Saturday, September 30, 2006

8 Days To Go!!!

Hello Ladies! I hope everyone is enjoying this lovely weekend! I can’t believe that tomorrow is October 1st!!! On one hand, this year has crept by…mostly the past few weeks as I have been anticipating the arrival of Little G. But on the other hand, man time sure flies as I get older! I can’t believe that we are nearing the end of another year…and that the holidays will be upon us soon….and WOW!

Let’s see….this has been a relatively un-eventful week. Ummm…I-Man had a good week in school. He stayed “in the green” (behavior chart) all week in his AM Kindergarten class, but had one day “in the yellow” in his afternoon program. He was talking to his friends and not following the teacher’s instructions…big surprise! That night, Hubby and I were talking to him and we were telling him that we understand how hard it is to not talk to your friends when you want to, but we have to learn to control our tongues. Bless his heart, he comes by it honestly! Oh, there was a book fair and ice cream social at his school one night….we went and you would’ve thought he was in a parade. He was just waving at people and kids were saying HI to him left and right. One mom was like…”OH, that is I-Man.” Very funny. At one point, Hubby and I were talking to a girl that Hubby went to school with…we turn around and I-Man was on the other side of the cafeteria talking to a girl and her family. We went over to meet them and they are our kiddy-corner backyard neighbors. It was nice to talk to them…they have 3 girls and the mom seems very nice. She wants to get I-Man and FAB together with her girls to play. There aren’t many young kids in our neighborhood….most of them are a bit older than I-Man. So, that was a fun thing to go to. It was neat to see I-Man in his element!!! He is such a little ham!

FAB has been her normal “diva-self” this week. She can be so sweet and loving one minute and then such a little diva the next! She is just very stubborn…I don’t know where she gets that from!!! We took her to my aunt’s house on Monday & Tuesday and she had fun with that. We were going to take her there on Friday too, but that was the day of my Great-Aunt’s funeral. So, that didn’t work out. But she has fun at her house…so I think we are going to take her there a few days this week too.

Hubby’s flexible schedule has come in really handy this week!!! Monday, he took I-Man to the last Red’s game. They had fun. Tuesday, after working for a few hours in the morning, he was able to help HBM and Elvis pack up their stuff. He actually worked all day until late evening on Wednesday. Thursday, he didn’t work at all because we took the van into the shop, had to get I-Man picked up from school and then to the doctor and then the thing at I-Man’s school and then I had the viewing to go to. Friday, he worked a bit in the morning and then came home so I could go to the funeral. So, he had to work today…but he still had a good (money-making) week and didn’t have to work too much! This job has really been a blessing for us…and this week was great proof of that!!!

Yeah, so we took I-Man to the doctor because his horrible cough has been going on for quite a while again. This is the first time we have been to his new pediatrician about this cough…but had been to the other doctor NUMEROUS times about it. I LOVE his new pediatrician. She just sat and talked to me about it for a very long time and really listened to me. Well, we left there with a prescription for an anti-biotic, because he did have some sinus-nasal goop going on…and an inhaler. That night, we gave him his first dose of the inhaler and he didn’t cough once. Not ONCE! Now…on one hand, we were like…Praise the Lord…a night without a violent coughing spell and getting him up to get sick and all that fun stuff….but on the other hand, we were like…oh crap, that means it probably is asthma! But, the good news is…it isn’t severe….and he could always out-grow it! So, we go back to the doctor for a follow-up next Friday to see if they will just continue us on the inhaler or if they want to do breathing treatments or what. But, last night he was at my parent’s house and he didn’t cough at all…and so far tonight, no coughing. So, that is a great, great thing!!! Hubby would sit up and do chest percussions on him to open up his lungs and I would just cry because there was nothing I could do to help my baby. I actually shared that with the doctor and she seemed to totally understand what I was saying.

Let’s see…what else has happened this week? The viewing and funeral for my Great-Aunt was very nice. She was 87 and lived such a long and happy life. It is always nice to see family….not under those circumstances…but it was kinda neat. After the funeral, the family wanted everyone to meet at Marian’s Piazza. It was odd…at first, but then we heard that it was what she had told her son that she wanted everyone to do. It was her favorite pizza place….it is pretty unique in the area….and she wanted everyone to celebrate her life and enjoy the time together. So, it was nice to do that.

Umm…sleeping is still an issue for me because I am just horribly uncomfortable. I only have 9 more nights to endure until Little G is here! I guess I can make it! Trying to figure out what we are going to do with I-Man and FAB while I am in the hospital is no fun. We can’t count on MIL to help…who knows what her plans are. I hate to rely totally on my mom…but don’t know what else to do! My dad is going to be here on Monday…the day she is born…but I don’t know what the rest of the week is going to look like for us. I just don’t know! I am stressing over that…I know it will all work out, but not knowing exactly the plan is killing me.

Oh, my friend from high school – Molly – she had her baby on Thursday night. She named him Haden and he is a little guy! He weighed 7.3 pounds and was only 19 inches long. They are both doing really good….so that is exciting!

Well, I guess that is about it. I can’t think of anything else that happened that was terribly exciting. Only one more week to “rest” until the reality of having 3 kids settles in! I hope we can handle it!

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and a good week! I will “talk” to you soon! Love ya!

Monday, September 25, 2006

3 Months Until Christmas!!!

Hello Ladies! I don’t think I have a lot to say….but I feel like typing (does anyone else ever feel that way?)…probably since I am off work and getting bored…it is something to do! So, I thought I would post!

Let’s see….not much has happened since last week. That’s the way it goes since I am supposed to be “resting”. Anyone who knows me, knows how hard that is for me….really, really hard. But I am trying!!!

