I know, I'm strange

but I can be strange if I want to.

I've always, always, always loved cemeteries. I love how peaceful they are. There is one close to our house that I've always loved to go out and just sit in. Zion Cemetery's first burial was 1859. It's still active today, but is very small and quiet. I took a break yesterday and went out there for a bit. The sun was just right, so I took some pictures.

Some pics from yesterday

This is a road close to Dena's house.

These birdhouses were behind the DQ. Thought they were funny.

Yesterday, Josh and I went up to Dena's for the evening. Mom and Dad called and asked if I could keep Karleigh until Thursday because Mom got time off from work and they want to go to my grandparents' in Missouri. Of course. So, they brought her to El Chico's where Dena and I were gonna eat and ate with us on their way out of town. It was really nice. After dinner, we went to Dairy Queen for Blizzards (super-yum!). We all had a really good time. It was nice to hang out with them.

This morning, Jake's team actually won a game! I quit posting all the scores because it was just so sad. Anyway, it was one of those edge-of-the-seat games that was very close the whole time. Jake caught two pop flies and scored 4 of their runs! Go, Jake! I wish Cody had been here for it. He would have loved, loved, loved winning a game.

So, you think you can dance?

Laundry!!!

I have done so much of it the past several days, my head is swimming! I went into Cody's room to get it ready for company and it was crazy in there! He had stuff stuffed everywhere. I'm not surprised, he's a 12-year old boy, but it was still nuts. I took everything off his top bunk and threw it into his closet. Then I fished all the clothes out from under his bed and threw them in the closet. I stripped/washed his bedding and put it back on. The girls who slept in there used a sleeping bag on the top bunk and his bedding on the bottom. I decided I'd tackle all the stuff in his closet today. I pulled it all out and probably have about 10 loads of laundry to go. Once I get done washing everything, I'll head back in there for all the trash/broken stuff. Hopefully he'll be happy when he comes home to a nice, clean bedroom.

Jacob's was tackled right after Cody left, but it still has a ways to go. I'll get in there and help him too, when he comes back from Mom's, or better yet, once I get done washing all of Cody's stuff.

I hit Emily and Joshua's room yesterday and cleaned out/organized alot of Emily's toys. I'm so glad she has things here so that she feels like it's her room. Joshua's stuff is mostly in the living room in a bucket, so I try to keep it pretty organized for him. He mostly just sleeps/changes in their room. I do need to get through the dresser again so that she has a place for her clothes when she's here for the summer.

Once they start school, I'm sure I'll take care of washing their clothes again for them - if nothing else, out of self defense. I can't stand stuff stuffed everywhere and I know they're both at a point where they'll appreciate it.

A couple of thoughts from the last few days

I had this all typed out and then Blogger lost it. Hopefully I can get it out again like it was before.

I have been watching Joshua dance alot lately. He's so excited to hear music - he gets this funky indian rain dancing thing going. Soooo cute! Anyway, as I posted before and lost it, I wish I could find that abandonment when I worship. I picture little children like Joshua dancing funky rain dances before God's throne and God absolutely loving it. I know that my inhibitions come from myself and are things I have to work through, but I want to feel that freedom. We're working on it, and will get there.

Another thing that's been in my head comes from the movie Cars. Joshua seems to have picked this movies as a favorite and wants to watch it ALL THE TIME. There is a rusty old truck in the movie named Fred who gets so excited when Lightning McQueen and another famous racecar know his name (which is on his license plate), that he forgets to listen to what they are saying to him. He just falls all over himself with the "he knows my name! he knows my name! Lightning McQueen knows my name!" I know that sometimes I get so excited when I hear God speak my name, that I just don't hear past that. I want to hear His message, but don't want to lose the wonder of God knowing my name.

I wish I were a better writer.

I am lawn mower repair woman!

Since we've lived here, I've learned how to drain the oil, add the correct amount of oil and clean the air filter! I'm sure more is coming. I'm starting to recognize little symptoms of the lawn mower by how it sounds, like when it doesn't have enough oil and when it's flooded. I guess you can't really know too much about stuff, but right now, I smell like gas and oil - kinda' reminds me of how my Dad smells after he's been working on some mechanical thing - minus the extreme sweat!

It may not sound like much, but I'm pretty proud of me.

I can't believe I did that!

My best friend's boy stays with us when he's not in school. He's a sweet kid and we enjoy him.

He doesn't have school today, so is staying with us. I talked to his Mom and she needed the door unlocked about 7:30 this morning. Well, guess what. I didn't wake up and totally forgot the alarm! I could not believe myself. I'm not one to usually do stuff like that and totally feel awful. I think she was only a few minutes late to work, but it killed me. She's getting a key and the alarm code asap!

I have so much to do and really don't want to. I need to be cleaning and will in a few minutes. I know it's just the getting started part that's hard. After that, I'll be on a roll and get it all done. We have some friends coming from Wichita Falls this weekend and are really excited to see them. They have the sweetest kids. They were our neighbors on base and we also went to church together. It'll be fun!

interesting...

I recently signed up for a blog tracker. I can go to that site and see a map of my readers, right down to the street they're reading from. I am completely amazed! I have alot more traffic than I thought. Some of the cities fascinate me also: San Antonio, Houston, Indianapolis, Detroit, just to name a few. It shows me the times and dates of their visits also. Pretty cool. And here I was thinking that nobody really reads me....

David got an interesting call today. A while back, he sent an application in to another freight company. They called him today about an interview. There is so very much to consider because it might require a move. They are all over the southeast U.S. The farthest west they come is Dallas. It wouldn't require quite as much thought if he were offered a comparable position in Dallas - he wouldn't have to deal with the Teamsters, so it would basically come down to money and benefits. We'll see. Maybe that will be the answer to the $$ prayers we've been having. I hate not being able to do alot with the kids and all they hear is "we can't afford it". They're such good kids, though, and don't really complain. Thank God for good kids!

I'm thankful for my husband. I know God has used the things he's been through to make him who he is and I get the benefits of that. God does that with everybody who'll let him. Thank you, God, for my teachable, loving, sweet husband.

Cars

Josh sits transfixed to the tv when that movie is on. He's so stinkin' cute!

Josh and I have already been to Walmart and the post office. I've already tackled the kitchen and am thinking about floors when Josh takes a nap. The laundry is also calling. I'm sensing a productive day....

We had a really good day. Church was nice, then lunch with Mom and Dad. Jake went to their house for a couple of days, so it's just the three of us here. David's working tonight.

