you,
With the protests they've shown.
Fight for the stranger,
Fight for the young.
So they all may have,
The greatest freedom you've won .

Fight for the sick,
Fight for the poor
Fight for the cripple,
Who lives next door.

But when your time comes,
Do what I've done.
For if you stand up for freedom,
You'll stand when the fight's done .

By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert, US Marine Corps
USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF

March 23, 2003
Hey Dad,
Do me a favor and label this "The Marine" and send it to everybody on your email list. Even leave this letter in it. I want this rolling all over the US ; I want
every home reading it. Every eye seeing it. And every heart to feel it. So can you please send this for me? I would but my email time isn't that long and I don't have much time anyway. You know what Dad? I wondered what it would be like to truly
understand what JFK said in His inaugural speech. "When the time comes to lay
down my life for my country, I do not cower from this responsibility. I
welcome it." Well, now I know. And I do. Dad, I welcome the opportunity to do what
I do. Even though I have left behind a beautiful wife, and I will miss the birth of our first born child, I would do it 70 times over to fight for the place that God has made for my home I love you all and I miss you very much. I wish I could be there when Sandi has our baby, but tell her that I love her, and Lord willing, I will
be coming home soon. Give Mom a great big hug from me and give one to yourself too.
Aaron

Please let this marine (and all our military) know we care by passing his
poem onto your friends. I originally got this in my email, and I thought what a better way to bring attention to 9/11. I do not know if Marine Aaron is real, but this did make me stop and think. If you like, you can copy it and post it, or email it to your friends and family. Remember all our troops today! Do not forget.

Our Anniversary.

Today is my anniversary. We have been married for 8 years. We have a really neat story about our wedding and first date. 9 years ago he took me out to eat at Joes Crabshack, I really like that place. The atmosphere is very fun, and our kids have always enjoyed going, although we have only been there twice with them. Anyway, on our first date he bought me one of their Tye dyed shirts, of course I still have it. Now while we were there I saw one of my sisters friends who was celebrating her birthday, and over the process of the next year my husband and I got engaged and set a date. When it was time to send out the invitations, I gave one to my sisters friend and she said "Oh that is my birthday." So a year later, to the day, of our first date is when my husband and I got married. Neat isn't it? The other thing that happened that I felt so clumsy about, I slammed my finger in the car door. And he wanted to pour alcohol on it. It seems like our finest days always have a bit of "ouchiness" that comes along with it, and if you have ever talked to me about our wedding day, or if you were there, you know exactly what I am talking about. Anyway, it is a good day all and all. We have been through a lot together, and I cannot wait for the day when our kids are grown, have kids of there own, and hubby and I are old and grey, and we can look back on our lives and say that "It is good." Love you hubby.

My growing baby.

So the news of the new baby is exciting for my family. My 9 year old does exactly what she did when I was pregnant with my other 2. Rubs my tummy, gives it hugs, talks to the baby. My 5 year old of course follows big sisters lead, and loves on my tummy. My 1 1/2 year old, lifts up my shirt and points to my belly button and says, "Baby" then lifts up her shirt and looks at her belly button. I think that is soooo funny. It makes me laugh every time she does it.

Not just Martha Herbal Contest.

This is a neat contest. You will get a $25 gift certificate to a online herbal shop. Now for me this is great because I am interested in making my own bath salts and things but in order to do it right you are suppose to use good essential oils, and it seems this would be a good place to get them. So Hop on over to Not just Martha, there is a button on my sidebar, follow the instructions and get yourself entered into this contest. Okay Ciao.

Thankful Thursday

So another Thankful Thursday, I keep forgetting that it is Thursday. So today I am thankful that my growing baby and I are fine. I have been on bed rest for almost a week. I went to the Doc. this week and got an ultrasound and my Rhogam shot. Have you ever seen a picture of a 6 week old baby, it looks like a little peanut. 2 bumps, one is the head and one is the bottom. That is it. I cannot tell which is which. If I had a scanner, I would upload it so you could see. So thank God that it is all fine now. I just cannot lift more than 10 pounds and I am still going to take it easy for a while.

Okay, so I have found another contest to share with you. This is hosted by Crazy Hip Blog Mamas and Missys Tempting Tarts. Hop on over to Crazy Hip Blog Mamas and see all the details for the contest. What these tarts are is smell good things, because I do not know if they are wax, I am assuming that though. Anyway, you will get to choose some, then you can burn them in your simmer pots, and smell up the house with something other than soiled diapers and burnt popcorn. If that is something that happens in your house anyway. So hop over and check it out.

September declared new jean month for Fried Okra.

Megan, at Fried Okra needs our help. She needs a new pair of jeans and wants to know our favorites. If she chooses your jean you get a gift card to a store like Gap or Kohls. (Hop over and see the rules.) Okay so here is my opinion. For price, I was lucky enough to find a nice fitting pair of jeans at Wal-Mart. They are Boot-Cut, perfect for my huge snow shoes for winter, if I get to wear them than, just finding out I am Prego and all. Anyway, the brand is Faded Glory. Did not know that until I looked at the tag. Then the 2nd option is truejeans.com They will send you a tape measure in the mail and a booklet to find your true fit for jeans. They have numerous styles, boot cut, flare legs, or straight legged. Plus I received a 15% off coupon, so you save money also. To be perfectly honest I have not tried truejeans yet, so I do not know the price range, but check it out. Maybe it is not to bad. So there you have it. Those are my 2 suggestions, and the one place I would not go is Ambercrombie and Fitch, I bought a pair of jeans from them once and the butt tore after just 2 times of wearing them. I have never shopped there since. I have other reasons too, but that is another story for another time. Good luck with the jean hunt, most important is have FUN!!!!! CIAO.

