Random Ramblings....

Well, I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! We sure did…and a white one too! Yep, we had a White Christmas. Someone (we aren’t sure who, but we have an idea) wanted to make sure that we had a White Christmas, so our entire front yard and trees and lawn decorations were covered in toilet paper. We got home on Christmas Eve (close to midnight) and found our white present on the front lawn. At first, I panicked and got sick to my stomach…I felt very violated and vandalized…and I-Man got really upset and scared. He didn’t want to go inside the house by himself and then even when we were in, he wouldn’t go to the bedrooms because he was scared. So, that upset me that he was too upset to enjoy the “putting food out for the reindeer and cookies for Santa”. But, I tried to explain to him that people do that to be funny…not mean. He doesn’t understand and still wants to know who “doesn’t like us”. He keeps talking about some mean girl….don’t know what he is talking about…but I think he was a little traumatized by it all. Hubby and I just laughed…I have tp’d my share of houses (back in my high school days). Whoever did it…did a really good job. We want to know who did it to find out how in the world they got it into the tallest part of our trees! Again, we know who the accomplices were….and we think we know who did it….but we aren’t for sure. I hope we find out so that we can tell I-Man and he can understand that it was meant as a joke, not because someone is out to get us. 5 year olds just don’t understand stuff like that. But anyways…we had a white Christmas! When we were supposed to get snow on Tuesday morning, I-Man looked out the window with tears and said “I don’t see any snow out there! The only white I see is toilet paper!” I cracked up at that!!!

So anyways! Besides that…we had a good Christmas! I-Man and FAB have really enjoyed all of their gifts already….they got more than I can or want to type! We had fun on Christmas Eve at my parents house with my sisters and my two nieces and nephew and Buford…then we went to Aunt Beautiful and Uncle Poncho’s house and had a wonderful evening with all of my Mom’s side of the family. I just love our traditions and I love spending so much time with family. I actually sat and talked to my Aunts and Uncles more this year while Hubby played games and stuff. That was nice. It was a very, very enjoyable evening. We didn’t leave until late because everyone was just having such a great time.

Christmas morning was fun…the kids slept until about 8:00 – much later than I let my parents sleep when I was a kid. Petunia slept through most of the opening of presents…we decided to just let her sleep because she didn’t know what was going on anyways. I-Man and FAB had fun opening all of their gifts and playing with them. Then we had to rush and get that mess cleaned up (my OCD really kicks in on days like this!!!) and get ourselves ready and fix breakfast. Our tradition is that my family (my mom, dad, JJ & Buford) and Hubby’s family (his mom and sisters and Baby B) all come over to our house for breakfast. Well, MIL’s boyfriend came too….this was his first Christmas without his mom – she died earlier this year. So, we had a nice breakfast, opened some more presents and then played Sister’s Karoke game on the playstation. We had a really good time. Then they all left (except for his sisters and the baby) and then FIL and Step-MIL came over. We opened some more presents and visited with them and then they left and we went to MIL’s house for dinner and games. We had a very long and very full day! I was EXHAUSTED! But…before I went to bed, all of the kids’ presents were out of the boxes and put away and the house was cleaned. Hubby thinks I am crazy…but I can’t handle the mess. Plus, our trash day was on Tuesday, so I wanted to get rid of as much of the stuff as I could! They took EVERYTHING! We had so much trash…because I forgot to mention that my Dad helped Hubby put in a new dishwasher! So, we had that big box full of a bunch of trash too! Plus, Hubby got a new printer for us from work (for FREE) and that big box was full of trash.

Anyways, so we had a busy, but nice Christmas! Then on Tuesday, we took our time getting up in the morning…the kids were having fun playing with their new stuff….and then we had lunch with JJ and my Mom and went bowling. We had fun…even if none of us were really that good! Then we parted ways so the kids could take naps. We came home and got the house ready for a game night! JJ, Buford, Queen, King, Princess, Hair-Dye, Radio and their two kids, and my mom all came over for food and fun…..and we had a lot of both! Petunia started getting fussy…so we had to cut the evening short….hopefully she does better on New Year’s Eve! But we still had a lot of fun!

Today, we were slow getting up this morning…and then Hubby helped me take our tree down. I was eager to get my new “sitting area” arranged the way I want it without a tree in the way! It looks so nice! I-Man has enjoyed watching TV and playing with his toys….FAB went with Hubby to his office for a little bit….Petunia is just being a baby (eating, sleeping, etc.) and I have enjoyed just being home and getting my house back in order!

So! That is about it! This is my last few days off work…I am not looking forward to going back next week…but it is a necessary evil, I guess! I am sure that I will be a better journaler once I get back to work. That is a good thing, I guess!

Hope you are all doing good! I will talk to you all soon! Love ya!

Warning...Rambling Journal Entry!!!

A - Available or single: Married!B - Best Friend: My husband
C - Cake or Pie: Umm…I love a good chocolate cake…but I also love pie…just not the crust!
D - Drink of choice: Sweet tea!
E - Essential item you use everyday: my glasses
F - Favorite color: I love bright colors – especially yellow and pink
G - Gummy Bears or worms: LOVE Gummy Bears
H - Hometown: Born in Xenia, but consider Wilmington my hometown.
I - Indulgence: Wow, that is a hard one! Probably my Vera Bradley bags
J - January or February: what is the difference? I like January because I get two days off work – New Year’s Day and MLK Day….but I also like Valentine’s Day in February!
K - Kids & Names: Isaac – 5, Faith Anne – 2 (going on 16) and Gracie – 10 weeks today!
L - Life is Incomplete Without? my family
M - Marriage Date: April 22, 2000
N - Number of Siblings: 2 sisters
O - Oranges or Apples: Oranges
P - Phobias or Fears: I have a fear of being alone….and also of not raising my kids right! I worry about that every day!
Q - Fave Quote: Not a quote, but a Bible verse: Isaiah 41:10 (paraphrased) – So do not fear for I am your God and I will uphold you with My Righteous right hand.
R - Reason to Smile: God has blessed me beyond belief. I have many reasons to smile – but Scott, Isaac, Faith Anne and Gracie are 4 really good ones!
S - Season: Spring because we are surrounded by new life!
T - Tag 3 or 4 people: anyone who wants to share!
U - Unknown Fact about Me: Well, some people know this. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a professional whistler when I grew up!!! Stop laughing!!!!
V- Vegetable You Don't Like: there are lots! Lima beans, cooked spinach, cooked carrots, cauliflower….like I said, there are lots!
W - Worst Habit: eating too much!
X - Xrays: umm…of my leg when I was younger and I broke my shin bone in half….and I am sure there have been others, but that is the only one I can think of now
Y - Your Fave Food: I love Chipotle….and anything chocolate!!!
Z - Zodiac Sign: Cancer

I was bored earlier, so I decided to do this thing that was in Dawn’s journal.

Hey! I hope you are all doing fine! I cannot believe that we have less than one week until Christmas! Whew! Where oh where has the time gone? I guess I am done…but I always want to buy more! We are getting our family portraits tomorrow….so I still have to buy frames for them. But I wanted to wait until we got them before I get the frames! So, I have to do that this week. And there is this tool thing that I have seen on TV that I would like to get Hubby….so I might get that still. But anyways…..less than a week!

So, this weekend, Santa called and talked to I-Man and FAB. Cincinnati Bell has this free thing and so he called and talked to both of them. Well, I used it on I-Man tonight. He was just being rotten. He has really not been listening to us lately and has gotten bad at talking back to us. So, tonight I told him that he better start listening and obeying and stop talking back to me or I was gonna call Santa and tell him that I-Man couldn’t have any new toys. He asked me how I was going to do that and I told him that I had his number on caller id since he called this weekend. He straightened right up. How pathetic is that?!?!?

We had Hubby’s family Christmas gathering on Sunday at our house….it is all of his Mom’s side of the family. We had about 40 people here! It was very nice and went very smoothly! Hubby was worried that we wouldn’t have enough food…but seriously, before anyone else came, we had enough food for an army! So, there was more than enough food! He worries about the silliest things (uhh….hi Pot, this is the Kettle and you are black!). Anyways, everyone seemed to have a really good time and most everyone came and the food was good and it was just a good time! I am so glad that we were able to do that for his family. I really do like entertaining (fancy way of saying…having people over)…but I just don’t like to initiate it. Isn’t that weird! I mean, once it is decided and everything, I am fine….I just don’t like to extend the invitation and all that jazz. I am very weird, I know it. In fact, last week Hubby was giving me a hard time about the fact that the only “friend” (not counting my family members who are friends – Mandy!!!) that I do things with on a regular basis is KK….well, the reason is because I am quirky…and I realize that….and KK is also quirky….so we get along really good. Like for instance, we went shopping one day last week and I mentioned this to her and she thought I was weird…but then as we were shopping, I forget what happened, exactly, but the got what I was trying to say. Anyways, don’t know where I was going with that…but whatever. I am in a rambling kind of mood tonight. HEHE I just spelled mood “mude” and then changed it. I am goofy!

So, this is going to be a busy week for me! Today, not so busy….other than recuperating from the big party here yesterday. Those of you that know how anal I am should know that yes, our house was completely back in order before Hubby even went to Men’s group last night…so like within one hour of everyone leaving, my house was back in order. So, I was tired today. Anyways! Tomorrow and Wednesday, I am going to go to work! Yep, I am working! Actually, I am going to go and be a teller at KK’s branch because she is in desperate need of some help. And she must be desperate because I haven’t ran a teller window in YEARS….like, since before I-Man was born! It should be interesting! I am only working for a few hours each day…so that she and her other teller can take a lunch break…but that should be fun! Then on Thursday, meeting with Queen and Princess…that is always fun! Thursday night we are watching Detergent and Preacher’s kids as a Christmas gift to them. Preacher is surprising her (so don’t tell her if you see her before then!) with the night out! They need some time for the two of them because she has been working so much lately. Then Friday, I am helping out with I-Man’s Christmas party at school….and then on Saturday night, we have a wedding to go to! My mom is going to be here and watch all 3 of the kids, so we get to really enjoy the wedding…like a real date! I am looking forward to that! Then it is Christmas Eve and all that jazz starts! Unbelievable, really! I can’t believe that it is nearly Christmas!!! YIKERS!

