Thoughts from the Bedside

My sweet girl is in the hospital again.  ~Everyone say "awww" together~


Poor baby girl was doing so great, the ulcerative colitis was under control and then she got a little 24 hour bug and BAM!  A full on flare.  So here we are keeping the awesome nursing staff company.  She was admitted on Monday and I am just now getting a good enough internet connection to write a post.


Unfortunately or fortunately, it depends on the day you ask me, I am not unaccustomed to hospital dwelling.  Although when we were guests of Mercy back in January, it had been several years since I had needed to camp out bedside to a precious sweetie, I still worked it like a pro.  So here we are again, my sweet girl, a guest of her sweet doctor and me, the bedside pro.  ~Smile~


I know you are wondering when I am going to get to the actual thoughts part, I am getting there, promise I am.  There are so many thoughts bouncing around in my head like a rubber ball.  Not bad thoughts or fearful ones, just thoughts.  So here is a peek into my head:

• Lazy Boy really needs to step it up, donate comfy chairs to the all the children's hospitals for mom's and dad's to have a comfy recliner.  I'm really not complaining, but these recliners are not so cool after 3 days.  Just saying.
• Making the bedside parent a survival basket or bringing them non-hospital food is delightful and appreciated!
• The caregiver needs to get out of the room everyday for some period of time.  It can be short, but they must leave the room.  I learned this the hard way years and years ago and since she is older and can speak up if she needs help I do leave the room a couple times a day and walk around.
• A call, a drop by, a cute balloon or a funny card makes all the difference in the world to the patient and in turn to the bed side camper. . . BUT keep it upbeat, positive and funny.  Don't tell any sad, scary or "well, I had someone die from this" stories.  It doesn't do anyone any good.
• Being in the hospital is hard on the whole family.  The one parent at home is doing it alone and the other children are missing mom (or dad if that's the case).  Don't forget about the family at home, still moving through life while being concerned for the hospital guests.

Five thoughts, just the five I felt were blog-worthy.  All these are things people know, but sometimes don't actually take in and put into practice.  The care givers tends to forget to care for themselves, people often forget about the family at home, people want to tell the craziest stories to the patient usually striking fear in their hearts and who wouldn't want a better place to sit when sitting is the primary job of the bedside dweller.  People ask me or tell me so often that they don't know what to do when something like this is going on. . . now you know.  Sometimes just being there with the simple things, you know, less is more.

Biggest thought of the week, bouncing around in my head. . . .I'm so glad I am personal friends with the Great Physician and He does ALL things well.  I have peace like a river. . . . . 

. . . . . actually it's more like I'm floating in that river.  

*This post is informational.  I am not begging for baskets or balloons or visitors.  We have been so blessed with food, gifts and visits.  

The Potty Chronicles, Daniel Edition No. 1

Yes, it's THAT again. Baby boy child is on the cusp of potty training, technically one foot has stepped in. Full force potty training will begin in a couple of weeks. We are just getting out feet wet, so to speak. I feel very hopeful about this round! I think he will potty train pretty easily (that doesn't mean easy it just means easier than older brother Sam) and without too many melt downs. Hopefully Daniel won't meltdown either. ~Smile~

So the other day I decide to buy Daniel some pull-ups and just how he would do. Up to this point in his life going to the potty hasn't really been on his mind. He would sit down for 1.3 seconds and then announce that he was done even though there was nothing in the potty. But I wasn't stressing about it, trying to hold off a little longer before I step into a nervous breakdown on purpose. Makiah and Sam are both taking a personal interest in this as well. I mean I don't understand why potty training is so fun but Makiah is all about helping Daniel. Does it make me a bad mom if I let her? I don't think so, but if you disagree feel free to not tell me. Ignorance is bliss. ~Wink~