I have been slackin'!!!

I have been slackin' on letting you all in on the 5 Minutes for Mom contests. They have something every week, so always check it out. Today there are 2 books and a Little Einstein video. So hop over and leave your comment and Good Luck. And I will try and keep you posted.

I have won 3 contests this week.

I have told you already about one contest this week, the spa gift set. I have also won this facial toner that is like $26 per 8 oz. bottle. And I was just told that I won handmade booties, right on time for me to put away for the new baby. Maybe I should go get a powerball ticket this week, LOL>

Thankful Thursday

It is Thankful Thursday, and this is a short and sweet. I am expecting, and that is what I am most Thankful for today. (ask me again in about 4 months and I will let you know if I am so thankful, LOL.)

I won a contest.

I won the Not Just Martha contest about pampering yourself. Good timing, I am going to need a bit of pampering. LOL.

CONFIRMED!

My pregnancy is confirmed. I figured a due date around the 22nd of April. They said today the 27th, so I adjusted my ticker to their day, and as we all know that could change again after ultrasounds and such. So, you all can countdown with me. At least I will be warm this winter!!!

My News!!!!

I just found out that I am pregnant. I took 2 home tests and both came out positive. Tomorrow I have a doc. appointment to "confirm" it, and will go from there. Now, as I entered the 400 contests from the dog days of summer giveaways I saw a really cool tracker at the top of one of those blogs. Now I have no idea which one, obviously. What it was is a bar like thing at the top of her blog, and it had the baby growing week by week, and it showed where she was in her pregnancy. If you have any idea where I can find it so I can put it on my blog I would really appreciate the info. Thanks. So this will be baby #4. We have 3 girls already, hubby is excited and is already looking at baby name books. I told him, and our oldest, we have 9 MONTHS. We do not have to choose tonight. Funny man. If it is a boy we already know what we will name him, I am not telling yet. If it is another girl, it will be tricky, there are so many. He wants Aurora, and I cannot say it right so I do not like it. Anyway, 9 months we will have a baby, with a name even!!!
Edited to add: I found it, I think it is such a neat thing. Also, hubby says what if I go to Doc. tomorrow and find out I am not P.G., well than I will have retract this post, and take away my ticker, that is what the bar at the top is called. I did not know that, Good you if you did.

End of Summer Giveaway!

Hop over to Musings of a Housewife, follow the link in my blog list. She is giving away a beautiful chocolate brown and blue tote. Go check it out, just leave a comment, and you are entered in the giveaway. Go now, maybe you will get it.

Go figure.

Here is another bloggy group I am going to join. It is about what you do to stay fit and healthy. Well recently I had talked to my hubby about using our workout room here at the apartments. They have a treadmill, which is what I would probably favor, I really like to run. They have many other things down there too. I am going to try 2 times a week to start with. I am still working on the plan. Anyway, that is not quite steppin' up and doing it, it is just a thought, but I do want to. Maybe I will start this coming week, on Tuesday. I will let you know.

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Another Thankful Thursday. I am thankful for my silly little girls. They make me laugh, more than they make me angry, and every mommy needs to laugh with her babies. I am also thankful for my hubby. He is a great house cleaner, and when he de-clutters things you can see the difference. When I do it, it just does not turn out the same. He has a great eye for things like that. He is also a very hard worker. I appreciate that and I am sure that he would be thankful if I told him that more. Anyway, I am thankful for my family. Sometimes I feel like I am pulled in many different directions, but I would be so sad if that feeling went away.

This s is another contest, all about pampering you. The biggest thing I do to pamper myself is I try to make time to do my hair daily. I just got a new cut, and it is not really one you can just let hang, so I mess with it and try to make it look decent. Also, I try weekly to take a mama bath. I realize how much I like to get smell good things and just soak, with my head under the water, just so I do not hear all the noise from my house. Because even if my little 3 are in bed, my hubby still likes the T.V. on and sometimes I think he may be losing his hearing. Anyway, click the link above, leave your comment and good luck.

Multi-Tasking Moms

Multi-Tasking Moms is a blog new to me. It is a group of women who talk about just about everything under the sun. Their button is now on my sidebar. Click it and go read their great articles and blogs. Also they are holding a contest, leave it to me to find them all for you, it is an agenda book that you can put just about anything in. Hop on over, check it out, and enter for your agenda book. Now I have to say, at this point of my life I do not have that many obligations, but if you are a super busy Supermom it might benefit you. Hop on over and see. Contest is over tomorrow, sorry just found it today, so do it quickly. :)

Tomorrow is the day.

5.M.F.M.s' T.V. contest ends tomorrow. So if you want to get in on the action, hop on over and enter.

I am joining this, I need to focus on more of the good things in my life, so every Thursday you post something, or a lot of somethings, that you are thankful for. This first one I am going to keep simple. (Maybe)

I am thankful for the Lord. Jesus Christ, for dieing for me. I know that even though I try so hard to be "right" I know that when I fail, and repent, and keep trying, I am forgiven. I know I will never be perfect, not here anyway, and I thank God that I have a great path laid before me to live and learn.

Another bloggy giveaway.

This time Rocks in my Dryer is giving away, prim and proper wooden homemade sign. You can choose your color and saying like, The best things in life aren't things, and neat little sayings like that. So hop over to R.I.M.D. follow my link below or in my blogroll, and then click to her bloggy giveaway.

Bloggy Giveaways

Rocks in my dryer hosts another website called Bloggy Giveaways .com. Today she has a contest for Net Jet. It is an online game place for kids 6-11, it is "safe." Just like webkinz, it has special online protection stuff, which I know nothing about, so I cannot say what kind or anything, but she has posted about it. Anyway, you can hop over, check out the game. Tomorrow she will be having another giveaway that I will tell you about.

