leahs-chats

Two

2011-05-20T19:41:00.003-04:00

My baby is two. Breaks my heart and makes me smile at the same time. I can't believe how quickly the past 2 years have flown by. And ohhhh how the next year is going to drag. He's already exhibited a smidge of the terrible two's. Something new to our house. (Emma-Grace had semi-naughty fours and Madalynn has had terrible 1's, 2's, 3's and 4's... hopefully we will have fabulous 5's with her....) He is saying so many words and sentences now... Noticing colors, exhibiting feelings and ideas. He is very interested in trucks and trains (much to my excitement. LOVE having a boy). He got his first REALLY short hair cut... Makes him look so much older. (I kinda hate it and love it at the same time.) And his current favorite things to do is put "dude-on" (shoes on) and go "ou-tide" (out side). He loves going to the beach and seeing just how sandy he can get Mommy and my beach towels. He loves to bring me things he's through with (an empty cup, a car) and say "Here! for you!" like it's a rare gift. Love seeing his sense of humor and personality develop.

The trouble with Bunns

2011-03-25T07:17:00.002-04:00

Yes, yes... it's been awhile... I know. blogging has definitely become a thing of luxury and leisure. Two things I don't have a lot of... But this morning, as I sit with my first cup of coffee, I felt the need to reflect. That's a fancy way of saying I decided to complain a little.
Last year my parents gave us their old Bunn coffemaker. They had it for about 10 years but it was still working like a champ. I LOVE it! Brewed coffee in 3 minutes? Yes, please. But in the last few weeks I have noticed that it started leaking. In case you don't know about the Bunn, allow me to enlighten you. Bunns have a great reservoir of hot water held in the back. When you pour water in, it forces the hot water out, through the filter full of coffee grounds and into the pot. TADAA!!! Coffee... But recently I noticed that the counter top where the coffee pot is has started to warp. Upon further investigation I realized that Mr Bunn was leaking water from his fancy storing place. (this would be the reason as to why I wasn't getting a full 12 cups of coffee) So now every time I pour water in, I have to put a towel around the back of the maker to keep the water from running everywhere. I started looking a new coffee makers, but the sad thing is that I don't know if I can go back to the elcheapo I had been using. I've been spoiled. Extremely spoiled. What's more important here... a good, hot cup of coffee or a unmaimed countertop...

scary things

2010-11-21T20:39:00.002-05:00

Thursday I took Gideon to the doctor for his 18 month check up. The doctor was thrilled with him. He's grown an inch and gained 2 lbs since his last check up. The doctor was also impressed with how Gideon is talking, especially since, when he walked in, Gideon said "I'm Gideon. Gideon Gore". The doctor thought that was awesome. Gideon has had a cough for about 3 weeks. The doctor said he thought maybe we should try some meds since it has hung on for so long and everything else looks good, so he gave us a prescription for amoxocillin. Just 2 doses a day of a teaspoon each time. He took his first thursday night, 2 on Friday, 2 on Saturday... this morning after breakfast he started acting funny. He turned almost gray, went completely limp, his eyes rolled back in his head and he was having trouble breathing. The breathing issue only lasted about a minute. He was sort of gasping. But he was listless for about 30 minutes and his color took forever to come back. I wasn't really sure what to make of it, but this afternoon I met some girlfriends at Starbucks to take advantage of their last day of "buy one get one free holiday drinks". My friend Kim brought her husband Andy, who use to be a paramedic. I happened to mention Gideon's freakish problem this morning and he started asking questions. Somehow the penicillin came up and he said "don't give him anymore. I think he's allergic to it". Turns out, Andy is also allergic. He mentioned how penicillin builds up in your system and that if we continued to give it to him and he's allergic, it could kill him. Especially seeing as how his 2nd dose he gets right before bed and I wouldn't see or hear how it would affect him. I was shocked! I hadn't even thought about it. And the thought that I would have given it to him tonight without realizing... my goodness it really scared me. So thankful that our coffee date was planned, that I mentioned the problem, and that Andy was there to talk to about it. I will be calling the doctor first thing in the morning.

Home sweet home

2010-11-07T20:34:00.002-05:00

I just got back from a week at my parents. My poor Mom and Dad have really had a trying few months. The last day of July, My mom fell and broke her leg in 2 places... the tibia and the fibula. The doctor told her it was the worst break he had ever seen. An hour surgery took 3 hours to finish and she ended up with 10 screws and 2 pins in her leg. My dad was scheduled for double knee replacement surgery on October 19th and I had already made plans to go and spend a week there helping take care of him. Little did I know when I made the plans that I would do more care taking than I thought. My Dad is actually doing quite well after his surgery, but my Mom is still in so much pain. Neither one of them is really up to doing much and so I was "mom" to them as well as Emma-Grace, who I took with me. (I left the other two at home since I knew they would be more than my parents could handle) One of the hardest things I have ever gone through was seeing my parents in pain. Our parents are suppose to take care of us, to be strong and able to... leap tall building in a single bound, or something like that. But here were my two amazing parents, in pain, needing help, hobbling around... I left Saturday and honestly would have stayed another week if I had thought I could work it out. If you think of them, please pray for them as they continue to mend and take care of each other.

good morning

2010-10-05T09:30:00.003-04:00

It's October 5th and I am contemplating my day with coffee in hand. I don't like Tuesdays. I put the majority of my piano and voice lessons on Tuesday and, though I dearly love teaching, it makes for a harried day. By the time I get through school and lunch, my first lessons show up. When I finish with them, it's rush to get Madalynn from school then race home to teach the rest of the afternoon. I finish at 5 and then run around getting dinner finished and on the table, homework finished, kids bathed and in bed so that I can crash, finally. Sometimes Fred is home in the evening to help, but for the 3rd week in a row he is closing. Which means that I have to take Gideon with me to get Madalynn from school, ensuring a short nap. Then I have to attempt to entertain him while I teach my afternoon lessons. Fortunately, none of these are voice lessons, so I can sit in the chair and hold him if I have to. He isn't bad, but neither is he as relaxed about my teaching as the girls were. Emma-Grace napped through all of my lessons until she was almost 4. Madalynn didn't, but she loved to dance around the room while my students played or sang. Or she would watch a movie or play with her sister. Gideon wants to play the piano while my students do or sing loudly while they are singing. Where ever Mommy is, is where he feels the need to be. It's adorable and extremely annoying. I don't wish this time away. He is my last and so I want to hold onto his babyhood for as long as possible. It does seem like last week that he came home from the hospital, and here he is, 17 months old and walking, talking and into everything. Not sure how that's possible.
My coffee is finished, my girl is ready to start school and my little guy is currently decorated in about 20 necklaces. I guess it's time to stop contemplating my day and get started with it.

trials and testing

2010-10-02T11:54:00.002-04:00

This has been a rough week for me. I can't go into details as to why, just suffice to say that I will be glad when it's over. Not that the end of the week will bring the end of the trial, just that it will signify that I've made it through a week of it and surely the end is at hand. Right? I know the Lord puts trials in our life to work out His will and to teach us valuable lessons. But some lessons are so much harder than others. I, for one, abhor drama and confrontation. I know that some see me as a very confrontational person, but honestly I would just rather ignore a problem and pray that it goes away. And if it doesn't I would just as soon sic my husband on said problem than to tackle it myself. This particular problem, however, is going to have to be dealt with eventually. And I am going to have to be involved in the "dealing". So I would appreciate a little extra prayer if you think about it.

Testing 1-2-3

2010-09-30T17:15:00.002-04:00

The last 4 days is has poured. It started last Sunday with that wonderful soft, pulsing patter that makes you want to snuggle in and take a nap. But alas, it was Sunday and we had to go to church and do our usual Sunday-madness of teaching SS, doing music, home for lunch, back again for choir and more music and music practice after the evening service. So I was unable to enjoy the lazy feeling. Monday it was still raining and when Madalynn woke up, she had a low fever, so I kept her home from school. Who wants to go out in that, anyway. Tuesday, no fever, but still much rain. Raining. Buckets. Wednesday same thing. It had ceased the gentle patter of Sunday and Monday and started with the freakish pouring one second, sprinkling the next. The kind that lulls you into feeling safe to run out to the car sans umbrella only to get where you are going and realize the deluge has started again. We stayed home from church. I had no desire to wrestle 3 children in and out of the car in the rain or slogging through the multiple puddles and mini-lakes. Finally, this morning I awoke to no rain. Many schools were starting late because roads were flooded and trees and power lines were down everywhere. No late start for Madalynn's school so I sent her off. We are looking forward to a warm, dry weekend. Temps in the 80's and clear skies. We had really needed rain after several months of none, but I was starting to look for Noah. Seriously.

Sigh... oh Summer where art thou

2010-09-21T19:25:00.002-04:00

Summer. Is. Over. This. Makes. Me. Sad. Seriously, dudes, I love summer. I love spring the most, but next is summer. And then MAYBE winter because right after winter is spring and then summer again. But I think this spring and summer has flown by so much faster. I've tried holding on. I've savored. I've breathed deeply and slept in and relaxed and gone swimming. But nothing I did made it slow down. Not even my whining and crying "Why, summer, WHY?!" It's gone and with it is the slow pace that I so enjoy. Now it's just rush, rush, rush to school and church activities, homework, waking early because I HAVE to, not because I WANT to. I think my calendar for the next 3 months is booked solid. and I. DON'T. LIKE. IT! AT ALL! For those of you that like Fall, I say more power to you. Here at the beach we don't really get a fall. It stays hot out during the day and cool and night and thus the necessity of having shorts and sweatshirts in the closet at the same time. We don't have leaves turning beautiful colors and falling nicely. It's hot, and then one day, oh about the end of October, we get a stiff wind and the leaves are all gone. I think leaves changing colors is beautiful. And love the crisp feeling in the air and cooler weather. But not as much as I LOVE summer! So you go ahead and enjoy your fall weather. You'll find me on the beach. bundled in a blanket. holding onto summer with both hands and feet dug in the sand.

New things and big kids

2010-09-10T19:34:00.002-04:00

This is my baby girl. And ... this last week. She. started. school. That's right. After being semi-excited for the two weeks prior we went in on the 30th for her first day. My heart literally lurched as she went right to her desk, sat down and peered around me to see the school news on the room tv. I think I saw her grow an inch before my eyes. Her first week was great and her second week just as wonderful if not more. She absolutely loves going every day and talks non stop from the moment we pick her up in the afternoon until she goes to bed at night. The house, though much more quiet without her chatter, is falling in to a routine of sorts. As soon as we get home we jump right into school with the oldest and are usually finished by lunch time or shortly thereafter. So two weeks in, and I am slowly opening up my fist and letting summer go. I know there's no use holding on to it. Fall is going to come whether I want it to or not.

10 years!

2010-08-28T08:26:00.003-04:00

My wonderful, amazing husband and I just celebrated out 10th anniversary. It's been a crazy, wild, unpredictable and fabulous ride. So since we are celebrating the big 1-0 I thought I would share our (what I consider amazing) love story.
When I was 4 years old my family moved to Socastee, SC. Otherwise known as Myrtle Beach. I was placed into Calvary Christian School, where I spent my elementary school years. I knew of a boy, a grade younger than me, named David Gore. We neither liked nor disliked each other. Our paths rarely crossed, other than one (now) infamous photo of us together during a school program singing "Turkey in the Straw". But I knew his parents taught at the school and he knew my Dad was a preacher and my Mom was the music teacher at the school. The end of my 6th grade year my family moved to the other side of Greenville, SC. Fast forward several years. Spring of '97 I was in the travelling ensemble of the college I attended and we sang at a church in Greenville. After the concert was over we were "meeting and greeting" in the lobby when who should walk up to me but David Gore. We spoke for a few minutes and that was that. Fast forward again to the Fall of '99. I began attending BJU and, due to knowing the right people, managed to skip all the vocal tryouts and was placed immediately in one of the choirs. (An unusual thing, I have since learned) And WHO should be in that choir, but David Gore. It took us a few weeks to realize who the other person was due to the fact that he had changed his name from David to Fred (long story, too long for on here...) We started hanging out almost immediately. I was going to school full time with a voice performance major/piano minor so I had tons of practice time, plus I worked full time to pay my way through school. I was also a town student so we couldn't spend a ton of time together, but we managed to squeeze a lot in. The rest, as they say, is history. We started dating in October and were married in August. It's been an amazing time. I'm so thankful for my husband, for our children and for the life we have together.

Friends are friends...... forever?

2010-08-11T14:02:00.003-04:00

How many of you reading this have a best friend. I am not talking about your spouse. I'm talking about that one girlfriend who is ALWAYS there for you... who can sense your mood from hundreds of miles away and knows exactly what to say to make it better... who makes you laugh with one look (and you KNOW what that look means)... who, even though you may not agree with on all elements of life, you have so many things in common with? I am not someone who makes friends easily. Not good friends, anyway. I dislike drama intensely and gossip makes me feel uncomfortable. On our date night last night I told my husband that I felt that a good friendship should be effortless. (maybe I'm just too lazy... whatever) He said he felt like friendships take work, but when I think of my closest friends (and I have 3 really close friends, who I feel like I can talk to about anything) I don't feel like those friendships are work. Sure, we talk a lot, (almost every day) they know more about me than I like to admit (and BETTER keep some of that to themselves) and I know that they are always "there for me". (I always think that sounds so trite... I'm there for you... what does that really mean. WHERE are you? where is "there"?) anyway... rabbit trail... But none of that feels like work. SO... IS IT? IS friendship work and it just doesn't feel like it because they are friends? does what I just said even make sense? Maybe i should stop now... this is beginning to feel like work.