So, Friday….didn’t rest much! LOL! New Mommy is having some major car trouble. So, I had to go pick her up at her house and then take her and Little B to the babysitter and then take her to work. Not a big deal… but Hubby had to do it again today and I am doing it again tomorrow! At least Wednesday, she only has to work a few hours, so I am just gonna watch Little B here at our house…so not so much driving! Anyways…so I did that on Friday morning. Then I went to Target (with FAB) and exchanged a shirt that I-Man got for his birthday. I am surprised they did it for me…I had no receipt and they are the worst about returns/exchanges. But they did! I picked up a few other odds and ends and then I called my Mom to see if she wanted to go to breakfast….and then we picked her up and went to Crackerbarrel for brunch. That was very nice!! Oh! Except for the fact that FABulous threw a ROYAL fit when it was time to leave. She can be such a little DIVA!!! So, we left there and went to Wal-mart…I got the mobile for Little G…and a few other things…and then I was pretty much done for the day! We dropped Mom off at her house and FAB and I went home to rest until it was time to pick I-Man up from school. We got him and then we all (Hubby included) pretty much came back here and took naps! It was such a dreary day…the perfect day for naps! Then, when we got up, the kids and I headed over to Mom’s to wait for Sister to arrive! We ended up going to Cici’s pizza and we weren’t at the house when she got there…but we had fun when we got all together!!! She bought I-Man this cute game for his birthday…we played that…and then we played the game that Minnie got I-Man…he loves that game and so did Mom and Sister! The kids were really in rare form….so I was kinda glad to leave them with Mom and Sister and go home…I went straight to bed!!!

Now…sleeping has become quite an ordeal for me. Something about the way that Little G is laying makes my legs HURT all the time. So, I am not getting much sleep. I usually sleep for a few hours in bed…then go to the recliner for a few hours…then back to bed. And it takes me forever to get to sleep each time….so not a lot of sleep for me. I can’t even explain how bad my legs hurt. Enough whining, I know….

So, Saturday morning…I got up and got ready for the day and headed over to Mom’s. Sister and I took the kids to the new Old Tyme Pottery that just opened here. It was crowded with rude people….but I still love that store!!! I had to go to the Customer Service desk TWICE on our short trip. Once because FAB had been holding my Vera Bradley change purse thingy and she dropped it. Luckily someone found it and turned it in. And then twice because they charged me for Sister’s rug (they charged her too). But anyways….LOVE that place. I need to go back and buy this thing I almost bought but didn’t How’s that for vague?!?!

So, Sister and I decided to just go ahead and meet Mom at the family reunion we were going to. So, we headed to Fairborn (about 20 minutes away) and stopped at Krogers to get some stuff to take….we were ready to leave and be ON TIME to the reunion, when Sister came and told me that we had to go back to Kettering because her car was blocking Mom from getting out of the garage!!! LOL It wasn’t a big deal because we really weren’t late to the reunion anyways…..it was rather comical.

So, the funny thing….Roomiestar was at my family reunion! Turns out that her finance and I are related! His dad and my mom are first cousins! His grandma and my grandpa were brother and sister. What a small world?!?! She was just as surprised to see me there!!! Her ring is beautiful!!!

I left the reunion and dashed home to get FAB to take a nap…and then we had to wake her up and head off to the Praisefest! It was a really great evening of worship. I got guilted in to singing two songs with Uncle Poncho and Queen. It was actually very nice….I about died of heat….but it was nice to sing with them. We practiced 5 minutes before we went on stage….talk about impromptu! But it was a great evening of worship. I enjoyed hearing Queen’s group sing and then of course hearing our group sing (the PT)….it was nice. And we had a nice little turn-out from our church there. So, it was a very nice evening!!! We left there and came home and gave the kids baths and put them to bed…and then I took a shower and crashed….well, again….sleep is a relative term these days!!!

Sunday…I vowed not to cry too much…and I didn’t! I just focused on really enjoying this last Sunday with HBM, Elvis and Pita Pocket…and I did…even though HBM made me cry at one point….I held it together the rest of the time! I am just so excited for them….I don’t want to damper it or make it any harder for them! We really enjoyed lunch after church with them and Pepto….even with FAB’s fit at the end….and Pepto, you are welcome for the birth control! Anytime you need another dose…I will lend you FABulous!!! Hubby and I-Man dropped us girls off at home while they went to the birthday party for Sight Sing’s son. FAB and I both took naps….then we got up and Hubby had straightened up the garage…and I put the new bouncy seat together and had Hubby bring the swing in….I wanted to have those two things ready for having Little B here on Wednesday. Then we went to choir practice, but no one was there to watch the kids…so I just came home. My kids do not sit well during stuff like that…so I didn’t feel like fighting that battle! They went to bed pretty early and that left me the evening to myself to knit, read and watch TV. Resting is pretty boring!!!

So, today…more of the same! I actually did rest some today! Hubby took FAB to my Aunt’s house….he and I-Man went to the Red’s game after I-Man got out of Kindergarten…and I just rested! I did some stuff (vacuumed, dusted, laundry) but for the most part…I didn’t do much! I went to the doctor…my blood pressure is about the same….not much else to report.

So….that is about all that is going on here! Tomorrow I am going to meet KK for lunch…that will be nice! I miss her so much! But other than that, not much to do tomorrow either!

Only 2 more weeks until Little G is here!!! I am getting very excited to meet her! I can’t wait to see what she looks like…who she looks like…if she has any hair…if she has red hair…all that fun stuff! OH! Hubby’s aunt dropped of my shirts today! I bought long-sleeve shirts for all three of the kids and she embroidered them for me….I-Man’s says “I’m the BIG Brother!”. FAB’s says…”I’m the BIG Sister!” And Little G’s says…”I’m the LITTLE Sister!”. They turned out so cute and I can’t wait to get a picture of my three angels in them. That sounds so weird…I can’t believe that in 2 weeks I am going to be the mother of THREE!!! OH MY!

Well, I am sure you are bored to tears! I hope you all have a great Tuesday and I will talk to you soon!!! Please remember my Grandma in your prayers….her sister passed away today. She was nearly 90…and she lived a very full life…but I am sure it is hard on my Grandma to lose her sister!!! I also do not think that my great-aunt was a Christian…so that is sad. She was a wonderful person…I am glad that Mom and I went to visit her a few weeks ago. She was always a bundle of energy…so lying in a nursing home wasn’t living anyways….but her family will miss her terribly.

Love you all!!!!

Thursday, September 21, 2006

It's been a few days....

Hello Ladies! I am sorry that I have been such a stranger. I knew that when I was at home full time that I would not be a very good journaler! It was easier at work because I stared at a computer all day! At home, I am not good at sitting down in front of the computer. Not that I am really busy or anything…just don’t sit at the computer too much!