My Google Ads.

I like how google ads work. Right now I have ads for snake trapping. Maybe my friend at Rugrats and Dirty Rugs should check that out. Ha, Ha.

A funny!!!!!

The other night my family was sitting at the dinner table, talking about all the girls' births. For those of you who do not know, I have had some pretty interesting child bearing moments. My oldest was pretty normal, I was just so freaked out I could not relax so my body was not doing anything it should have been. So they gave me the epidermal and it sent my body in the right direction. Everything was normal. Then my 2nd pregnancy came around. I only had one hurtful contraction, and then I could feel her head. Oh yeah, I was at home, unplanned giving birth in the hallway of my apartment, with about 7 fireman and a few paramedics. Then my 3rd baby was pretty normal, I just begged them to induce me, so I could actually be in the hospital and not in my hallway of my apartment, hee, hee. Now I have heard that most women are in excruciating pain when the are on the potosin (not sure if I spelled that right.), but I was lucky there too, I could have slept and the nurse thought I was quite a freak. Our friends came to see us, and they went to get hubby a sandwich just right across the street, and by the time they got back Baby girl 3 had been born. A matter of minutes. And our friends husband said that he could not even tell that it was that far along and he was not even uncomfortable sitting and talking with us before said baby was born.
Okay so back to the original story. As we are talking about all this, my oldest asked hubby if he cut all of their "utility" cords. She instantly knew that was not right, blushing and laughing. Oh I love my girls!!!!

My snake story.

Again, my friend at Rugrats and Dirty Rugs has written a post that has inspired me to share. When I was in Junior High, I lived with my father. We had 10 fish tanks with huge fish, sucker fish, an Oscar fish who would eat any bug that you put in the tank, rats, that we fed to a 5 ft. long hog nose bull snake. The snake had a home in my dads room, which my dad normally kept the door closed. This snake bit, and it freaked me out. I did not like having it much. One day I was running up the stairs to my room and I saw the tail of the snake going under the carpet of the stairs. I called for my sisters and neither of them wanted to touch it. We had 2 men outside our house fixing the gas meter cause one of our friends had drove right into it. So I went outside and asked if they were scared of snakes. Of course they said no. So I told them that my dads snake got out and I needed help to get him and put him somewhere til my dad got home. Once I told them what kind of snake, and that it bit, they both got this funny look on their faces. They had a pair of very thick gloves, and one guy told the other, "you have the gloves." Well the man threw them over to the other guy, and said "Not anymore." So he picks them up and came inside. We waited for the snake to come all the way down the stairs and the guy grabbed him, and wrestled a little with the head, and we finally got it in a box to await the arrival of dad, who never had any problems with getting bit by this snake. UGH! It was funny to see 2 grown men struggle with the idea of helping me with this snake. I had really forgotten about this "pet" we had until reading my friends post about the snakes where she lives. I remember naming my dads snake, Sir Strikes A Lot, because at that time Sir Mix A Lot was very popular. That name stuck. Eventually my dad took it some creek and released it. Thank God!!!

I've Got Nothing

Now by that I mean I do not have one thing I can write about. Do not get me wrong, I have a lot of things in my heart and head, but should not write about them because, well lots of reasons. My blog is not a place where I can just write about how I feel, or what I am thinking, oh well. I am done complaining. Speaking of complaining, do you? Do you to much? Have you heard of the complaint free church. I wrote about it here, it is in my archives. (I tried to link to it, but could not.) The goal is to keep a bracelet on one wrist for 21 days. Any time you are complaining you have to switch wrists and start over! It is not easy. I have had mine since Wednesday I think, and already, back and forth back and forth. I normally start complaining when I get frustrated at something. Then I complain about it. Normal? Anyway, my lil' brain is just about pooped and I have a feeling I will be waking up early, even though tomorrow is my no alarm day. 3 little ones make it a little more diffilcult to sleep in. sigh.....

5.M.F.M. is giving away a T.V.

5 Minutes for Mom is, along with Best Buy, giving away an Insignia 37" Flat Panel LCD-HDTV. So if, like me, your hubby is jonesin' for a new T.V., maybe you could win this, and be on his good side for awhile!!! Hee, Hee. Good Luck. Also, do not forget about 5 Minutes for Books, they review a book every week and give it away in a drawing, I won once. I received a book called Real Women Scrap. So it is possible. This week they are giving away 2 books, the one I entered is called Supper Swap. Even if I do not win, this might be one I look for elsewhere. Anyway, go check it out. Ciao.

Rocks in my dryer give away.

The Rocks in my Dryer give away is over, I did not win anything. Boo-Hoo. I just thought I would let you all know. Thanks Ciao!!!

I was tagged for a meme.

My friend at Rugrats and Dirty Rugs tagged me for this meme. This was during High School. I have changed a lot since then. Thank God!!! I hope you laugh.

1. Who was your best friend? Kate Shanahan and Melissa Gunterman

2. Did you play any sports? Almost did track, but they wanted me to quit smoking, ugh!

3. What kind of car did you drive? First car was a 1978 Ford F-150, it had a big hole in the bed of the truck and I had to put large pieces of plywood over it so I could actually put things in it.

4. It's Friday night. Where were you? Everywhere I should never have been.

5. Were you a party animal? Unfortunately,

6. Were you considered a flirt? No, I bullied boys.

7. Were you in the band, orchestra, or choir? Choir, the only thing I lettered in.

8. Were you a nerd? Ummmmmmm, no, nerds did not like me.

9. Were you ever suspended or expelled? Yes, but not in High school

10. Can you sing the fight song? ummmmmm, no

11. Who was your favorite teacher? Mrs. Ryan, she was English/lit.

12. What was your school mascot? I do not know.

13. Did you go to the prom? Yes, Junior and Senior, oooooooooh

14. If you could go back, would you? Maybe, if I could stay the way I am now. I would have had a much different experience.