VBS and other fun stuff

2010-08-07T12:03:00.002-04:00

We just finished our week of VBS at our church. This year we had Neighborhood Bible Time help with it. They sent two guys, one for the younger kids and one for the teens, to the church and they were awesome. The hubby and I got asked to work with the teens and were a little nervous as it was our first time being in the teen classes. We really enjoyed it and loved working with Zak, the NBT guy. If you have never seen or heard of NBT they do some insane songs and cheers (we are boosters, Bible time boosters...) that the girls have been singing the entire week. Last night was our awards ceremony and I was so proud that both my girls won first place in their classes. Places are determined by points given for lessons completed, Bible verses learned and visitors brought. They both got new Bibles, which they had signed by Mr. Zak and Mr. Ken. It was a great week but so exhausting as we got home every night after 9. Gideon was such a trooper. He hasn't been feeling well (teeth, I hope!) and was so good about going out every night and hanging in the nursery for 3 hours. I am sure it must have gotten boring! so it's a Saturday today and we are all very thankful to just be at home, doing nothing. Hooray for VBS, but double hooray for NO PLANS!

Sweetness and light

2010-07-12T21:17:00.002-04:00

When Gideon was born we noticed that he had a little bit of a droopy eyelid. We were of course concerned, but our doctor assured us that it would probably fix itself and to just give it some time. As Gideon got older his eyelid problem didn't improve. We didn't always notice it, but we had several (less than tactful) people ask us if he "had a lazy eye" and "can he see ok?". I love my son. And I think he is beautiful as he is. Without any changes or surgeries. But I also didn't want him to be hurt by the careless words of others as he got older. We were also concerned that possibly his vision could be affected. So when he turned a year old and it hadn't changed, his pediatrician scheduled an appointment with a pediatric eye specialist. we had to drive almost 2 hours for his visit today. We were at the doctor's office almost 3 hours, waiting to be seen, having his eyes dilated and his vision checked. We were so thankful to hear the doctor say that our baby's vision is good and that unless that changes he sees no need to do any type of surgery until he is older. Even though we don't understand why the Lord allowed our sweet boy to have this, we are so glad that he is healthy and growing. He has been such a blessing to us.

short story

2010-06-08T10:37:00.002-04:00

When I was in college there was a girl who was always coming into the computer lab. She would come in, insist on a computer with the piano keyboard (I believe there were only 3) put on headphones and bang away. Couldn't hear the piano, just the banging. sometimes she would bring a teacher. Who also put on headphones. And discussed the playing in hushes whispers. She drove me nuts. I was sure she was an egotistical jerk who thought she was better than everyone else. Fast forward about 11 years. This girl came to our church with her family. She played the piano for the offertory. I recognized her and spoke to her, mentioning that we were at school at the same time. She recognized my name. We talked for a long time. I did NOT tell her my college opinion of her. She is, first and foremost, one of the sweetest people I have ever met. She is also one of the best pianists I know. It's interesting to me how easy it is to judge others. With the idea that you are 100% right about how this person really is. Only to find out how limited we are in our mind-reading and personality judging skills. I never spoke to this girl at school. Had I, I would probably have discovered how genuinely kind she was. I would like a helping of Crow, please. With a side of humble pie.

Birthday Boy

2010-05-18T12:56:00.003-04:00

We recently celebrated Gideon's first birthday. I can NOT believe he is already a year old! Where has the last year gone? I do believe it was only 2 weeks ago or so that I was in the hospital having him. We had a cookout Saturday night and had just family over. My brother, sister-in-law and nieces, Fred's parents and sister, and my parents. We grilled hot dogs and hamburgers and I asked everyone to bring a side dish. (we had chips, baked beans and potato salad) Then after dinner we had Gideon's birthday cake and ice cream. Such fun! We really enjoyed our time together celebrating my youngest (and last) baby. If you will excuse me I am going to go cry a little bit more. ;-)

Ups and Downs. Ins and Outs

2010-05-08T11:28:00.002-04:00

So I am figuring that the majority of people that read my blog are ones that are at least somewhat interested in my life. So I figure I will share with you all what is going on in our life lately. Before doing that I should warn you that I will be giving a little background first, and this might end up being a long one, so you may want to bail now. ok... if there's anyone still here reading, I am continuing. About 8 years ago I ended my job as manager of Chick-fil-A. I had been under a ton of stress, and found another job as a bank teller. Right at the end of my 2 week notice I started to feel ill. I went to the doctor (ahem... quack) and was told that I had a sinus infection. After 2 weeks of antibiotics, I seemed better, but upon going off them I immediately became sick again. I went back to the doctor (yes, same one) and was given a different verdict and again, meds. A few weeks later I was still not over this sickness and was not keeping anything down. I became extremely weak and my husband insisted that I go to the emergency room. Long story short... I almost died from dehydration (sounds really dramatic, but it's true. The doctor told my hubby that if had waiting another day it would have been too late.) and was in the hospital for a week. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and my doctor told my husband it was the worst he had ever seen. Once I was released I was immediately put on medicine and schedule for testing at MUSC. But this never occurred because I became preggers with Emma-Grace about 3 weeks after I came home. Being pregnant made my ulcerative colitis go into remission (a major miracle, according to my doctor) and I have since lived a pretty sick-free 8 years. Fast forward to about 4 months ago when I started having problems, which I kept to myself. But about a month ago when I was at my parents my mother discovered my secret and insisted that I tell Fred, who in turn insisted that I go back and see my doctor again. (oh... I did forget to mention that I have had 5 colonoscopies since I had my "big hospital adventure".) So my doctor immediately put me on more medicine, suspecting that my colitis had come out of remission, and scheduled me for an immediate colonoscopy, with the news that he would take several biopsies. This has been done, my results have come back and I, thankfully, do NOT have colon cancer. My Ulcerative colitis, however, has come out of remission. Now, I am not going to go into details about this disease. If you want to know, Google is your friend. ;-) Suffice to say, it's not a lot of fun and I would sincerely welcome your prayers. Like I said at the beginning, I am telling you all this because I feel that if you are interested enough to read my blog posts, then you are probably willing to pray for me. thanks in advance for your care and concern.

Happenings

2010-04-19T09:22:00.004-04:00

So I recently lost my mind. Yep... it's true. Now I know some of you are saying "this is only a recent thing?" So let me explain how it all came about.
I only have 5 piano/voice students right now so I decided that this year, instead of having my recital at our local music store where the owner supplies a piano, free set-up and refreshments at no cost to me, I would have the recital at our church. We have a gorgeous baby grand piano and the stage is perfect for a recital. I THEN went further down this travesty of mind-loss and decided I would make DINNER for my students and their guests. I figured an average of 5 guests per student (figuring some would have less, some more). So I made a menu and started purchasing and planning. The big wrench in my plans was that Fred's work schedule ended up with him working the night before the recital, so there went my plans for us to go over and set up tables, move the piano, decorate the auditorium and set up chairs. All this had to happen Saturday morning, the day OF the recital. My recital was set to begin at 4:30 with my students required to arrive at 4 to make sure they were all there on time WITH music in hand. (they are all required to have their piece(s) memorized but I like to have their music in case of the possible mind blank). So we got to the church and started working. Fred setting up tables and me cooking. (the menu was baked ham, macaroni and cheese, green beans, salad and rolls. I ordered the cake since baking is not my strong point and baking for 30+ people is not something I ever want to do.) We left to run get milk, lunch and the cake but when we got to the bakery (It's a GREAT bakery. She has done all my kids cakes every year for their birthday) She had done the cake in YELLOW (not my color choice) and the piano keyboard I had requested was on upside down. So she promised to redo it and I would have to come back and get it. We rushed back to finish, managed to get the church and room all set up, hams in the oven, mac and cheese in the crockpot and salad mixed up. We ran home, where my sister-in-law was with my kids. She left to change and the hubster and I hurriedly got ready and left as soon as she got back. We picked up the cake (out of our way, but perfect this time) and rushed to the church. Finally everything was set up and ready to go. My students all did great, and I am proud of each of them. I got raving review over my dinner, so I guess it was pretty good. I don't know if I will ever do a dinner again but I won't say never. I will say that I am hoping this next week will be very relaxing and drama-free. Wait, 3 kids... 2 of them drama-queens... it's doubtful my wish will come true.

The final view of the "cake the caused the trouble"

My hubby did a great job on table arrangements... so thankful for him.

This is before the recital. Can you see the harried look on my face?

FFFFInally!!

2010-04-07T12:25:00.002-04:00

We have teeth! no... not me... DUH. I have had teeth for quite awhile. I am talking about Gideon. Stay with me, people. Gideon, my almost 11 month old, FINALLY has 2 teeth. I was beginning to wonder how long he would be flapping those gums around without a hint of anything white and pearly in there. But just 2 weeks ago the first little tooth finally broke through that gummy barrier, and only 2 days later the 2nd one followed. (omgoodness he was miserable, poor guy) I am thrilled for him. He is still experimenting with the feel, running his little tongue over them constantly. and I believe there will be 2 or 4 more following soon on the top. NOW we can start the steak... ok. maybe I a am a bit premature, but I am just so excited. At the same time I am saying "WAH" because I know this is just one more sign that he is getting older and bigger and since he in my last child (yes... I know it to be fact) I am hanging on to his baby days as long as I can. So rejoice with me in my baby's toothiness. Probably by my next post he will be riding his Harley out of my life. oh dear, now I'm depressed.

Mr. Sensitive

2010-02-10T17:09:00.002-05:00

How many of us women have always longed for the sensitive man? Seriously? The one that remembers all the special dates... or will take you to a romantic movie and (maybe... VERY secretively) shed a small tear... WELLLLLLL... look no further. My son Gideon is your man... er.... baby. Seriously, I have never seen a more sensitive child. I fuss at either of the girls, he cries. I call one of them from the other room, he cries. I make funny (to me, obviously) monster or growly noises... yep. you guessed it... he cries! It's so funny and almost heartbreaking at the same time since he seriously looks like he thinks you are mad at him. And consoling him is not as easy as saying "it's ok" in a perky voice. Oh no... consoling him involves unstrapping him from his high chair or wherever he is, picking him up, lots of cuddles and soothing sounds. And MAYBE... just maybe... it's enough. Oddly enough once he's been upset once it's really easy to upset him again in a matter of minutes. (say the food on the spoon doesn't make it to his mouth as quickly as he would like... ahhhh... a true "man" trait). I've included a few pics to help you see how truly pitiful he is. So if you have a daughter, niece, granddaughter, friend... whatever, that you want to have a chance at this true sensitive man, I am taking applications.

a little rant time, please

2010-02-04T08:43:00.003-05:00

So something was brought to my attention recently and I just feel the need to rant a little bit. I have expressed my addiction to you in earlier posts (facebook) and it seems that recently, people have been using it to play some sort of elementary school games. Someone will post a status (for those of you that are fb-illiterate, a status is where you tell all of your friends what you are doing, thinking, etc...) and someone else will decide to comment on their status by publicly demeaning them or criticizing them. Or, someone will just post a nasty or rude comment on someone's wall. Or... whatever. you get my drift here I am sure. These rude comments incite all sorts of other comments. Defending the person who was "dissed" or putting down the person who commented. Throwing their own opinion of the situation out there... WHATEVER. I've seen it in so many places and it's got me thinking... Why do we, as Christians, feel that we have the right to do these things? People are constantly throwing out the verse "Judge not lest ye be judged" and it's obvious that they haven't read the entire passage to see exactly what the Lord is talking about there. I have had more than my fair share of being judged, mind you. The first college I attended, I was judged by more than the "holy group" as I named them. (those that were favorites of certain teachers and so thought they were better than the rest of us lowly people who... I don't know.... made mistakes?.... sinned?... Whatever.) This judgement was unfair and hurtful. In fact, it took me quite a while to get past some of the things I was subjected to during those 3 years of horror. Having gone through this, it's made me very sensitive to the condemnation of others. I wonder why we use the verse "judge not" when we should be quoting the verse "I am crucified with Christ". or "The tongue is a little member and boasteth great thing. Behold how GREAT a matter a little fire kindleth" James 3:5 Perhaps if we would just hold our tongue a little more our lives would be happier. Now please understand that I don't hold my tongue at all times. I love the verse "speak the truth in love" and the love part doesn't come as easily to me as I would like it to. But I wonder when and why we feel the need to say what we do. Isn't it our job to bolster up other believers? To comfort them. To be their friend and listening ear? To be an encouragement? I'm not saying we aren't charged to go to a brother when he is in sin and confront him. BUT... a public forum is not our person pulpit. (yes, my blog is public, but I am not naming any one... chances are, if you are offended by this then you are at fault. Sorry. My daddy always said when you throw a rock into a pack of dogs the one that was hit is the one that yelps. makes sense to me.) Sometimes our careless comments are the ones that are most hurtful. I will never forget a comment a teacher made to me in college. This teacher told me I was "a social butterfly". When I smiled they quickly told me this WASN'T a compliment. "you just go from group to group of people. Talking to everyone. flitting here and there. Just pick a group and stay in it." Obviously a clique is a good thing to this teacher. The same type of comment was made to me in high school from a teacher and meant as a compliment. This teacher said "Leah is the nicest person I know. She likes everyone and talks to everyone. she doesn't see people in cool or not cool groups. Everyone is a friend to her." Funny how the same trait is seen so completely different by two people. So before you make that nasty comment, or condemn someone for what you read or hear, take a deeper look and ask yourself how that comment would make you feel. The whole "WWJD (what would Jesus do) was completely misused. But sometimes, it's a good question to ask ourselves.

What is with the 'tude?