Then next week, Hubby and I are both off work and it is going to be a fun week! I think we are having a “cousin’s game night” on Tuesday….I am going out with KK and another friend from work on Thursday night….and then we are having my whole family (well, whomever can come) over for New Year’s Eve. I think that SIL and Baby B are coming too. So, that should be fun! Then….I have to go back to work! I still don’t have my babysitting game plan firmed up. I need to talk to Mom and see what/when she wants to watch the kids….especially that first week because I-Man will still be on Winter Break from school. But, since my Dad is retiring and they have that house on the market, that might change things for her watching the kids. Which is fine, because my Aunt can do it….at least, I think she can….but we have to figure all that out. Plus, I have to get the guts to ask about the “flex time” thing…because I don’t think that Hubby is ready to take the plunge into part-time for me. It is just a scary leap of faith to take. So, we will see. OH! But really, Hubby’s job is such a blessing! They are having some kind of an auction thing on Friday….and they get play money based on their sales….and he has over $800 in play money to bid with! There are TVs, a microwave (which we desperately need), movies, formula (just for him!) and a bunch of things! So, that will be fun and exciting for him! Also….now, don’t get your hopes up (as if you all would…I am really telling myself that) but there is a good chance that he could win a CRUISE! This is separate from the auction thing….it is like their annual sales incentive trip and he is in second place to win it right now….and the guy that is in first place told him that he thinks that Hubby is going to win because he hasn’t been working much lately….so…..wouldn’t that just be awesome! I am trying to not think about it….because it is just a chance….but wooo hooo…that would be so exciting! We were talking about it tonight and Hubby was like “I think we can take the kids for pretty cheap.” And I just looked at him like he was crazy! I said, “Uhh.. my parents can watch the kids. We are not taking them along!” So, I know that some of you think I am a bad mommy….but if he wins a FREE vacation….I want a REAL vacation, which means no kiddos! Unless my parents could go on the same cruise with us! That would be the best case scenario!!! But anyways…..don’t I sound like I am not getting my hopes up? Hubbby said he shouldn’t have even told me until it really happened….but I mean, it is just a chance, so if he doesn’t win it, we haven’t lost anything except for the dream….and there is always next year! He didn’t even know that he was remotely in the running for it until last Friday.

Okay…I know that I am so rambling right now. I need to go to bed….since I am working tomorrow! Real quick…..thank you for your prayers for Hubby’s grandpa. Please continue to pray. They have started him on intensive radiation…that is really all that we know at this point. They won’t know how it is working until they run more tests which won’t be until later this week or after Christmas. The good thing is….Hubby’s aunt (the one that is the millionaire, married to a millionaire) well, her husband is a world reknown oncologist surgeon and is on the board for the American Cancer Society. So, they are ensuring that he is getting the best possible care and he is keeping a close eye on the test results and what-not. So, that is a blessing.

Well, have a good night and I will “talk” to you soon. Since I am such a sporadic journaler, if it isn’t before CHRISTmas…..Merry CHRISTmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!!!!

Need Your Prayers....

Feliz Navidad! I can’t believe that Christmas is only 10 days away tomorrow! Isn’t that crazy?!?! I always love to see Christmas come…but then start to get sad as it gets this close, because it is almost over! All the anticipation is about to be over! That is the best part! And then this year…I also have to go back to work! What a bummer! Oh well! I am planning on enjoying my last two weeks!

I have a prayer request…Hubby’s grandpa (it is really his Dad’s step-dad, but the only grandpa that was a part of Hubby’s life growing up) was just diagnosed (late last week) with prostate cancer. Apparently there are 10 stages of it and his is at a stage 10. They have ruled out the possibility of surgery and gave him some kind of a hormone treatment today….and the prognosis is very bad. The cancer is very aggressive and they are actually starting him on intensive radiation tomorrow. FIL is going down there either tomorrow or Saturday. Hubby feels like he should go too….but we have our church thing tomorrow night and then we are having his Mom’s family Christmas here at our house on Sunday. So, we may end up going down next week….or maybe just Hubby for a quick trip…not sure about that. Hubby’s aunt that lives in Texas flew in last night….and it sounds like everyone is going to try to visit him soon. His spirits are good (I would expect nothing less….he is really a great person), but he is very sick. So, please pray for him and Hubby’s family. I am not sure…..but I would guess that he doesn’t know Jesus….we have never really talked about it, but I don’t think they are Christians. So, that is even scarier! Anyways, please pray for Hubby’s grandpa and the entire family. They say it could be weeks or months for him.

Ummm…I really don’t think I have much else to say tonight….I am very tired and want to go to bed early tonight. I have been staying up too late and getting up too early! Although, tomorrow will be the first day this week that I don’t have plans to do something! Which is good because I need to clean the bathrooms and do some of my deep cleaning before we have all this company this weekend!

Love you all….and hope you are all doing well! Thanks for your prayers!

2 Months Old!!!

Well, my time is rapidly coming to a close! Petunia is 2 months old….or 9 weeks old today, which means that I have 3 weeks left! That isn’t a lot! I have gotten teary twice today…once when I was changing FAB’s diaper and I whispered to her that I loved her and she whispered it back to me…and then once when I was changing Petunia’s diaper. I have to say that having 12 weeks home (well, actually 16, but 12 with all three kids) has been such a blessing to me. I have really cherished this time with them. With the other 2, I only got 8 weeks leave….so the extra 4 weeks is awesome! Especially because those extra weeks for a newborn make a big difference! I mean, Petunia is just really starting to socialize and smile and discover things. So, it has been wonderful! As much as I am ready to get back into my work routine again, I am surely going to miss being home! We still haven’t decided about the whole “part-time” or “flex-time” thing. That is a big decision that I have been making light of….I need to really sit down and look at a budget to see if we can really do it….then convince Hubby. I think he is just really scared because it is a leap of faith. So, we need to figure that out in the next 3 weeks so I know what to talk to my HR person and Stinky Pete about when I go back….because I really need to do it as soon as I get back…that is the best time to have that conversation. So, we will see!!!

Anyways! Enough about that! So, what has been happening in the Cheese family? Well, I-Man had his theatrical debut in his first ever Christmas program at church. He was such a ham! But I really didn’t expect any less! He was dancing and fidgeting and arguing with the girl next to him and playing with his scarf and smiling and just being the most adorable little thing! I was so proud of him! He really did great. My parents made it…which just made him so happy and FAB wouldn’t let go of her Papaw. I think that Hubby’s parents got jealous….but they hadn’t seen my parents since Thanksgiving, so they were entitled to be a little selfish with the kids. Plus, we had asked MIL to watch the kids for us during choir practice later that evening….she told us that she wasn’t feeling good (she pulled a muscle in her back) but she left right after with her boyfriend…so whatever! Oh, get this….she told Hubby to “bite me” when he was teasing her about being late to the play! NICE! I am telling you…..that woman is not the MIL that I once knew. She is such a different person. Actually, her boyfriend leaned over and told her to say it before she did….so yet another reason for Hubby to not like her boyfriend. Oh well! No sense in getting started on that….I can’t do anything about it but love her!

Ummm…I am pretty sure that Hubby ordered the Mother’s Ring that I have been telling him I want for Christmas! I really want it to be a surprise, but I think he did. We will see! I am excited about all the presents I have gotten him…I think he will like them. There are just a few more things I want to get for him and for the kids. I am going to take the girls to my Aunt’s house on Wednesday and go shopping with KK for a bit. That will be nice! I am looking forward to that. OH, on Friday night…I really needed a break…..so KK and I went to see “The Holiday” at the late movie. It was a cute chick-flick. Jack Black just makes me smile to look at him and Jude Law is so stinking cute! It was definitely a chick-flick….but cute.

We ended up spending the big bucks for the pictures. Hubby just didn’t want to cut any from the ones I wanted and we figure since we don’t do this often…..we should just splurge and get the pictures. I am sure that we will have my mom scan some more copies for us….but he did such a great job. We went to the home of the guy who did our wedding portraits. He has a studio in his basement. Anyways….now I am just holding my breath that nothing goes wrong and we get them by Christmas! That would be a real bummer if we didn’t !

So, my Dad officially got his “early retirement buy-out package” today and his “official last day” will be February 28. Mom called me briefly to tell me that….but then she had to go because Sister was calling her. So, we didn’t talk long. I am sure that Dad has very mixed emotions about this. Apparently, it is voluntary….but if you don’t take it, there is the chance that they could just come and tap you on the shoulder one day and tell you that this is your last day. So, voluntary, but not really. I am sure they do that on purpose because it makes it hard to say no….which is what Dad needed or he would probably have said no! So, I am excited for them! I was just so worried that he would work too long and then not be able to really enjoy his retirement! That happens to so many people….and he has worked so many years! It is time for him to enjoy some time for just him and mom! So, the next few months will be very stressful for them as they figure out all the details of where they are going to live and selling houses and all that jazz. So, please keep them in your prayers. This is a big ego thing for men…and although my dad is not a proud man at all, I am sure this will take its toll on his ego.