15. What do you remember most about graduation? That the only person there with me was my sister Steph, and I was the second out of my family to do it.

16. Where were you on Senior Skip Day? Well considering that I pretty much did that whenever I wanted, I really do not know.

17. Did you have a job your Senior year? No.

18. Where did you go most often for lunch? Cafeteria.

19. Have you gained weight since then? No, not really.

20. What did you do after graduation? Moved to Colorado.

21. What year did you graduate? 1997

22. Who was your Senior prom date? I plead the 5Th.

23. Are you going/did you go to your 10 year reunion? You know, I was not even contacted.

As I said previously, I am so glad that the Lord is changing me. I try real hard not to remember most of those times, YIKES!!!!!!

On my goodness.

The Rocks from my dryer giveaway is at over 500 now. Go check it out. It is preety cool, there is a lot of scrapbooking stuff.

Hannah.

Hannah and Lily. I am going to read this myself. right now. This is the second time I have heard about it. This little girl drown with her mother and little sibling near by. It just happened so quick they did not have time to stop it. Hop over, read, and pray for this family.

Rocks in my dryer give away.

Okay, so that giveaway I wrote about yesterday is now over 400 giveaways. Lots of starbucks, bath and bodyworks, and really neat things.

Rocks in my dryer give away.

There are over 200 giveaways going on right now. Hop over and see. Follow the Dog Days of Summer button. Lots of neat things. After you click my link, you may need to click on her title at the top to get to the Mr. Linky list, then just check out all the neat possibilities.

In Church today.

While I was sitting in church today, listening to my pastor preach about Hannah, I thought to myself she is a great woman. Here she was asking God for the one thing that made a woman a woman back then and when she gets it she hands him over to God. She kept her word. I know a lot of times I would pray to God, please do not let such and such happen, and I promise I will never do this again but then I would turn around and do it again. This was when I did not go to church, I do not pray these prayers now, I do not want to strike anymore bargins with God ;) Anyway I also relized a lot of woman like to compare themselves with the proverbs 31 wife, and compared to her I am so dim. But when I look at other women in the bible I can compare to them and keep my head up, they seem to be a little bit more like me. Hannah is not described like the Proverbs 31 wife, who is doing just about anything and everything under the sun, before the sun even comes up. Hannahs struggles and prayers are a little bit more typical. I just like to know that there are other woman in the bible to be compared to. Makes it easier to say that Proverbs 31 is not what is expected of me, Pastor says you can be a little of all of them. I like that.

Something I have been striving to do for a while, Just a reminder.

We are challenged for 30 days to not criticize our husbands---in public and out.

Sounds good to me...how about it ladies? Are you game?

And for those of you who really like challenges---how about everytime you are about to criticize your husband instead of just being silent and biting your tongue (he might wonder why you are so quiet all month!) how about using that time as a reminder to build him up. So instead of silence you could build him up with your words. Here are some examples:

"Honey, the Lord has been doing so much in your life. I'm proud of you."

"You are so strong! Thank you!"

"I am so glad that you work so hard so that I can be home with the children. I really appreciate that."

"I am glad that you are trying to be a good spiritual leader of our home."

"I love you, what would you like for dinner?"

I am looking forward to hearing how this is going...keep me posted!

I found this linked on to Deo Veolente, and I do not know many of my friends who do criticize their husbands, so this is just a good reminder mainly for myself, As I said, this is something that I have been striving for for awhile, so it speaks to me. What about you?

Homemaker or Housekeeper

If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place,
I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.

If I only have time for waxing and polishing,
my children will learn cleanliness, not godliness.

Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.

Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on the newly cleaned window.

Love wipes the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.

Love is the key that opens salvations message to a child's heart...

_Author Unknown (sent by a friend)

I found this on Deo Veolente. I LOVE this. As I am sure many of my friends will.

Baby Diva

Baby Diva is turning one. When she was 3 months old she had open heart surgery for a congenital heart defect that would have been fatal had she not had the surgery. Click the Baby Diva pic. and go read her story. There is a contest, and links to the American Heart Association, so if you feel like donating, or promoting on your blog you can. As I thank God that my kids never have had anything this trying, I send a prayer for all the babies and people who do.

A Contest, Not by 5.M.F.M.

At Adventures In Babywearing they are giving away this really neat baby carrier, called a Podonbutai, you can wear it 3 different ways, front, back, and hip. I do not know how to describe it, so go check it out for yourselves. I say baby carrier but it so versatile you can even use it for those aging kids who want piggy back rides and it helps support your back. Hop over and check it out. Also one more plug for All Natural Mommies. It is a pretty neat website.

Let me tell you a funny tale.

My 4 year old still wakes up almost every night, for drinks, or because she has a bloody nose, or she has to use the bathroom. Well one night before she was all the way asleep, she came in my room and hubby and I were kissing, so she sneaked out and back to her room, hubby and I did not even know she came in. The next morning she was commenting about it, and mommy and daddy said since we were married we were allowed to kiss if we wanted to. So now every time she sees mommy and daddy kiss she walks off saying, "Puke, Puke, Puke," with a huge funny grin on her face. It is so funny to see.

A New Contest at 5.M.F.M.