So, what have I been up to? Let’s see….not a whole lot really! Well, Sunday was hard for me. I had not gotten emotional at all about HBM and Elvis leaving….but when I walked into the sanctuary on Sunday and they were already singing…I just started crying and I pretty much cried off and on the entire service! Then when K-Dog read the announcement, I really started crying. I wouldn’t even go up to HBM at the end of the service because I didn’t want to cry on her shoulder. I am very happy for them…but it is bittersweet…ya know?!?!

So, we went out to lunch with MIL and both SIL’s and Little B on Sunday. That was nice. We don’t all get together very often, so it was nice to do that. We went to Tumbleweed and we had HORRIBLE service. I don’t usually complain, but I was even upset. So, the manager actually switched our waitress….I think our first one might’ve gotten fired. That is how bad it really was. So, lunch was nice. Then I-Man and I went to K-Mart and got a shower present for the girl at our church. I had kinda forgotten about it. So, we got a present and then went home. I wrapped it really quickly and then ran out the door to the shower. It was fun….and I am really glad I went. It was one of those things that I really didn’t want to go, but felt like I should….so I am very glad I did. It was fun.

Women’s group was fun that night. I got to talk to Many Kids a lot and that was nice. I just really cannot imagine what they are going through every day with Sweet Lucy….but it is amazing to me how strong Many Kids is. I don’t know if I would be like that if I were dealing with all the stuff she is dealing with. Detergent has been a very good friend to her through all of this….I really know…I mean, it is obvious, that God put Many Kids and her family at our church and in Detergent’s life at just the right time. And Beef is doing some great things with her oldest son, who is really taking this hard. So, it is neat to see God’s hand in all of this turmoil in their lives.

Monday…I went to the doctor and my blood pressure was about the same….and I found out that I am dilated 1. Now, I knew that I had been having contractions…and I had them a lot on Monday evening and again all day on Tuesday. I haven’t had many since then. But….I think I got to about 2 or 3 by myself with I-Man and that was about it. So, not really that big of a deal. Gracie is not head-down yet….but it doesn’t really matter since I am having a c-section anyways!

Umm…one day, it was Wednesday, my mom and I went to Babies-R-Us and Target and I bought some stuff with my gift certificate. I bought some crib shits, some cradle sheets, a bumper bad for my cradle, a new bouncey seat, a sleep positioner and umm…Oh! I got one of those bling pacifiers at Target. So stinking cute!!! Just got some stuff that I still needed to get for Gracie! Last night, Hubby moved the crib mattress up and I got the crib all ready. I still need to go to Wal-mart and buy a mobile. They have a butterfly one that I want…..and it is MUCH cheaper at Wal-Mart than it is at Babies-R-Us. So….once I get that (probably tomorrow), the crib will be all ready.

One night this week, I-Man woke up at 5:15 because he had pee’d the bed. Well, after I got up and changed his sheets, I couldn’t go back to sleep. So, I got up and went out to the garage and did some cleaning/organizing/pitching. Probably not the best idea….oh, it was Tuesday. I think that might be why I had contractions all day. So, I also went to Meijer that day and got some stuff to organize the toys in their rooms. I just get so sick of the clutter!!! So, I did that on Tuesday. There is still so much that needs to be organized/pitched/cleaned…but I can’t do much at once….so, it might have to wait. But I do feel better about I-Man’s room and the garage. Today, Hubby took some stuff to Once Upon a Child and made some money….then he took the rest to the Goodwill. There is still a lot to be purged in the garage….but baby steps, right?

Umm…I-Man has had a great week at school! We (Hubby and I) have kinda been bums this week! After I-Man goes to school, we go back to bed (while FAB is playing or jumping on us or watching Dora….) for a while. I guess I should just enjoy it for right now. But that is hard for me to do. I feel guilty if I am not up and ready by 9:00 or so. But…that has not been happening!!! Well, and Hubby has been sick this week. He had a pretty bad cold. He is better now. I haven’t gotten it yet….so hopefully I don’t! I was telling my mom that it would be the pits if I got a cold right when I was going into the hospital. It would really stink to have to cough or sneeze a lot with my incision. So, please pray that that doesn’t’ happen!!!

Umm…I-Man really likes all of the presents he got for his birthday. He plays with them a lot! He really likes his GameBoy that we got him. My parents got him 3 games for it and he plays them a lot! So, I think that was a good gift idea!

Like I said…not a whole lot to say since I am just home all day! I try not to do too much…because on the days that I do, I start to feel really bad at night. But….Sister is coming in town tomorrow night…and Saturday is going to be a busy day…so we will see how I am feeling. I feel like I am rambling right now. Maybe that means I need to go.

Love you all and hope Josy gets to feeling better soon. I am also not the best at commenting since I am at home because sometimes it takes the comments forever to load so I can input mine. Again…rambling! Love you all!

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Rest....What is that?

Phew! For someone who is supposed to be resting….it has been a somewhat hectic few days! Not a lot going on…but then…a lot going on. If that makes sense!!! So, I officially am off work – with no laptop or ties to work at all! I went into work on Thursday and gave KK the low-down on the things she needs to do while I am gone, gave another lady the low-down on the things she needs to do…and then the last person couldn’t come into my office and her office is in the middle of nowhere, so I didn’t feel like driving there…so we just did it over the phone. And then I got the heck out of dodge! I left my laptop behind and turned my voicemail over to someone else…so besides my frequent communication with KK, I am totally removing myself from work! It was a nice feeling, actually!

So, then Friday…Hubby took I-Man to school and FAB to my aunt’s house and then he took off for work and golf….so I had the whole day to myself! I went back to sleep first of all….I don’t sleep much at night. I guess my legs hurting so badly is just one way of getting me ready for being up with Gracie at night! Then I got up and headed to Meijer to get stuff for I-Man’s treat bags for his party….cupcake papers….and hair dye for me! I got that stuff and then came back home. I got busy making cupcakes and dying my hair! Let me just tell you….my hair is VERY red. More red than I really wanted it to be…but what can ya do? I was just really trying to go darker because my roots were growing in so dark…but instead it turned out pretty red!!! Oh well! Hubby and I-Man didn’t even notice…so it must not be too bad. I-Man usually notices that!