So, Sister has been dreaming big about this million dollar home….but secretly I don’t want them to buy it because I am still holding out hope that they will move back up here! I know they won’t….because they love it in Tucky….but I want them here (especially when they adopt a baby!!!)! That is very selfish, so, sorry Sister….but I am just being honest and it is my journal so I can! LOL But….at least if they bought that big old house, we could all go stay! They just need an in-ground pool and the big 4th of July bash would be back on!!!!

Umm….I guess that is about it for tonight. I am tired and I am going to go feed Petunia again so that hopefully she will sleep through the night! Last night, she slept from 11:00 until 8:30 this morning! I could so get used to that! Of course she slept in today….when I couldn’t! I had to get up and get ready for her doctor’s appointment (she got 4 shots today…poor thing). Oh! They gave her an oral vaccination for the Roto Virus. I was so excited about that (it is new) because I-Man ended up in the hospital when he had the Roto Virus! That is a cool thing!!!! She weighs 12.7 pounds (watch out Piglet!) and is 23.25 inches long. She is in the 95-99% for her weight and 90-95% for her length….no surprises here! She did give us a prescription for Zantac since she spits up so much…..I am going to give her one more week on the new formula before I try that. She is spitting up much less….but it is still rather annoying. So, we will see.

Okay….for real. Gonna go! Have a nice night and I will “talk” to you all soon! Love ya!!!!

Has it been more than a week?!?!

Well, again…it has been quite a while since my last post! I just am not good at sitting down long enough to type up a journal entry! And then when I do…it is so long because it has been so long since I last journaled….it is like a vicious cycle! Geesh! But I do “lurk” every day. I don’t always leave comments because sometimes the website is slow and I am not patient and other times I just had time to read before I was off to do something else and other times I just don’t know what to say! So…there you go! But I do read every day! So, now that you all know that about me….here is what is going on….

Let’s see….I am almost done with my Christmas shopping. I have a few more things to get Hubby….actually I need to think of what those things are….but I need to get him a few more things. There was something else I wanted to get I-Man but Hubby thinks we have gotten him enough. So, I need to count how many presents I have for each of them to make sure they are about even and then make sure we are done with the kiddos. Poor Baby doesn’t have much….not like she notices that, but we need to get her a few more things so the other two don’t think Santa forgot about their sister! I am not good with the whole “Santa” thing. I keep talking about shopping and stuff and it almost slips more than once. The other night, I-Man asked me if the Santa that lives in our neighborhood (there is a guy who has a TON of lights on his house and every night he sits in his window with a Santa costume on and waves at the people who drive by….I have heard that if your kids knock on his door, he gives them a candy cane or something too….very cool for the kids) anyways, I-Man asked me if that was the real Santa. So, I used a trick that my good friend KK taught me and I asked him what he thought. Well, he thought about it for a while and decided that he didn’t think that was the real Santa. So, I told him he was probably right….and it was really most important what he thought. Anyways, FAB calls him “t-taus”, at least that is what it sounds like. She keeps saying that she needs to tell “t-taus” what she wants for Christmas. She is so stinking cute sometimes….notice that I said Sometimes!

I am really just going to ramble in this entry….we got our proofs back tonight from our family portraits. There are SO MANY good pictures…I don’t know how I am going to decide! I wrote up what I wanted to buy for us and everyone and it came to $532. That is not acceptable. So, I am going to have to re-think that. But they are Christmas presents for my parents and Hubby’s parents and a few others. But GEESH! So, I have until Friday at 5:00 PM to make up my mind about that! There are so many good pictures. I think that SIL will be disappointed because there isn’t one picture of the 4 kids (Little B and my three) that is like…WOW! That is good. But how can you expect to get 4 kids to all smile in the same picture….and two of those kids are under 3 months…..it ain’t gonna happen! I think she thought it would….but no way! So, I hope she isn’t too disappointed. But anyways….great pictures!!!!

Hubby and I have been arguing a lot yesterday and today. I think I am PMSing….because I am just not being nice to him and EVERYTHING he does and says is rubbing me the wrong way. So, bless his heart. I also think that a lot of it has to do with the fact that I am not used to being home so much….and I am getting a bit stir-crazy and missing adult conversations. So….I take that out on him because he gets to go out and have adult conversations every day. He can just leave and do whatever he wants whenever he wants…whereas I have 3 kids to think about. See, I told you that I wouldn’t be a good stay-at-home-mom. Anyways….this too shall pass. Luckily, he is good at putting up with me when I am being a brat!

Ummm….what else? The days are dwindling down quickly on my leave! I go back to work on January 2! The funny thing is…..I got a summons for Jury Duty that starts on January 2! So, wouldn’t that be a hoot if I had to go serve on a Jury right when I am supposed to go back to work! I have to call on December 29 to see if I am needed or not. It would be fun to do….but I don’t think my work would like that very much!

I-Man is in his first Christmas play at church this Sunday! He is very excited! They had practice tonight and he came home and is excited to do it in front of people. They sang a song at church on Sunday and it was adorable. I was so proud of him! I hope he does as well this next week!!!!

I-Man is doing well in school still. It is amazing to me to see how quickly he is growing up! I think he comes home from school with a new phrase or new story every day. That kid is just so animated…he really cracks me up!

FAB is…well, FAB! She can be so stinking sweet and adorable one minute…. And a HOLY TERROR the next minute! She has been saying “Oh My Gosh” and it is so cute! She is not the LEAST bit interested in potty training. We have shown her the Little Mermaid panties we bought for her…..she likes them, but not enough to pee and poop in the potty. I showed her the Dora’s Magic Castle at the store and told her she could have that when she can pee and poop in the potty…..that might be out of style before she does! She is very stubborn and just not ready! I-Man was so easy….I have heard that girls are harder….FAB is making sure of that!

Petunia (Sister’s new name for Baby G) is good. I take her for her 2 month check-up on Monday. Two months….that is hard to believe! She is a porker….and adorable! She has bad hair days every day because her hair just sticks straight up, bless her heart. She spits up a lot…..I tried a new formula…..called “Gentle”, and she has spit up less, but she still spits up a lot. I am going to talk to the pediatrician about it. I doubt they will want to do anything differently because of it…..she is certainly gaining weight just fine. But it is annoying! She spits up more than both of my other two combined! We have to change her bib about 10 times a day! But, her eyes are looking better. She had blocked tear ducts in both eyes….her left eye is completely better and her right one is getting better. Hopefully it will correct itself so we don’t have to do the eye probe thing like we had to with FAB. She will get 4 shots on Monday….so I am not looking forward to that! But man….these 2 months have flown by! I know that we weren’t expecting a third baby, but I love that little girl so much ….and I love to see FAB with her. I-Man doesn’t pay much attention to her except for every once in a while. But FAB….she loves her baby Sissy and kisses and hugs her all day long. It is so neat to see how Petunia (lol….that name cracks me up….see, she snorts and Sister said that Petunia was the name of the girl pig on Looney Tunes) anyways….it is neat to see how Petunia is smiling and socializing in her baby way with all of us. But, as much as I love her, I am glad this is my last baby! There are some things I won’t miss! LOL

Well, I need to go and try to get her to sleep! There is much more I could fill you in on, but I don’t get much free time these days!

Love you all!!!!

I really cannot believe...

that it has been so long since my last post! Geesh! Sorry about that! I have been keeping up on everyone of the Journal Goddesses....but just lurking lately, so sorry about that. It sounds like we are all getting ready for the Holidays! I am really not wanting Christmas to be here quickly....because that means it is almost time for me to go back to work! But seriously, this year....I will be off work for 20 weeks! Isn't that crazy! That includes the vacation time I took and the maternity leave. That is just crazy! Nice, but crazy!

So, let's see....what have we been up to? Let me just go through each person in my family....

Hubby is fine. He took Wednesday off last week and Thursday and Friday were holidays for them....and then he didn't work on Saturday either. So, we have had a bit too much of each other. LOL He is on my nerves and I am on his. So, he went back to work this morning...thank goodness. Hehehe. He is just doing so good at his job. I am so proud of him. Even though he was "off" last week...he worked a lot at my parents house. Because they "tag" doors, he gets calls all the time. In the 3 hours it took us to get to my parents, he had 3 customers call him and made 3 sales! Isn't that crazy? So.....anyways....that is Hubby! He did have a little bit of a rough Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful time at Sister's house with my family.....and then on the way back to my parent's house, he decided to call his Dad and wish him a Happy Thanksgiving. Well, come to find out, his dad was at his Aunt's house in Cincinnati and his grandparents were up from Kentucky (they live in Somerset). He talked to his dad and then hung up and got upset and decided to call back and see when his grandparents were leaving so we could hopefully go see them before they headed home. Well, come to find out, they had been there since Tuesday (we could've stopped and seen them on our way to KY) and they were leaving Friday morning and couldn't stay a few more hours so that we could get up there to see them before they left. It upset Hubby a lot...he was in tears because he just doesn't understand his family. It really hurts his feelings. So, I felt badly for him....but couldn't really do anything to fix it! So.....that is Hubby!

I-Man....he has become quite the social butterfly in our neighborhood. He is to the age where he wants to go outside and play with his friends. There is a boy across the street who is a little bit older (I think he is in 4th or 5th grade) and he and his step-dad play football a lot. So, I-Man plays with them....and then there is another little boy down the street that they play with too. Now, he has also been playing with the little boy next door who is 4 or 5. So, he has lots of buddies and is discovering a little bit of independence in playing with them without Mom or Dad right there. Well, the other night, he was playing with one of the boys outside and I kept looking out and checking on them...well, I looked out once and they weren't in my sight. So, I put Baby down and ran outside....yelling for him.....I couldn't find him. So, I went across the street and knocked on their door...and sure enough! He was there! He had told the step-dad that I knew where he was. So, we had to talk about that. I know them and trust them, so I was fine with him going inside their house....but he has to tell me first! So....he is a social butterfly! It is really cool to see him grow up into such a neat little person. He has invited all of our neighbors to church and his program. My little evangelist. Oh, funny story....he really wants to take communion at church.....but we really want him to understand what it is that he is doing before he takes it. So, yesterday, he and I were in the van together and he says: "Mommy, I need to teach you a lesson right now. I know what communion is and I am going to take it." I about cracked up. So, we talked about it and he is starting to understand it more....but he isn't quite there yet. Bless his little heart!!!