Although the 4th contests are over, and I did not win boo-hoo, 5.M.F.M. is having another contest. It is this really neat scanner, it was originally made to scan receipts for business or tax purposes, but it is just as wide as a regular scanner, but it is not as long. It would be perfect for my computer desk that is crammed with stuff, because it is so neat and small. Also portable, so if hubby travels he can take it with him and scan receipts and things right away, no losing anything. So go to sign up for the contest, and you can go check out the little gizmo here.

5 Minutes for books at 5 Minutes for mom.

This weeks 5 minutes for books is Raising Respectful Children in a Disrespectful World by Jill Rigby. Sounds like a good read. Hop over, use the button on the side, and read the review, leave a comment and maybe you will get a free copy. Good Luck.

Contest #11 at 5.M.F.M.

The 11th contest at 5.M.F.M is a pretty neat idea. Do you ever forget when you opened a jar of food, or formula, or anything that you need to keep track of? These are called Days Ago, and they are magnetic or suction cup, and you attach them on your jar, or whatever it is you need to keep track of, and the digital counter keeps track of how many days it has been since you have last done that particular thing. I may not be describing it as well as 5.M.F.M, so hop over, check them out, and sign up for this pretty cool contest.

Contest #9 and #10

5.M.F.M. is getting ahead of me. Contest #9 is 6 personalized children place mats. they are very cute and the best part is you can get your kids' name on them. Contest #10 is no slip girl hair clips. They are very good for that baby fine short hair that most kids keep until they are over a year. So hop on over. Check out the contests. Let me know if you win.

5 Minutes for mom

So 5 minutes for Mom has posted their 8th contest. It is handmade jewelry from Designing Diva. They are very pretty pieces. And I have to share that I won the "5 Minutes for Book" book, "Real Women Scrap". Preety cool. So go on and check it out. Sign up for the contests and let me know if you win.

Contest #7 at 5.M.F.M

Contest #7 is fun and a good way to learn Bible verses. They are giving away one set that the kids can color and a family set. These are cards that you unfold and it is like a puzzle and when you solve the puzzle you see the verse are picture that your child has colored. Hop on over and check them out, they are really a neat idea.

Contest #6 at 5.M.F.M

So here is the 6th contest at 5.M.F.M.

Contest #5 at 5.M.F.M

Here is the 5th contest at 5.M.F.M, It is a Metrowrap made by MetroMama. It is a neat carrier for the baby. Hop on over, check them out, and enter the contest. It looks really comfy, and I but it won't make your back hurt like all the carriers I have ever used. My 2 Prego friends need to enter so if they win they can tell me if it is as awesome as I think it is. LOL:)

Contest #4 at 5.M.F.M

Alright, the 4th contest at 5.M.F.M. is a weekend getaway called "Motherhood Redefined," valued at over $1,000. It is for the winner and one friend. Hop over check it out, and if you win and I don't remember who led you there.

Scars, inspired by rugrats and dirty rugs.

So, I have read an incident that my friend had and now I want to share. When I was 4 or 5 my parents played on a baseball team and we were all there "watching." Well I do not remember if any of my sisters went with me, but I ended up playing under the bleachers. I got real far under them and decided that I would stand up, and got the under part of the bleacher right in my head. Split it all the way down to the skull and I stopped the whole game. (at least I think that is what happen.) Go figure, I still have this scar that is about an inch long where no hair grows. I have many tiny scars from falling over my own feet half the time, I was very clumsy growing up, The other scar that is worth mentioning, because I really think God was watching me this night, is a very small scar on my left thumb. I had the closest kind of car to my dream car I have come to this far. 1980 Mustang, like this except blue and hard top. It is those little 2 doors, not fancy, in desperate need of a good paint job, but I loved that car. We went to the lake to fish, in Illinois, and I let my boyfriend at the time drive; he had been drinking, big no no there, hindsight and all that; and he wanted to take me on this "jump" on one of the roads that he found. So I said okay. I used to never wear my seat belt, but that night I put it on. I did not have any drinks that night, but sitting in the passenger seat, I could not keep my eyes open, I got very sleepy. It was weird, I remember thinking how odd it was because I was young and stayed out many a nights until the sun rose. So anyway, we hit the jump, and the car flipped, I think it rolled a couple of times. I put my hand up on the roof, my thumb got cut, ex was fine, but we were out in the middle of nowhere, and no way to get the car home, it was totaled, no way to get to the hospital. We made it to the closest main road and the 3rd or 4th car that drove by gave us a ride. 2 weeks after we rolled my car, there was another accident just like that and the passenger of that accident broke her neck and was dead at the scene. I have always thought that someone was looking out for me there. But those are really the only 2 scars I have that have cool stories behind them. What about you? Any crazy stunts that have given you those reminders for the rest of your life?

Contest #3 at 5M.F.M., 4th of July Celebration

Okay so the third contest at 5.M.F.M are those really nice looking mommy cards. They gave some away on Mothers Day, so if you do not remember, they have all your info. that way when you meet another mama you can give them a card, and no more searching through your purse for pen and paper. I really think this idea is awesome. So hop on over.

Contest #2 at 5.M.F.M

This 2nd contest is one every woman will LOVE. It is a custom made swimsuit from Lands End valued at $120. I went and checked it out and it is pretty awesome. Go check it out for yourself, and maybe you can have a great new swimsuit for the rest of the summer. For my 2 prego friends, you can win for this summer for maternity suit, or next summer. Very nice. So here is your link 5.M.f.M.

5 Minutes for Mom at it again....

I think those ladies look for any reason just to give stuff away. They are starting more contests in honor of July 4Th. Their first contest is an ice cream maker and 4 ice cream bowls. Should be interesting to see what they have up their sleeves. Hop on over, 5.M.F.M., and keep going back. I will of course keep you updated. Good Luck.

My 3 favorite Hymns or spiritual songs.