So, needless to say, I didn’t do a good job of taking it easy on Friday. I picked I-Man up from school…we went to the Greene (the new mall) and went to Coldstone Creamery for his after-school snack and then to the Children’s Place for a few things. Then we headed to my aunt’s to get FAB…then we went to pick up Little B. His babysitter needed him picked up early so they could go out of town, so New Mommy called me and asked me if I would do it. Of course I said yes! I will go into a MIL rant in a minute…but for now, just suffice it to say that I want to help her whenever we can….and I loved the time with him!!! So, we picked him up. I was kind of a bad mommy…..Little B really needed to eat when we picked him up, but I was ready to go. So, I got him in the van and then we took off. He started wailing! SO, I let I-Man get out of his seat belt and hold his pacifier in his mouth to keep him happy. It wasn’t that long of a drive….and I-Man and FAB and I were singing to him the whole way. So sweet!

So, we got home and I fed Little B. I-Man held him for a bit and then I laid him down on our bed in a boppy pillow. Well, here is how God started preparing me for having 3 kids. FAB wanted pudding…so she was sitting at the bar eating pudding. I-Man was playing computer games and Little B was on our bed…as mentioned before. SO, FAB falls off the barstool and her mouth is bleeding and chocolate pudding is everywhere, Little B starts crying and I-Man starts yelling because he needs my help with his computer games….and then Hubby calls. I was very short with Hubby….and took care of all three. But WOWZER! Is this going to be an adventure!!!!!

So, Hubby came home and we packed up all three kids and headed to a birthday party. I just sat at a picnic table the whole time taking care of Little B while Hubby chased the kids. My back was absolutely killing me…indicating that I had over-done it for the day. But…did that make me stop? NO! I still went home (after New Mommy picked up Little B and Hubby took I-Man to a football game) and did the icing on all the cupcakes, put the party favor bags together and got everything ready for I-Man’s party today! Needless to say, I was POOPED last night! But I still didn’t sleep good. I slept about 2 hours in bed…then about 3 hours in the recliner (which isn’t good sleep) and then a bit more back in bed. My legs just hurt all the time.

So, today…the birthday party was great…a bit chaotic…but great. I hope everyone had fun. It was kind of a “do your own thing” party…because there is so much to do there. So, hopefully everyone had a good time. KK showed up with her son and then realized that we had no one to watch FAB (like I had told her we would have) and she just took FAB and our van and left! She is such a great friend!!! I guess that FAB fell asleep in the van and she just sat in Wal-Mart’s parking lot and read. What a great, great friend!!! The party coordinator did all the work….so I had fun just sitting back and watching it all. It was nice to spend some time with HBM – we just haven’t seen each other much lately! OH….when we got home from the party…we were talking to I-Man and we told him that HBM and Elvis and Pita Pocket were moving and he started crying….he said ‘But I want Pita Pocket to go to my church!!!” So cute. I explained to him how they are going to be so much closer to Pita’s grandparents and that seemed to help a little bit. But it was very cute.

SO…he got a ton of presents (and yes, Josy…he got his book in the mail today! He was so excited). I am anal about those…imagine that? And they are all already out of the boxes….not put away yet, but that won’t be long! He got some really cool presents! He loves the robot that HBM got him (it is so loud!!!) and he wanted to play the game that Minnie bought him…but we need to do that when Daddy is home to watch FAB. We have played with just about everything tonight. He and FAB played really good together for a while with a race-track thing that he got. He kept calling it “teamwork”. Really, he was just yelling at her to get his car and she would do it…but whatever!

I just can’t believe that my baby…my little boy…is going to be 5 on Monday! Time has just flown by! I love that little guy so much. I am so excited to see the kind of person he will grow up to be. I just hope that Hubby and I have done…and will do…the right things to help him to decide to be a servant of the King. That is the most important thing to me.

I am going to start crying…so let’s go to my MIL rant. Yeah, so she had told us a while back that she didn’t want to come to the Magic Castle for his birthday party. I can understand that…it was a bit chaotic. So, when I found out that my mom wasn’t coming up to watch FAB, I asked Hubby to ask MIL if she would. Well, he forgot…and I ended up seeing her before he did. Well, I also remembered that New Mommy had to work today…so she would need someone to watch Little B. So, I just asked MIL if she was watching Little B today…and she said “No, this is my weekend with Rob.” I am thinking….what???? And then she proceeds to tell me that New Mommy needs someone to pick him up early on Friday (which I did) and that she couldn’t do that either because she was already going to be leaving to go to Rob’s. Hello?!?!? He lives like 10 minutes from here….and aren’t your grandchildren more important? Apparently not. So, I just dropped it and didn’t say anything. When Hubby came home, he asked if she was going to watch FAB and I told him no….and why…and he was peeved. What can you do? I was actually more peeved about Little B then I was about FAB. I just do not get it. I also do not get that New Mommy doesn’t seem upset by this…or maybe she just isn’t saying it to me. I don’t know….but MIL seems to have her priorities a bit out of whack, if you ask me. I feel bad for Hubby. The situation with his parents is so odd….I would NEVER have guessed things would turn out like this back when we were dating.

Well…I am rambling. SO, everyone wish JJ a Happy Birthday! She is 36 on Sunday. Aren’t you glad I shared your age?!??! I hate that we aren’t going to see her….but I got her a great present to send home with Mom! So, Happy Birthday Sister!!!!

Love and Hugs to all!!!!

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

At Home Again...

Well, I am writing this from home….AGAIN! I am officially on Maternity Leave now. My doctor put my off work yesterday. I still have some things to do this week…but that should be it until January. I just feel bad for KK…but I am relieved, in a way! My blood pressure was high yesterday and when I told them that I had been home in bed all day…that made them worry a bit that it was still that high. Plus, I have still been having dizzy spells….so she doesn’t want me to drive very much. So, I am off work! I have my laptop this week…so I will try to get some loose ends tied up…Thursday I have to go in to meet with the lady who will be doing part of my job while I am out…but after that, I am going to try to disconnect from work.

It should be interesting…trying to take it easy while also having two kids…and a Hubby….we’ll see how that all works! I think as long as I can have some help with FAB…I will be fine. But Hubby has to work sometime…so we have to figure all of this out!