FABulous.....well, she is our test. We have determined that she has ALL of my stubborness & strong will....and ALL of Hubby's too...in one little body. She is a pill! She can be so cute and sweet one minute, and then a real terror the next. Her thing right now is that she is hitting everyone....me, Hubby, I-Man.....and as soon as she does it to me, I look at her and she says "Sorry Mommy"....but then does it again! It is hard not to laugh because it is quite funny.....but man she is a pill! I just don't know what we are going to do with her!!! Like I said, some days are good and she is sweet and fine...but then other days, I just want to trade her in for my sweet girl!

Baby....is fine, spoiled, but fine. She wants to be held all the time. If you put her down, she cries. Being with Mom and Sister this past weekend didn't help that any! Silly thing, when we were at my parent's house....all 4 nights she slept from like 10:30 or 11:00 until 6:30 or 7:00. It was HEAVENLY. Now that we are home....she hasn't slept like that! She still only wakes up once a night...but I could get used to the other! She is getting so big so fast! They just grow up so fast. She is really smiling now and loves it when you talk to her. She still spits up more than either of our other kids did.....which is annoying....but you get used to it. One of her eyes has cleared up completely....but the other is still blocked. And she is pretty snotty. It isn't every day....so we haven't taken her to the doctor. We have to take her next week for her 2 month check-up anyways.....so we will probably just wait until then. But she is doing good!

So, that is all of us except for me. I am doing fine! I am finally feeling "normal" without taking motrin every day. I forget everything...so I missed my 6 week check-up last week..so I go to the doctor tomorrow. I went to the gym for the first time this morning. I really have to get serious about losing this baby weight. I am going to join Weight Watchers again..... actually going to the meetings instead of just doing it on-line. I might wait to do that until I go back to work....just because it is so hard to lose weight during the holidays. I am thinking of starting the gym now.....and the diet part later. We'll see, though. It was nice to work out today.....I wanted to just crawl back in bed because none of the kids slept good last night...we were up and down all night.....but I made myself go to the gym instead!

Ummm....I did go shopping on Friday! My dad and I got up really early and were at Wal-mart by 4:50! Since the store didn't close, they had all the early bird specials wrapped in black shrink wrap....so you had to find where you wanted to stand and wait for 5:00 when they unwrapped everything. So, my target was a 20 inch LCD TV....I got it! It was very fun being there so early in all the chaos! Everyone was very friendly....no rude shoppers....and it was just fun! I got some great deals and got quite a few gifts marked off my list. Then we went back to their house...and I went back to sleep for a few hours. Then we ALL went shopping....we took 4 cars for 9 people.....everyone had to have their own car in case they wanted to do their own thing. We had fun. Hubby helped pick out the gifts for his sisters.... and he let me buy a few things for myself....OH! The mall we went to was an out-door mall and they had free horse-drawn sleigh rides with Santa....and so FABulous was scared and wanted nothing to do with Santa or the horse...but Mom and Dad got her to go on and we got a GREAT picture of my parents with the 3 kids. It was awesome! And it was FREE! Isn't that wild?!?! I did buy an extra print for $5.00. What a great idea! So, anyways....Friday shopping was FUN, but tiring. I was so tired by the end of the day....I was dragging!

Well....like I said, we had a great time in KY with my family. We played games and ate a bunch of food and had fun visiting and we went to the movies and saw Santa Claus 3.....we just had a really good visit! We left Saturday morning to come home....and stopped at the Forest Fair Mall on the way.....we went shopping at Steve and Barry's there (really cheap stuff) and then they had a play place for the kids....like Chucky Cheese....so we let the kids play there for a while before we came on home. It was a very nice trip!

So, since my last post, we got a new garage door! That is so exciting! We had our family portraits done....now I remember why we don't do those very often. FABulous had a MAJOR melt-down. I am anxious to see the proofs....hopefully soon! I am sure the pictures will cost us an arm and a leg.....but they will be worth it! I love the couple that does them....they did our engagement, wedding and family photos (when we just had I-Man!). So, looking forward to that!

Umm....the big present for I-Man and FAB this year is going to be that Fisher Price digital camera! I am so excited about that! I had to get them on Ebay because everywhere else is sold out! I got a blue one and a pink one for a little more than I would've paid in the store....so not too bad. Hopefully they like them!

Well, I don't want to keep you anymore! I hope you all are doing fine and that you had a nice Thanksgiving. I will try to do better at commenting instead of just being a lurker! Love to all!!!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas....

at least at my house!!! Yep! I have all of my Christmas decorations up! Well, the inside ones! I am actually sitting in my new loveseat (tell you that one in a minute) and looking at my Christmas tree and listening to Christmas music while my dinner is cooking. Do I sound like Martha Stewart or what? LOL I know that many of you think I am CRAzY for having my decorations up already...but I have been putting them up on Veteran's Day for the past several years. My excuse has always been that I had that day off work, so it was a good time to do it since we go away for Thanksgiving....I couldn't really use that excuse this year....but I still put them up on Veteran's Day!!! I love all my decorations! For some reason, I feel like I am missing some...but I can't think of what they are...and I don't know where they would be...so I must just be crazy. But it does feel less "cluttered" this year. Hmm....

Well, anyways! I am sure you are curious what I have been up to in the past week? To answer that....I feel like all I do is clean, referree, change diapers and feed Baby...but I really do love it! Now, I don't think I would be a very good SAHM...I told Hubby that he might come home one day and I would be sitting in a corner slobbering all over myself....or FAB would be.....she is a PILL. But I am really enjoying my time at home. I try to make the most of each day...I don't want to go back to work and realize that I was a bum during my entire time off...so the girls and I usually go somewhere every day....but there are some days where we just stay at home (today was one of those days).

So, let's see....last week...what did I do? Well, when I was in Kentucky, my lovely mother planted the seed in my mind that a loveseat would be a great addition to our "sitting area" in our house....we have a very wide-open floor plan and there is part of it that I feel we just haven't really maximized the space and we never really use it. So, my lovely Mom mentioned a loveseat and also a flat screen tv mounted in the corner (well, I might've mentioned the tv....but you get the picture!). So, I came home and told Hubby my plans....he said no way. Well, the next evening when he came home from work, we all went out to dinner (yes, all five of us) and then we went furniture shopping! Seriously, we went to (during the course of the week) about 6 or 7 stores looking for a blue loveseat. We discovered that blue is not a popular color right now....red is really hot! And I LOVE all the red stuff. I asked Hubby if he could just repaint the wall for me...but he didn't take that too well. LOL SO....anyways....on Saturday (fast forward with me) we went to the Midwest Outlet Center in Fairborn...it is an outlet for Morris and Ashley furniture. Well, they open at 12:00 and we got there at 12:00...along with a bunch of other people. It is one of those places that they only have like one of each thing....so you have to stake your claim before someone else does. So...we walked in and saw a blue loveseat and sofa and BOLTED for it. I didn't really realize the importance of this at the time...but Hubby plopped himself and Baby down on the loveseat and wasn't going to move. We took the tag and looked around some more.....good thing we took the tag because there was another couple who wanted it too!!! We got lucky...there is nothing wrong with it...it was special-ordered for someone who then didn't want it. So we got lucky and got it! It is a reclining loveseat and it is blue....exactly the shade of blue as our wall....and it is that micro-suede or whatever it is called. I LOVE it. Their delivery was over $100...so Hubby asked Swimmer's Hubby to help him (with his truck) to pick it up on Sunday....thanks Swimmer! SO....my Hubby had been still saying no way to the TV...but then last night he asked me where I wanted to put the TV!!! I knew he would come around! We probably won't buy it until after Christmas or put it up until then anyways because the Christmas tree is there.....but YEAH! Hopefully he doesn't change his mind. That is what we are getting each other for Christmas this year...the loveseat, a new garage door....hopefully the TV and also new doors (interior doors). Aren't we romantic? But they are all things we "need" and for the house...so I am totally fine with it.

Ummmm...so last week, we were thinking about the loveseat all week! We also made an appointment with the photographer from our wedding for a family portrait and also a picture of our kids with Little B (my nephew). Those are on Saturday...so I did some shopping last week (my new favorite past-time) and got an outfit for Little B....a sweater for I-Man and a sweater for me. Hubby has a sweater that he has never worn that he is gonna wear and I had already bought the girl's outfits. Seriously though, I need to go back to work so I can stop spending money! I go shopping nearly every day! I have been buying a few things for Christmas. I have bought I-Man two stocking stuffers and three presents....and FAB a stocking stuffer.....and Hubby's birthday presents (his birthday is Sunday....we are going out to dinner on Wednesday with no kids!!!). But, this Christmas, we will be able to buy presents without going into debt! What a great feeling! God has truly blessed us. I just look around at my house and my kids and I get teary-eyed thinking of how much He has blessed us this year. Seriously, Hubby is so happy at his job...he is making more money than ever. He will actually make more money than me (like $10K more than me) and he has never made more than me. I know that does a lot for his self-esteem. So, God has really blessed us. I am not bragging...I am just being grateful. And I really know that it is because we have been very obedient and very committed in our giving for the first time in our marriage...even when we barely had enough to make ends meet...we did what we had to do to be able to tithe to what we committed to at the beginning of the year....what a good feeling that is. I am embarrassed that we didn't commit to tithe as we should have earlier. At any rate, God is good and I am looking forward to celebrating His birthday with my kids and making sure they understand the true meaning of Christmas.