Joshua has a follow-up doctor's appointment tomorrow to make sure his ear is clear. Other than that, we have no plans for the next few days. I love quiet times, but miss the kids after a couple of days.

rambling thoughts

Sometimes I just wanna post my thoughts. I worry that people who don't need to hear my thoughts read this. I really shouldn't worry about that, but I do. I don't want to make this blog private, or start another one that would be private somewhere else and try to keep up with two. I am praying for courage to not worry about other people reading this. I am very insecure about that. I also seem to think of lots of things to blog about when I don't have time to blog. I wish I were a better writer (that's another insecurity). I am not a difficult person. I hate feeling like things have to be made more difficult than they are. I don't know why I'm feeling guilty when we talk about sending the boys to school. We have prayed about it and know that is where they are supposed to be, but I still have that "sending my kid off to Kindergarten" feeling. I know that they're 12 and very excited to be going. I just know that I'll miss them - even with all the days that it's difficult to have two 12 year olds with me 24/7. I know the morning will come very early and I need to go to bed, but it's so nice to have the house quiet. I love that Josh is sleeping so well lately. He's such a sweet baby! He completes our family in a way I never, ever thought he would. He seems to be the glue that ties all the kids together. He's the common thread for all of them. I thank God for him every day. I thank God for the love that our family can share - even though we're blended and that's not always easy. I pray for Emily - it's so hard to not have her here. She's so precious. All our kids are precious. I pray that God gives us the wisdom to raise them in Him. I pray that Emily hears his voice and knows Him. It's so hard to not be able to see that she is trained up in the way that she should go.

I can think of nothing more that will form into typed sentences. I'm off to bed...

My kid's feet

This is what size 13's look like!



And this one just because.

Kung Fu Fighting

My husband

I am married to the most wonderful man in the world. He loves our kids and me more than anything else. He's so good to me. He's always ready to listen or do whatever we need. I thank God for him so much every time I think about it. I couldn't ask for a better husband.

a little excitement

The house 4 down and across the street burned - not all the way down, but pretty bad. They called out 5 firetrucks - two from Little Elm, two from Frisco and one from The Colony. It was quite a sight. At one point, we couldn't see the house directly across the street from all the smoke. It all happened just after Jacob left to pick up Trace from school, so he had to get permission to cross the street and come home from a policeman. Crazy. I feel awful for that family. I never did see them, so don't think they know yet. Their dog got out and animal control picked him up. I never saw an ambulance leave, so don't think anybody was hurt at all, but it's sad. They sprayed foam stuff all over the house next door to keep it from catching in the wind. It kept our attention for a bit.

Joshua's doctor's appointment

Joshua had his 15 month checkup a little late. Actually a whole month late. Oh, well. He is 27.6 lbs and 33 1/2 inches tall. That's 80% for weight and 95% on height. I think she over-measured his height, but that was just my opinion. It's ok.

Oh, and the not sleeping - well, he has an ear infection. Nothing about how he acts would have ever made me think that. Jacob had so many, I had picked up well on his signals, but Joshua never even touches his ear. He has antibiotics that I'll go pick up and get started on this afternoon. Poor baby.

I took the boys to their appointment with the school today. I think it's going to be a wonderful place for them. I love the director. She said they take the kids on more field trips than a regular school because the kids are so well-behaved. She said she has alot of parent involvement - more than mainstream school. I'm excited about it. It's a go-at-your-own-pace place. She said they have testing for about 3 hours sometime during the two weeks prior to school starting. We'll be making an appointment for that closer to time. I think she has everything she needs besides that.

yet again...

I sit here while Josh is screaming bloody murder in his bed. I do not know what makes him not sleep at night. It makes me so angry with God because I just don't understand it. I don't see why this has to be this way. Should I just let him cry all night? Is he teething? He's had ibuprofen. He's hysterical right now. I'm so frustrated. I don't want to get him because I'm already angry with him for not sleeping several nights in a row. I am at my end with this kid. I'm so exhausted. I should not be sitting her with a 16 month old child who WILL NOT sleep! This is so stupid. I start to think God really does care about my rest and then he goes through it all AGAIN. It would be so very different if it were a night or two here or there, but it's not. It's every night. I'm so tired and I hate it when people try to act like they even remotely understand. I have no help with him at all.

God, why can you not change this? It would be so simple for you and it would help him and me both so much. I don't understand? Why? I know it sounds whiney, but I can't take this. Should I just let him cry until he wears himself out every night? I think that is mean, but I am more mean to everybody when I don't sleep. Are you even listening? Do you care? I never thought something so simple as sleep would make me question how much you care about me. I'm so frustrated and I just need to go to bed.

it's been a whole week

I usually don't go that long without updating.

Emily went home on Tuesday evening. I think she had a really nice visit. I sure do wish she could just stay. David emailed her mom about that and she has yet to respond. When we moved last time, she said that she would re-consider wherever we lived - as long as we were in a good neighborhood and a good school district. Emily has expressed repeatedly to us that she would like to live here. I'm praying for God to soften her mom's heart to let her eventually. We've suggested several things we'd be more than happy to take care of and do to make it easier for her. We'll see. It's all up to God, really, anyway.

The boys had a game on Wednesday that they lost 18-0. Not a good trend. Tonights game was 11-3 I think. They did much better. I sure would love to see Jake get one of his really great hits. He seems to be in a slump where hitting is concerned. I think it's kinda' my own fault because I haven't gotten him to the batting cages at all - with or without the team.

Hopefully Joshua will sleep well tonight. We had a rough night last night and he got to bed really late tonight, which usually isn't a good thing, but he's out right now so we'll see.

Ok, I'm off to bed with Karleigh. She's been here since yesterday and will go home tomorrow. She's good company at a baseball game.

Another ballgame

It was another night of going down in flames. I think the final was 20-2. Jake hit twice and got out twice. He did great, though. Cody pitched again and he did great for a while. He'll get it and do great all the time. He's got a really good arm.

Emily is here until Tuesday evening. She is so excited to be here. I'm so glad we got her. We'll have to get her more often - it's just so difficult sometimes.

Baby toys???

Not really any other words needed....

Getting better

Josh seems to feel better this evening. He slept alot today and finally got down from my lap to play after dinner tonight. It was so sweet to hear him laugh and see him dumping balls out of a bucket in our living room floor. He's still got a little tummy troubles, but sooo much better. I just hate it when he's doing nothing but weeping and lying around.

I took the boys to church this morning because they can't miss choir. I hate missing church, but Joshua certainly couldn't go, so that's what Mommy's do, I guess.

Hopefully this week will go quickly. I get Emily from the airport on Friday morning. She is excited to be coming.