The cool part is….the next 4 weeks will be short term disability leave – at 100% pay. Then, the day that Gracie is born begins Parental Leave – which is 12 weeks of 100% pay. So…I never go without being paid. That is awesome!!! One of the perks for working for a big company, I guess.

So, not a whole lot to journal about really. That is probably going to be the case for a while. After my doctor’s appointment yesterday, I went to my Mom’s house for a bit and then came home and started telling everyone at work what was going on. KK was ready to puke…I just feel bad for her.

Then, Mom dropped the kids off and we just hung out here. I-Man has “homework”…we have to read 2 books to him each night and then write down the title and author and send back to the teacher. It is just to get him ready for the homework he will have in 1st grade. So, we did that…then he played his V-Smile…then it was about time for a snack and bedtime. So, not a very exciting evening at our house. This is going to be a common theme for a while, I am afraid. My poor kids are going to be bored out of their minds. They love to go all the time.

I-Man’s 5th birthday is Monday…so we are having his party on Saturday. Hubby and I need to figure out what we are getting him. I want to get him a GameBoy Advance…but I don’t know what Hubby is thinking. I need to get the stuff to make him cupcakes for his party…and then a cake and ice cream for a little party with family at our house afterwards. Although…I am not sure if we are doing that or not. I don’t think anyone from my family can make it…and I am not sure about his family either. So, we will see. We may nix that idea. Who knows?

JJ’s birthday is on Sunday! I don’t think I am going to see her…so she may have to wait for her present! We are heading into a big birthday season, it seems. Lots of parties and stuff coming up.

Uhh….don’t have much else to say. I need to go and get something to eat…I am starving! I am looking forward to the season finale of Big Brother tonight…although I don’t’ care who wins…but I want some closure to that. And then Survivor starts on Thursday. Hubby and I always like watching that together. Hopefully he will be home in time to watch it with me.

Well, I guess that is about it for now. Not much else to say. Praying that HBM and Elvis make it home safely today in this yucky rain. It is a great day to stay inside and do nothing! I am having a hard time making myself do that…but the weather does help!
Have a great day….love and prayers to all!

Monday, September 11, 2006

Heavy Hearted Today

***Moment of silence to remember all who lost their lives 5 years ago today***

I am sure we all remember where we were and what we were doing 5 years ago today when the attacks happened. Anyone want to share? I can tell you that I was at home on bed-rest with I-Man's pregnancy and I was sleeping when the first plane hit. Hubby called me and told me to turn the TV on and as I did...the second plane hit. I was mesmerized by all the news stories and watched it every minute for the next week until I-Man was born. That didn't help my high blood pressure, I am sure. I cannot believe it has been 5 years...and my heart still goes out to all the families impacted by those senseless and hurtful attacks.

Well, I am at home today. I got up this morning and just didn’t feel right. I took my time getting ready and trying to psyche myself up for the day. I finally left for work (still got there on time!) and then decided that I just couldn’t do it today. So, I packed up my computer and left. So, I am “working from home” today. Really…I don’t have much going on, so I am just laying in bed with my computer and answering emails and such. SO, I go to the doctor today…l am hoping they will do an internal exam because I feel like I am having contractions. I don’t know if they will…but I just don’t feel right. I think I have said that a lot with this pregnancy!!!

Here are three ways that show you how much I am loosing my mind:

Friday night, FAB and I went shopping to Babies-R-Us for shower gifts for my friend from high school. Well, while we were there…I decided that I need to get some new bottles for Gracie. Well, I picked out a new type and got a pack of them….and realized that it had a pink bottle in it. So, I put it back because I was thinking, I can’t have pink..I am having a boy. SO, I picked up a pack with no pink in it and got home. When I was putting stuff away, I looked at the package and I thought how proud I was of myself for remembering that I was having a boy and had not gotten a pink bottle. Then it hit me…HELLO! I am having a girl!!! GEESH!!!
Next…on Saturday, Hubby called me and asked me to stop at the Submarine House to get us a large Super Cheese sub for dinner. I said no problem! We had a lengthy conversation about whether he should call it in or if I should just take my chances. SO, I told him I was right there already. I went inside and ordered a large super cheese….they don’t have that. So, I ordered something else. I brought it home and was proud of myself for getting what he wanted for dinner…Super Subby’s is not my favorite place…but he likes it. Oh wait…did you catch that? He asked me to go to Submarine House but I went to Super Subbys….totally thinking I was doing the right thing. OKAY!!!
Yesterday at the church picnic, I walked over to Hubby and interrupted his conversation to ask him if he knew where FAB was. Uhh..she was following me and was right next to me.
I lied…there are 4 examples, not 3. This morning, I was sitting at a red light. The light did not change to green…but the oncoming traffic light did change. So, I went! Yep! I ran a red light! It was a good thing the other cars weren’t going fast. I am telling you….I am LOSING my mind!!!!

So, aside from being so absent-minded….it was a good weekend. Friday – my co-workers did throw me a surprise baby shower! They called Hubby and he and the kids were there too. It was very nice. It was at the restaurant in the lobby of my building…and they got me a ton of great gifts. Just stuff that I need: bibs, burp cloths, blankets, diapers, wipes, desitin, q-tips, toys, and other stuff. And they also gave us a $150 gift certificate to Babies-R-Us. I was surprised and thought it was very nice of them. So, we headed home and the boys headed to a football game and FAB and I to the store that I talked about already!

Saturday, I got up and got ready and FAB and I went to the baby shower of my high school friend. That was fun….not a lot of people there…but we had a good time just sitting and talking. The girl that I went to school with and used to be my roommate for a while was there with her baby girl…she is so cute! So, that was nice. MIL took I-Man for the morning…they went to Lowe’s for the workshop and he made a birdhouse and then she took him to the popcorn festival. So, FAB and I got home…oh first, I talked to Mom and my Vera is still not in…so they are going to give me my money back. So, FAB and I ran to the local mall that sells them….they didn’t have what I wanted….and I called the other mall and they didn’t have it either! So, Speedy is going to check with her MIL and see if they have it in her store…if not, I am going to order it on-line, I guess. I am so bummed about that!!! So, after that, we came home and took it easy for a bit….then took the kids to my parents house for a bit….then had Praise Team practice….then came home and Hubby had a few guys over and I went to bed to read and relax! That was nice!