Boy....I am rambling! Sorry about that. Let's see....what else happened last week? KK and I went out for a short "girls-night" on Friday. We just went and she bought a new Vera (I actually made it out of the store without buying anything! SHOCKER! I almost bought the Vera for sister that she bought for herself....so glad I didn't do that!) and then we went out for appetizers. It was nice to just have some "me time" where I could take my Mommy hat off for a few hours. Ummm....oh! Yeah so Saturday....I asked Hubby to get all my Christmas decorations down and just leave them in the garage so I could bring them in one box at a time....well, he brought them all inside. Then the phone rang...he looked at it and said, "Oh, by the way....my Aunt S is coming over to see the kids today." Well, she was coming in two hours. NICE So, I put all my decorations up (just the lights on the tree) and vacuumed and got all the boxes put away in the garage in 2 hours!!! Not the way I wanted that to go, but at least it got done. Then the kids "helped" me decorate the tree later...that was a chore! But it looks nice!!!!

Well, I have so much more to say....but I need to finish dinner and I need to post this or I will never do it! I have started it about a gazillion times but get interrupted by a kid and don't finish! We are having a yummy dinner...mashed potatoes, meat-loaf and green beans. YUM! Love and hugs to all!!!

Monday....Already?

Man...time just seems to fly by since I have been home on Maternity Leave! I can't believe that Baby is 4 weeks old today....I have been off work for 8 weeks....which means my leave is half over!!! I don't want to think about that....but I do really think that my house is going to look so nice once this leave is over! The best it has looked yet! I will get more into that later.....

Let's see....Thursday night, we had small group which was good. I picked out the study we are doing....everyone was in a very chatty mood, but it was nice. The kids didn't get into bed until late...so we were hoping they would sleep in on Friday (since I-Man didn't have school), but that didn't happen!!! Oh well!

Friday Morning...I got up and got ready and go all of our stuff ready for our trip to Kentucky...then I left and went to meet with I-Man's teacher for my first Parent/Teacher conference. I-Man is doing well....there are definitely areas we need to work on, but the teacher and I had a very good conversation. She understood our reasonings for starting him early and agreed completely. She did the same with her daughter and they held her daughter back in first grade....so she has some ideas and stuff for us....which is great! I really, really like her!!! So, I went home and picked up the kiddos and we headed to Kentucky! The trip down there was pretty uneventful....Baby slept and FAB and I-Man watched movies. They were very good! When we got to Mom and Dad's house....FAB and I-Man went outside and helped Papaw blow leaves. It was so cute because he let I-Man have his own leaf blower. They were so cute! Sister came over and we headed to Wal-Mart (the girls did) while the boys went to get haircuts and Dad took I-Man to see the Ford plant where he works. We had a good and relaxing evening at home after that. Well, it was a rough night with Baby....of course Hubby wasn't there to help me with her and she woke up 3 times to eat! That is the most she has done yet!!! That little stinker! Oh well....it wasn't that bad! I got to sleep in a bit later since my parents had the rugrats!

So, on Saturday...we got up and had a somewhat leisurely morning...then we headed over to Sister's house. She has a very neat little store right down the road from her house, so we went there and I spent a ton of money! But I got some cute things for my house....and the bug to go to Waynesville and get even more!!! Hopefully Mom and I are able to do that on Wednesday! Oh, I can't believe that Sister didn't put this in her journal...after I had checked out and so had Sister....we were talking to the ladies that work at the store and they asked me if I was the oldest. I about died!!!!! I made sure to say that she was 6 years older than me! What is up with that? She was happy.....and we got a good laugh about it! So, we went back to Sister's house and had a very, very yummy dinner....and then the girls headed out to the Outlet Mall that is near her house...we did some shopping there (Sister bought the girls some really cute outfits!) and then went back to her house for dessert. It was a very enjoyable day!!! We got back to Mom and Dad's house and the kids had baths and we just relaxed! Baby did much better that night. She only woke up 2 times. Not bad!

Sunday...we got up and the marathon began to get everyone ready for church. It is just so much harder when you aren't at your own house and in your own routine. But, we did it and we got to church before Sister even!!! Now, I love my church....but it is nice to feel like I am a kid again at an old country church. We all have our own desires and styles of worship....and I love Bethany and our style of worship....but again, it is nice to go back to my roots sometimes. The piano player at Sister's church is truly unbelievable...and we sat behind the piano...so I love to watch him play. Sister said that if her piano was in tune, she would sound like that too....uh, yeah. LOL I-Man had fun at children's church because they got to color the whole time, he said. FAB didn't stay in the nursery.....really I just think that Mimi felt bad leaving her. If I would've taken her down, she would've stayed, I am sure. Oh well. She was pretty good. After church, we went to Beef O'Brady's for lunch....that was Yummy! And we got to meet Dad's boss...who is also the man who is living in their old house. That was interesting....not what I expected. Then we headed back to Mom and Dad's and I got all of our stuff together and visited more with the parents and then headed North. The kids did great on the trip....all three of them slept nearly the entire time! So, I listened to our choir cantata cd and also to the Children's program cd....what a cute musical! It was a nice trip home....but I had to go to the potty so badly...I didn't think I was going to make it home!!! But I did...barely! So, we got all of our stuff inside and put away....ate a quick bite...and then headed to choir practice. It was rough....I really need to listen to my cd more....and actually find the alto one. But Speedy and I had fun laughing! We came home and put the kiddos to bed....I started hanging some stuff back up. Hubby painted the foyer and the hallway while we were gone...the same color as our living room...I LOVE IT! He did a great job! He also cleaned out the garage!!! We are getting a new garage door next Monday! That is WAY exciting because our garage door opener has not worked since we moved into the house....so that will be wonderful!

Well.....I guess that is about it! I took both of the girls to the doctor today....FAB for her runny nose (she gave me a script for an anti-biotic, but isn't sure she really needs it....she is acting fine and just has a lot of snot in her nose) and Baby because she has blocked tear ducts. She gave me a script for some ointment for her eyes. They won't do the eye-probe until she is older. The good thing is...FAB got her flu shot! Hubby gets his tomorrow and then we will all have one! Our pediatricians recommended that we all get one with having Baby in the house. FAB did good with her shot....she cried for a bit, but then calmed down.

Tomorrow I am going on a field trip with I-Man's class. He is so excited!!! Then I am going to stay and have lunch with him! That should be fun!!!!

Well, I guess that is about it. I hope you all have a great evening...and Praise the Lord....all of these horrible political commercials and ads and signs and phone calls will be over after tomorrow.....I had 4 calls today to urge me to vote. It is DRIVING ME CRAZY!

Love you and hugs to all!!!!

November....Already?!?!?

Wow! I really cannot believe that it is November already! This year has just flown by! I really cannot believe how quickly time seems to go...you know, now that I am an adult! Hubby and I were talking last night....that it is hard to believe that I-Man has already finished his first 9 weeks of school! That flew by! I am going to the "Parent-Teacher" conference tomorrow. So, that should be interesting! Hopefully she has some good things to say about I-Man!!! We will see!

Let's see....well, let me give you an update! Sunday.....church was good. We got there early (well, 9:00) for the breakfast. That was a trip! Hubby had to practice with PT, so I had all three kids and I was trying to feed Baby and then burp her...while getting I-Man and FAB something to eat. I was struggling. Finally, one of the older ladies asked if she could help me and she took Baby while I got the other two situated. That was nice! So, I went to Sunday School, which I never do...and it was good. Then the service was good. I was really proud of Hubby. He did a good job of leading worship and I was just really proud of him. I have to say....when we first started PT together (when Elvis was here)....he was very inhibited. I mean, he wasn't one to really get into what he was doing....more of just singing. Well, he has come so far in that he is so much less inhibited and he really worships and you can just see it when he is up there. So, I was a proud wife on Sunday. And I was also glad that the congregation voted the new Worship Minister in. I know that it is hard to NOT compare him to Elvis....but we have to try really hard not to do that and to give him a chance. But I do hope that he was warned how thick his skin needs to be in this role. Did someone tell him that?!?! LOL

SO! After church, SIL and Little B and my family of 5 (that is weird to say!!!!) went to lunch at Grindstone Charlies. That was good...and the service was good....SHOCKER! We got home and I rushed around to get ready to go on my "girl's trip". KK came and picked me up and we were off! We met up with the two other girls that were going and headed to Indiana to Belterra. It took us about an hour and 20 minutes to get there....we checked into the hotel and our room was GORGEOUS! It was really, really nice. We had a FANTASTIC, but expensive, steak dinner at Jeff Ruby's. That was VERY yummy. Then we headed to the casino! We were at the casino for about 7 hours!!! We had a good time....KK was very lucky and won quite a good amount of money. Let me put it this way, she took $300 in cash for the trip......she came home with $460...and that was after she paid for the room, her expensive dinner, drinks, etc. So, she did good. The rest of us....not so much. But, we had fun. We got back to our room at 2:30 in the morning...I had to take a shower because of the smell of smoke from the casino....and then we went to bed. For some reason, KK thought we should all be awake when she was....at 7:30! We got up, got ready, went down and had breakfast and then headed to Cincinnati to do some shopping before we headed home. KK dropped me off at 3:30....so I was only gone for 25 hours, but I sure missed my Baby!!! I called Hubby when we were shopping....and I started crying! I wanted to come home so badly, but didn't want to be the party-pooper! So, I missed my kids....but I am glad that I went. We really had a great time and I love the girls I went with....we laughed a ton and just had a really good time. I think we all need times like that sometimes. Hubby did fine with all three kids. He is so wonderful to me!