Today

I missed the first baseball game ever I've had to miss of Jacob's. It was sad. I was sad. Josh was/is sick. He decided to puke last night all over the bath tub. It was nasty. Then he was up quite a bit last night and then became velcro baby today. I know he felt rotten. He threw up a little bit today and also has a fever.

The boys had a great time, though at their game. I took them down there and dropped them off and the coach brought them home. They lost 18-3, but Jake said Cody played better than ever. That's awesome! Jacob hit an RBI and Cody made a run. That means Cody gets to sleep in on Monday as late as he wants (reward for a hit). If they make a home run, they get to skip school for the day. It would be awesome if one of them did.

Tomorrow is Amy and Jeff's wedding. Hopefully Joshua will be ok to stay the evening with his grandparents while Dena and I go. Hopefully.

3 strikes, you're out!

cutest baby ever! (well, at least for 11 years)

Joshua's latest art project is...

Joshua!

Tonight's game...

was really not good. Our boys lost 10-1. At least it wasn't a shut-out. Cody got to pitch! And he did great! He struck out I'm sure of one batter and maybe two. I was really proud of him. I know his Daddy's gonna hate it that he missed it. Oh, well. He won't make Friday's game either. Josh did fine. Better than I expected, but I took his dvd player with me. He tries to get me to get him out of his stroller, but that's a no-go. I don't even want to start it.

Ok, I'm off to bed.

We had our first Bible study tonight!

We have always loved having a small group to be a part of. Since we've moved, it's nearly impossible to get involved in one with our church. They all meet on the first Sunday night of the month. David works about half that time, so if we were to commit to one, we would only make it about six times per year. That's not nearly enough. David came up with the idea to just start a home group of our own. Well, that should have been a no-brainer, but it took us a while for him to come up with it. haha. Anyway, it was just a few friends and us. I made chicken enchiladas and everybody brought something to go with them. We ate and then started a study on Romans. Everybody was in agreement that it was best to just study straight from the Bible. I don't know if I've been in a study before without a book to go along with it. I think that's fine to a degree, but most groups have gotten away from straight Bible study. We loved it and I can't wait until next time!

Everything in our house is not trash!

Joshua has decided that everything needs to go in the trash can. I took my shoes out of there yesterday. The remote control has made it many, many times, along with coasters, sippy cups, Joshua's shoes, a baseball, a mixing bowl and several toys. I've developed the habit of looking every time I pass by. If he keeps it up, I'll have to move the trash to the pantry. I really would rather just train him not to do that, but he's like lightening and I usually don't see it happen! ugh! (he's so darn cute, though!)

Tuesday night's game

I totally forgot to post about this! I'm an awful baseball mom!

The boys did great. Jake had two hits and got out once on third and once at home. Obviously this coach has not been informed that Jacob cannot steal home. One day maybe, but right now, it's just not a good idea. Cody struck out once and walked to first the other time at bat. They both played their positions well, but ended up tied with 9-9. Certainly not as bad as before. I actually didn't get to stay for the whole game. David stayed and I came home with Josh. The game started at 7:30 and went until a little after 9. I have no idea what I'm going to do on Monday - the game doesn't start until 8:10 and David has to work. It may just be a nightmare with Joshua. I don't know - we'll see. He might surprise me - maybe I'll try to get his nap really late that day so he'll be ok.

I just watched something

I just watched a video called Silent Scream. It is a pro-life video made agains abortion. It shows the abortion of a 12 week old baby from a sonogram view-point. The doctor in the beginning explains the process of abortion and then shows the video. I could not believe how graphic a little black and white film could be. There was absolutely no blood that you could see during the procedure, but it hit me in places I didn't know I could be hit. I hear the numbers of how many abortions are performed daily and it doesn't really sink in until I see something like this. Oh, how this grieves God. This world is such a filthy place. It breaks my heart....

I'm praying

for that school to call to set up an interview! I really wanna start looking at homeschool stuff if they aren't gonna be in school. I'm not planning on sending them anywhere else if that school doesn't work out. I'll just keep praying....

Just cuz I love this picture....

Baseball!

The boys had their first game last night. It was not pretty! Well, my boys did great, and the team didn't really do that badly, the other team was just fantastic. I only took about 8,000 pictures. Joshua did absolutely wonderful. He stayed in his stroller the entire time and I didn't have to chase him at all. Every time the other team did anything, he cheered right along with them (ours didn't merit much cheering). I think he thought it was wonderful. It's been a long time since he's been to a game - and the last ones were football. It was fun, even if they lost 20-nothing.

What to do? What to do?

I don't know....

David and I have been looking into a school for the boys. The school is a local charter school. There are only a little under 200 kids. It started as a Christian private school and they went public when they applied for the charter. I went tonight for their open house and open enrollment time. I am fascinated with the school and think it's a really neat place. I spoke to the woman who runs it and she said that most kids graduate early from high school with them. I met the 7th and 8th grade teachers. I've been praying all day and have been comfortable and happy with it all to this point. All of a sudden I was hit with a heart-wrenching "I don't want my boys to be gone during the day" feeling. I don't know. Jacob going to school never really bothered me before. It was just something that happened. I know I also really don't like changes and that's a big one. I don't feel like a failure when it comes to homeschooling, but I don't want to look like I gave up either. I know I haven't and I'll continue praying about it.

Oh, Julie went by to look into it for Trace also, and really, really loved it. She was even told she should put in her application to teach there! I'm so excited for her in her new future. One day maybe I'll post on just her and our history together. She's pretty special.

Jacob

I know I post alot about Joshua, but Jacob's really been on my mind alot lately. It seems like he's changing so very much all of a sudden. For a while it was like I had a little boy and I'd see glimpses of a teenager. Now it's opposite. He's more like a teenager and I see little glimpses of the little boy he used to be. Where's my little boy going? I have been having so much fun with the teenager Jacob, though. He's so grown. Pretty soon I'll start seeing only teenager and glimpses of the man he'll be. That's a scary thought. But it seems like when Jake was Josh's age, being a teenager seemed so far away and not really anything to think about. It's scary how quickly they grow up. I don't wanna miss anything with either of them.

My niece

has got to be just about the cutest little girl in the world!

She stayed last night and is staying tonight with us. Today, she and I planted some tomato and flower seeds. Each came in a little kit with the soil and seeds - they're starters - you plant them in the little pots and then move them when they're bigger.

Anyway, we finished them and she stood outside over the pots and asked Jesus to please make her plants grow. It was so very precious!

I love that little girl so very much.

grrr...

It's frustrating that Joshua's sleeping and I can't. I don't know if it's the fact that I forgot to get the trash out, or do the dishes, but I'm wide awake, so I think I'll just do both.