2010-01-28T08:39:00.002-05:00

So last you heard from me, Emma-Grace was just starting "the sickness" as we now call it at our house. As it turned out I had to take her to the doctor Friday morning only to discover that she had strep throat with scarlet fever. She was really terribly sick, poor kid. So we stayed home from her buddies birthday party Saturday, much to her dismay, and from church on Sunday. This led to MUCH alone time with Mommy and no interaction with anyone else. I do believe that this sweet bonding time led to (Da da DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA) THE 'TUDE! Seriously, how can one sweet 6 year old turn into Monster child in just a few short days? The whiny-ness of Thursday and Friday (understandable because she was sick) morphed into some sort of weird "rite" to talk back and be rude on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. (oh believe me, by Sunday when she was feeling much better, the feelings of sad I had for her plight were ignored and the disgust and irritation of her smart mouth were being dealt with.) I just wonder where it all came from. I understand that she was unwell. I hurt for her. But what goes on in a child's mind? Is there some switch that flips and makes them suddenly think that things that were never ok before are suddenly ok now...I tell you, it only took 2 days of sickness for this alternate person to take over her body. Whatever it was she is feeling better now and we are working on getting everything back to normal. For some reason the 'tude is lingering longer than the effects of the sickness.

sickness is gross

2010-01-21T14:48:00.003-05:00

Sickness has struck our family. I can't REALLY complain since we haven't had a good bout of sickness here in over a year. But still.... It struck and boy was it nasty. Last night after church Emma-Grace complained about having a sore throat. I figured it was just from yelling during their Wednesday night game time at church and told her to take a drink of water. Then she woke me up at 4am saying her throat was really hurting. So I got up and gave her some Tylenol. Then at a NORMAL time during the morning she said she was still not feeling well. She's cold and having chills, she's hot, she can't move, she can't sit still, she's hungry, she's not. I honestly can't decide if I'm coming or going. Her little face is flushed and yet I am being a "mean mommy" and making her do school. Albeit on the couch covered with a fluffy blanket.
I am sure we will survive but boy is it rough while it lasts......

inSANEity

2010-01-02T10:23:00.004-05:00

The husband has been gone for the last 3 weeks. (I am not counting the 2 days he was home at Christmas because I had to share him for an entire day with family.) It has been incredibly difficult for me, personally, and I have gained a whole new respect for the single mother. My children are wonderful, and I love them dearly, but sometimes a mom just needs a break. Or to go to the bathroom in private. (I do shut the door, but I don't consider it private when you hear "Mama, are you in there? Mama, can you see my foot? Mama, what are you doing?") The first few days are fine. We go about our normal day ... normally. But after about 4 or 5 days with no daddy, things start to get crazy. Even the baby seems to be grouchy. I begin to start every sentence with "do I need to get the spoon?". Now, we only have to keep it together for one more day. He is coming home tomorrow. "TOMORROW, TOMORROW, I'll LOVE YA, TOMORROW". (sorry... sometimes you just gotta break out in song.) Then I get him all to myself for a whole 5 days while we go to a music conference. (WOE to my SIL who is keeping the kids. They are gonna 0be crazier than normal...But that's ok. At least it isn't ME having to deal with them.

2009-12-23T12:02:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Crackbook errrr..... facebook

2009-12-11T08:14:00.002-05:00

So it seems that I have a problem. And that problem is ..... BabaBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA FACEBOOK! (here to for referred to as FB) I am addicted. When I get up in the morning, after fixing breakfast, making coffee and getting everyone settled, I warm up the computer to "check my email". But let's face it, that's just a cover for what I am REALLY wanting to do. Check my FB account. FB is my connection to the outside World. And, let's face it, as a stay at home mom to 3 little kids I NEED some sort of connection. In the 2+ years I have had a FB account, I have gotten back in touch with many old friends. Some that I haven't seen since I was 9 or 10. When I get a few minutes break, I hop on fb just to "see". And oh what joy thrills me when I see that I have notifications! Or just PERHAPS... a FRIEND REQUEST! Of course, there are the frustrations of that one friend who sends you requests for EVERY SINGLE application known to man. Or that one who decided to "chat" with you every time you are online. But I think the good FAR outweighs the bad. So yes. I spend my free time on FB, and I am not ashamed to admit it. Oh... it's been a little while... excuse me while i go check my FB page.

dinner time

2009-12-04T16:35:00.003-05:00

It cracks me up how Gideon grunts between bites when he eats. almost like it's either too good to wait or like he's making yummy noises. he has done it ever since he started on baby food. so funny.

NAPS! who needs 'em?

2009-11-25T08:03:00.003-05:00

So Madalynn turned 3 in July. Emma-Grace took a nap until she was 4 but Madalynn is, of course, a totally different child. She started resisting naps almost the day she turned 3. I forced the issue until she learned to open the door to her room to escape. Then I stopped fighting it. On Sunday afternoon I still insist that she "rest" which usually turns into a short nap for her. Some days I think she REALLY needs a nap... you know... because of the crankiness and stuff. But she insists that "I not TIRED". okay okay... so here's what I have come up with... When she is cranky and irritable, I put in a movie that she likes and tell her to lay in the chair or on the floor to "watch". (insert evil laugh and gleeful hand rubbing here) You can see from the pictures below what happens.

Sorry about that last one. i just threw it in because it was so stinkin' cute!!

Halloween Fun

2009-11-02T08:16:00.002-05:00

Why is there so much debate over Halloween? I know there are people that think it's the "Devil's Holiday" but after much research, I've discovered it's only become such in the later years. It's been easily adopted by the more Satanic Sects and used by them for... who knows what. (and honestly, I don't really want to know) But when we look at the holidays that we celebrate, there are pagan aspects in all of them. For some reason Halloween has been labeled as something we, as Christians, should stay away from. I was allowed, as a Pastor's daughter, to go trick or treating until I was about 13. Then my parents decided I was too old and our church always offered something fun for us to do instead. (GREAT idea, BTW... if you are so adamant that it not be followed) Anyway, every year we take our kids to my brother's neighborhood. They live in a great, gated community. We have dinner with them and then take the kids around for treats. We had a great time, as always, this year. LOTS of candy, which should last for months to come. Provided I can stick to my diet and leave it alone!

Look both ways when raising your children

2009-10-15T19:03:00.003-04:00

It has been 5 months since I gave birth to my little guy. As I played with him today and listened to him belly-laugh I wondered where the time had gone. It seems that as I blink my little ones are growing by leaps and bounds and I am left gasping for breath and wishing I could press the slo-mo button. (that's the button for making things slower here in the South... believe it or not, it CAN be slower...) However, I looked around and there doesn't appear to be said button. So I guess I am going to have to watch a little more closely, appreciate a little more, and continue to share some ADORABLE pictures! haha didn't see that one coming, did you?

a cat is a cat

2009-10-05T19:08:00.004-04:00

So Emma-Grace walks up to me today and says "Mama, can I make Madalynn a cat if she wants me to?" So I say "Of course! What a nice thing for Madalynn's big sister to do for her." She smiles sweetly and off she goes. Ten minutes later I am chatting on the phone with my sister and THIS..... walks into the kitchen.......

I was SHOCKED! I said "WHAT DID YOU DO???" Emma-Grace sweetly says "I asked you if I could make Madalynn a cat...." She meant LITERALLY MAKE her INTO a cat. *sigh* She says "I used washable markers". ok... whatever... it's fine I guess. Then... another 10 minutes went by and THIS walks into the kitchen.........

Bath time is gonna take a long time tonight....

sick sick sick

2009-09-22T13:17:00.002-04:00

So I have been sick now for almost 2 weeks. I don't know why I didn't get the memo that mother's aren't allowed to be sick. I mean, we really aren't, are we? First, there's the fear that our children will inadvertently get our illness from us. Secondly, for me anyway, there's the rampant fear that, while I am sick and unable to clearly function, the house will burn down, the hubby will dress the children in mismatching and dirty clothing and dinner will become cold pizza and chips. So we (and I do mean this in the most general of terms) soldier on... A few days of sickness is no big deal. But 2 weeks? Really? My resolve to "suck it up and keep going" is dwindling. Fortunately for me, I have an amazing sister in law who has an unwavering love and tolerance for my children. On Sunday night she even took them to her house for the night and let me sleep in. And did I. (well, sort of... I forgot to mention to everyone that I would be sleeping in and so my phone began ringing at 9:30am) But alas, the sleeping and quiet house were not enough to cleanse my body from whatever disgusting illness has overtaken it. I've been trying to avoid the doctor. I have been convinced that it's "just a cold" and hate the idea of shelling out $45 just for him to tell me this too shall pass. So eventually, it has to go away, right? Just agree with me here. You know I am probably not completely coherent anyway, right?

IT'S OVER

2009-09-07T09:26:00.002-04:00

Madalynn has finally completely finished potty training. This may seem like a small feat for some, but for me.... well.... can I just say.... WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
You have to understand that we have already walked this long and tedious road before. Emma-Grace was completely potty trained a few weeks before we had Madalynn. And once we brought Madalynn home, the trauma of no long being the only child wreaked havoc on my eldest. She began having accidents and needed pull-ups at night until she was 5! So... for my 3 year old to go from wearing pull-ups constantly to being completely trained in a mere 3 months... amazing to me. Now I can do the "no pull-ups dance". For a few more years, anyway.

too much

2009-08-30T10:31:00.002-04:00

So it's been a while since I posted anything on here. It's not because nothing's been happening to report, it's because I've had no time with everything that's been going on. Emma-Grace started school a few weeks ago. I have journeyed into the strange and complicated world of home schooling. I know... I don't seem like the type that would do well with this, but we feel that our schooling options are very limited here. There is a good school down in Myrtle Beach that both my husband and I attended but the drive I think would kill us, along with the cost being something we just can't do right now. SOOOOOO.... here goes my attempt at teaching my own kid and trying to be "teacher" along with Mommy. So far, so good. I get frustrated with her easily when she doesn't "know" something that I think she should, but I am learning to either count to 10 or walk away for a few minutes and let her figure it out. She usually does. She's a good kid and I enjoy having her around every day.
Madalynn is doing a little bit of school with us. She does Bible and music time and then while Emma-Grace is working on her own project I work on shapes and colors and such with Madalynn.
Gideon sleeps or plays, oblivious to all the learning going on. I am thankful he is such a good baby as it allows me to have a schedule of sorts. I can't believe how big he is getting or how different it is to have a boy around. Even now... it's insane.
The hubby and I just celebrated our 9th anniversary. It's been a good 9 years. I'm thankful to have such an amazing person to share my life with. Looking forward to another 9 years.

It's all about who you know

2009-08-11T21:02:00.002-04:00

For about the past 3 months we have had a friend living with us. Marlee was here at the beach last summer as part of the Campus Crusaders for Christ outreach. She worked at Chick-fil-A and really enjoyed it. Marlee was a new Christian and we quickly got close to her. She decided that she wanted to come down again this summer (from the wasteland of Wisconsin)to work at CFA again and a family that also works there offered to let her live with them. Circumstances out of every one's control had her living with us within 2 weeks of her moving here. We had to put a blow-up mattress on the floor of our office, but she seemed overjoyed just to be here. And we quickly fell in love with her. She became like my sister and oldest child combined. My children were enamored with her and got excited when she got up or came home from work, and would climb all over her. (she was their personal jungle gym).
So, yesterday Fred and I drove Marlee to Charleston to fly home to Wisconsin. The trip was not without adventure... late start... flat tire... you know, the usual thing you really look forward to on a trip. But we got her to the airport on time, exposing her one last time to great southern food at Bubba Gump's Shrimp Company. It was a sad time, as we would have loved for her to have been able to stay, but she has to finish her degree I guess. After all, I can teach her a lot, but I doubt a degree from The University of Leah wouldn't get her very far in the world.
I realized tonight as I put the girls to bed how much they already miss her. We take turns praying and Emma-Grace and Madalynn each say their own prayer. Emma-Grace prayed her usual Mommy, Daddy, Madalynn, and Gideon. When Madalynn prayed she prayed ONLY for Marlee. After she was done Emma-Grace asked "Momma, is it ok if we still pray for Marlee?" of course I answered yes. to which she replied "If we pray for her, is it ok to pray that she can come back?" *sigh* there's nothing I would love more. Miss you, Winky!

My little guy

2009-07-18T09:55:00.002-04:00

So..... while I hate to brag, and at the risk of jinxing myself, I am so proud of my little fella that I had to share. Gideon has been sleeping through the night for the past week. He's been heading to bed by about 10 every night and sleeping straight through until 7 or so. A few nights ago he even slept until 9 the next morning! Now we still have the occasional 6am wake up, but even that is awesome! This is helpful to Mom as she has several other kids that like to wake up early! Maybe he will be my late sleeper. Perhaps he will even rub off on the girls. Here's hoping. Now keep your fingers crossed for me that this won't make him go back to the 4am thing. ;)

It's official

2009-07-09T08:57:00.003-04:00

Summertime has begun. It's so steamy hot here in the "deep" south. :) (trust me, I know it gets "deeper".) We are spending the majority of our days inside as it's just too miserable to spend much time outside. If I send the girls out for any length of time they inevitably come back in whining that it's "too hot" to be out. This, of course, makes for a short mommy-fuse. I don't remember it ever being this hard to come up with things to do. We are trying to save some money so the hubby has been taking my car to work a good bit, leaving us stranded (unless you consider the gas guzzling truck, which we try not to take anywhere). On days that I have to have the car to go somewhere, it's almost too much of a hassle to cram all 3 kids into the backseat. Sooooo.... we are working on fun ideas, that don't cost a lot, that we can do at home. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Hope you are all surviving your summer breaks. And I also hope that you are not as easily irritated by hot weather as I am.

Pictures from Leah

2009-06-19T19:43:00.001-04:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

adjusting

2009-06-05T20:51:00.005-04:00

Things are starting to settle down here at our house. (I say that, but honestly, how settled are things ever when you have 3 kids under 6 in one house?) Emma-Grace has finished school for the summer and is enjoying being home and free to do whatever. Madalynn is enjoying having her sister here to play with. It's been hard to get her down for a nap this week. Gideon is... eating, sleeping, eating, sleeping, eating... you get the idea. He has started to stay awake for little stretches during the day and the girls absolutely LOVE entertaining him, each trying to outdo the other.
We've had a little trouble with... errrr.... ummmm.... constipation. No, not ME... Gideon. I feel so bad for him. It just makes him really miserable. (and everyone else, too.) I've tried a giving him a little water. It helped the first time, but since then..... ugh. sorry for the potty-talk. But truly, other than that, we are doing great.