Okay so my very favorite hymn is "Holy, Holy, Holy." I just love to hear it and sing it, and think about the words. I could sing this one all day, everyday. I also now know that there is a japanese version that I would love to hear now.
My second is "It is well." This song ecspeically touches my heart when I have been having a bad week and we end up singing it at church. I remember having sang it once at church, and I started to cry. My poor 9 year old looked at me like I was losing my mind. That must have been a really rough week. And my third fav. would have to be "How Great Thou Art." I just love singing all these songs, and thinking about what they all have to say.

Another Contest at 5.M.F.M

So 5.M.F.M. are giving away a gift basket full of baby/toddler goodies. Hop over and read the contest. Enter and if you win, let me know.

Fathers Day Contest.

Okay so we cannot leave out Dad. Hop on over to 5.M.F.M. and they have 2 contests running for Dad. First is a Rolling Stones 4-D.V.D. pack, looks pretty interesting, and the second is a wireless mouse for the "notebook." Thanks talk to you later.

This is one of my favorite songs!!!

I figured out how to get a you tube here so I just wanted to share.

I just have to say....

that reading the bible is awesome. There are some parts where I don't really understand what it means, but a couple Sundays after I read it it seems pastor is preaching about it, so I gain some understanding. Right now I am in Proverbs and compared to some of the bible it is Brain candy. Not much to understand, it is like " If you do "A" you are golden, but if you do "B" then you are a fool." Like that!!! Like "Proverbs 13:24, He who spares the rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly." I need to remember that more often, and I am going to have my girls learn that one, lol. Of course there are other proverbs that I read so far that I like, but that one is great. I always go through this thing where when I start having bad days, for whatever reason, I question my faith, like why do I go to church when this is how I am? Why do I react this way when I am supposed to do better than this? Why do I consider myself poor, when I have Christ and am richer in Heaven, and I do have many blessings on the earth? Do you do that too? I think most of us do, but this Proverb struck me too, "Proverbs 13:13, He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded." I believe I do fear it, because I worry if I am doing good enough, if God is happy with me, am I pleasing in his eyes. Do I have a good odor? (Pastors sermon 2 Sundays ago) I want to do better in all that I do, and I just pray that God sees that, even if people do not! After all, it is all about God. Thank Him for being merciful and forgiving, because I would be ousted if he wasn't. So I have read the whole New Testament, for the first time, all the way through. I was a little frightened to read Revelations, not for the reason you might be thinking (Left Behind), but because my dad was a man who would lecture about Revelations, like when it started happening we would run to the mountains and hide and we would not take the number of the beast, all the while he usually had one to many, and was on something else too. Well I think my goal is to be in Heaven so if it all goes down like that I won't be here to begin with, God willing. I do not know what Revelations is all about, it came across as Johns dream and he was just describing it. I am sure one day I will be at bible study learning about it the right way, so I have to admit I read it as fast as I could and deliberately not thinking to hard about it. So after Revelations I started reading the Psalms. Read them all, for the first time through I liked them, and I could think of the hymns that many of them are in. Now I am in Proverbs myself, and my girls and I are reading the Psalms together. We are working our way through the Old Testament and that is just where we are now. So I am going to read through them again with the girls. Now that our school year is over I think during the summer I will concentrate on our catechism and other things that I have been neglecting, then when school starts next year we will already have that routine down, and just do school along with it. I never really got to integrate the Bible into school this year, we started late and I was playing catch up all school. We have 2 subjects that we still need to finish. It will probably only take a couple of weeks, but I am stoked that next year, there will be no catch up. Hooray!!!! Okay it is time for this mamas bedtime, morning comes early around here. Goodnight. Sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite!!!

Her First Haircut.

I bet by the title you all may think my baby got her first haircut, however it was not my 15 month old. It was my 9 year old. She has gorgeous red hair that goes all the way down her back. She gets these really pretty golden highlights in it during the summer, and until last night she has never had a haircut. So I thought I would share with you, here are a couple of pictures.




Our friend did a great job, she is worthy of the faith we have in her!!! I have to admit I was a little nervous, but she did great. I told them; pastor and family, it was pastors granddaughter that cut my daughters hair, that if our friend cut it a little to short I would not be as upset because she is my friend and I like her. If I took my daughter somewhere to get it cut and they cut it to short, I would sue LOL. Anyway all turned out well. My daughter really likes it. She even got some light chin length bangs. Well I hope all is well with everything. Have a beautiful day. Chow Bella.

My Hubby.

So my husband had a doctors appt. the other day and we found out that his left ventricle in his heart is swollen. He needs to lose weight, exercise, and take high blood pressure medicine, and that should cause the heart to go down. If it does not go down then he could have a stroke. He is only 34 years old, but doc. says that since he was born with so many problems that could have some to do with it. This could also be causing his headaches, stomach aches, leg pains, and all the other things that have been wrong with him for so long. I feel a little bad because for a couple of years I have struggled with being sympathetic to him, because I have headaches, tummy aches, etc., but I guess it is not the same. So pray for my hubby. I am just glad to know what is going on so we can proceed to fix it, before anything worse happens.

Here it is AGAIN!!!

This contest does not pertain to me right now, but I know two friends, Dee and Andrea, that might like this. It is a Belly Band, pretty cute. Go to 5.M.F.M and enter the contest.

ANOTHER Contest

Okay, so it seems like the only thing I have been blogging about since mothers day is contests. Well the only time I think of something to write about now a days is when I enter a F.M.F.M contest and have to pass the goodies on to you so you can enter. Today they started a contest for 5 Franklin DVDs. What an awesome contest. With all the guessing about what is appropriate and previewing what are supposed to be kids shows, I already know what Franklin is all about. He teaches great little moral lessons. I really like Franklin, So hop on over, sign up, and good luck.