All the kids are back from Spring Break and we have Karleigh for a couple of nights. Dad has his arm operated on this morning and they didn't want to have to juggle her. I'm so glad she likes coming here and that we can be here for her. She's such a sweet baby.

Easter Sunday

And we're staying home. I know, I know, we should go to church, but I'm not. David's at work, Jacob's with his grandparents and Cody and Emily are in San Antonio. I know I should get over it and go, but also, I don't have anything to wear. On top of all that, I would just be sitting in the nursery with nothing to do, but hang out with Josh and the nursery workers. I can hang with Josh at home. Also, I really don't have the money for anything for me and the baby for lunch. I'm so tired after last night's no-sleeping.

Now that I'm looking at all my lame excuses, I'm gonna go look in my closet and see what I have to wear. If I go, it'll be to my Mom's church.

a much better day

Ok, I think we're officially over the yucky sickness that has been here most of the week! It's so gorgeous out today. I think Josh and I are going to get out for a bit. He just woke up from his huge 2 1/2 hour nap. That's amazing considering he wouldn't sleep at all just a few weeks ago! Night-times are still challenging, but waaaaay better. I'm not complaining.

Oh, Josh has found a new show - Thomas the Train! It's still not "move over, Blue" time, but he likes it anyway.

3 years

Our anniversary was yesterday. I was sick. Like really unhappy sick. I tried so hard not to act ugly, but all I wanted to do was crawl in bed. It was some kind of stomach bug. Thank God in Heaven it's over I think. Joshua started it. He was sick on Tuesday and decided to puke all over his bed that night. I didn't feel great, but thought it would pass. He had a few really gross diapers and then seemed better. I felt fine, just a little yucky all day Wednesday. Wednesday night, Lisa and David came over for dinner. It was nice. Yesterday was absolutely not ok. I felt like total crap.

What a way to spend your anniversary, huh? It was ok, though, because David was home all day and we just hung out. Julie brought over the cd he needed to fix the computer, so it's going again. That's really nice.

I haven't been to the gym since Monday! I really miss it, but won't be able to go tomorrow either because I won't have anybody for Josh. I'll be there Monday, though.

uh-oh

Our computer took a dive. I don't know what is wrong with it, but it's beyond David. I'm at Mom's for a minute taking care of their dogs for them.

Both the big boys are gone for the week. Jacob's with Mom and Dad in Missouri and Cody's with his Mom in San Antonio. It's kinda' nice to just have Josh for the week. It's also our anniversary this week, so that'll be fun.

Joshua has decided he's done with breastfeeding. That's fine. I kinda' think I won't miss it like I thought I would. I did love it, though. He was only eating first thing in the morning and decided not to this morning. I won't offer it again unless he asks for it, which I doubt he'll do. We'll just go straight to the high chair in the morning and skip it altogether.

Anyway, better get home.

A really, really pretty day...

God does really care if I sleep!

I was truly starting to believe that it might not mean so much to God if I sleep - like maybe that was a piddly request when so much other stuff is going on in the world - why should my night's rest matter?

One of the last things I prayed last night was for Josh to sleep in until at least 8 this morning. He's still asleep and it's 8:23! I also prayed for me to sleep and I did!

I think maybe God let this go so far, so I would be so excited about Him working this way. I don't take it for granted that Josh is sleeping and I know it's not because of anything I did or Josh did.

I am very thankful.

Ok, so...

Now that Joshua's sleeping better, I can't. I think it's because for almost 2 years, I haven't slept really much longer than 4-5 hours a night. If I sleep 5 hours straight, I wake up with that feeling of missing my alarm clock or something. It's strange. I think I've just been trained that way. Now that I'm getting a little more sleep, I get sleepy every time I sit still. I'm in now way really complaining, just noticing that it's not as easy to sleep as I had assumed it would be.

I wanted to post this before I forgot it...

It goes along with Joshua's pretending.

I went grocery shopping the other day. When we go to Walmart, everything that makes it into the basket has to pass inspection by Josh. If it's too heavy for him to hold, I just sit it next to him for a bit, then move it to the cart. If he can pick it up, I just let him toss it over. I used to be very organized in my cart while shopping - no more. Everything is pretty-much tossed in now.

Anyway, I set a bottle of gel for the boys hair next to him, the kind with a pump on top. He sat there for quite a while acting like he was pumping it and then rubbing it all over his hands and arms. The only thing I can think of that he sees that's a pump is his baby wash. It was adorable. After he tired of the gel, he tossed it over and I put a tub of butter next to him. It was kinda big and he couldn't pick it up. He tried and then leaned over it acting like he was going to lick it. He popped back up, shook his head no and then acted like he was using his hand to scoop some out and lick it off. He is so cute with this new way to play.

His new favorite phrase is "oooh, wow!" He likes to look out the back door and say that over and over. It started with the snow day and him copying me saying it. He's way too cute!

Wow!

We had another REALLY good night last night and are working on another one tonight! Last night, he didn't go down until late, but not because we didn't try. I did his routine on time and got him his bottle, but after he was done with it, he had no sleepy bone in his body, so he got back up. I am not going to fight him too hard and make it miserable for both of us. He went down at almost 10 and slept until 5-ish. I went in at that time and just laid down beside the crib and talked to him. He fussed at me some, but after about 45 minutes, just went back to sleep! He slept until after 7.

Today for nap, I rocked him to sleep and then put him down. I tried to lay him down awake and see if he would go down on his own. He started to, but would touch his gums/mouth and cry. I can feel about 5 teeth about to pop through, so we got up and got some ibuprofin and the rocking chair. He went out and stayed out for 2 1/2 hours. He's becoming such a great sleeper! I never, ever thought I would say that about Joshua!

Tonight, we did our normal routine and he went right down. He's still down and I haven't heard a peep out of him. Yay! I am so thankful to God for this. It's so wonderful to be able to relax about sleeping. I know we'll have bumps in the road, but that's ok - I can handle bumps when I've had my own rest. It's when we're both running on E that I can't handle it.

I've posted alot lately about Josh, but not too much about the other kids. Jacob is with his dad for the night camping. I couldn't believe how excited he was. I guess, really, I can. He was busting at the seams. Cody and I went to the gym and out to eat. I always enjoy either one of the boys better when we're alone. Maybe because it's a novelty, I dunno. He was sweet and chit-chatty.

Oh, and it snowed some more! Lots more! It started yesterday around noon and didn't quit or even let up for hours and hours. It was still snowing close to bedtime last night, though not as hard as it was for most of the day. It was so pretty. I love the snow and we hardly ever get any.