Settling in

2009-05-23T10:09:00.003-04:00

My sweet little boy is already a week old. We have spent this past week enjoying having daddy at home and having a little baby to fuss over. And fuss over him his sisters have done. Emma-Grace has spent most of her days at school, much to her displeasure. She loves school, but there are so many more interesting things to do at home right now. (And we all know how it is when we get near to the end of school. It seems like every day lasts a year. Only one more week and she will be finished.) Madalynn loves to hold Gideon's bottle and help feed him and she asks to hold him every chance she gets. We have also had lots of visitors coming to see the little one. Of course they oooohhhh and aaaahhh appropriately and so we allow them to come. But I am currently wondering where the past week has gone? My Mom was here for the birth, then she left last Sunday and came back Thursday morning. She leaves this Sunday again and I am already feeling it. And then the hubby has to go back to work Wednesday so I will be all on my own. Yikes. Here are a few more pics of the little one to make your day complete.

He's Here!

2009-05-17T18:32:00.004-04:00

Finally, after months of anticipation, I am thrilled to announce the arrival of our newest addition. Gideon David Lundy Gore joined our family on Thursday, May 14th at 10:05 am. Gideon weighed 7lbs 1oz. and is 19.5 in. long. He is a beautiful healthy baby. We were able to bring him home Saturday and have been settling in and trying to get use to having 3 around instead of just 2. So far so good, but I am sure that the excitement is yet to begin.

Where has the time gone?

2009-05-04T12:30:00.006-04:00

So it seems that all my latest blogs have been about the coming baby. just to change things up and see if you are all paying attention, this is about my FIRST baby... turning 6! yikes! Emma-Grace decided she wanted a party at our local park.

I gave her a choice between that (and inviting all her friends both church and school) and here at home (inviting only church friends as there are less of them). She decided, much to my pleasure, that she wanted to invite everyone. Since this is her last year at a school (we are home schooling next year) I thought it was a good decision. Of course, the only problem with having a party somewhere other than your own home is remembering to take every blessed thing you could possibly need. But I managed, pregnancy brain lapses not withstanding, to not forget anything. We decided it would be easier to have cupcakes and I bought juice boxes for the kids and bottled waters and cokes for the adults.
Emma-Grace had a blast, got a ton of gifts and came home filthy from park dirt and happy.
She then decided that she was ready to get her ears pierced. We offered to let her get them done last year but she said she wanted to wait until she was 7. (she is not good at pain management...) She has stuck to the 7 idea for a while so I was shocked when she announced out of the blue that she wanted them done. She had gotten money for her birthday, so off we went to the mall. She did great! And I must say that they look adorable!
All in all we had a great day. I still can't believe my baby is 6. Why does that make me feel so old?!

Baby G's nursery

2009-04-24T17:09:00.004-04:00

So I have been working on the baby's nursery now for what seems like forever. Even though the majority of the "work" took place in my head, I still think it counts. I knew I wanted blue. This is my last baby and only boy so I am using the blue as much as possible. My sister-in-law was planning a shower for me and I was instructed that I could not purchase anything "big" until it was over. So... I was quite limited in what I could do. I had registered for a new bedding set for the nursery and decided on wall colors based on that. My husband, sneak that he is, had gotten a swatch of the material from his family and took it with him when we went to look at colors. So what I thought were my decisions for the walls was actually him making me THINK it was my decision. It's ok... it turned out beautifully. At my shower I was given a new crib as well as the baby bedding. (and many MANY other beautiful gifts as well). Here is our beautiful nursery. Almost all ready for the baby.

These are the best dreams of our life.

2009-04-02T15:25:00.003-04:00

Pregnancy has always been a doozy as far as dreams are concerned. I have had some really memorable ones. With my first child, I dreamed, when I was about 8 weeks, that I had a girl and named her Emma-Grace. From that moment on, no other name would do. i was relieved when we found out she was a girl, lest we be given a boy and I insist, with my raging pregnancy hormones, that he still be named Emma-Grace. With Madalynn I dreamed a lot of being chased by wild, unmanageable children. We will not go into how this might relate with her now. But the other night I had a pregnancy dream that completely out did the others. I had a dream in which my little boy was here and cooing up at me from my arms. His beautifully formed face and expressive eyes held me completely captive. I remember thinking how absolutely perfect he was. His chubby arms waved around and I hugged him to me, aware that this was indeed a miracle that I had somehow performed. When I awoke the next morning it was almost overwhelming to feel him moving in my stomach and know that I had to wait a few more weeks before I could actually hold this precious bundle. With each child, I have, at some point during my pregnancy, developed that very strong mother/child bond that is unlike any other. This pregnancy, surprise that it was, has been so different for me. Even though this is the boy that I have so desperately been wanting, I just felt so disconnected. As if this alien being had invaded my body and now we were just waiting for him to get out! Now, though, I am feeling so in love with this little nameless, faceless stranger. I can still close my eyes and feel the weight of him in my arms. I can smell his sweet breath and hear his quiet cooing. And even though his nursery is not finished, he has few clothes and belongings, and, at this point, still no name, I can not wait to see him; to hold him. My beautiful boy.

Just NAME me already!

2009-03-27T14:53:00.002-04:00

So, little baby boy Gore is just a little over 7 weeks from being here and we have yet to really settle on a name. (not that anyone would know that, since we aren't telling the name, once we DO decide, until he is born.) This is to avoid the very rambunctious disputes and highly unnecessary comments we went through with the naming of our 2nd child. Anyway, out of all the things I could have finished and be done with, the name could technically be one of them. However, we just cannot settle on one. When I was pregnant with Madalynn, we had thought Aiden or Ian if she was a boy, but as it turns out, Aiden is the most popular boys name for 2008. So we decided we didn't want this little one to be in school with 12 other boys with the same name. The same goes for the name Ian. Suddenly, very popular. So back to the errrr... naming board we went. now, our girls have old fashioned names. Emma-Grace Noell and Madalynn Elizabeth. So we don't want anything too "retro" or "new fangled" (as my grandmother would say). and no "William" or "David" (my husband's name and he has refused to let the baby be named after him.) No, we aren't using my Dad's name. (He also has declined the use of his name, sighting it's weirdness as something he would rather not pass on to his youngest grandchild.) There are only about 10 William's in my husband's family, so, as stated earlier, that name is out. So, anyway, i come to you, dear and random friends, to help us in our plight. All reasonable suggestions will be taken into consideration. All ridiculous suggestioners will be taken out into the street and shot. after all, I am pregnant and can not be expected to be patient with your stupidity.

playroom to nursery in 0.9 seconds

2009-03-20T08:27:00.002-04:00

Now, if you read the title and if you could see what is suppose to be the baby's nursery you would laugh hysterically and call the local loony bin. About a year ago we moved Madalynn into Emma-Grace's room and turned the nursery into a playroom. (I was SURE we were finished with having children. I had my girly girl and my boy. (who is really Madalynn in a sweet little girls body.) And then SURPRISE!!! We get pregnant. (I would go into the strangeness of this happening, Except some of you have delicate ears and blush easily. Suffice to say, I was taking EVERY precaution to ensure there be no more chillins' in the house.) Although I knew the playroom would cease to be (we have a 4 bedroom house but one of those rooms is officially the "office" and also is used by Fred as his studio... artists...) I still allowed the girls to keep all their toys in there and just assumed at some point the nursery fairy would show up while I was sleeping, wave her magic wand, and POOF! Nursery fit for a prince. (obviously I watch too much Cinderella... Have you also noticed my OVERUSE of the parenthesis in this lengthy epistle?) So as the date drew nearer and no such fairy appeared I decided I would have to do this myself. The hardest part was going through the girls overabundance of toys and sort out what would fit into their bedroom. Some little friends came over and helped out with that part.(No, they were not mice or birds. more like my pastors VERY helpful and willing daughters)And I needed the help. (me being too big at this point to fit under the bed and too pregnant to do a lot of bending and sorting.) So once the playroom was free of toys and my husband took the double bed down and placed it in storage, I filled the room with .... clothes. Yep. It's now the time to sort through Spring and winter clothes. my girls usually manage to fit into their clothes for 2 seasons. Fortunately... so I am pulling out all 4 and 5T's for Emma-Grace to try on, and all 24 months and 2T's AND 3T's for Madalynn to try on. So the room is STILL a mess. Plus, I have boxes in there for a yard sale that I am having next Saturday. All I can say is ... this baby better not be early. In fact, at the rate I'm going, he needs to be about a month LATE!

This is the START of cleaning out the playroom... Pictures of a finished nursery to follow. eventually.

Fun is SO overrated.

2009-03-19T10:53:00.003-04:00

So yesterday was my husband's day off from work. He gets every Sunday off, and in addition one random day a week. We never know for sure what day it's going to be. As a side note, this can be accepted one of two ways... for the uber-planner, the day off can be an annoyance because there is no planning ahead, not really, for it. However, for the spontaneous, the day off can be a surprise of wondrous proportions. I never try to plan too much into his day off because there's always the chance that something will happen at the store and he will have to go in. but ... I digress. I had several things tentatively planned for yesterday, knowing that it was his day to be at home. My honey-do list had been pulled out and, with several jobs in mind, I looked upon this day with excitement. I also must insert here that I love it when I have no plans on his day off so we can just stay home and spend the day together. However, we had noticed some moisture right inside the door of the laundry room, so when he got up yesterday, he went right to that room where we discovered that our water heater had been leaking for who-knows how long. There was a small pool at the bottom of the closet (It's in a water heater sized storage closet right inside the back door in our laundry room). So my husband immediately turns off all water, and the electricity to the unit and begins to try to figure out what the problem was. Long story short... we needed to replace our water heater. Oh the joy. We ended up having to drive about 40 minutes away to get one that would fit with the right connections all the while worrying about the ominous sound of "sweating the pipes" which had been mentioned by several people. (the ominous sound got worse when we finally got someone to explain what that meant, but fortunately it didn't have to be done). My husband decided that he could replace the water heater on his own (something I am ALWAYS wary of, even though he is really good at figuring things our correctly. I still worry that I will walk in on my husband being turned into a crispy critter). So after I checked to make sure that his life insurance policy was up to date, I acquiesced and off he went. He did get it all replaced, and we do have hot water, and I didn't even have to suffer. no skipped baths or unwashed dishes. But there went our "day 'o fun". now we have to wait another week to tackle all those honey-do jobs.

the woes of old age

2009-03-12T20:28:00.002-04:00

so it's official... my husband is old. No, he didn't have a birthday, in fact he is, technically younger than me. (not much... say about 3 weeks) But I believe he has now done something that will make him (maybe... hopefully) act his age and not his shoe size. (woah... where did THAT come from?)
Last night when we got to church one of our sunday school students was outside riding on his razor scooter. My wonderful hubby hops out of the car, full from just eating at my favorite mexican restaurant, and asks if HE can ride the scooter. (my oldest daughter also asks the same thing, to which i reply "You MUST be careful! If you fall off you can seriously hurt yourself on this pavement") I go inside with Madalynn and right before the service starts my husband walks in with his face all bloody. I try motioning to him to tell him he has some blood on his face only to realize that he knows. he had been icing it for 5 minutes. Of course, being the loving, gentle, caring wife that I am, I immediately begin laughing hysterically all while trying to show compassion. (not QUITE as convincing as I was hoping) and ask him WHAT HAPPENED?! As it turns out, he thought he could "jump" the curb like earlier mentioned 10 year old on said scooter. Not quite the easy feat he was expecting as the front wheel of the scooter hit the pavement, stopped the scooter and sent my poor husband flying over the handlebars FACE FIRST into the pavement. (yes, same pavement I warned daughter about earlier with the face-maiming capabilities.) And yes, his face did indeed get maimed. He really is fine. which I found out about 15 minutes later when I finally could look at him without bursting into peals of helpless, heartless laughter... something I totally blame on my pregnant emotions and not my true, sincere emotions. He's limping around a little, and icing his face, and taking lots of advil, but then, he's old. And everyone knows that old people just do those things.

preggers... 6 months... 2 weeks

2009-02-28T10:27:00.002-05:00

Ok... so I am following in the footsteps of a fellow blogger who recently posted a pregnant pic of herself. She commented that so many people say that she is HUGE and she just wanted to let everyone else see (and I guess judge for themselves... :-) She is really NOT huge, and I thought the pic was really cute. So in an effort to "see" myself in a different light, I did the same. Now, bare in mind that I am pregnant with my third child, which, i have been told, means you start showing faster and get bigger than your previous pregnancies. I have wholly adopted this view in order to console myself a bit on my "huge belly" status. I am also carrying a boy, after 2 girls, and i am carrying completely differently that I did with them. (I did the "pregnant spread" with my girls, this one looks like I have a basketball stuffed up my shirt). So judge for yourself, but be kind. I am pregnant and full of emotions... or so they say.

Fun Fun Fun!!

2009-02-25T21:23:00.006-05:00

We went up the Shelby, NC this last weekend to visit my college friends Carla and Dave. It's been WAY too long since we saw them and we really looking forward to this trip.
We left Friday morning and got there a few minutes before Dave got off work. We enjoyed a quiet evening around the house letting the kids get use to each other. Carla and Dave have twin boys a few months older than Emma-Grace and they all seemed to get along well. On Saturday morning Carla and I got to spend some time out shopping SANS kids... It was unusual and wonderful to be able to walk through a mall without hearing "MAMA... can we go to the toy store?... MAMA... can we get a drink?... MAMA... I have to go to the potty". Ahhhhhh... just 2 adults.. shopping.
When we got home, Madalynn had fallen asleep while sitting beside Dave. Too cute!

We had planned on leaving Sunday afternoon but decided to stay until Monday morning. So although it was a short trip, we enjoyed the time to catch up with old friends. Seems like old friends remaining good friends is so rare.