So the other day I hear Makiah in the bathroom with Daniel, pull-ups just purchased and mother hen, uh older sister Makiah was taking a firm hand. She is telling him in a very grown up way to tell her when he needs to go potty or when he feels that funny feeling. Daniel says, "okay Bakiah". Then she tells him that he can tell Mama too. Well thank you Makiah for keeping me in the loop. At this point I am cracking up. I was just outside the bathroom in the office listening. So far everyday for the last three days he has went pee pee in the potty at least once. Sometimes more. He thinks he is very big with his "pool ups" (that would be how he pronounces it) and really likes going to sit on the potty every 10 minutes. Next week we will go invest in cloth training pants and some Mickey Mouse and Elmo underwear, those were his special request underwear. Sam is also actively participating in this process because every time he goes to the bathroom he drags Daniel along. This is typically how it he says it, "come on Daniel, its time to go to the bathroom and I don't won't to hear any arguments" (as he is pulling him by the arm or hand). Ha ha ha, Sam has heard that phrase a time or two thousand in his little lifetime!!! So now that I have many or mini helpers in the potty training process, I do believe it may not cause the death of me. Hopefully.

Aren't you glad that I'm blogging again?? I know you all would not want to miss this!

Our First Week is Completed

We have successfully completed our first week of school!! YAY!! I blogged about it here.

So what else is going on you ask? This week, it's been focusing on getting school off to a good start. But that's not to say that we don't have a LOT of other stuff going on. We are really busy with the church plant and good things are happening there! I am also doing a little bit of rearranging how I take care of the house (for another post). I am still trying to get my home business off the ground and get all the laundry done. So to say that I really have anything to blog about over here today, would be both true and untrue. I have plenty to say, I'm just not able to sit down long enough to get it out in an intelligible format. Although I do have a kidism, courtesy of Makiah.

Monday we went out to eat to celebrate a great first day of school. We went to a local BBQ favorite and Makiah wanted applesauce for a side. Here's how the conversation went:

Me: "Makiah, you haven't finished your applesauce. You normally eat it all up first, what's wrong?"

Makiah: (wrinkles nose) "Mom, it tastes funny. Its, like, got lumps in it."

Me: "Yes, it is similar to homemade applesauce. It just has larger pieces of apple in it. That's all"

Makiah: "Well, I've decided I like the made by someone else applesauce better."

I cracked up. Crazy kid!

Happy Friday everyone! I hope your weekend is fabulous and filled with made by someone else applesauce!

Someone Threw Time Into Overdrive

I had no idea it had been this long since I had blogged!! I hope I still have a couple of readers out there. Because I am so, so, so busy today I am going to leave you with a list. Then tomorrow more of a real post. Really.

1. We went to St. Louis four weekends in a row and I can officially say that I am sick of the road!!! I am ready to just be there already. We are still looking for a house to rent, pray saints pray. We move in just 8 very short weeks!!!!

2. Makiah and Hubs had a GREAT time in Boston visiting with family. They had a safe and fun trip, what more could I ask for?!?

3. The plague that has been hanging around for 6 weeks, I think, maybe is thinking about leaving. I am having a hard time shaking the cough and the ear trouble. I am starting to just get used to it. That's what it has come too.

4. I made a decision last week that was really hard for me to decide. Due to the fact that we are moving in May and things are already getting crazy, I decided that we wouldn't walk or run in the heart walk this year. It's just too much to try to fit it all in. I will sponsor someone that is walking and I will definitely be there next year.

5. I am still going to run in a 5K, it will just be a different one. Probably the Komen Race. I am still wanting to run, but due to illness I have had to put off the C25K. It is still my goal, but the C25K can wait till I get moved. Maybe by then I'll be over this cough.

6. We have set our official move date. . . . {drum roll please} MAY 22!!! YAY!! (The heart walk is the Saturday before, see why I'm not participating)

So now that I bullet-pointed my way current, I have to go pack. Be back tomorrow with a fun post with pics!!

Remodeling From the Inside Out

Amazing things have already begun. 2010~~we've stepped off into faith and the journey will take us up hills, across rivers, over bridges and right over mountains, all while knowing that God is leading us, carrying us and protecting us. Part of the process is internal, personal, life changing.

Remodel: –verb (used with object), -eled, -el⋅ing or (especially British) -elled, -el⋅ling.

1.	to model again.

2.	to reconstruct; make over.