Wow!

Ok, it's almost 7 and MY KID IS STILL SLEEPING! He did not wake up ALL NIGHT! I am so excited! It's all God. There is no other explanation. He was in bed by 8 last night. I am so very proud of him. This is awesome.

I love Joshua's doctor!

I have been doing some reading on sleep training. Ok, I've done alot of reading on sleep training. I now understand alot of how sleep-cycles work. I understand that Joshua's problem is not going to sleep, it's staying asleep in his bed and then he needs me to go back to sleep. Therefore, he would wake, cry and wait for me to put him back to sleep. I had gone to the bookstore and spent 2 hours looking at sleep training books and picked one out. It was a form of cry-it-out, but seemed the most humane. I had talked myself into believing that Joshua was really just gonna have to cry. Ok. I decided to make him a doctor's appointment to just run my plan by the doc and see if he had anything to add/subtract from it. I also wanted him to just check my baby over and make sure there was nothing going on with him right now that would prohibit him from sleeping (ear infection, teething, something I hadn't thought of yet, etc.). Anyway, I carefully outlined my sleep plan and he basically said to throw that book and my plan out the window! I was shocked - every doctor I've ever talked to told me to basically let him cry. Josh's doctor said that he shouldn't cry longer than 45 minutes to an hour. And then only if it's not a hysterical shriek, only if it's crying and whimpering/moaning - then it's ok. He said to put him down like normal, except don't associate the breast with sleep anymore. He said a bottle's fine - even at 14 months for a while. I'm sure my jaw was hitting the floor! After he's down, when he wakes up, don't pick him up, just sit beside the crib and talk to him. I can touch him if I want, or not, doesn't matter. It's important that he not feel abandoned. We tried it last night and it was so much better! He's not there yet, of course, but he put himself to sleep twice! That's awesome. I'm gonna call the doctor's office and ask where to send fan-mail. Just kidding. I know it has so much more to do with prayer than the doctor - God just used him as an instrument to tell me what to do. I'm so thankful we have a God who cares about babies and mommies sleeping!

Snow in March in Texas????

Cutest video ever!

Hopefully I can get it to load....

Somethings gotta give!

I can't do this anymore. I am seriously about to seek professional help with this sleeping mess. It's now 2:33 and I am up with Josh for the 5th time. I just put him back in the bed and he's already screaming. I don't know what to do. We are supposed to go out of town tomorrow night and I don't want to take him anywhere. There will be no place for us to be up all night at our friends' house. The kids will be all over sleeping. I am so extremely frustrated. I have gone round and round with God on this one. I am seriously lacking faith that he even cares about me sleeping anymore. I've felt that way for some time actually. I don't think my husband really even understands. I don't think he really gives it a second thought truly. I think he somehow thinks it's my fault and I'm getting what I deserve - and maybe it is and I am. Maybe I've nursed him too long and should have let him cry it out long ago. I don't know. I have serious issues with crying it out. I am doing my very best not to complain, but I'm more miserable than I've been in a really long time. I don't even want to be with Joshua anymore because I'm so exhausted and fed up with him. I really can't go on this way and I'm the only person who ever has to deal with it at all. Everybody else gets all the sleep they want/need. David sleeps all day. The kids sleep all night. I'm tired of being irritable with everybody because I'm not sleeping. I'm just tired.

Chiropractors and Acupuncture

Wow. I had my first visit yesterday with the chiropractor in my gym. She's amazing! She did 30 minutes of acupuncture for me before she adjusted my back. I've never had either and it was so worth it! I am definitely hooked. I never, ever thought I'd go for acupuncture, but it was a hit. David had appointments for both and really enjoyed his also.

We've got so much about to be going on, it's nuts! We have choir for the boys and now baseball. I don't mind, I just hope I don't fail miserably at keeping up with all the places they have to be. I am so thankful that they're the same age and go the same places right now. I have a feeling when Fall gets here that Jake will be going to baseball practice and Cody to football practice. It'll really be crazy then. I don't know how Mom's who work with kids in school can get everything done. I'm convinced that really they don't and just try to make things look good. I absolutely refuse to over-extend myself on purpose. It's just not worth it.

Karleigh gets to be Daisy of the Week next week. She's absolutely loving Missionettes! I'm so happy that it works out where she can go with us. That's another of the beauties of homeschooling. She doesn't have to be at school so early that it's a chore to take her. I get to enjoy her for a bit in the morning also. I think she just loves to get to spend the night somewhere. I hope, hope, hope and pray that as she grows up, she stays close to the Lord. It's so hard for kids to grow up and become independent. Her little innocent heart is so pure right now. I hate to think of what the world can do to her. Or all of my kids.

frustrated...

I am so extremely tired of not sleeping. Joshua went to bed tonight at 7:30 because he didn't get a nap this afternoon. He has been up twice. I do not know what to do with him to get him to sleep all night. He'll be up around 6. I think he's probably slept a total of about 20 nights all the way through in the last 14 months. Even when he does, I don't. He's got me so used to waking at least every 3-4 hours that I wake up, listen to the monitor, and go back to sleep. When is this going to end? I adore my son and am beyond thankful to God that he's healthy and pray continually to keep him that way. I try so hard not to complain simply because he is so healthy and beautiful and I know that there are so many babies out there who aren't and their mom's would trade places with me in an instant. I feel like I'm reaching the end of a rope with this and something is gonna have to give. I cannot function this way. My other kids are suffering because I'm miserable with it. It's draining me.

Some things I learned today...

1) Joshua can fit a quarter of a banana in his mouth without choking.

2) Academy is a REALLY cool store.

3) Joshua thinks Academy is a really cool store.

4) Jacob is turning country on me (he bought boots today and really wants a hat and belt).

5) Three pounds of rigatoni will exactly fit in my crock pot.

6) Cody is a clothes snob (so, so picky).

7) I like the kids' new baseball coach.

I forgot to put the haircut pic on here

Does anybody read this?

Just curious. Doesn't matter, really.

Karleigh is spending the night tonight. She goes to church with us on Wednesdays and then I take her to her school on Thursday morning, but she won't go tomorrow. She told me on the way home that she has a headache. I took her temp and it was 102. Poor baby. I gave her some Tylenol and she's sleeping in my bed.

I'm gonna go snuggle up with her...

Jacob is so my kid...

I just caught him reading under the covers with a flashlight. I don't know how many times I was caught doing that at his age.

Josh got his very first haircut today. He was such a champ! He never even acted like it concerned him that they were cutting his hair. He sat in a little yellow car and watched Blue's Clues on the tv. I was sad to see it go, but he looks absolutely adorable. I haven't taken any pictures just yet, but will.