2009-02-19T08:59:00.005-05:00

It's been awhile since I blogged... mostly because there's not been much to say. I am still pregnant, I still have 2 girls and a husband, I am still teaching music... see?! Nothing's changed.
Last weekend was Valentine's Day. I am a huge fan of the holiday and the first one I ever had with my husband (BEFORE he was my husband) set the bar pretty high for what to expect. Though we don't have much money to work with, he is always creative in making it a special day for me. This last one we knew we wouldn't get to see each other. There was the Myrtle Beach Marathon on the south end of the beach and Chick-fil-A was a major sponsor, so he was going to have to start off Valentine's morning working there, then go to the store to work that night. So we celebrated Friday evening instead.
It actually worked out really well. The lady that does Children's church at our church decided to have a sleepover for the kids (it's all girls mostly... and no boys decided to brave this rare and wonderful world of "sleepover") But Emma-Grace was invited and, since this family is like a 2nd family to our girls, they invited Madalynn as well. My girls have spent the night at their house several times when Fred and I were out of town, so we were content that they would be well taken care of. They were, and they had a blast. This gave Fred and I the freedom to go out Friday night and enjoy our evening together. This also gave ME the chance to sleep-in Saturday morning and to pamper myself a little. FUN! (I did NOT sleep in, it's hard to sleep past 7 for me. I guess my body is use to be torn from sleep at precisely 7am every morning due to the fact that Emma-Grace has strict instructions not to leave her room before 7am. (she knows this as "when there's a 7 in front"). but I DID go shopping and get a pedicure)
Saturday at 3 I picked the girls up only to find out that my MAIN party-er (Madalynn) hadn't gone to sleep until 1 am and then had awakened ready to play at 4:30. LOL She was pooped. They both were. But MOM was relaxed and ready to handle the whiny world of 2 girls low on sleep and high on chocolate.
Here is Madalynn moments after we walked in the door. I sat her on the couch for less than 5 minutes and this is what I came back to...
So all in all it was a good weekend for all. Maybe not the Valentine's Day of my dreams, but as we get older we learn that some things are better when they are simple.

Large and in charge

2009-01-26T13:22:00.002-05:00

I do not understand how being pregnant gives people the idea that it's ok to say... oh... just about anything that pops into their head to you. As a "normal" (ie... non-pregnant) person you would not think it ok to hear the words "Wow! You are HUGE" at any given time from anyone... ever. Yet somehow, the fact that you are now housing another person seems to give folks the idea that such terminology and statements are fine. As is putting their hands on your abdomen for some unknown reason, as if they are communicating with the unborn. I am not a big touchy-feely person. I don't like to be touched when I'm not pregnant, and I CERTAINLY don't like to be touched when I am pregnant. A hug is fine. A hug, while caressing my swollen stomach and commenting on how "round and big" it is... NOT ok. Not even remotely. Another thing I don't get is the constant personal questions "Do you have heartburn? How is the gas? are you gassy?" Um..... what? And my personal NON favorite (forgive me, those of you that are delicate-eared) "Are you having sex? how's your sex-life?" Yes, I do, The gas is fine and yes we are. What's it to ya?! These questions are rude and uncomfortable when you are not pregnant, why are they suddenly fair game when you are? Another favorite thing... the disgust and obvious irritation when you express that you are not sharing names and/or the sex of your child. It's like people that see you pregnant feel that they have some weird rite of passage to know all your innermost thoughts, ideas and feelings. Even random Belk lady who is ringing up your purchase thinks she deserves to know sex and name. And if she gets the chance, she WILL rub your belly and pronounce you HUGE! This brings me to my final declaration... Yes, I am pregnant. And if you are going to continue this constant discussion of my size, belly-roundedness, and eating habits, I am going to exploit my pregnancy to it's fullest. Whew! I feel better. Now go get me a drink, I'm too pregnant to get up and get it myself.

times are changing

2009-01-17T09:01:00.002-05:00

This last Tuesday we went to the Doctor for our ultra sound. Why is it that things you really want don't always come easily? Ha! Now that I am re-reading that statement I am realizing how true it is... anyway... We were originally scheduled for an ultrasound LAST week, but somehow it got changed. They made it for a Tuesday, which is not a good day for me, since I normally spend the whole day at Emma-Grace's school teaching music lessons and helping out. But I rearranged my whole day so that I could teach first thing in the morning and then the hubby and i could go straight to the doctor's office. As it turned out, we even had time for breakfast together. When I got to the doctor's office and signed in they informed me that I had called the week before and canceled my appointment. Since I don't usually leave my body to perform weird and useless tasks, I told them that I hadn't canceled it and that I was there and was expecting to have the ultrasound. (They were very apologetic as it turns out there is another patient named Leah and obviously SHE had canceled her appointment, not me.) So after about an hour wait (since I had "canceled" they had to fit us in) they FINALLY called us back. As soon as I got settled and the tech started the ultrasound she said "do you want to know the sex of the baby?" after we said "yes" she typed something on the screen, turned it towards me, and THERE... in all it's glory... was MY SON! I had honestly resigned myself to the fact that this would probably be a girl. I mean, we already have two, and the chances of us producing a boy seemed slim. We, of course, are ecstatic. We love our girls and would not trade them for all the boys in the world, but we have wanted a boy from the very beginning and just prayed that the Lord would give us what HE wanted us to have and give us the grace to accept it as his will. Of course, I immediately went to Target to register since I have absolutely nothing for a boy. I am set for girl stuff, so hopefully I can consign some of the girls things that Madalynn has outgrown to make some money for boy clothes.
So now we come to names... funnily enough I had a girl name picked out, but no boy names. Guess we will start having to seriously think about it now!

keeping up is hard to do

2009-01-06T21:43:00.002-05:00

It seems that so many things go on this time of year that I can't keep it all straight. We had a great Christmas, and a wonderful New Year. We spent the day over at the home of some new friends. Tara and Steve recently joined our church and our kids are very close in age. We went over for a cook out and some games and a movie. (Princess Bride, well known by all, and quoted continuously by Steve). Emma-Grace went back to school on Monday and I am not at all sure that I was ready for her to go back. Part of me loves having her home and the other part of me gets tired of the fighting and crying that always ensues when she and her sister are in the same house for too long. Plus, she was more than ready to go back to school. (as exhibited by her inability to sleep past 6am on Monday)
My pregnancy is going well. I am a little over half way and showing like a champ. (This means that I am HUGE! So far, everyone that has had 3 or more kids says that it's because I have no stomach muscles, and, for the sake of my vanity, I am willing to accept that.) I go the 13th of this month for an ultrasound. With both of my other pregnancies, I had 2 ultrasounds. I am guess that I am only going to have one because I waiting so long to go to the doctor when I discovered I was pregnant. It's just not as... thrilling... to go pee in a cup every month the 3rd time around.
So I think i have gotten you all caught up on the goings on around here. I will be sure to post of we find out the sex of our new little one. Until then, may your days be calm and without unpleasant surprises.

Ho Ho Hum

2008-12-27T14:51:00.002-05:00

What is it about the few days after Christmas that usually leave one feeling... well... hum drum? I love Christmas. It's a great holiday. So many great people to celebrate with and so many reasons to celebrate. Getting up Christmas morning and watching my little ones open their presents is such pure joy. But for some reason, the day after Christmas, or sometimes, the night OF Christmas, I start to feel a little down. I've heard this called the holiday blues, or some such thing. I just don't get it. I mean, I've just had a great time with family and friends, gone to countless parties and get-togethers and gotten several great gifts. What do I have to feel blue about? There has got to be something fundamentally wrong with me to feel this blah feeling. I should be bouncy and bright. (is that a song?) instead I'm sleepy and blech. While my children are still enjoying their new toys and finding new things to do I am ready to curl up in bed and sleep away the week until New Years. Maybe this is why the few gifts not yet played with are still in the same room as the Christmas tree. Why I've yet to get out and put up some of MY OWN new things. wow. It's really sad, isn't it? So now that I have thoroughly depressed all of you, please continue your post-holiday fun. And ignore the pregnant lady lying around like the boring lump that she is.

Is Santa a Scrooge?

2008-12-20T15:14:00.003-05:00

Well, once again it's the time of year where too many Americans get into debt because too many children want too many things. I am no exception. (not to the getting into debt, because we used NO credit cards this year, but to the kids wanting things...) I am actually in a bit of a quandary this year as my oldest is into Santa. 2 years ago she wasn't sure what Christmas was all about. We didn't push Santa as I never believed as a child and I don't think Fred ever really did either. Last year, she thought that Santa was kinda weird, but THIS year, she thinks that he is bringing her presents. A few months ago Emma-Grace asked for a bike. After some finagling, We managed to get her a new one. We were thrilled until I took her to see Santa and she climbed onto his lap and said "what I REALLY want is... a.... Puppy." Now, I LOVE dogs. I grew up with one and haven't had one I really care about since before Emma-Grace was born. We had a cat that I had about trained like a dog, but she was hit by a car this past Spring. So... as much as I love the thought of a dog, ummmm... I am expecting baby #3. Do we REALLY want to add ANOTHER baby, canine or not, to the mix? We (Fred and I) have talked it over a little and he actually has friends that are connected to our local humane society. So, the possibility is there. But my desire... well... not so much. Is Santa going to be a Scrooge if he doesn't produce a puppy under the Christmas tree? Is it going to forever cause her to not believe in Santa? (BTW... I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. What's to miss out on? No costly pictures with Santa or long lines to stand in, no demanding that "He" know what she wants for Christmas or expectations that the all-knowing, all-seeing one can afford anything her little heart desires.... Seems like a win-win to me.) So here I sit debating the puppy issue. I think she is going to LOVE her new bike. But... is it going to make up for no puppy? If only I were all-knowing, all-seeing I would know if I could risk it. *sigh* Guess the only way to know is to wait and see. *fingers crossed*

2008-12-11T11:56:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Notice for all you cleaners out there...

2008-12-05T15:00:00.003-05:00

BEHOLD... a NEW cleaner has arrived in town. I just cleaned my scummy shower with, what I must say is, the most amazing cleaner to grace our presence since plain old ammonia. This cleaner, found only at Home Depot, erased the built up shower scum, mold, and mildew that constantly plagues my shower. Now I must clarify all this by saying that my shower is constantly gross because of where my wonderful hubby works and the amount of yuck that he brings home on a daily basis. So I was SHOCKED to discover that this cleaner, called ZEP, works after only 2-3 minutes. I sprayed it on, loaded the dishes from the sink into the dishwasher, and returned with a damp sponge. I took one swipe at a particularly dirty spot and WOOOHOOO! The scum came with it. I was giddy with excitement and am now waiting for the loving platitudes that will surely fill my ears once my husband view the sparkling shower. Provided, of course, that he doesn't slip on the newly cleaned surface and break his neck. Ah well, at least when the paramedics come to revive him they will notice a beautifully clean shower. It's the price we pay...

2008-12-01T12:42:00.003-05:00

Well, it's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is over and now it's on to the Christmas holiday. We had a great visit with my family and made some awesome memories. I can't believe how big my niece and nephew are getting! SO CUTE! And Emma-Grace had a great playmate with her cousin Charly. Of course the food was amazing and we all pitched in and helped.

Emma-Grace and Nana making Gravy

My brother and sister carving the turkey...

We also do Christmas at Thanksgiving with family that we won't be able to see later. So we did some gift exchanging and everyone got some great stuff and just generally had a good time.

Emma-Grace got a "laptop" :-)

some of the kids

All in all it was a pretty good holiday. Now everyone has gone home and I am trying to figure out a time to put up my Christmas tree. hmmmmm... guess we will see when that will happen. I don't see it on my list of "things to do" in the near future. Although if Emma-Grace has anything to say about it, it will be done in record time.

Thanksgiving... HOORAY!

2008-11-24T03:38:00.002-05:00

Okay... so my favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. This is the only time every year that my entire family gets together. We use to go to Gatlinburg every year, but ever since we moved to the beach and my husband and brother both are working with Chick-Fil-A (One owning... the other managing it) they can't both be gone at the same time. (While some would argue that we would all prefer my husband over my brother, I couldn't possibly ask my parents to make the obvious choice... so we just have everyone here.) It really works out best I think. We save money on hotel accomodations and we all pitch in with the cooking instead of eating out. The last 2 years Thanksgiving dinner has been at my house. However, being as how I am preggo and quite moody (shock... I know.) I deferred it to my sis-in-law. You would think that would let me off the hook for the massive cleaning and all, but my grandmother will only stay at my house, so I must needs clean for her visit. *sigh* I can hardly wait for everyone to get here. Last year my sister and her kids missed but not this year. While a lot of people look forward to the turkey, football and other "thanksgiving" norms, I look forward to time spent with my Mom and sister who I am extremely close to and don't get to see often. I know it's wrong of me, but secretely I wish that I didn't have to share them with my SIL (who I do really like...) and grandmother (again with the liking her a lot...) and ... well... kids. (who, let's face it, are always the most demanding of the group) But share I do. (albeit grudgingly... but let's keep that between us, shall we?) It's never long enough. I think Thanksgiving should be stretched into a week-long, turkey-eating, starbucks-visiting, gab fest. Anyone else? Say Aye!!

Pregnancy blahs

2008-11-13T10:02:00.002-05:00

Okay... most of you know by now that I am pregnant. This was a TOTAL shock, as we were... um... doing the normal thing to keep it from happening. SURPRISE!! So although the initial shock (and slight horror) has worn off and we are now thrilled and excited, I am not looking forward to the next 6 months and all that comes with it.
This being my third child, and my last being only 2 I feel that I am now an "experienced pregnant person". The aches, pains, nauseousness and general icky feeling that comes with the first trimester is upon me. I have not experienced morning sickness, instead mine comes in the evening, beginning around 3 pm and lasting until whenever... I have not been up to doing much cooking, although I have made myself suck it up a few times. Otherwise we have been living on sandwiches and cold cereal (Madalynn's favorite).
Again, because it's my 3rd pregnancy nature has (I guess) seen fit to allow me to start showing almost immediately. yippee. Very few of my clothes fit (I have 2 pairs of jeans that I wear constantly, wash and then wear again) and one or two dresses or skirts that I can wear to church. Yesterday I got my maternity clothes out of storage thinking I would greet them like old friends only to discover as I opened the boxes that... I HATE THEM ALL! If only we could be pregnant and still wear our old clothes, do everything that we normally do (ie... lift a box and not be yelled at like we have committed some heinous crime.) and feel the way we normally feel. I hate being forgetful, fat and sick. It's... sickening. As I write this post I am constantly pausing trying to remember a word that I want to use and then choosing a different one because my mind is all pregnant and stuff. Yuck!
Now don't get me wrong. I know the end result is totally worth it. In 6 months (or so) I will have a bouncing baby (or screaming, depending on if it's more like Madalynn or Emma-Grace) to show for my ... pains. So though I gripe and complain, I know it's worth it. I guess. Dumb Eve.