Contests and Sweepstakes

I have relized that I might have a small addiction to contests and sweepstakes. If I can enter for free, and it does not cause me any problems, I like it.... I like it a lot. So here is one contest I am going to share, 5MFM is having a tutu giveaway. These are not just any tutus' handmade and gorgeous. check out TuTu Fantasy, then go to 5MFM and enter for their contest. I am really hoping I will win, but good luck anyway.

I love this time of year.

I was looking out my window yesterday and I realized that the trees all have their leaves back. I drive down the road and see all the beautiful flowers that are blooming. All the green lawns. The rainy afternoons. The cool breeze. I think spring is my favorite. I like hearing the birds and picking flowers with my 4 yr. old. Watching my oldest kick her soccer ball around, when we actually go outside. I love this time of year. God is the greatest artist there is. He makes the most wonderful things.

Mothers Day!!!

Mothers Day was a pretty good day here. Hubby got called in the night before, but he came home and made me cinnamon rolls for breakfast. The girls and I went to church, and I came home and was able to take a nap, and hubby made dinner, did the dishes, and would not let me do to much around the house. They gave me a T. Kinkade pillow that matches the throw blanket they gave me for my birthday. I love it. Soon I will have 2 of them and I can throw the 2 throw pillows I have away, and put my T.K. pillows on my couch. It will tie my colors together nicely in my living room. Kind of excited about that!!!
I have also been thinking about doing some decorating in my apartment. I would need to find things that are easily removed; i.e. borders, or paint that I would be able to wash away with a little scrubbing, then I could do some things in my kitchen and the girls room, and if I get really crazy, transform my bedroom. As much as you can in a 2 bedroom apartment anyway. Well if I find all the right things, I will post pics. and stuff.
You all have a great day.

Contest #6 at 5M.F.M

And for contest number 6....... it is Mommy Cards. It has your address phone number, any personal info. you would like to have on there to give out when you meet new mommy's and what to share your info.! Instead of searching for pen and paper you just pull out one of these beauties and hand them that. So hop over to 5 Minutes for Mom, sign up for this contest, then go look at all the pretty designs you can choose from if you win.

Contest #5 at 5M.F.M

Okay, so the 5th contest at 5 Minutes for mom is more jewelry. These you can personalize and they are very everyday wear. Hop on over to 5 minutes for mom. Enter the contest, and then go check out the very nice jewelry. They are made by a Work at home mom.

Contest #4 at 5M.F.M

Okay so the fourth contest for Mothers Day is jewelry. It is handmade by a woman who will either give you one of her sets, or a gift cert. to her site, and if you do not see anything that suits you, she will specially design something that will suit you. Pretty cool. Hop over to 5M.F.M and join the contest, then from there go to Design Diva and check out her beautiful jewelry.

Where's your nose?

Okay so, while we were with my sister she taught my 1 year old where her nose is. So every time we ask her, "where is your nose?" Here is what she does, sorry the pic. is not that great: but it is kind of funny!!!

Contest #3 at 5M.F.M.

Okay so the third contest is posted and it is Hannah Keeleys book Total Mom Makeover. At 5M.F.M. they give a nice review of the book. Sounds interesting. So hop over and enter the third contest. 5 Minutes for Mom

I was tagged....

I was tagged by Lisa at Deovolente to do a meme. Never, ever have been tagged before, and I am not quite sure what I am suppose to say. Oohhhhh I just thought of one, Some of you will already know though, some of you won't.


Here's how it goes: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. You need to tag others and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

1)I delivered my 2ND child at home, with about 7 firemen all around me because my labor was so fast that I could not make it to the hospital.

2) I, Myself, was born in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, because my moms labor was pretty quick. My dad stood on the bumper of the ambulance watching. Then when we got to the hospital they put me in the med. room because they did not want me to spread germs to the other babies.

3) My favorite drink is coffee, coffee in the morning and coffee at night, coffee, coffee, coffee. :)

4) This is a little more difficult then I thought it would be. My worst habit, in my opinion, is smoking. I want to quit smoking and take up running.

5) I could see myself having 5 children.

6) My daddy was a jack of all trades, that is just a nice way of saying he could not hold down a job, we moved often when I was a kid and by the time I was in 3rd grade we had been to about 5 different schools.

7) I have 3 sisters and I am the baby.

Now I have to think about who to tag:

1) Andrea
2) Dee
3) Susan
4) Janice
5) and I would love to do one of the guys from pyro, but I just do not see them participating. I don't really have any one else. So we will see what happens. Chow.

Contest #2 at 5M.F.M

okay they already have a second contest going, It is a snazy little baby carrier that a stay at home mom makes, Looks pretty nice and comfy. Hop over, check it out and good luck, I will keep you posted on more contests, keep coming back for more. Follow this link www.5minutesformom.com

Mothers Day Giveaway at 5 Minutes for Mom

I wanted you all to know that from now until Mothers Day, 5 minutes for mom are doing a ton of mothers day giveways, follow the pretty link to 5M.F.M, and join the first one if you would like. It is a applenino Ipod, I think I got that right. As the contests come up I will let you know about them, and you only have to follow the link, Cool? Cool! Follow this link www.5minutesformom.com

My Last Day of Vacation.