The boys had baseball tryouts yesterday. They both did really well, but Jacob rocked! He hit a line drive out to right field and a couple of base hits. Only one went foul, but he hit it every pitch. Cody did fine.

The boys choir is in full swing now. They had their kick-off party last night from 6-9 and both had a blast. Cody is way more into the choir thing than Jacob is, but they're both liking it. I have gotten to listen to them practice a bit both practices and they sound absolutely awesome already. It's gonna be a great year for them.

Both boys are already making friends. Both have some at church and some in our neighborhood. They'll soon have some on their baseball team. They were already making friends at the tryouts yesterday.

The big boys got haircuts too today. Jake did his usual prep look and Cody is letting his get a little longer. I'm so glad to see them being more individual with their styles and personalities. That's one of the things I wanted for them with homeschooling - that they wouldn't run with a crowd at all.

Ok, I'm going to bed with a book - I'm exhausted.

This is what I get first thing in the morning...

Isn't he cute!

Joshua's lookin' like a boxer.

He looks like he's been in a knock-down, drag-out fight!

A few days ago, he and Cody were playing in the floor and Josh's eyelid got scratched, just under his brow - making a huge scab. Yesterday, we were at the mall and he slipped and fell on a step, busting his lip (not bad, just split a little). Tonight, he fell into the coffee table and had a little bit of a bloody nose. Poor kid. I'm just so glad that none of them are big boo-boo's, just little owie's.

I have so much I should be doing besides sitting here. The kitchen is a wreck, the laundry is not put away and I have to fill out lesson planners for homeschool. Oh, well. I betcha I do a good bit of it in the morning.

My big boy is 12!

It's really hard to believe. He's so grown up. I think he had a really good day. I took him to IHOP for breakfast, just the two of us. His Granny Sandra came to pick him up and took him shopping, then to meet his Dad for dinner. His Dad took him to the movies after dinner and then brought him home. I wish his Dad would find a way to make more time for him. He wants him to so badly. He will be having a friend come over this weekend to spend the night. I know that thrills him.

Karleigh is here to spend the night after church. She loves it! Since David's at work, she's gonna sleep with me. I love that. I adore that little girl.

a good weekend

Mistie, Heather and Cherene came up for the night last night. I took the big boys to Mom's to spend the night and go to church with them this morning. We went to eat at Friday's and then to the mall last night. Joshua has never been to a big mall before and spent most of the time in there just looking at everything he could see. He loved it! They went to church with me this morning and that was really good too. Josh stayed in the nursery THE WHOLE TIME! Yay! He wasn't happy about it, though, but we'll get there one day. We went to eat Mexican food after church, hung out here for a bit and they went home. I sure do miss having Mistie right there. They are such good friends. I don't know Heather well, but like her alot. Cherene is absolutely precious and I miss knowing she's close also. I certainly don't miss much about Wichita Falls, but I do dearly miss our friends there. I know that they'll all be moving in the next couple of years though, so that makes it a bit easier.

We need some friends here. I'm gonna see if we can make it to a hometeam next week. Sunday night is when they will be having them. I don't know how that will go over with David's Superbowl plans, but I'm gonna see what we can do...

I'm off to bed.

I don't really have a whole lot to post about. I guess that's a good thing, nothing much going on.

My brother bought a new truck. I haven't seen it yet, but I am sure it's gorgeous.

Karleigh spent the night Wednesday night and went to church with us.

The boys are driving me crazy about going outside to play.

We're going to Missouri over Spring Break.

Joshua has been sleeping better.

That's about it.

the sauna

Is my new best friend! I absolutely love it. I like the gym, but it's the sauna that makes the trip for me. I wake up looking forward to it and trying to scheme my way there. I am so happy about this membership. I keep thinking if I just make sure I do my best to go every day and don't look to yesterday or tomorrow, I'll get there. I do think I need to get there earlier in the day than yesterday (about 5:30) because I don't go to sleep well at bedtime. I feel so good and relaxed that I just want to hang out, not sleepy at all. Late gym trips on nights when David work tend to feed my addiction to reading blogs, though. I stayed up entirely too late last night.

On another note, I started weight watchers today. I will get through all of this. I am motivated, but not over-enthusiastic, which I think is good because enthusiasm fades. I'm tired of how I am right now and am determined to change it. I'm gonna see if I can round up a recruit to hang out with Josh and go right now.

a sippy cup, a rubber ducky and a baseball belt

What do they all have in common? They are all in the floor of the hallway between the boys' rooms. Sometimes the strangest things will strike you as beautiful. The doctor must really have my hormone patch right! (just kidding). Normally those things on the floor drive me crazy, but for some reason not tonight. Joshua loves to carry stuff around and leave little surprises for everybody. He loves to hide cell phones in the high chair seat - just out of sight - and in a house with 4 cell phones, it's not too difficult for him to find one to hide. I'm sure he's thrown stuff away before - we're missing a couple pieces of one of his toys. Right now my house is an absolute mess, but I'm not touching a thing before bed. It will all find it's way where it goes tomorrow.

choir

The boys are starting choir at church. I'm really excited about it, but chewing my bottom lip on the cost and scheduling conflicts. It's gonna be rough to pull it off if we can do it. They both had to be dragged kicking and fussing to the introductory meeting today, but both had a huge bounce in their steps when we were leaving. We've got to pull it off somehow. They will have district competitions in May and then go on to nationals in Charlotte, NC in August (when they make it through district). There will be lots of fundraisers to off-set the cost, but we're still on a pretty tight budget around here. It's also going to conflict with baseball. I don't know about that one. We'll just have to be praying about everything as we go.

David was awesome for me today. He had Josh just about all day. Josh and I were up until 4 this morning, so he let me sleep until 12:30. It was nice. Then Josh stayed with David while I went to the boys' meeting. He got him a bath and dinner! I was really excited about all that.

Anyway, off to getting homeschool stuff ready for the week.

thoughts

Well, I finally did it. I went to the gym today. And I really liked it! It even has a place for Josh to hang out. Of course, I took Jacob because he wouldn't be ok hanging out there without somebody. Jacob was quite good about it, so I got him a Coke at Sonic when we were done. He's such a great kid for me. Cody stayed here with Trace and I think was just as happy as Jacob with his Coke because he had the playstation to himself.

Dad called and has Jake's phone. It's just like mine and I know the kid's gonna go through the roof when he gets it. I'm excited for him.