BOOOO!

2008-11-05T18:25:00.005-05:00

I LOVE halloween. I have heard so many people say "it's a pagan holiday. you should never let your children celebrate". But honestly, how do you tell a 5 year old, "No, honey, we can not dress up in fun outfits and go around getting enough candy to make your eyes bug out from sugar highs until Christmas. Sorry!" ? Yep, I couldn't do it. My family always dressed up until we were in Jr High and then it was the idea that we were too old. THAT I get. So anyway.... the girls were super excited about this year. Emma-Grace had decided she wanted to be a cat
and Madalynn... well, I had an angel costume that was way too big so I actually bought an outfit for her at the Halloween store. (I know... I know...) and she was a pirate! SOOO much more fitting than the angel costume anyway!
And mommy had fun putting make up on them (Madalynn with mascara... WOW! she's gonna be a knockout! Those eyelashes!!!) and getting everything ready. Then we went to my brother's house (he lives in a ritzy neighborhood) and had dinner with them and went out. Madalynn's black eyeliner was gone in seconds and Emma-Grace kept "forgetting" to wait for her sister and would run up to the door and ring the bell before we were even in the driveway good. We ended up with two exhausted little girls and more candy than I can even talk about. But next year, we will do it again! Hm... I wonder if Madalynn's angel costume will fit?!

the innocence of youth

2008-10-29T08:31:00.002-04:00

I feel that my blog should be renamed "Madalynn's capers" or some such thing. It seems all my blogs are about her. But she is SUCH a strange and funny kid. The antics are all hers, so who else would I blog about lately. We are still working on the whole bedtime routine. She's doing a little bit better about staying in bed. Either that or she is learning to be more quiet so we don't hear her. hmmmm... that thought just occurred to me. Anyway... her latest addition to night time is stripping. That's right, my two year old is turning into a nudist. Now we all know that kids love to be naked and think it's funny and don't care a bit about running around in their birthday suits for all to see. I typically don't have a huge problem with this, as far as when she gets out of the tub and so forth, but her newest "fun thing" has to do with when she SHOULD be asleep. A few nights ago I put her in the cutest gown for her to sleep in. when I went to check on her a few hours later, she had removed her diaper. Fortunately she was still dry so no huge catastrophe. I put her diaper back on and thought all would be well. (she was asleep, by the way). However, the next morning her diaper was again removed. So the next night I put her in pajamas. And would you believe that little stinker took the bottoms off and then her diaper again. And once again I discovered it before anything... "wet"... happened. Again, the next morning, same thing. No pajama bottoms and no diaper. At this point I was starting to wonder when she took them off... In the middle of the night? So last night I thought... I'll fix her... I put on footie pajamas. When i went to check on her after she was asleep the pajamas were still on and I thought "AH HA! I am SOOOOO smart". BUT this morning she walks into my bedroom completely naked carrying her pj's. I have no idea how she got them off or even what she did with her diaper. So now I am wondering HOW to keep my child dressed. It seems obvious that she doesn't like sleeping in a diaper... but she has yet to be potty-trained. And she certainly enjoys being naked... too bad it's not summer still. Ah well, eventually she'll learn. Or I will. Who knows.

Midnight Madalynn

2008-10-20T19:59:00.005-04:00

ok... I have mentioned Madalynn and her desire to stay awake when it's bedtime. This is just a cute clip that I caught and my sister-in-law Karen helped me put on my blog. (BTW I take my hat off to those of you that do this all the time. I recorded this on my cell phone and the process of getting it on the computer and THEN to download to my blog was... well... IT WAS A PAIN!) Anyway... After bathtime we had our bedime prayers and then I told Madalynn it was time to kiss us and go to bed. This is what she did. Every time I said it. I think she has watched too much "Sound of Music" and is impersonating Maria. Anyway... ENJOY. And oh yeah... pause the player at the bottom of my site.

Cel-o-bration

2008-10-13T15:06:00.004-04:00

*sigh* I love birthdays. Even if they ARE mine. I don't really care about getting older. As long as I look young, I am good. Birthdays have always been big at my house. My parents always made a big deal about our birthdays and made it extra special, even when we didn't have a lot of money to celebrate. They still call me first thing in the morning on my special day to sing to me. This year was no disappointment either. I got great gifts from my parents and then Fred's parents took us all out for dinner at Carrabbas Saturday night. Then we came back to our house for the real party. I got a homemade chocolate cake, (YUMMMMM) and lots of great presents. So fun. I love presents. Especially when it's a gift certificate to one of my favorite stores with the note "For Pampering YOU and just YOU" on it. WOOHOO! who doesn't like that. All in all, it was a great day. Thanks to all of you who sent me notes and ecards wishing me a good day.
Have a great week.

2008-10-09T11:19:00.006-04:00

So nothing has happened lately for me to feel the need to blog about. Last Saturday I took the girls to our local Farm (Indigo Farms) for their annual Harvest Day. It's an interesting thing. Lots of local people selling their wares and showing off old tools, weaving skills, tractors and other things. There is a hayride you can take for only $1.00 per person or another one that's $16.00 for an entire family. on the 2nd one, you get to go to the pumpkin patch and pick out a pumpkin. As fun as this sounded, I couldn't imagine spending $16. for something that Daddy wasn't there to be involved in. (As usual he was working away.) There are tons of animals for the girls to pet and see, plus pony rides and tractor rides. And we did do the el cheapo hay ride. All in all we had a good time. Check out the pics and you can see for yourself. Sorry this lacks my usual humor and witticism. I'm tired. Maybe next time. LOL

Strange sleeping habits

2008-09-25T10:05:00.004-04:00

My youngest is a weird kid. (She is like her mother) But her night-time habits have started to show themselves to be more like her father. It seems that no matter how tired she is at night, she refuses to go right to sleep. We make the bedroom as dark as possible, put a small room fan in to give white-noise, and have other sleep-inducing rituals. All to no avail. Once the lights are out, Emma-Grace is out like... well, like a light. (duh) Madalynn, on the other hand, kicks the wall, sings, talks to herself, hides behind the curtains and does all sorts of other crazy things. Despite spankings and other forms of punishment. (She does know these are coming by the way.) She also falls asleep in all sorts of weird places. Under the bed, on the floor, beside the bookcase, under the window behind the curtains, in the closet, just to name a few. Last night was perhaps the weirdest thing yet. We have been having special meetings at church and didn't get the girls in bed until after 9:30. Emma-Grace, true to form, was asleep almost instantly but Madalynn.... *sigh*....... Madalynn......... At 10:30 I went in to check on the girls. When I opened the door I noticed the closet light was on. (she achieves this by pulling a small chair over to the closet and standing on it and turning the closet light on.) I also noticed that there was no Madalynn in her bed. Where was she, I wondered?! When I found her, I just had to go get the camera. I am sure when she is older she will hate me for this. Ah well, maybe one day she will fall asleep in her bed.

Growing up is hard to do... for me, anyway.

2008-09-15T11:25:00.003-04:00

Childhood goes way too fast. When do our precious bundles unbundle themselves? When does the rolling over cease to amaze, the army crawl stop causing peals of laughter and the unsteady walking that means covering everything with padding turn into confident running. I am in no way one of those mothers who misses things. I was there for both of my children's "firsts" (so far) but still... I have to ask myself where the time has gone... While my children face growth hurdles with seemingly little effort, I am left standing at the gate with my mouth open wondering when the starting gun went off. My lastest "mouth hanging open" moment came just this last week, when Madalynn gave up her paci. Now, I am definitely a paci approve-r. Althouth I think the thumb suckers are the cutest things ever, you can't cut the thumbs off and throw them away. So a paci just seemed the safest thing to be. Emma-Grace didn't seem interested in one so when Madalynn came along and took to it instantly we were in new territory. What am I saying, everything with Madalynn was new. When your first baby cries only when something is wrong, smiles at everyone, poops on command, sleeps through the night at 6 weeks, acts perfectly, potty-trains at 18 months... so on and so forth... EVERYTHING is new the 2nd time around. (don't get excited. it all changed when she turned 3). Anyway... back to my real kid. she loved her paci. By the time she was a year old we had her down to having the paci only for naps and bedtime. Still, one of those "don't leave home without it" things. I had a paci, which I threw to the birds when I was about 18 months and only asked for once after that. Fast forward to my child, who is paying me back for the sins of her father. (it's true... ask his mother) The other morning she woke up and I promptly placed her on the potty, paci still in her mouth. She was trying to tell me something. "I can't understand you with that paci in your mouth. You should throw that thing in the trash" I said."Okay!" She said. She stood up, went over to the trash can, and threw the paci in. At nap time, she asked for it once, and again and bedtime. That was last week. She is still without it. I cannot believe how seamlessly she has transitioned from this "necessary" item! This morning I was putting away clean clothes in the girls' room and I found one I had stashed in her bib drawer. I smuggled it out without her seeing me and put it in her baby box. I think I will keep one for her to see when she is older. okay... it's for me. Whatever.

NEWS! NEWS! NEWS!

2008-09-09T11:06:00.003-04:00

I have been waiting for a chance to sit down and post my news. It has been crazy this last week. First, a dear man in our church passed last Monday and I had to do the music for his funeral Thursday. Thursday night was the open house at Risen Christ Lutheran (Emma-Grace's preschool and where I teach piano and voice) Friday was a wedding rehearsal ( I was playing and singing) and also dear old tropical storm Hanna. Saturday night was the wedding. (see above.).. Whew. Okay... let's rewind to Thursday night, shall we? I didn't want to take Emma-Grace to the open house because she has really been missing her old school. (Me, too) But she found out I was going and BEGGED to come!! I was going to leave Madalynn at home with my sil but my husband got sick, so she and Madalynn tagged along. We skipped the potluck. (too much family fun...) and got there just as they were getting ready to dismiss to mingle and sign up for the extra curricular and stuff. Emma-Grace said "Mama... when do I get to see my class?" Let the beatings commence! I felt like a jerk! I hadn't realized that she would think she was coming back. She was reconnecting with all her old friends and was having so much fun. I told her... Emma-Grace... you don't go to school here... She looked so sad. My heart broke and again. ME= JERK! We walked down to the cafateria to see all the people and everyone was telling me how much they missed up. I was feeling lower than low. I went over to talk to Kim, the principal. She said. We miss you. (tear) I miss you all, too. Why haven't you come to see me? She asks. ummmmmmmm..... what? "there are ways" she tells me. Now I am starting to feel like I am in some mystery novel. "Ways to....." "There are people... we call them angels. They have been asking about you, specifically. I want you to go home and email me an amount that you could pay a month." I told her " It is going to be ridiculously low. Don't feel bad if you can't possibly do it". "You are going to be surprised" she said back. So.......Are you ready for this? Are you sitting down? Emma-Grace started back to Risen Christ on Monday. For.
$15. a month. She is having her way payed through school. PTL! He provides in the most amazing ways. Even for us dumb people who haven't the brains to ask, just the guts to trust.

mom's stupidity vs. God's divine intervention

2008-09-01T10:08:00.003-04:00

Snazzy title, don't you think? Yep. thought so myself. Now aren't you all DYING to know what it means? Well, hold on. I'm gonna tell you!! I got up this morning with the bright idea of leaving the girls inside to "watch a movie" while I mowed the lawn. (or finish. I started Saturday and ran out of sunlight). Now, how I thought Madalynn would be content to actually watch a movie for at least an hour (that is stretching it, really) I don't know, but I did tell Emma-Grace that they could come outside after the movie was over. So I was mowing away, bopping to the tunes on my shuffle, when the girls came out. Right about that time the mower stopped. The girls came down the steps (Madalynn with her shoes on the wrong feet, Emma-Grace without a shirt on *sigh*) I was wonding what in the world was wrong with the stupid mower. Emma-Grace tells me that she caught Madalynn in my bathroom playing in the toilet. (yay) "There was a little water on the floor so I got one of your towels down and put it over the water." I was thinking... "Oh great. One of my really nice towels mopping up toilet water." I tried several times to get the mower started. I figured I was just flooding it, so I asked the girls if they wanted to go in and get a snack. (DUMB question.) We went in and I got them settled and decided to check on the state of my bathroom. When I walked in the bathroom... It was FLOODED! The toiled was still running!!! Madalynn hadn't just been playing in my bathroom. She had flushed an entire roll of toilet paper down the toilet. What a mess. Water all over the floor, (thank the Lord for my thick rugs that soaked up a lot of water) Poor Emma-Grace. Thinking she had seen a little water on the floor. She had come in right when it had started. I am thanful for her thoughtfulness at putting a towel (even one of my good ones... hehe... down on the floor) but I had a basket of tp beside the toilet. ruined. Who knows where the water would have been had that mower not stopped and I not had to come in. So thank the Lord that He saw past my stupidity and saw fit to let the mower quit on me, even though my human nature was not AT ALL thrilled with Him at the time! (sorry, Lord)

a first ... as weeks go

2008-08-29T18:32:00.003-04:00

So we made it through our first official week of school. I must say the hardest part for me is going to be getting everyone up, fed and out the door by 7:10. I can not believe that school starts at 7:30. What in the world are people thinking?! Fortunately my early birds are fine with that so I should not complain. We had several trials. The first one being on Tuesday when the kids were lining up to wait on their parents to pick them up. They had a tornado warning and so all the kids were herded back inside. Emma-Grace is a worrier. And when this happened she got very upset. Her teacher tried to calm her, but to no avail. She was fine by the time I got up there to get her, but her teacher told me all about it as did Emma-Grace. Every gruesome detail complete with hand motions and facial expressions. (i don't know where she gets her flair for the dramatic...) Then on Wednesday a boy at her table hit her. She told her teacher who told Emma-Grace to... hit him back. Now, normally I would tell her this myself, but you can imagine my surprise when I was told that her teacher employed the same reasoning as I did. "Did you?" I asked her? "of course!" she said. *sigh* that's my child!! Today she was out of school due to a prior doctor's appointment. She will be having her tonsils and adenoids out. I am not sure when yet, but thankfully this will help her stop breathing like Darth Vader. No school on Monday, due to Labor Day. Just means more labor for me. Tuesday can't come quick enough!