Sunday…church was good. I didn’t get to hold Little B because MIL was hogging him…but he is so cute! We stayed for the picnic for a bit…and then went to a picnic for my Dad’s family. Hubby didn’t go…and we didn’t stay that long. I didn’t know hardly anyone, but I was glad to go for Dad. He was giving me a hard time about not going to his family stuff…so I know he was kidding…but he likes to show the kids off. My cousin was there with her baby who is 11 weeks old. She is just beautiful! So, we came home and FAB took a nap. I rested for a bit and then we went to choir practice. After that, we came home…Hubby went to men’s group…and the kids went to bed…and I spent the evening doing too much. What is new?

My co-worker gave me a BIG BAG of baby clothes for Gracie. They are all Carter brand. So, I had washed everything….the new stuff and the stuff she gave me. So, I folded that all and put it away and tried to organize Gracie’s stuff. So, that is why I think I felt so bad this morning. I described it as I feel this morning how I usually feel at the end of the day – just exhausted and in pain everywhere. So, I must’ve overdone it. As Hubby said, no surprise there! I think it is the OCD of me coming out.

So, that is about it! I am going to go back to laying down and then head off to my doc’s appointment. I would love it if she would write me off work. I still have some things to do this week to tie up loose ends..but it would be nice to do it at my own pace instead of at theirs…ya know?

So, hope everyone is having a good day….and had a good weekend….I will talk to you all soon! Love ya!

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Umm....I hate titles!

Good Morning Ladies! I love 3-day workweeks! I keep forgetting that it is Thursday. I wish every week could be short! Actually, I wish I could work part-time…but that is a whole other topic! Hubby and I…well, I should really say I was talking about it last night. I was begging him to let me do it. It really isn’t a matter of him “letting me” do it. It is more a matter of being able to do it financially….and I would really have to sit and crunch the numbers to see if we could. So, that might be something I work on/pray on/dream on during my Maternity Leave. I wouldn’t do it now because then I would have my reduced salary during my leave….so I would wait until I was to come back. And again, I am totally dreaming here. I guess we are in a financially good place right now…well, not good but better than we have been…and so it seems more realistic. And Hubby is making some really good money at his job…but there are so many things to look at besides just my salary. And really, I am rambling for what is probably nothing because it probably won’t happen. But I am definitely going to look into when I am off. That can’t hurt, right? Okay…seriously, enough rambling about that. It probably won’t happen.

SO! Yesterday was a non-eventful day at work. I didn’t have to see Stinky Pete…which made it a good day! I just don’t have a lot going on at the moment…and I work too fast on the things I do have to do …so I get bored quickly. That and there are many things that I NEED to do, but I don’t WANT to do. So….anyways! Work was fine!

I got home and Hubby left for work as soon I got there. This is going to be our life for the next few weeks, I guess. I talked to I-Man and found out about his day. He was in the green again yesterday! We are off to a good start! His Open House was last night…and we weren’t going to go because at the Orientation, his teacher told us that she wasn’t going to be there and plus, everything that we would’ve done at the Open House we did at the Orientation. So, I had kinda forgotten about going. Well, when I walked in the door, Hubby tells me that MIL is planning on meeting us there. WHAT? Hubby isn’t even going…he is going to work. And we weren’t planning on going. He said he told her all of that…but she still said she was going to meet us there. So, who knows what he really said to her…but I was pretty confused and neither of us invited her. I guess because she works for the schools, she will always have the calendar and decide what she wants to do. ODD!!! Well, I had a really bad attitude about it. So, I-Man really wanted to go to the Open House because his afternoon teacher was going to be there and they had made crafts that were going to be on display. So, I made dinner for the kids and I…we sat down to eat and I just put my head down and prayed…prayed for strength because I was so tired…prayed for patience because I was so on edge…and prayed for a better attitude towards my MIL. So, we ate and then we got ready and took off to the Open House. We walked because it truly is quicker to walk than to drive. We got there and talked to a few people we knew (t-ball moms) and then walked down to his class to admire his artwork. Then we walked back to the gym for the “principal’s meeting”. Basically, she introduced the entire staff and talked for a bit. Then we took off to “explore” I-Man’s school. We went back to his classroom – which was locked because his teacher wasn’t there…again, we knew this! Then we went to his Kids’ Club room (his afternoon class) and his teacher was quick to greet us. I-Man went and gave her a big hug (good sign!!!) and a big high-five to the morning teacher. Ms Victor, his teacher, told me what a great helper I-Man is and how sweet he is. Then Mr. John, the morning teacher who takes the kids to lunch and recess, told me that I-Man was his little buddy and what a great kid he is. So, that was cool! He had made a couple of crafts to take home and we also saw his “favorite friend” there. So, I talked to him for a bit and then we headed off again. We went to the cafeteria…they had samples of food and I asked some questions. He showed me where he sat for lunch. Then we went out to the playground to see that….then to the library where he picked out a book and I sat down and read it to FAB and him. Then we left! We walked home and I was POOPED! Well, I hadn’t taken my purse with me or anything…just the keys to the house. I had missed 5 calls on my cell phone. All from MIL. She left a voicemail asking what time the Open House started. So, I called her back and she was just leaving the school. Apparently she went there and we just never saw her. She wasn’t upset or anything…and I just told her that we weren’t planning to go since we knew his teacher wouldn’t be there…but he wanted to go, so we went. So, it all worked out! I am glad we went. He was so proud to show us around his school. And there were two little girls that every time we saw them would call out his name. I asked him who they were and he said he didn’t remember their names, but they were in his class. My little Romeo! I still cannot believe he is in Kindergarten!!!

So, we got home and I was POOPED! Oh, I said that already! Well, I sat down and watched some TV while the kids played with I-Man’s V-Smile and then they watched some TV. Then I got them their snacks. Then they got ready for bed. We have them get ready for bed at 8:00 and then they can watch a movie in bed. So, it was FAB’s turn to pick the movie….she ALWAYS picks “Boots”…also known as Dora. So, just as I was putting them in bed, Hubby got home. We took turns singing to the kids and then they fell asleep watching the movie.

OH! My Hubby is so nice! On his way home from work, he stopped at the Cheesecake Factory and brought us both home a piece of cheesecake. YUMMM!!! I only ate half of mine…but it was so, so YUMMMYYY!!!! NOT GOOD that that place is so close by! It is alright now, but won’t be when I have to stat losing this baby weight!