I miss my husband. It seems like we never have time to ourselves anymore. At all. It makes my heart ache. I know it's important for him to spend time with the kids by themselves - and I completely want him to, but when will it be my turn? I don't even mind if Josh is with us most of the time. And we don't have to go anywhere really. I just miss having conversations with him. I don't want alone-time with the tv on. I don't want to wake up when the kids are gone and not know him anymore. I'm not trying to rant, just put my feelings down. And I don't think it's either of our faults, particularly, I just think we have to make more of an effort to make time. It may mean a sacrifice in some other area and I'm so ok with that.

Anyway, I'm gonna read some and hit the hay.

tired

I just now got the baby back to bed. He went to bed at 8 and got up at 10. He was hot in the pj's he had on, so I had to change him. Of course, he's not going back to bed anytime soon once he's up, so it's now a little after 1 and he's finally out. We had fun, though. He's so precious - always hugging on me and carrying around his sippy cup.

Everybody else is great! The big boys are big. Jake's birthday is coming up at the end of this month. I am excited about this one for some reason. 12 is so grown up. He wants a cell phone and we're gonna get it for him. It only adds $10 to our bill and Cody and Emily both have one from their Mom. He'll be ecstatic! I've told him I'm not getting it for him, which is true because my Dad is actually picking it up. I think the exact words were, "I'm not going to go out and get you a cell phone." haha. I didn't say he couldn't have one or that we wouldn't obtain one for him - just that I wasn't actually going to go get it. He'll catch on to all that one day. I did the same thing with his Christmas present. I told him Walmart was all out of them, which was true because I got the last one on the shelf and they never restocked it. Too funny.

Ok, I'm gonna fall out on the keyboard if I don't go to bed. Hopefully Josh will sleep until about 9 in the morning. That would be wonderful....

I'm so ready for Josh to feel 100 per cent. He's too sweet to be this grumpy!

The boys went to spend the night with Mom and Dad last night and David went to work, so Josh and I had the night to ourselves. Even with his grumpiness, I enjoyed him. He woke up around 3 and stayed up until close to 6. At one point, he climbed down from my lap, took about 4 steps away from me and toward the tv, then collapsed on the floor and fell asleep. Too funny, but as soon as he heard me get up, he popped back up to play some more. I might have just gotten next to him on the floor and slept there to keep him asleep - I was ready to crash.

This morning, we missed church, but went to meet Mom and Dad at Gattitown. I got there early, so Josh and I went to Half Priced Books (That is probably the store I'm most happy with having again since we moved). Anyway, there was a lady in there looking at the Prophecy books. She made some comment to the effect of "how does she choose what to look at?" We struck up a conversation. We agreed that it is amazing how close to the end of everything we are and there is absolutely NOBODY paying attention. Well, not really anybody in the Christian community. That's SCARY. I gave her fulfilledprophecy's website address and she said she was definitely gonna' go read some as soon as she got home.

I had just been praying on the way about how to give my kids completely to God. I struggle with this sometimes - I mean, it's easy to say I give them to Him while life is easy, but what if in reality I were forced to choose between Christ and my kids - like having to watch them hurt or denying Him. I know the pat answer of He gives you what you need when you need it, but I think that's something similar to saying "I don't understand all that prophecy stuff, so I'll just stay ready for anything". That's completely unprepared and we are instructed to be prepared. So, how do I practice giving them to God on a daily basis? I don't know. That's a tough one.

As I read back over this, I realize that there really is a daily choice of choosing Christ over my kids. I don't know if that makes sense, but it's starting to make some to me.....

now I'm sick!

This absolutely sucks. I feel like I've been hit by a truck. And Josh is still not over his, so we're making each other miserable. He will not go to sleep! He is still awake and it's after 11:30. I don't know what to do with him. He won't nurse. He won't let me rock him. He just screams in his bed. All he wants to do is walk around and cry.

One day we'll sleep again....

my baby's sick!

I hate it for him. It's not that bad, really, just a cough, but it keeps him up. And that in turn keeps me and David up. Thank God for David last night because I got some intermittent sleep - and I needed it so badly! He'll be better soon, though. I know he will.

In other Joshua news, he had his 1 year checkup yesterday. He's in the 75 per centile for height and weight. He's about 26 lbs and 32 inches (not sure exactly on the inches). He's put on some weight since his 9 month where he was 50 per centile for weight and 75 per centile for height.

The boys are back doing their school and we're getting our normal rythm back. I need that! We took them to church last night and David, Josh and I went out to dinner to Dickies BBQ. With Josh feeling bad, I didn't take him to the nursery. It was nice to have a little time to ourselves.

Ok, gonna go get after my day....

party pictures

frustrated

That's how I feel. I'm feeling rather lonely and tired. Unappreciated, maybe? Neglected, maybe? I don't know. I can't put a label on it besides frustrated. I don't think it's hormonal. I think I'm on the right patch. I think it's probably a combination of things. Every time I get things going in the right direction with God, everything else gets unbelievably tense. I know it's spiritual, but I still forget to pray against it during the moment. I also feel like nobody else in my home is where they're supposed to be with God right now. We're in one of those stupid places that we put ourselves. God is where He's always been. We are the ones who've moved away from Him. You'd think we'd learn. I believe I know where the breakdown is with the whole family, but I won't post that here. I have a list a mile long to take care of before I can think about bed, but I'm so unmotivated. I'll sit here for a little longer then make myself get the boys' lesson plans done so I can crash. Hopefully the baby will sleep all night.

Oh, in other news, I think Jake broke his butt bone. At least he bruised it pretty badly. Horrible bone to break, but the doctors won't do a thing for him except tell him to stay off it. I feel so bad for him. He is pretty uncomfortable.

weekend

We had Josh's birthday party this weekend. It was alot of fun for him. It's really nice to be in a house where we can have company and it's not too crowding.

Tim and Laura came on Friday night and stayed until this morning. Yesterday, we had hot dogs, cake and ice cream for Joshua. He had his own little "smash" cake. He loved it! He went straight to the bath tub when he finished.

I'm really, really tired. I feel sometimes like I never, ever quit going. I almost don't know how to anymore. One day I will though.

Joshua has decided that his stint of sleeping through the night is now over. He was up crying quite a bit on Friday night and then last night, we rocked from 11:30-1:30. He was just happy to be lying on Mom rocking. The last two nights may have had something to do with the fact that he wasn't in his bed. He was in the pack-n-play in our room. I kinda' like him in here sometimes.

Karleigh spent the night with us last night. She didn't have any clothes, so she wore Joshuas! I'll put pics on here when I get them uploaded. It was too funny! She is adorable. Dad and Trey came to get her this afternoon.