That would be me, I'm undergoing a make over. You know occasionally you have to look in the mirror and say, "you need a change woman", "you need to do ______", you should really ______". Most of the time when we think of a make over, we think hair, shoes, clothes (which I won't turn down shoes and clothes if you're offering). But I'm talking about a make over that starts within. An update, so to speak. The Bible says in Luke 12:48 For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. The last few days this has been me, looking in the mirror. Though it's not always easy, its ALWAYS necessary. Its how we grow, realizing the areas we lack in and making changes. This scripture as been a constant thought here the last few days. I have been given so much and am about to be given more, I need to change some things and give more of myself.

One of my priorities this year is more Bible. That was not an incomplete sentence. That's what I am making a priority, putting more Bible in our day, starting with me. Back in the day, a senior in high school I was, I read the Bible through in a year. It was awesome! I have for several years wanted to repeat that goal. This is my year! I went out and bought a One Year Bible (no more charts and check marks) and I am loving it!! I actually bought the Chronological Bible and I am enjoying it so much. It is what it's called, chronological. Nothing like reading the book of Job in the middle of Genesis, when it actually happened. I use my other Bibles for study, but my time with daily reading is just to feed my spirit, its watering my orchard you could say.

Another way we are adding more Bible into our day is having Bible time, three times a day. I know you are thinking, WHAT?! It has been great. We have morning devotions (which aren't new). We have a short, like 10 minutes or less devotion and then we each pray, Mama, Makiah and Sam. And daddy too, if he's here, most of the time he has already left for the day. Then around lunch time we either listen to the Bible on CD or work on our memory passage. Then in the evening when we are winding down we read a story before bed, but we also read a few scriptures together and of course night night prayers. I want to teach my children that God~prayer and Bible reading should be a part of their day no matter how busy we are. If I teach them young then they won't have to learn this concept when they are older. We teach by example. If I read my Bible despite the many things I have to do, they will know that Bible reading is a priority.

Makiah has been asking and asking for the Word of Promise Next Generation Audio Bible for about three months. We bought it for her about two weeks ago. I gave it to her and the reaction I got was amazing. I actually think she was more excited about the audio Bible than her DS she got for Christmas. I was thrilled about that! I want her to have a heart for God and His word. I don't want her to ever lose that. Yesterday in devotion we were talking about all the things we should and shouldn't do (rules of the house basically) and she said, "whew, sometimes it's hard to always do the right thing, but I know God will give me the strength to do it." My heart soared and instantly I prayed, never let her forget that.

See my remodel won't just affect me, my whole family, my friends and those I'm trying to reach out too, will get the benefits too.

Toss, Toss, Keep

I've hit spring cleaning two months early. He he he Because I have mentioned before that I feel like I am domestically challenged I figure if I clean out a bunch of stuff then there is less stuff to clean up, wash, fold or put away so, I am mid-winter cleaning.

I am cleaning out closets and toys and I have more donations than I am keeping. YAY!! I am doing some serious weeding on our toy collection. I am too sentimental about toys and I always think, "oh they might play with that" or "ahhh, but that was. . . " and so every time I weed out, I always leave back more than I should. Not this week. Reality is, they aren't going to play with them. Period. End of discussion. Toys, clothes, old puzzles, games and books~~nothing is safe!

I'm cleaning out my clothes too. Another area in which I am overly sentimental. "Oh but if I lose 15 pounds that would be really cute" or "I just can't throw that out", come on woman, let it go!!! This is what I told myself, if I throw everything that I can't wear or won't wear E.V.E.R. again then I get to buy new stuff. ~~Smile~~See I haven't really blogged about it, but I am still endeavoring to drop a significant amount of weight and so therefore I will need new clothes. The light bulb finally came on; I don't want to lose weight and wear old clothes. When I lose weight I want new clothes. {Can I get an AMEN} I have actually added to the budget a very small Valerie-just-lost-all-this-weight-NOW-SHOP category. Hubs is in total agreement, actually it was his idea from a long time ago.

I am also weeding out our kitchen "stuff". For some reason we have a LOT of kitchen random thingys that never actually gets used, so it's going out the door too. Space in the kitchen is an issue, I DON"T HAVE ENOUGH, so if its not being used or I don't even know what its used for, it has to go. Like the coffee pot that I am not sure even works and is sitting in the bottom of the pantry collecting dust because we don't drink coffee. And other random items that just seem to be hanging around. Oh and the storage area on our patio is getting a good cleaning out and re-organizing as soon I am done with the stuff inside. Like I said before, nothing is safe.