Then I lay in bed to read and fell asleep!!! Hubby came in a bit later and took my book and “tucked me in”. He is so funny. I was just exhausted.

So, that is about it for yesterday! Today…another wonderful (dripping with sarcasm) day at work! But…no Stinky Pete today or tomorrow! Oh, I think my co-workers are planning a surprise shower for me tomorrow. One of the ladies asked me if we could meet up around 4:15 or 4:30 tomorrow so she can give me a big bag of clothes for the baby. Well, she knows that I leave at 4:00…and I have seen her yesterday and today…so she could’ve brought them to me then. So, I mentioned it to KK and she just told me to act surprised. So….the good news is…at least Stinky Pete won’t be here! That is a really good surprise!!! So, we will see what that is all about!

Well, have a good day and I will talk to you all later! Hopefully HBM has pictures of her nephew soon! Can’t wait to see him!!!

Love you all! OH! Please pray for Detergent and her boy G-Man today. He has to have surgery to remove a piece of a needle (sewing needle) from his leg. Apparently he fell or stepped on one last year and it is still in his leg. So, they had to put him to sleep today to remove it. Please pray for them!!!


AND! I got my watch that I made today.....LOVE IT! I need to have one of those parties after Little G is born! Very neat!

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Back to Reality!!!

Hello Ladies! I am all caught up with everyone…so I thought I would bring you all up to date on me! I am not good at journaling when I am not at work…I will have to get better at that when I am on maternity leave! Which, by the way, I wish I was already!!! Having the last week or so off was really nice. I wasn’t so tired and sore in the evenings that I couldn’t enjoy spending time with my family! Working all day makes me so tired that I am not worth much in the evening. So, that was nice!!!

Well, I officially have a Kindergartner! I-Man’s first day of school was great – according to him. We got the whole thing (when we dropped him off and then at the end of the day) on video and it is adorable! When FAB and I walked to pick him up on the first day, he came running out the door as soon as he saw me and gave me a big hug and told me that he was still “green” – meaning he didn’t have any behavioral issues. He gave FAB a big hug and then we started our walk home. I asked him a ton of questions…he gave me some great answers. He was ready to go back the next day…but then I told him that he had 3 days off….and he was fine with that. So, we got home and I gave him a snack and sat down with him and the camcorder to ask him questions and capture the whole thing on tape. I asked him if he missed us and he said “Well, no Mommy. Once I started playing with my friends, I forgot all about you!” So, maybe that wasn’t the answer I was looking for….but I guess that is a good thing! He told me who his favorite friends were…and then he also told me that he and his friend called a girl a boy because she had boy things. No idea what that means…but he told me that…and my Dad…and my Sister…and others. So, we have talked about that and how it isn’t nice to tease people. Still really don’t know what he is talking about…but who knows!?!? SO! After we did that for a bit, we went over to see my parents. Later that night, I-Man and Hubby went to a football game and FAB and I just took it easy. I was tired and so was she…so it was an early evening for us. Oh, I know what I had to do…I had to pack all of our stuff for the weekend.

So, Saturday morning the kiddos got up early and were ready for Mimi and Papaw to come and get them…but my parents were moving slow. So, it was a long hour until they got there! The kids were driving us up the wall!!! But anyways, Dad picked them up and took them to Kentucky. Hubby and I packed the van and took off for our own peaceful trip down. It was nice to just relax on the ride down and not have to deal with the kiddos every 5 minutes! We got to the hotel first and after some confusion, got our room which was right next to Sister’s and then my Parent’s were next to them and then Queen and her group was next to them…and so on and so on! It was cool how it worked out that we were all right there together!

So, family reunion was fun! We didn’t have our normal “family singing time” which was odd….but it is harder now that we have so many little kids running around and we hadn’t seen each other for so long, it was nice just to talk and get caught up on everybody! We also had fun playing games at the hotel…and just being together! I was able to take a nap or take it easy for a bit each day, so it wasn’t that bad for me. Hubby and Sister and everyone did a good job of taking care of me and making sure I didn’t over-do it. Lord knows I didn’t want to have Little G down there!!!

So, Monday morning we got up and went to breakfast with Sister and Buford before heading home. The trip home wasn’t bad….the kids were actually very good. We stopped at the Outlet mall in Dry Ridge, Kentucky on the way…just to get out and walk around for a bit. Traveling is very hard when you are nearly 8 months pregnant! We got some good deals there (2 pairs of jeans for I-Man that were less than $5 a piece!) and then headed up the highway. So, it was a good trip home! We got home and did all of our laundry and just took it easy the rest of the night.

OH….I am really, really bad! Sunday morning in our hotel room, I realized that it was my week to be in the nursery both weeks and I had not found a replacement. So, I am sure I was talked bad about. I felt horrible! But…it was already during Sunday School and too late to call anyone! I really need to take a hiatus from there with Little G on the way…but I hate to let them down. So, anyways….Sorry if any of my Journal Buddies had to cover for me. I totally forgot! I got that postcard earlier in the week…but with everything going on last week….and being pregnant….forgot all about it!!!

So, then yesterday…I got up and got ready and then woke I-Man up and got him ready for school. When I went in to wake him up, he said “you have got to be kidding me, Mommy! It is still dark outside!” He is such a funny kid! So, Hubby stayed home with FAB while I took I-Man to school. I didn’t cry at all this time! He originally told me that he just wanted me to walk him to the end of the sidewalk and he would go in by himself, but once we got there…he changed his mind. So, I stayed with him until the bell rang and then he went with the rest of the kids to his class. So, FAB and I just hung around the house all day. We picked up I-Man from school and he still loves it! He was green again yesterday…so that is a good thing! We let him buy his lunch yesterday and he liked that. We told him that he could buy his lunch 2 days a week. So, he thought that was cool. We got home and Hubby came home to let me go get my nails done. When I got back from that, Hubby was in bed. He had been to the dentist in the morning to get a cavity filled and was in a ton of pain from it. So, he slept for a bit and then got up feeling better. I made dinner and then he took both of the kids to the grocery store with him so I could rest for a bit. That was very, very nice!!!