Emily had to go home today. I will miss her. It is nice, however, to be getting back to normal from Christmas break. I'll start the boys with their school tomorrow. It will be nice to be back to our quiet days.

Alright, I'm done.

a little vent

Ok. I know that there is really no divorced situation that is ideal. I just don't understand making things more difficult than they need to be.

I emailed David's ex-wife to figure out how we are going to handle Spring Break. Last year, she took Cody for a week and then we had Emily for a week. I asked if she wanted Cody the week before Spring Break or the week after so we could plan for Jacob's extra week off of school. She replied that Emily wouldn't be coming up here because the decree said she had them for Spring Break this year. I don't understand why she's being like that. She said she didn't want Cody to stay home all day alone. Ok. It's never stopped her from taking him extra time before? I have never been one for tit for tat, but it's so tempting right now. I won't do that though.

The worst part is, it just hurts the kids. It just hurts Emily to not have that time with Cody and her Dad - not to mention she doesn't get to see Josh.

I know the answer is to pray for her. I know that I need to be above reproach in this situation. I just don't understand ugliness for the sake of ugliness - especially when it is just ugliness to the kids. It's hard to be nice.

pictures if I can figure them out....

I didn't get them all lined up right, but I got them on here.

Devotions

I was thinking of a resolution to keep up with my daily devotions. HA-HA! I have since realized that I won't keep up with them because of a resolution. I have to desire the time spent with God. I'm praying for that. I hate feeling stagnant. I want to desire Him again with my whole heart - not just in lipservice. My husband gave me a devotional book for Christmas. You know, one of those "one for every day" devotions. I love him for it. He is lovingly trying to direct me to spending time like I should - even if it's just the 5-10 minutes pondering these devotions. He knows they'll lead to me searching God's Word for clarification of something I've read or something that is led to by something I've read.

I love the way God woo's me. I love that he puts little things in my day to remind me that he exists. I pray that He prick my heart when I see them and remind me of where they come from.

Anyway, the devotion for today starts with "An exalted view of God brings a clear view of sin and a realistic view of self". Wow. Think on that a minute. If I'm comparing myself to other "christians", I appear pretty "christian-like". But, if I for one minute, compare myself to Christ - Wow, I stink pretty badly. I mean, I smell rotten - rotten like sin. Just like Isaiah - my only response can be, "Woe is me!"

That's some heavy thinking for bedtime....

Happy New Years!

We spent last night just hanging out. We had nachos for dinner and ate chips and dips until midnight when we had Sprite in our wine glasses. The kids loved it.

David has me hooked on Gran Turismo 4 for PS2. I've never played too many of the games because the controllers are just too foreign to me. I'm getting this one, though. And secretly have been playing one of the kids games when they're sleeping so maybe one day I can whoop one of them. Haha. Or at least not look so controller-challenged.

This week I noticed that I was thinking about Anna alot. It dawned on me that this was the week of the abortion. It's amazing how God redeems things. I no longer think on this time with alot of pain - more like whistful-what-if's, if that makes sense. It was 15 years ago! Wow! It's amazing how God uses what satan intended for evil for good. I know His Word says He does that, but it is so amazing when you see it. I thank Him every time I think about it that He's blessed me with giving me knowledge through this.

It's been a long time since I've longed for Heaven. I asked God a little bit back if he would give me that desire again. He did that today. I was thinking about Anna in the shower and realized that I had a pang of feeling like I was not home. I realized that I longed to be home - home in Heaven. Home with my baby girl and grandparents that have gone before. Home. Home is not here. This is so temporary. I want God to give me what it takes to live like I know that. I want to live like the things I do here matter for eternity, not for now. Now is fleeting - a mist. It's the eternity that matters. I'm rambling.

The kids and I went out for a while today. We took the rent by the drop-box and ran some errands. We ate at Ci-Ci's Pizza. We haven't been there since Josh was tiny in his infant seat. It was good. After that, we ran around to various dollar stores (my favorites!) to get first a plunger, then bags and party favors for Josh's party this Saturday. I love shopping success!

His party is going to be lots of fun, although I doubt he'll really get that anything is going on for him - just that everybody he knows is here and he gets lots of sugar.

Enough for tonight. My game is calling...

figured it out!

I have had some issues getting back into this blog! It seems that a while back, I had set up a Google account for Jacob associated with my Yahoo email address. I don't know how or why, but it linked this to that. Anyway, maybe I can keep this one figured out now. I like to post here.

Everything has changed so much since I've posted!

We moved in October to Little Elm. It's great here, but we miss our friends so very much.

I had a hysterectomy in October also. I'm just glad that's over.

Joshua is a whole year old! He's so big! He had a small get-together on his actual Birthday, and will have his official bash on the 5th of January. He's so precious. I'll see if I can figure out how to post pics here later on. Ok, speaking of...he's up, so I'm gonna go get him.

Baby Einstein is the bomb

http://http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i238/katie75009/?action=view&current=Josh081.flv

some pictures

general update so I can start blogging here....

Joshua is nearly 4 months old! It's crazy how fast time goes. He is so amazingly beautiful. Everybody thinks so and Everybody can't all be wrong, right? haha. I think he's getting a tooth. If he is, he sure is nice about it. He was crying yesterday for no apparant reason and rubbing his bottom gums shushed him really quickly. He gnaws on everything and drools even more than he used to. He is quite a home-body and loves just hanging out around the house. I can't blame him and don't have plans to go anywhere (except for a walk this afternoon maybe) today until church.

On to the other kiddos - Jacob and Cody will start baseball sometime soon. David and I are working out the logistics on $$ for it. (We're in Financial Peace University and everything has to come out of the budget somewhere). They are both homeschooling and I think it's very successful. There have been such positive changes in their attitudes this past school year and most of the time it is nice to have them home. Don't think I'm supermom, though, most of the credit for how well they do their school work is theirs. I simply make the lesson-plans and they do the rest.

Emily was with us over Spring Break and we went to Missouri to see my grandparents. We all had a blast, but especially Emily. We fished, rode 4-wheelers, had a hot dog roast, and hung out on the back porch. It was wonderful. I love the hangin' out on the back porch part with my grandparents the best. Mom, Dad and Karleigh were also there. I think Karleigh had a bit of an easier time there having Emily to play with.

We're getting out of the Air Force in November and I'm nervous, scared and maybe starting to get a little excited about it. We're not sure what we're going to do or where we're going to be, but we're trying to start getting some ideas together. It's also kind of sad because I really do love the Air Force and the life we've had.

Gonna' try to get dressed before a baby decides it's time to eat again.

Wow

I have not posted here in FOREVER!!

Livejournal won't let me upload video clips :-(

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