MY MAN!

2008-08-26T11:17:00.002-04:00

Allow me to reflect for a bit today. I am celebrating my 8th anniversary of being married to my wonderful husband. Now, I am not going into how he is the best husband ever, I know that we all believe our husbands are the best that there has ever or will ever be. So, I am just going to smile to myself, secure in the knowledge that MINE is the best. (haha sorry...) For those that don't know my story, I am going to tell it. For those that do, read it again or go look at someone else's blog.
Fred was once David. We went to elementary school together at Calvary Christian in MB WAY back. My family moved away from the beach in 1988 and I thought no more about him. I went through my high school and beginning college years dating many and finding none who were just what I wanted. Perhaps I should have realized at some point that I was seeking out the same types of men, but being the stubborn wench that I am, I kept dating the same types. For the most part anyway. (had a few bad boys on my list, but what normal woman can say she has never been attracted to at least one. hehe)
After one final very bad breakup I decided that I would not be getting married. After all, I had yet to meet a man that was worth all the trouble they caused. After living in the Philippines for a year I transferred to Bob Jones University as a voice performance major. I was instructed to join a choir and upon entering, I discovered David Gore from elementary school. No longer sweaty and playing with sticks (I won't go as far as saying he didn't have his quirks) We were quickly drawn to each other after realizing who the other was. It didn't take too long for me to decide this man was quite a bit different from others I had spent time with. After about a month of just being friends and spending time together I realized I was head-over-heels in love with David. (now Fred. that's a long story and I refuse to add it to this already lengthy epistle). So there you have it. You will have to get his side of the story from him. Suffice to say, he must have been a little crazy about me to actually propose and marry me. It hasn't always been easy, but being married to your best friend is an amazing thing. I hear about marriage being work and difficult. It may one day be that way for me but so far I have not felt that it was work at all. I love being married to my hubby and couldn't imagine life without him. So, Happy Anniversary studmuffin. I love you!!! (don't laugh at his nickname. I came up with it all by myself.)

School time + kindergaten - Private school = ???

2008-08-20T17:53:00.002-04:00

The time for the start of school is almost upon me and as it approaches I find myself more apprehensive with each passing day. Last year I finagled half off of Emma-Grace's tuition for preschool at the school I was teaching at. This year, no such luck. Which figures for a much too expensive school bill. So expensive that we are going to be putting her in public school this year. This subject was approached by my husband at a weak time for me and I put up very little fight. Not that there was much point. Bottom line... we can't afford the one private school within descent driving distance. (OK.. there are other private schools, but laughable in their title as "christian") I have always been one of those people VERY against public schools. Not because I feel that my child is too good for them, or because I am afraid that she will become a rebellious miscreant at the tender age of 5. Simply because I don't feel that they are the best in their teaching, and, let's face it, South Carolina is not racking up points for their educational system. (can anyone say 49Th on the list???) I have always wanted to, and intended to, home school. But I have found that most homeschooling mothers don't have another job to add to their list of things to do. I teach private music lessons one day a week away from home (as well as two other days AT home with youngest child in tow) and also do the Pampered Chef shows. Although some people are nominating me for mother-of-the-year, those who know me best are just shaking their head as they watch me come closer to the edge of insanity. Still, I find myself holding my breath as I send my eldest into the world of undisciplined youth and various and sundry vocabularies. I am sure she will survive. I'm just not sure I will.

And so it begins

2008-08-12T16:48:00.002-04:00

I love my children. Being a mother is, I think, the most important and unrecognized job around. When I was younger and people would say "what do you want to be when you grow up" my first thought was a mother. Of course, I went through several ideas of what I would rather be, but always came back to same thing. A mother. Raising children and watching them grow and become responsible God-fearing adults. Today I took Madalynn to the doctor for her 2 year check-up. (22 lbs. and 9 out of 10 children her age are taller and weigh more... so she will be petite too.) Anyway, the nurse asked Emma-Grace about starting school. She is very excited about kindergarten as am I. most of the time anyway. The nurse said to Emma-Grace " what do you think you might like the best about kindergarten?" Emma-Grace said, "well, I am sure they will teach me lots of things, but they aren't as smart as my Mama, and that's what I want to do when I get big." "What's that?" the nurse questioned. "I want to be a Mommy. I want to have to girls and live in a house with my husband." The nurse and I both laughed, but secretly I was fighting back tears. I know that I can be impatient and occasionally short-tempered. I spend many of my evenings reflecting on the day and regretting a word I said or a thought I had. Still, if either of my children can look at me and wish to one day be a mother because of me, then i think my job has not been in vain. Of course, the most important thing is that they trust the Lord. Emma-Grace has been saved for a year this month and so now we are just trying to train her in the way she should go. But wow. What a humbling thought. There are always at least one pair of eyes watching your every move. Following in your footsteps. I think I will be a little more careful of where I step.

Busy busy busy!

2008-08-07T05:53:00.004-04:00

So It's been awhile since I posted. I can't help it. I'm busy!! This week has been particularly crazy. While still keeping to our normal schedule, we are having vacation Bible school this week. Every night from 6:30 to 9. Now, while I don't consider 9 pm extremely late, to two children who are usually in bed asleep an hour earlier, this has taken some severe rearranging. If these above mentioned children would do the reasonable thing and sleep in mornings, then all could be well. But NOOOOOOOOO..... They have to mimic their insane Mother and rise at the crack of dawn. Despite blankets covering windows, nightlights turned low and other sleep-inducing shenanigans my two early birds are still up getting that worm (yuck). This results in crabbiness. SERIOUS crabbiness. You know the kind. Where siblings do whatever possible to annoy the other, tears ensue at various and uncalled for times and spanking occur generally all day at all times. This guarantees crabbiness in the mother. (me) and of course that does nothing to help the situation. Added to the fact that the oldest is required to finish book studies and learn verses meant for the spiritually unchallenged, this has made for an extremely tiring week. I know the Lord blesses those that are faithful, but what about those that are becoming crazy due to their faithfulness. This is Emma-Grace's first year in Bible school. She loves it. But each night is becoming more of a trial to get dinner over, baths done, clothes on, Bibles found and out the door in time to arrive close to the designated arrival time. Only 2 more days. I..... CAN..... DO..... IT.....

Did I ask you?

2008-08-01T16:20:00.003-04:00

I HATE back-talk. Maybe more than anything right now, because my eldest has started it. Not "rude" backtalk, just feeling the need to say something after I give her an instruction. For example... "Please go open the door for Madalynn" "I don't hear her". did I ask if you heard her? Or "Go brush your teeth before bed". "Oh! I didn't know it was bedtime. Do I have to go to bed now?" Did I tell you to go to bed? NO! I told you to brush your teeth. Or "Stop hugging on Madalynn, she is asking you to stop". "Well, i LIKE to hug her. she should want to hug me. I am her sister". Did I ask? NO! I just told you to do something and it is not necessary for you to talk back in any way, shape, or form. just say "Yes, Ma'am" and move on with it. I find myself constantly THINKING (not necessarily saying, but...still... thinking) things my mother use to say to me. When confronted with the question "Why" I want to say "because I am your mother, that's why. And that's reason enough". Sometimes that is sufficient, but at other times I am ok with explaining the situation. After all, she is only five. So I guess that's it. I vented, now I am done. Yes, I am. Don't argue with me... Did I ask you?

Home... or not home...

2008-07-29T20:40:00.002-04:00

I just recently went to my parents for the week. I had been so looking forward to this trip because I had 3 pampered chef shows booked. Two with really good friends (one whom I had not seen in a while, so THAT was fun) and the other with my mom and a friend of hers. I also am always excited to spend time with my parents and let them visit with the girls. As I was packing I began to think "I'm going home!" Even though the house my parents live in is not one I ever lived in, still, they are there and it is in the general vicinity of the "old home place". However, as I was driving in i began to wonder... when does "home" cease to be "home"? I have lived at the beach now for almost 7 years. And while I consider my house my home and where my husband is and my children are home, i also think of where my parents are as home. So do I have an overabundance of homes? Or am I a vagrant, wandering around without roots. I truly miss the upstate. Got a little misty-eyed today as I viewed the mountains disappearing in my rear view mirror. But as i get closer to the beach, my heart beat quickens and I find my lead foot getting even heavier. (oops... sorry honey!!) I do have to admit that I am mostly longing for my husband and my own bed and bathroom. I guess I have never gotten use to being a "coastal" girl. I love the city and, believe it or not, this AIN'T it! This is the tourist capital of the south. The honey that draws all those beach lovin' bees. I am not a fan of the beach. Can't stand the sand in my bathing suit, actually. I much prefer a cemented pool and covered lounge chairs. Maybe I am spoiled, but home did it. Or am I home here? Hmmmm.... I can see this is not one of those easily answered questions. Still, maybe one day I will feel as is I truly belong somewhere. Just not sure where that "somewhere" will be.

what?!?!

2008-07-19T13:49:00.002-04:00

I seriously do not get this tagged thing. I mean... there are not any quirky things about me. I am completely normal. But since I am normal, I am also a good sport and so will dredge up any possible quirks that I MAY have. Sorry if you don't find them quirky. Like I already mentioned...

1. I can not leave my house without making sure I look my best. I must have make-up on, contacts in and matching shoes. Otherwise... I am too embarrassed to go inside anywhere.

2. The same goes for my girls. They are not ever allowed to go anywhere with stuff on their clothes. And I HATE for them to get dirty when we are out and I have nothing to change them into.

3. I HAVE to have a small fan going when I am sleeping. It blocks out the outside noise (or the ticking clock) and soothes me. When we got a hotel, I want the air conditioning fan on or the one in the bathroom, whichever is loudest.

4. I can not STAND to hear people chew. If their mouth is closed and I can still hear it it drives me insane. i want to say "chew QUIETLY!" gross.

5. I am not ticklish. sorry.

6. I won't go to bed with dirty dishes anywhere. None in the sink or cups sitting on the counter or tables. All have to be clean, or it keeps waking me up until I wash them or put them in the dishwasher.

So... there ya go. See? not quirky. Sorry to irritate those of you that only listed 6 and had a bazillion more. :-)

too cute to pass up

2008-07-18T17:49:00.003-04:00

Madalynn's new fave song is "Deep and Wide". Got this video while I was making dinner tonight. She was standing in her chair singing for the longest time and I could just not resist getting a video of it and sharing it. she got a little sidetracked at one point so we sang it through again. Sorry about the coughing in the middle. She has a little summer cold. Hope you enjoy my precious little one.

The scare of my life (so far)

2008-07-17T18:07:00.003-04:00

Today started out being trying. The girls were alternately hanging from my legs and smacking each other behind my back. I had promised them that we would go swimming once more this week and was trying to get lunch and towels packed so we could leave. I threatened to not go at all and that seemed to settle them down. After FINALLY getting out the door and getting to the pool things seemed to settle down. Madalynn was not content unless I was holding her or swimming with her (this mommy-itis always happens the day after I teach all day. She is recovering from being away from me all day, I guess). But a little after noon, after several diaper accidents, we had to leave, being out of swimmy diapers and then... bathing suits. (don't worry, I won't go into detail...) So I changed the girls (I always bring dry clothes so they don't have to ride home in their drippy suits and get the car all wet) and began gathering up the pool toys. Twila was helping and her son was in the water watching. Madalynn and Emma-Grace were playing with the water hose that was adding water to the pool. I asked Emma-Grace to get my cell phone and I was deflating the air from the beach ball when I heard Blake say "uh oh". I turned around to see my baby in the water. She had slipped off the side of the pool and was rolling over on her back. I could see her face and I can not even explain the horror I felt. I was lunging towards the pool as Twila yelled for Blake to grab her. (He is only 12 and we all know how... brilliant 12 year old boys typically are). He scooped up Madalynn and I grabbed her. She coughed up I d0n't know HOW much water and cried. I have no idea exactly how long she was under water. We did not hear her fall in. I do know that she had gone under and had twisted to be facing up. This child has fallen off of beds, lunged (falling onto her head) out of grocery carts, run into walls and many other splendid feats, but never before did i feel the sheer terror that I felt today. Life is short. I know the Lord gives and the Lord takes away, but i was NOT ready for Him to take my little girl. I am so thankful she is safe, and I am sure it will be at least a few days (or hours) before I am ready to let someone else take her home for awhile. I also plan to get my little tyke some of her own water wings. I am sure she will forget this episode shortly and will not hesitate to lean over the pool the next time we are there, but I will not be quite so quick to turn my back.

summertime... and the living is easy.

2008-07-15T18:37:00.004-04:00

AHHHHHHH!!! I LOVE summer! The sun, the water, the freedom, the bugs, the sweating, the frizzy hair. But I digress. I do dearly love summer. And nothing gets me more excited about it than a lazy day at the pool. Twila, the lady that keeps the girls on the one day I teach, invited us yesterday and today to her brother's house and private pool. (her brother is out of town and wanted someone to keep his pool "stirred up". HAPPY to oblige! ) So yesterday morning we packed up the car, my husband, and one of Emma-Grace's little friends and went to the pool. It was CRAZY! Due to my lack of sleep from Emma-Grace's first official 'sleep over' (with said friend) I was working on a LOT less sleep than normal. Still, it was nice. Today, however, was MUCH nicer. After a full night of sleep I was much more ready to party, so to speak. We so enjoyed our pool day. Emma-Grace has always been a bit nervous around water. This year we bought her some water wings and she has just taken off. She is still hesitant at first, but once she remembers that those things keep her up, she is all over that pool. Madalynn, never one to be scared of anything, would jump right in if we would let her.
I am thinking swimming lessons might be the way to go with both of them. Once again, I digress. I am so good at that. Anyway... there is something so relaxing about having some time to just lay by the pool, and float around in the water. I did my fair share of that today. It seems to put me in a pretty good mood. Even when I am met at the door with piles of laundry and dirty dishes. It is SO worth it to get time with the girls outside of the house.
So though it's short, it's fun. and I plan to enjoy it for as long as it's here.