So, Yesterday was the tryouts for Deal or No Deal. First let me say, I would probably do it all again, but I would end it the differently. There were THOUSANDS of people. I will upload some pics. when I get home. My sister and I got in line at 9:30 a.m.! We had some nice people around us, so that was good. Definitely could have gotten some crazy people, so thank God that did not happen.Then we waited, and waited, and waited, and waited, and waited, and waited, and waited. Then we hit the actual "entrance" of the line. We were all in the parking lot of the Grand Ole opry Mall, down in Nashville, that is one nice mall. Well anyway, after 8 or 9 hours of waiting in the parking lot, and we were aloud to cross the street, and be right in front of the all............ and wait another 3 hours. So at the end, right before we went into the room where all the producers were at, they lined us all up into 2 lines of 8 people, I was fine, smiley, happy to be at the end. Now here is the tricky part, when you get up to the table with the producer, He says "hi" your time starts. YOU ONLY HAVE 20 SECONDS TO SELL YOURSELF OUT OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. 20 Seconds, that is it. And you cannot blow it. So okay the line before us goes in. Still fine, still happy. Then it is our turn to go in. still fine, still happy. Then the line before us gets to go to their producer table. Yyyyyaaayyyyyyyy!!!! Alright it is our turn. We all circle around the front of the table.I a going to tell you all what I was thinking this whole time. He starts with an older lady at the end, "oh she did good, good job for her." Next, said her name, where she was from, said she needed some money for various reasons. Next was another older woman, she was talking about her 2 daughters that she was trying to get through Dartmouth Collage. Good for her she did it exactly the way that she practiced. Then it was my sister Lisa's turn. She flew 11 hours, rented a car, drove my 3 girls and I down to Nashville, gave us a vacation for a week, brought us into her home, fed us and has been so great with the girls, all so I can have a chance to tryout for Deal or No Deal. Okay my turn, "Hi" he says. "Hi" I say, "My name is T- - - - - M--------, I am from Colorado. I have 3 kids all girls, and being on Deal of No Deal is a big dream of mine" and then, and then, I started to cry, and then, and then, I could not remember what i was going to say, WHAT A DORK. I started crying in front of Mr. man right there, the one who is choosing people for the show, duh. He went on and did the next 4 people. Took our applications asked 2 of our group to stay behind, I was not one of them obviously. We saw one of them later and he said that they gave him a second interview, and just asked a few more questions. Then I could not stop crying, I just feel like I totally screwed that up. Well here is my positive spin, If that does not make somebody stand out in thousands and thousands of people, I do not know what will. They also said that it could take up to a year for them to call you. I thought I would do better talking to a person, than a camera, but I guess I proved that theory wrong. Oh well, the rest of the vacation has been a great time. That is the only thing I am a little disappointed about. My sister has a very generous heart. She is a great person. So I am just waiting for everybody else to wake up, and then we will start enjoying our last day of vacation. I see you all soon, well some of you anyway. CHOW.

You will never guess

The last 5 days has been a whirlwind. You will never guess where I am. I am in Tennessee. My sister came and got me and my 3 kids and brought us down so I can try out for Deal or No Deal. It is my favorite game show. My husband and I have never been apart like this before and I miss him dearly. My sister is spoiling us like crazy and my girls are loving it. I am a little uncomfortable about it, but whatever!!! We hardly ever see her so I guess I can deal with it for a while. My oldest has been doing a couple of things to "earn" money, So that is pretty neat. She bought all 3 girls some toys from toys-r-us and She took me to a day spa today to get a massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure. It was pretty weird at first, but once I got there I was alright. It was pretty awesome!!!! So we are having a good time, but she wont let me do anything, No dishes, No helping with meals, etc. That is weird for me too, because I want to help, but noooooooooooo... I cannot, she wants me to be on Vacation. She is being very generous. Well I am going to go call my hubby. He will be home from work soon.

Today!

Today I went to Canyon City with my mother in law. I did not know they had such a neat little city there, except for the whole prison thing. It really reminded me of Hutchinson. A small town that you could walk from one side to the other in an hour or so, small little locally owned stores, Nice park. I saw all kinds of Mommy's with their kids, they were smiling and having fun, and there were no sirens, like when I go to the park with my kids. They are a small town and it was kind of tranquil. I walked along the Arkansas with the girls, they had a great time throwing rocks in, and I kept having the sinking feeling they were going to fall in. Motherly paranoia. My 1 year old loves water, and she enjoyed looking at it, and I think she was truly in awe. We fed ducks, played at the park, and Grandma treated us to lunch. All in All not a bad day. Except the part where Grandma kept "backseat driving." I tolerated it because we were in her car, and I was driving. Otherwise, I probably would have told her hush a lot more than I did. The girls had a great time, as did I, and it all was a big mistake!!!!!

Another Contest

"5 minutes for mom" is giving away a digital photo frame. It is pretty snazzy. Follow my link and enter your name in the list, and maybe you will win. Go read about the photo frame, it is as "smart" as all our digital cameras.

Heather, Again

It is all about Heather over here. I do not know why I am so intrigued by all of the support this woman is getting. Now they have donated over $11,000. Wow and Wow!!!

Heather Update

I wanted to tell you all that as of 9:00 this morning the total for Heather is at $10,000 and I guess that boomama will keep up that link until the 25th, when Heather leaves for the Mayo Clinic. Wow. I still have a hard time seeing that. It is so Awesome.

Heathers Day

Up to $7251.00 I cannot believe how much people are willing to do for a stranger. What generous hearts. Anybody who reads this, follow the link and donate your $1, On April 18th. After today, I do not think you will be able to, unless they decide to do it again.

Heather love Day

Already, they have raised over $5500.00 and for some reason all the buttons take you to the old post about it. So instead hop this way http://boomama.net and the first thing you will read is about todays love.

Heather

Look to the left and follow the link. The End

Sick Bear Contest

So I just need to let you all know that 5 minutes for mom is having another contest. It is a really cute bowl-thingy for when little kids are sick. Hop on over and check it out. It is pretty cute.