So, when I got home on Monday, we all went outside and raked leaves. It is this time of the year that we hate living in such a wooded neighborhood! We raked up a TON of leaves, but it now looks like we haven't even raked our leaves once! Oh well!!!!

Umm....Tuesday was a whirlwind of a day! We got I-Man off to school, then got ready and took the girls to my Aunt's house....then dashed home to get the stuff for I-Man's party and then went to his school...helped out at the party....brought Hubby home so he could get his car and go to work....went and got my nails done....went and got MIL a birthday present...went and picked up the girls from my Aunt's house....ran to I-Man's school to see his Halloween Parade....waited in the parking lot to pick I-Man up from school....came home...cooked dinner....got all the stuff ready for Trunk-Or-Treat....got the kids ready for ToT....ate pizza while running out the door to ToT! It was a WHIRLWIND!!! And I am a bad Mommy! I didn't get one picture of my kids...not one!!! Too much running around, I guess! Well, Trunk or Treat was fun, but man was it cold! Baby slept pretty much the whole time. She woke up to eat and then went right back to sleep. Hubby and I were rather annoyed at MIL....she brought her boyfriend (which was fine)....but I think she was trying to prove a point to Hubby (who had previously told her that she was in a dead-end relationship....b/c her boyfriend has told her that he is not the marrying kind)...because she and her boyfriend really needed to get a room! They couldn't keep their hands off each other! It was rather annoying since they were right next to us. Hubby wanted to say something to them, but I told him not to. Anyways, the kids had fun and I-Man had about 5 of his friends from school come, so that made him very happy! When we got home, I-Man and FAB were asleep within 10 minutes of being in bed! They were pooped!

Wednesday was a much more calm day! Not a whole lot happened....the girls and I ran to Family Christian to get a book for our Small Group....then we ran into the mall to exchange/return a few things....then to pick up I-Man. So, not a whole lot compared to Tuesday!

This morning, I finally got fed up with being so snotty! I decided to see my doctor since I have had this "cold" for 3 weeks. Good thing I did....turns out it is a pretty severe sinus infection! So, I got a prescription for an anti-biotic and I also got the flu shot! Hubby gets a free one from work...I-Man has had his....now I have had mine....hopefully FAB will get hers next week. My pediatrician suggested that we all get one since we have Baby in the house. So, glad I went to the doctor!

OH! I think we are going to switch to Hubby's insurance! He had a meeting about it yesterday and it is MUCH cheaper than mine! We are talking more than a $1000 less a year.....plus the co-pays are $5 cheaper each time we go to the doctor! So, I think we are going to switch. That stresses me out because I have always had the insurance through my work....but what a difference in price!!!! And....Hubby is doing so good at work....he is the #1 Salesperson right now (out of more than 40 people!) and he has been in the top 3 for the past few months! I am so proud of him! He and Uncle Poncho got to get into one of those cash machines yesterday....they won some kind of contest. I guess that Uncle Poncho got like $138 and Hubby got $200...which was all that was in there. So, there are some nice perks to his job. I can't tell you the last time either of us paid for gas....he wins gas cards every week. Anyways, that was a side-bar!

Well, I guess you are about caught up with us! After I-Man's conference tomorrow, the kids and I are heading to Kentucky for the weekend. Mom and Dad just got back from Gatlinburg today....and instead of them coming up here, I thought we could go down there for a change. Plus, I know that Sister wants to see the kids, but she probably doesn't want to come up here again! So, we are going down for the weekend. Hopefully Baby will sleep the entire trip and the other two are good. We will see!!! It will be interesting, I am sure!

I hope you all (those who have been sick) start to feel better soon! Love and prayers to all....

Weekly Ramblings...

Hello Ladies! I am sorry that I have become such a sporadic journaler…but it seems that just about everyone has except for Kelley and Sara. They are pretty faithful. The rest of us….not so much! When I was working, it was easier for me to journal every day. Now, I just can’t seem to find the time to sit down and tell you about all the exciting stuff that is happening in our lives. That was dripping with sarcasm, by the way. It isn’t because there is so much excitement, that is for sure!!!!

Let’s see….the girls and I are starting to get into a bit of a routine. Not bad…since this has been my first week with them! But next week will be totally different….so I am not getting too excited! But anyways, it was a good week…I can totally do the “mother of three” thing. It is a bit hectic at times…and I feel like all of them are a bit cheated at times….but I am doing the best I can. I-Man probably gets the best “Mommy time” when he gets home from school because I put FAB down for a nap as soon as we get him home and Baby sleeps a lot, so he and I have been playing games and stuff for a bit in the afternoon. FAB is just so moody…you never know if it is going to be a good day with her or a temperamental one. She is certainly a DIVA. And Baby…what can I say? She is starting to be awake more…which is fun. I just feel bad for her because with the other two, I had more time to just sit and hold them….well, she doesn’t get that as much. But she is doing great. She still only wakes up like once a night! It is wonderful! At the doctor on Monday, he told me that I should really not let her go more than 4 hours at night without eating. So, I should wake her up to feed her. I said “Ok” to him…but inside I was laughing and saying “Yeah Right! I am not going to wake her up!” I mean, she is healthy…she was 8 pounds 12 ounces on Monday…so more than her birth weight by 2 weeks…..and she is my 3rd kid! If she was my first…or maybe even my second, I might wake her up. But not this time! I know she is doing fine….she is just letting Mommy sleep! What a good baby! Seriously, we fed her at 9:30 or 10:00 last night….she didn’t wake up to eat until 5:00 AM. It was HEAVENLY. And then she went back to sleep and the other two didn’t wake up until 8:00..but let us sleep until 9:00…so it is great. I really cannot complain about that! So different than I-Man or FAB ever were!!!!

FAB got over her cold…although she still has a runny nose….we all do, except for Hubby. Yep, even Baby. She is “snorty” as we call her right now because she snorts a lot. Boy does she hate that nasal aspirator! But then, I wouldn’t like it very much either! Bless her heart. Her eyes are watery and her nose is stuffy…but other than that, she doesn’t seem much worse for the wear. Hopefully that continues. I am feeling fine…..still taking some pain meds, but slowly coming off of them.

Umm…what else happened this week? Umm…well, I am the home room mom for I-Man’s class. His Halloween Party is on Tuesday. Well…..it has been like PULLING TEETH to get parents to call me back to commit to sending items in with their kids and the Mom that I was supposed to recruit to be at the party with me….well, she took over 2 weeks to call me back and then told me that she couldn’t do it. Well, of course then it was too late to find another Mom to do it….so I am making Hubby do it with me. We are going to take the girls to my Aunt’s house for a few hours and he is doing the Halloween Party with me. That should be interesting! So, luckily there are only 2 more parties this year….but the kicker is that these parents actually SIGNED UP to bring items or to attend the parties….but now they won’t even call me back! Talk about frustrating!!!!

Umm…I have been shopping a lot this week. I just needed to get out of the house! Monday, we all (yep…all 5 of us!) went to The Children’s Place and got lots of clothes for the kids (5 long-sleeved shirts for I-Man, 3 long-sleeved body-suits for FAB and a Halloween costume for FAB) all for $60! I LOVE that place. Then on Wednesday, Hubby kept the Girls and I had lunch with KK. That was wonderful!!! I miss her so much! There is so much going on at work….we had a great lunch! Then on Thursday, I took both girls to Old Time Pottery and Hancock Fabrics. Oh, and we had lunch at Chick-f-Le. That was fun! FAB got to play while I fed Baby….and I talked to a few other Moms. We are going to do that more often! Then Friday night, the girls and I went to the Mall! FAB did great…and Baby slept the whole time! So, I am SO thankful for the double stroller that my mom got me. It is GREAT! OH…and we went for several walks this week with it too. I just NEED to get out of the house every day or I will go crazy!

Umm….today, FIL called and wanted to come over….well, Hubby wasn’t here, but I said okay anyways. I am glad I did…we actually had a nice visit…he and his wife and me. The kids actually all did pretty good with them too. Hubby came home while they were still here….so it was nice. Guess what….totally not related, but Hubby told me today that his mom has already told him that we don’t need to worry about doing anything with her on Christmas Day because she is going out of town with her boyfriend, to his family. Interesting. Well, that makes things easier for us….but I hate it for his sisters. We are going to invite them to do something with us….I feel bad for them! And I told Hubby that I don’t ever want her to throw anything about how much time we spend with my family on the holidays if she is going to go away with her boyfriend. She never ceases to amaze me.

Umm…well, I have the best Hubby in the world. When I was at lunch with KK, she mentioned that she and two of my other friends from work are going to Belterra (a nice hotel and casino) on Sunday and staying overnight and then coming back on Monday. Well, I just mentioned it to Hubby when I got home and he told me that I should go. He then figured out all the details of the kids and everything and kept insisting that I should go because I need a little “me” time and I don’t get to do anything like this ever…so I feel a bit like a bad Mom for leaving my 3 week old baby….and all three kids with my Hubby….but I am going! So, we are leaving tomorrow at 2:30 and will be home on Monday afternoon. I am REALLY looking forward to it! I know we will have a blast! We won’t get much sleep…but we will have fun! I also know that I will worry about the kids and Hubby…..but I do need this little break….and Hubby insisted!!!!

Well, I better get off here and go check on dinner. I have been making dinner nearly every night this week! I think Hubby is getting used to it! I keep telling him that if I can go back to work part-time, I could cook dinner every night! I am still working on him about that. Actually, KK told me that I should propose a “flexible schedule” to my boss….tell him that I will work 7:00 – 2:00 in the office and then be hooked up at home from 3:00 – 5:00. That way I am still full-time, but I am also able to pick up I-Man every day from school. We’ll see. My work is pretty big on “flexible scheduling”…but who knows what Stinky Pete will say.