My BAby!

2008-07-10T12:23:00.003-04:00

My baby girl turns two today. Where has the time gone? Let's see... two years ago today... I believe I had (finally) opted for an epidural. Why I was thinking I wanted to do another natural birth I will never know, but AHHHHHH the joys of childbirth while in a pain-free epidural world. Having endured 38 hours (yes, you read that right) of labor with my first, I must say that I will never again go without an epidural. ok... enough about that! We had decided on 2 names and would be picking from them once we saw our precious bundle. Although I had been POSITIVE throughout the majority of my pregnancy that I was having a boy, the dr. finally convinced me otherwise, just so i would be surprised or disappointed. (how that could be possible I will never know... I think she could have come out with 3 hands and I would have been thrilled. well, maybe not.) Still, once we named our beautiful baby Madalynn (with sighs of contentment all around lest we choose the other name. ) I knew we had made the right choice for her. She was a beautiful baby with a head full of hair and healthy lungs. (something we grew less fond of in the next few months).
And now... she is TWO! *sniff sniff* *SOB* I am so very blessed to be a part of this child's life. She teaches me things everyday. (right now... patience is the main lesson.) So we start off another year of watching her grow and mature. I know that one day she will leave me and go off and start her own life. But until then, I am reveling in her and asking guidance from the Lord to teach her how to be a godly, Christ-honoring young lady. So, Happy Birthday, my sweet Mad. I love you SO much!

2008-07-07T07:37:00.002-04:00

It's July already? Where has the time gone? I was talking to a lady yesterday about her daughter taking voice lessons and she said that her daughter starts back to school August 19th. That's barely a month away! While I have been enjoying the summer I realized that I have done... nothing. That's right. I have been supremely lazy. After my Spring cleaning I have let the house get all cluttered again, I have not picked any kind of fruit or made anything extremely yummy to have at the house. (I am not talented enough to know how to make any jam or jelly...) oh wait... we did put the girls in one room. That, in itself, has been experience enough for one summer. We are not quite finished turning the empty room into a guest/play room, but the girls are now sleeping in their bunk beds and beginning to get use to it. The first night was a trial, with Madalynn thinking she could climb into the top bunk and sleep with her sister. After her falling off once trying to get down we are thinking she MAY have learned her lesson. Well, we are not thinking that at all, really. We know her too well. But we are hoping she will learn how to climb DOWN the ladder soon. As long as she falls on her head we should be ok. It seems that her head is the most resistant to harm. This fact has been proven with many falls from various dizzying heights. Though I do worry that she will end up with some sort of brain damage, as long as she can walk a (kind of) straight line and continue to know who we are I am not (too) worried. Once we get the rooms all finished I will post pictures. Who knows... I may even get some pics of me doing something productive. So far... nothing to report.

cleaning day

2008-07-01T15:15:00.003-04:00

This is not my day. I will just go ahead and say that up front. I have fallen going up the back steps, run into the ironing board while carrying a load of clean laundry, shut my finger in the drawer in the bathroom... none of this fun. But by far the worst thing that has happened today is currently going on. And here i am, sitting on my cozy bed blogging about it. It all started when I crammed the last dirty dish into the already overloaded dishwasher. We have been trying to save money and so instead of me running up about 8 - 10 sinks full of hot soapy water a day in order to wash the dishes that are constantly in rotation, we decided to try just putting dirty dishes into the dishwasher until it's full and then running it. (something I am trying to get use to, and that is a constant irritation due to the use of more spoons than I can possibly fathom on a daily basis). Anyway, I try to get every last space of that dishwasher filled up before running it, ensuring that at least ONE thing comes out still dirty so I have to wash it by hand anyway. Today was such a day.
i expertly maneuvered that last dirty cup in the top rack, smiled smuggly and reached into the dishwasher detergent box only to discover that I was out of dishwasher tablets. Now, most sane women would have either washed all the dishes my hand (ok... that would not be the NORMAL sane ones) or waited until they could get the tablets from the store in them morning to run the dishwasher. but please take into consideration that I was working with bruised shins, a sore ribcage and a throbbing finger, due to my earlier incidents. So I (brilliantly) thought that I would just squirt a little dish detergent in there. I mean, after all, I am still "washing" dishes, right? WRONG! As I scrubbed the floor in the bathroom my oldest comes in and says "something happened". WHAT?! I ask her, so sure that this is something that SHE has done. "Well" she says" there are bubbles all over the kitchen." That's right, folks, you don't use dish detergent in your dishwasher for a reason. What reason is that? Well, ask the load of towels in my washer (previously clean towels, I might add). yep. It is a WHOLE lot more sudsy that the regular dish washer stuff. So, after having to remove, rewash and rinse all the dishes, I decided to run the washer again. In hopes of removing the loads of suds from the bottom. I hope it works. I am going to blame all of this on my already hurting body (and pride) and I will also add that I have blonde roots. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I'm sorry... WHAT did you just say to me?

2008-06-28T21:26:00.001-04:00

Allow me a soapbox for just a few here. After all, it IS my blog. I was with a group of women recently (most of them more worldly than my normal "group") and was talking with a few of them. Suddenly, one of the women said one of the most crude things, and everyone else LAUGHED! I stood there for a second and then turned and walked away. Now... I couldn't leave. I was doing a Pampered Chef show, and they had all my cookware in their oven. But I was Appalled! So... here is the question of the day... When did we, as women, start acting like men? I wear dresses. Not ALL the time, but I am quite comfortable in one. I know women that don't even OWN a dress! We (in the most general sense of the term) walk like men, talk like men, smoke drink and chew like men. We swear, make filthy jokes and laugh at the expense of other women. Where along the line did we lose our sense of femininity? What is wrong with actually looking and acting like a LADY? The other day while driving along I saw a woman flip her middle finger up at someone. How is that ok? It's bad enough when a man does it, but a woman's middle finger shouldn't even go up by itself! I hear how people are raising their kids to question their sexual identity. What happened to being happy with how we are made. The Bible clearly states that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made". This is something that so many people seem to have lost sight of. I remember being teased for being a girly-girl. Well... I have come to be proud of it. So what if I lack the ability to hit a baseball into the outfield. I enjoy watching a game. I don't have to be good at it. And I shouldn't be made to feel bad because I actually DO NOT enjoy playing sports. That's ok! You are not less of a lady if you are athletic, but neither are you less of a woman if you aren't. We need to regain our girliness. Take pride in the way we look and primp for OURSELVES! Not for anyone else. (although I guarantee the husbands will like it, too!) We need to remember how to be ladies again and stop trying to bridge the gap between the genders. There are two genders for a reason. Allow the men to be men and for goodness sake, bring the LADIES back!

reasons one and two

2008-06-24T07:18:00.010-04:00

Sometimes I wonder why it is I decided to be a stay at home mom. The hours are terrible, the demand impossible and the work load insane. Then I think of ... the benefits. Yep. That's why I do it. The benefits are amazing. I just thought I would show you all a few of my benefits... First of all there is free music lessons.
These lessons are at any time of the day or night, they are loud and fun.
These lessons are full of informative instruction and are for all ages.

Reason number two...
Dance classes. Offered to all ages and dance styles. Dance lessons are a blast and great exercise to all. You never know when they are going to take place and music is not necessary. (sometimes these dance classes take place right in the middle of the music lesson. Talk about time management.)

Reason number three: NAPTIME

Though not available every day and certainly not offered to everyone, naptime is a welcome respite to the other duties of the day.

Moving along... reason number 4:Snacktime! enough said.
And to me... the most important reason...
The cuteness factor. By far one of the best benefits of this job. I mean, after all, who can resist faces like that?
So I guess I will stick with it. After all, they say if you make the mess, you should clean it up. Not that I am calling them messes mind you, but... It's all I could think of that went with the train of thought. And I figured i could make it work...

Why is it so hard?

2008-06-20T17:46:00.002-04:00

Hello. My name is Leah. And I am computer illiterate. *whew* that was hard to admit. Now that I have that off my chest I can move on. It just seems that everyone knows how to maneuver around on the internet and all over their computers. While I sit and watch, wishing I could be so clever. Now, I have my strong points. I am a fabulous shopper and bargain hunter. I can make a mean lemon meringue pie. And I am quite fashionable, if I do say so myself. But when it comes to the computer I am just clueless. You know what really gets me is whey I ask people for help and they start rattling off some sort of internet gibberish... Like I have any idea what they are talking about. 'you press the hydroquatic key and while you hold it down you scroll down to the posterpede space and double click on that. Then you can edit post and moderate from the same place.' WHAAAAAA????? You DO realize that I have no idea what you just said. You may as well have spoken Swahili to me. I would have gotten just as much out of it. Maybe more, because I could have learned a few words. But your internet talk? Yep, got none of it.

naps ... who needs 'em

2008-06-19T16:43:00.002-04:00

I can admit that it's become my goal in life (once you hear this you will know how truly lazy I get over the summer) to be finished with my work enough to be able to take a small nap when Madalynn lays down for hers in the afternoon. It seems that I have gotten quite adept at rushing through my morning and early afternoon chores in able to catch a little snooze at around 2pm. My eldest child has become use to me saying "now play quietly for a little while so I can get a little rest". But today it occurred to me that these naps MAKE ME GROUCHY! Yep, it's not the way I thought. I figured that the baby feels so much better after HER 3 hour nap that surely I should feel a tiny bit better after a 30 minute one. But it seems that once again I have figured things out a bit incorrectly. Today, Emma-Grace woke me up by staring at me intently until I felt the penetrating fire of her gaze burning into my eyelids. This certainly didn't help my already foul mood. "WHAT?" I asked her when I opened one eye. "Are you rested up yet?" she asks sweetly. To which I growl out a reply and tell her to go to her room. Wait... what's wrong with me? So I make myself assume a pleasant face and go into her room to see what she needed. "I'm sorry I woke up so grouchy" I tell her "but sometimes naps do that". "It's okay, mama," she says sweetly "that's why I am too old for them". Ahhhh... lessons learned from the wisdom of the five-year-old.

I have created it.`

2008-06-16T14:24:00.002-04:00

Pretty, petite and funny, my 2 year old is a monster in disguise. She started young, this miniature me. Looks-wise she is a carbon copy of my husband and his family. (poor kid, my husband says.) But personality-wise, she is ALL ME!!! Her latest quirk, though, is going to be the death of me. She has decided that she can not STAND to be dirty. While eating we MUST have napkins at her place setting. But often it is not enough. This morning we reached a new level. While eating a poptart she got the jelly part on her hands. Just a little, mind you, but still... As soon as she saw this, she let out a blood curdling scream and said "Mama... wipe it, NOW!" waving her hands around while shrieking until I could get a damp cloth and wipe her teeny hand. I told her "This is ridiculous!! I am going to wipe your hand, just calm down" but alas, but wiping did not occur fast enough to suit her. When she first started cleaning, I was overjoyed. The oldest child is more of a mess than I can handle, so I enjoyed not having to clean up after this one. But it's just gotten worse, as you can see. She takes after her mama, but I think she's taking it a little too far.

Wait... I agreed to do WHAT?!

2008-06-15T16:59:00.000-04:00

Ever have one of those moments?! When someone asks you to do something and AFTER you agree and they walk away it suddenly hits you what, exactly, you agreed to do. That has happened to me more than I would like to admit. I am one of those notorious people who can't say "NO!". 'Hey... want to babysit my huge brat of a kid for an undetermined amount of time?!' 'Could you fix food for everyone in the church?' 'Want to donate one of your kidneys for research?' YES YES YES! PLEASE ask me! I volunteer! Maybe it stems from my desire to be liked by everyone and having gone through periods in my life where I felt like a total outcast. Maybe it comes from my Mother. I remember her being like this. Regardless... I once again have agreed to do something. As I said the words "Of course it's not a problem" I felt myself mentally ripping my tongue out and beating myself in the head with it. Why is it that people assume that stay-at-home mothers have nothing to do other than sigh and wonder when we will have something exciting to do. It's not as if we actually have a job, right? But now i have something else added to my list of 'things to do'. It's my own fault. The word "yes" is constantly eeking out of my mouth. Almost before people have asked the question. I must have some sort of death wish. Oh well, maybe one day I will learn. Oh... by the way... you know that favor you asked for?!?! Well, OF COURSE I will do it! What a silly question.

It's almost Father's Day

2008-06-14T11:25:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is Father's Day. What to do... what to do. I am always awakened on Mother's Day with breakfast in bed and cards and such. Do I do the same for him? Isn't that a little much like copying? Is that allowed? I never know. I think that I should come up with something new, but what? I mean... I always let him sleep in when he can. I usually bring him coffee. I take care of getting the girls ready and getting all of our stuff together. All he has to do is get up, shower, get dressed and head out the door. What more of a gift could I give him? His kids always look good and are well dressed. His wife always looks good and is well dressed. (ROFL) Isn't that gift enough? It's the gift that keeps on giving! Every week. All week. So, for all the Fathers out there, be thankful every day for your wives who keep everything running smoothly. Otherwise, you would have to do it. And that would be too much like mother's Day.

new blogger

2008-04-07T13:56:00.000-04:00

Okay... I have to be honest. I know nothing about blogging. my sister says "Just say what you think". Really? Like I don't do that more than I should already! But I thought I would give the wonderful world of blogging a try and see if it's something I enjoy. Guess we will find out. Don't judge me! :-)