So, I had to get up and go back to work today. BOO HISS! I packed I-Man’s lunch before I left and then on the way to work, I just started crying. They had this poem on K-Love about sending your kids off to school for the first time, then they played that song that talks about praying for your kids…I just cried! I feel like a horrible mom because with my schedule the way it is now, I can’t take or pick I-Man up from school. It is the pits! Thank goodness I will be on Maternity Leave soon….but I am really having a hard time with this. I wish we could afford for me to go part-time. At least get me off at 2:00 so I could pick him up!!! I am just feeling like a bad mommy today!!! For some reason, it was easier when I was home yesterday than it has been for me to be at work!

So, that is about it! KK and I sat and got caught up on a bunch of stuff this morning. It looks like she isn’t going to stay in this role much longer…she can’t stand working for SP. So, she probably won’t be here (at my office) when I get back from maternity leave. That is a bummer…but I really can’t blame her! So, unless SP gets transferred soon, I will come back to no KK in my office!!! We will see…I guess that time will tell!

Well, I better get to work. I have a lot of catching up to do! And I need to be getting all my loose ends tied up for my maternity leave! It won’t be too much longer! Congrats to HBM on becoming an Aunt!!! Praying for many….and loving you all!!!

Friday, September 01, 2006

Is this Entry wet on your end? It is on mine!!!!

Well, we did it! We took our BABY to his first day of school!!! Let me tell you….it was not fun for me! Here is my update:

Yesterday, I just spent most of the day at home with the kiddos. I-Man kept telling me how excited he was about school every little bit. We decided to go to dinner (Hubby had to work really late), so he picked Ryans. Right before we left, Yaya (Sister) called and talked to Bubby about school. Then we ate dinner…we went to Meijers to pick out some juice and some chips for his lunch. Then we came home. My parents called and talked to me first, about orientation, then to I-Man about school. During the conversation, he said: “Okay, Papaw? Can we talk about something else now?” So funny! Then a little bit later, MIL called and she actually ended up coming over for a few minutes so that I-Man could show her what he was wearing to school for his first day and stuff. After she left, I got both I-Man and FAB ready for bed and settled in watching a movie. I went in a bit later and turned the movie off and we sang our songs and said our prayers. While we were singing, I thought of the first night he was home from the hospital. (I am crying just typing this!) The song I sang to him the most was “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands”. Well, after we sang “Sunshine”, I-Man asked me if we could sing “the World song”. So, we did…and then I got all choked up and told him that I remember holding him on that first night and singing that to him. So precious.

So, the kids went to sleep and I went out to watch Big Brother…but my mind wasn’t really on it. I was thinking about my little Boy and how fast these (almost) 5 years have gone by and how proud I am of the little guy he has turned out to be so far. So, needless to say, the emotions were running high!!! So, Hubby got home from work and we talked about it a bit and got our game-plan ready for the morning and then went to bed. I had a hard time falling asleep and then woke up around 2:15 to go potty and couldn’t go back to sleep. I got up and dinked around on the computer and just couldn’t sleep. Finally, after 4:00, I got back to sleep.

My alarm went off at 6:15 and I got up and got myself all ready, packed I-Man’s lunch, warmed the oven for the cinnamon rolls he wanted for breakfast and then got Hubby up. We went in with the camcorder and started recording the day. He was eager to get up and get ready! So, he got dressed….he ate breakfast…he brushed his teeth…Hubby fixed his hair…and then we started taking pictures of him and some of FAB too. Then we all headed out the door and walked to school!!!

It was a chilly morning…and it was spitting a little bit…but we walked to school. At first, I-Man was walking way ahead of us. Then he held Hubby’s hand and they walked together while FAB and I walked together. As we got closer to the school, he didn’t want to hold Hubby’s hand anymore! So, we went inside and were directed upstairs to wait for the first bell. We say the granddaughter of Harmonica Guy – she started Kindergarten too, but not in I-Man’s class. So, I-Man sat in the hallway and we waited. I could tell he was anxious. He was just looking around a lot and biting his lips. (oh…of course we were video-taping a lot of this and taking pictures the whole time!) So, the first bell rang and the parade of kids and parents started to walk down the hall. I-Man started to run at one point and I told him to walk and Hubby said “that isn’t your job right now”. Then I started crying. Which, he was right because Mrs. Lloyd was right there and she smiled….and then told I-Man not to run in the halls. So, I was a mess from that point on. We got right out of his classroom and it was mass confusion. It looked like this was the point we were to say our goodbyes, so we stopped and I-Man gave me a hug and a kiss and then Daddy a hug and a kiss and then FAB. So, we waited and watched them all go into their class. Then we headed down that way and actually went into his class and took more pictures and helped him get his name-tag on and some paperwork out of his bag and stuff like that. He was ready for us to leave because they had a paper to start coloring. So, as I am still crying…we left. Yep, we left my BABY at Kindergarten!!!!

So, Hubby, FAB and I start our walk home and Hubby and I both start crying as we are talking about the fact that it seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital! The time has just gone by so fast!!! Then we were laughing because we were talking about how we are sending one off to school and then having another! What were we were thinking? Oh…that’s right….we weren’t thinking!

So, as we get close to our house, a few of our neighbors were outside talking and their daughters started Kindergarten today….they weren’t crying…and I was STILL crying! So, I totally blamed it on pregnancy hormones!! We talked for a bit and then came inside. I am not a basket-case anymore…but if I talk to anyone, I will probably start crying again. And I think FAB will be asking me “where’s I-Man?” all day. So, that will probably make me cry!

So, only 5.5 more hours until I get to go pick him up! I think I am going to go get some of the pictures from this morning developed today…but take more and more video-tape this afternoon when I pick him up. It is going to be a long 5.5 hours of worrying, praying, being anxious and just wondering how my little guy is doing! I am sure he will have so much fun….I wish I could be a fly on the wall!!!

Thanks for letting me share all of this with you guys. It feels good to just type this all out! I should save and print this entry so I remember all the details of this exciting morning. I just thank GOD for the precious little gift of I-Man and I hope that we have done a good job so far of teaching him what it means to be a child of the King. I know that this is only the beginning of a whole new chapter of our lives. I am excited to see how it all unfolds!

Love you all…and please pray for the weeping Mommy all day!!!!