Well, I will talk to you all later! I hope I win lots of money at the casino….but really, how much can you win on nickel slot machines? LOL Love and prayers to all!!!!

I don't like titles either!!!!

Well...I really don't have a lot to talk about...but I am a little bored, so I thought I would post and update you all on my boring life! I said in Kelley's comments the other day that I feel like that Suave commercial...the invisible mom syndrome. I think I changed 4 poopy diapers today....not counting the many wet diapers. So, I definitely think that FAB and I are going to seriously tackle potty training in the next few weeks. I am going to give us a little more time of getting used to having Baby around, but then we are going to tackle this while I am home on Maternity Leave. She is 27 months old and it is time....I hope she agrees!!!

So, let's see! Friday...was a good day. I felt much better. I had FAB and Baby all morning and then when Hubby got home from work (he only worked half a day), I went and got my nails done really quick. Then when I got back, my parents were here and Dad went and got I-Man from school while Mom and I sat and talked. Then Mom and Dad went and got a new car and then came back to show it to us and visit with the kids for a bit. Hubby left for the men's retreat....more on that later. Then MIL came and picked up FAB and I-Man. So, Baby and I headed out to go shopping! I needed some things at Wal-Mart....so she and I headed there and then we went to Kohls to get a gift card for Mom for her birthday. What do you buy a woman who has everything? So, I just got her a gift card so she could pick out her own gift. Then we came home and enjoyed our evening together. Actually....she was awake later than normal and she woke up twice in the night. More than she usually does, of course since Hubby wasn't here to help!!!

So, then Saturday morning I got up before MIL was bringing the kids back so that I could take a shower in peace. She dropped the kids off and we had a fine day. Actually, FAB started going down hill. She has a cold and you know how usually you have one or two bad days with a cold? Well, Saturday was her bad day. My Dad came by for about an hour to visit with the kids...oh, and me too...LOL....then the kids took naps. Then Mom came over to visit before she went back to Kentucky....then Hubby came home. He was only home for about 2 hours....time enough to give all the kids baths and a little snuggle time....then he headed out to PT practice. He had to go an hour early since he is singing at the Heritage service too. Well, he took I-Man with him....then about 6:40, they both walked in....he brought I-Man home and was going back to PT practice. He was frustrated......but enough about that.

SO, that is about it for Saturday. It was a good day....except for FAB not feeling well. She is doing better now....but yesterday was rough. But anyways, my first day with all three kids went well and it was really not a big deal. I would've taken them to the park if FAB had been feeling better. I did fight back tears when my Mom left....she asked me if I was going to cry and I almost did...but then I started laughing with her about how much I bawled when she left after I-Man was born....I thought I had it tough then...with one baby! Geesh! Really, then it was more the fear of the unknown....but still. I am going to miss having her close...but I knew she had to go home at some point!

So, um.....the Men's Retreat. It sounds like they had a good time...but Hubby was a little disappointed. He really opened up a lot to me and talked.....we have certainly gotten much closer with this new baby....funny how that happens. Anyways, he was a little disappointed because he was really looking forward to some "male bonding time" and some real open and honest sharing time.....but I guess that didn't really happen. I guess it was hard for that to happen because some of the youth came. Not that that was a bad thing, but it did prohibit some of the "bonding" that Hubby was looking for.....that I think he is needing right now. He did share that they talked about their biggest fears in life...and he told me that he shared that he was scared that he was going to end up like his Dad and his Grandpa.....both cheated on their wives and walked out on their families. I knew that that worried him....but he had never actually come right out and told me that. I reassured him that I am much meaner than his mom or his grandma and if he did that, I would just cut it off....so he better not do that! Of course I was joking with him....but it was good for us to talk about it. I felt bad for him that he didn't get out of the retreat what he was hoping to. I know that I have gone to retreats or things like that sometimes and not had the experience I was hoping for either. But ....they had a good time and it was the first time they have ever done that kind of thing together and I hope it is the first of many! The guys at our church....all ages....need to come together and unite to make us stronger....just as the women do! On a funny note....it was a very cold night for camping!!!! I worried about him all night! I sure missed him at home!

Let's see....so today....the girls and I didn't go to church. FAB was feeling better when she woke up...but we weren't sure how she would be....so we decided to just stay home. The boys went to church....us girls just hung out here and played and stuff. I made lunch....the boys came home and we ate and then took naps....and then we went to choir practice. It was nice to get out of the house and have some adult conversation. We got the kids to bed and then Hubby went to Men's Group. Now I am watching some of my favorite shows......not much else going on!

OH! I spoke to KK on Friday......you will never guess this! Stinky Pete called her into his office on Friday morning and was BAWLING. HE WAS CRYING...he is a broken man and feels so bad for what he has put her through and is extremely worried about losing me. I couldn't believe it when she told me that. And then....today, my cell phone rang and it was HIM! I didn't answer it. But he left me a message and he and his wife and daugthers want to come over to my house to see Baby. I don't know what I am going to do.....I don't want them at my house, but how do I say no?!??!!? I am going to call and leave him a message....who knows what is going to happen with that. How weird.

Well....I guess I am gonna go. Tomorrow we have Baby's 2 week check-up....and then I get to go pick I-Man up from school for the first time in a few weeks. I am much stronger physically...so I need to start walking and get rid of this baby weight! (I was wearing regular jeans at choir practice tonight!!!!) I had decided to take myself off of all of my pain meds today....but that didn't last. I still need some of them. But I am out of the vicodin, I have one refill left, but I am going to try to just take the motrin. Aren't you glad I shared that?

Okay...I am rambling now. I hope you all have a great Monday and I will talk to you later! Love and hugs to you all!!!!

I am Alive!!!

Well, I am still alive…I have just not been myself this week. Imagine that?!?! Let’s see. I can update you on my week because there hasn’t been that much excitement!

Sunday…we had a good night with Baby (my new name for her…since she is my baby!) so we all got up and got ready for church. Hubby and the kids were going to Sunday School and then Hubby was coming home to get Baby and me. Well, about the time I was ready to fix my hair, our power went out! That was a bummer. I almost didn’t go to church…but it came back on and I was able to get ready. My hair still looked like crap because I was trying to fix it without power and blah, blah, blah. Anyways! So, Hubby came home and got me and Baby and took us to church. She slept through her entire first visit to church. My parents came…that was wonderful for me! So, right before the service began, my mom leans over to me and says: “Okay, you can hold her until the singing starts because she is your baby and you earned that right. But once the music starts, you need to hand her over to me.” I just laughed because my poor mom has had such little baby time because she has helped me so much with the other two….and it was just so funny coming from her. So, I, like a good daughter, handed her over! My mom just enjoyed holding her. There is something about seeing my parents with my kids that just melts my heart and brings back so many good memories. I really have the best parents in the whole world…right Sister???? So, the service was good and then afterwards…even though the sermon was on gluttony…we went to Ryans. That is where we have gone to dinner after each “first service” for all three of my kids. The only difference is that usually MIL and SILs are there….but they weren’t at church on Sunday…so they missed out. Priorities. But, I won’t get into that. Actually…I don’t blame SIL. She has her hands full with working more than a full-time job and taking care of Little B all by herself. So, if she over-slept and missed church, I am not going to give her a hard time. MIL, is another story. But again, I won’t go into that. SO! After dinner, we came home and took naps. It was nice…very nice! Actually, I don’t think I slept very long. I spent time playing and talking with I-Man while the girls were sleeping. OH, Hubby’s family was supposed to have a get-together, but that got cancelled at the last minute. So, he called SIL to make sure she knew…and he invited her over. He said she sounded like she could use some company when he talked to her. So, she came over and stayed for a while. That Little B looks so big next to Baby!!! She (SIL) is really doing so great with him. We are so proud of her. Anways….so it was time for choir practice…and I (severe over share alert) actually felt like I had to go poop ….so since it had been a week since I had last done that, I skipped choir practice. I felt so much better after going to the bathroom. I know that is TMI, but I was in pain!!! So, Hubby came home (he had taken the two big kiddos with him) and we got them in bed and then I went to women’s group for a little bit. It was nice to be out of the house and talk to my Girls for a bit. I didn’t get to visit with SQ or Minnie very much, but it was nice to go and have some girl talk for a while!!!

So, that was my excitement for the week….no, seriously! Monday….just stayed home with Baby and FAB. My mom picked up I-Man from school and then took FAB and I-Man until it was their bed-time. She did the same thing on Tuesday.

Wednesday….my mom and I got out of the house! She came over and picked up FAB, Baby and me and we went to visit my Grandma so she could see her newest Great-Granddaughter and the one that was born on her birthday. She held her and just stared at her. It was very sweet. We didn’t stay long…she smokes and her house is very smoky…so it isn’t good for any of us…especially Baby. But my Grandma was thrilled that we brought Baby over for her to hold and see. I am glad we did that. Then we went and my mom looked at a house in Fairborn….the girls and I stayed in the van. She didn’t like it, so she wasn’t in there very long. Then we went to lunch at Logans! That was very, very yummy!!! Baby slept most of the time…she woke up at the end to eat. FAB was very good. She has this shirt that looks like a big pumpkin (jack-o-lantern) and I think every waiter/waitress there had to stop and tell her how cute of a pumpkin she was. She is a ham! It was nice lunch with Mom and the girls!!! Then we came home and I was exhausted! That is the most I had done in a while. Mom got I-Man from school and then she went home. I got FAB to take a nap and I-Man and I colored and then he let me take a bit of a nap too. Hubby didn’t work late, so he was home for dinner…oh, and his other sister came to see Baby for the first time. She is a little odd….but she really loves her nieces and nephews and they love her. It is just a shame that her roommate and her are raising her roommate’s niece and nephew….they get more attention from SIL than my kids do…and somehow, she thinks that is our fault. I guess she doesn’t get that we are responsible parents and don’t want other people raising our kids. I don’t know if that made sense, but oh well.

So, that brings us to Wednesday night/Thursday. Well, Baby is really a wonderful baby! She only cries when you change her diaper. Other than that, she doesn’t cry (yet…I know that will change). She just whimpers to eat and that is about it. So, she is great at nights…usually only wakes up once to eat. Well, I have a cold…and I was up hacking most of Wednesday night. So, between my coughing and then feeding Baby….I didn’t sleep much at all. So, I was not feeling good on Thursday morning. I just felt horrible…and then the crying started again. OH, and I over-dosed myself on some of my pain medicine…took it sooner than I was supposed to…so I was in pretty bad shape. I finally called my Mom and through my tears, asked her if it was okay if Hubby took FAB to her house. She said of course…but wanted to ask me more questions about how I was feeling…which only made me cry more! So, Hubby took FAB to her house and then came back and took Baby and I FINALLY slept for about 2 hours. I woke up feeling a bit better….but still couldn’t stop crying. Hubby just held me and let me cry for the longest time…but he doesn’t understand why I just can’t stop crying and why I can’t explain why I am crying. He gets frustrated because he can’t fix it. So, Speedy called to check on me…and it was all I could do to not cry when I was talking to her. Sister called…and again, I had to fight back tears. I just sat and cried and cried. It is so frustrating!!!! So, Mom picked up I-Man from school and took them back to her house for a while. I was glad because I didn’t want him or FAB to see me like that. By the time she brought them home, I was feeling better and more in control. She brought us dinner…how wonderful of her! Hubby came home and we ate and then headed out to Small Group. I almost didn’t go…but I thought it would be good for me to get out of the house. Plus, I needed more pads, so I needed Hubby to take me to the store to get those. I would just have him buy them, but he never buys the right kind! LOL Well, Small Group was good. I started crying again at prayer time, because Hubby asked for prayers for me….but I was able to control it better. Again, I hate feeling out of control. So, we got home, got the kids to bed and watched Survivor…then I went to bed.

Last night was better….I didn’t cough nearly as much….and I had a long “talk” with God and myself last night. I just lay there in bed and was praying and realized that I have so much to be grateful for. God has given me way more blessings than I deserve. I mean, seriously, I have an awesome Christian husband who loves me and takes great care of me and our kids….I have three beautiful kids….I have a wonderful family who loves me and my husband and my kids….I have wonderful friends….and that isn’t even counting the material blessings that God provides for us. I need to stop feeling sorry for myself and take it one minute, one hour, one day at a time. I am not going to be the world’s greatest mother overnight. I am going to have tough times with my three kids….but God doesn’t give us more than we can handle and I can handle this! So, I woke up in a much better state of mind this morning. It is already a much better day. I have had FAB and Baby all morning and FAB has been so sweet today. She must’ve sensed that she was rotten yesterday and that she needed to go easier on Mommy today. My Mom is going to pick I-Man up from school and then I think her and Dad are going to spend a little bit of time with us. Then MIL is picking up the two big kids and they are spending the night with her. Hubby is going to the Men’s Retreat at church. So, it will be just me and Baby tonight. Then tomorrow, MIL is dropping the kids off at 9:00 and it will be my first day with all three of the kids!!! So, say a little prayer for me tomorrow! I am feeling stronger (physically) every day….so I know I can do it. I just hope the kids are having a good day tomorrow! MIL was supposed to keep them most of the day, but her plans changed. I just talked to my mom and she said that she could help out some tomorrow afternoon after the funeral (one of her aunt’s died). But I know she is anxious to get home to Kentucky, so I am going to try to do it by myself!!! Again, I know I can do it…I just hope I have a good night tonight and I feel as good or better than I feel today!

Well, so you are up-to-date on my exciting week! I told you that not much happened! I am sure I will cry again tomorrow when my Mom goes home….just the security that she was so close by if I needed her has been nice. I cried both times she left before (when I had I-Man and FAB too). This is just one of those times in my life when I really need my mom! Her birthday is this weekend….I need to figure out a nice gift to get her!!!! She has done so much for my family over the past few weeks. God has blessed me beyond words.

Well…..I love you all and have been “lurking” to get caught up on everyone. Our computer was out of commission for a few days this week, so I got behind. Love and prayers!!!!

Home!!!

Well, we are all home! All 5 of us! Little G and I got released from the hospital on Thursday morning. I should back up and say that Hubby decided to stay at the hospital with me on Wednesday night. We decided that we missed each other too much when he went home, so he stayed with me. Isn't he sweet?!!? For some reason, my emotional reaction to this baby has been that I don't want Hubby to leave me. Silly, I know...but I just cry when he leaves. But then...now....I am crying at everything...but more about that in a minute.

So, Thursday morning...my doctor came in and went over all my discharge stuff....we got out of there by 10:45! I was very impressed. So, Hubby and I got Little G in the van and headed home. My mom and FAB met us there. FAB was so sweet and just wanted to hold Little G. So, Mom left and it was just the four of us for a bit. FAB and Little G sat in our big recliner together and watched cartoons. It was very sweet. Then we all went to take naps....FAB never went to sleep, but she was quiet and good so we all could sleep for a bit. Then Hubby and FAB went to pick I-Man up from school. He came home and we had some nice family time for a while. I-Man had a bad day at school...he ended up on blue (it goes, green then yellow then blue)...so not good. But we didn't scold him too much because it was a rough week for him! MIL ended up coming over with Little B and she brought dinner for us. Then later my mom came and brought dessert....New Mommy showed up....then my mom took the kids (I-Man and FAB) to her house for the evening. MIL left soon after and then SIL left soon after that. And we were alone for our first night at home!!!

Little G did pretty good for her first night. I was afraid that we were going to have to wake her up to feed her...because she was sleeping so much. But that was not the case. She woke up every 3 hours to eat. At the 2nd feeding, she just didn't want to go back to sleep. In fact, I am not sure she ever did. I think Hubby ended up getting up with her and feeding her again and then putting her back to bed. So, it wasn't too bad. The second night was worse...but I think that is just because I was more tired. My body just has to get back in the routine of getting up every few hours. But Hubby helps a lot too....he can since I am not breastfeeding.

So, on Friday....not much happened! My mom brought the kids over for lunch...so we all had lunch together (well, not Hubby because he had to go to work). They didn't stay very long and then Little G and I just took it easy all afternoon. We dozed off and just relaxed. Hubby got home from work and really ended up working on his computer most of the night...but he was home! Mom brought the kids back over for a little bit....my Dad came over for a few minutes when he got in town...and then they left again for the evening.

Last night (although I was more tired) was a good night for Little G. Hubby fed her at 10:15 and then put her in her cradle. She slept until 2:30! I got up and fed her 4 ounces....she didn't want to go back to sleep right away (she had the hiccups, so I don't think she could've anyways), so I just sat and rocked her...dozing a bit...until she fell asleep around 4:00. Then she got up to eat again at 6:15. I ended up staying up because we had to tak her to her check-up appointment at 8:30 anyways. She weighs 8 pounds 5 ounces, so that is good! The nurse said they are supposed to be back to their birth weight by 2 weeks, ummmm...that shouldn't be a problem! She isn't jaundiced AT ALL! Isn't that great!?!?! So, the appointment was great. We left there and ran by the pharmacy to pick up a few things and then came home. That was the most I had been "out" since we had her on Monday!

We got home and ate a quick breakfast before Little G needed to eat. Hubby had to go to work and then Sister and Buford showed up!!! Sister was so excited to see Little G. She just kept taking pictures and "oohing" and "ahhing" over her! We both agreed that looking at Little G is not like looking at a new baby because she looks so much like I-Man did when he was a baby! It is very uncanny. So, Sister and Buford and I sat and talked for a while...then Mom and Dad came over with the kiddos. I-Man and Buford took off to hunt for fleas (they went to the Flea Market...LOL). Mom, Jodi, Dad, FAB, Little G and I just took it easy around here and enjoyed the company. Mom gave Little G her first sponge bath...and we just had a great day.

Well, then I started to get really tired and sore and emotional. I just can't put it all into words. I got this way with both of the other kids....so I knew it was coming, but it just kinda hit me all at once....where I cry for no reason...or for so many resasons that I can't put into words why it is that I am crying. I feel bad because I can't handle all of my kids yet...I mean, I just had a pretty major surgery...so, it is normal that I am sore and recovering and all of that..but I feel like a bad mom. I feel bad because my mom has put her life on hold for me and my family....I feel bad because I can't pick up FAB and give her the attention she was used to having....I feel bad because I can't do much around the house...I feel bad because....I could just go on and on and on! I just can't stop crying and I also can't really put into words why I am crying! So, I was an emotional mess as Sister and Buford and my parents were leaving. I just went and took a nap!

I woke up still emotional...but I know this is just part of it. It will probably get worse before it gets better....the joy of hormones!!!!! However, FAB and I-Man are sound asleep in their own beds for the first time this week. That makes me feel good. I love that my Mom has kept them for us all week....but I also love having them home. I just can't handle them by myself yet....

SO! Enough about all of that! I am pretty sure that Little G and I are going to church tomorrow...unless something happens and we have a really bad night. I am not going to let anyone hold her (except family) because she is just too little to be passed around yet. But we are going to be there! I need to get out of the house and feel somewhat normal. I don't know about choir or women's group yet. I don't want to over-do it and then pay for it on Monday. So, we will see!

Well...I guess that is enough rambling for one night. I am glad to be home...glad that Sister and Buford met Little G today....just pray for my "baby blues" as my Mom calls them. Really it is just getting my hormones under control.....but it is a pain in the meantime!!!

Love and prayers to all!!!!