Makiah is sick, again. Strep throat, pray saints, pray that NO ONE ELSE gets it. {I am serious about the praying, I may even call a fast} The whole house smells like disinfectant wipes and bleach, but I left no door knob uncleaned. I thought about wiping her down with one, but then decided against it.

Other than a major clean out, school resuming, trying to advance to the next level in Mario Bros Wii and Makiah being sick, it's been a pretty calm start to the New Year. How about you?

Pigtails and Purses

Time is slipping through my fingers. One day she is wearing pink Pooh sandals that were one and a half inches long and now. . . well. . . . ~~sigh~~

She's growing up and I don't like it. ~~Puts foot down and pouts~~

She wants to go shopping. When she was younger, taking her shopping was like dragging around a 50 pound sack of bored, whining potatoes. Now she wants to shop, pick out her clothes, match it to a cute pair of shoes, a belt, some hair accessory and of course, a new purse. It was much cheaper when she was a sack of potatoes.

She wants to fix her own hair. Mind you this talent will only come over time, if you ever seen her hair up close and personal you understand what I am sayin'. I mean, hey, I just figured out how to tame her wild, curly mane! She doesn't want pigtails, she wants to wear her hair like mine or the teen girls at church. I like the pigtails.

She doesn't play with dollies anymore. She wants a DS for Christmas, in pink of course. Just because she isn't doll toting, doesn't mean her girly ways are gone! I miss seeing her play with dolls.

I can't go in any department store without her wanting to look at the shoes and purses and hair things. She carries said purse every where and it must have Chapstick. Now, mind you, she has loved shoes since the first time she got a really good look at all the options, but now, it's just short of an obsession. Purses? She has almost as many as me, almost. ~Smile~ I know, she gets all this honestly, I was just hoping it wouldn't be for a couple or twenty more years. Now she wants shoes with a heel, a heel?!!? I liked the pink Pooh sandals.

She has also hit the giggling stage. You know the one where little girls giggle at ev.er.y thang, even things that really aren't funny. She blushes around cute little boys and of course, giggles. Again I was hoping the boy giggling, even noticing cute little boys would have stayed away for another couple or twenty years. I definitely have a giggler.


When she was little we couldn't get her to smile for a picture for anything. Now she strikes a pose. (Again, another phone photo)

So when she wanted to sit on the couch with me and read, we did. When she wanted me to sing to her last night before bed, I did. When she wanted a hug, just because, I gave one and got one. I realize we are working to raise, key word: raise, good children, but I just feel like its going too fast.

~~Sigh~~

Editted to add~~I just want to say that I am not sitting here crying as my post would suggest, I am just feeling a little nostalgic today. I think it might be all those cute baby girl clothes I saw this morning! I have to stay out of that side of the store!~~

This Is Why I Request NO RUNNING IN THE HOUSE

One day while mama was hard at work packing boxes, the natives, uh, I mean the children were busy hindering the process.

Here is that story. . .

I was upstairs going through the toy store, more lovingly known as the play room. I was up to my ears in toys and books. Earlier that day I had been packing in the kitchen. I dumped some flour in the kitchen trash out of the canister, because I wasn't about to pack a flour filled canister. It was only about half full and I had another whole bag of flour, so I dumped it. I finished up in the kitchen, took the hooligans and went upstairs.

We had been upstairs quite awhile already and I needed some more trash bags (for toys going in the yard sale) and so I sent Makiah after them. Sam followed her, because you know, there might be an opportunity to harass her along the way. They went downstairs and I heard Makiah say, "look what I found Sam." Famous last words in most cases. See whatever she has, he thinks he needs. I heard her yell "NO" and he yelled back and then I heard running. Then silence and then "oh, look what you did". Little feet began a quick accent up to me. Sam appeared in the door and said, "there's cauliflower on the floor and Kiah did it!". I had no idea what he was talking about. Then Makiah came to the door, a guilty I-hope-you-really-love-me-grin on her face. "Uh, mama, um, there's a problem"--short pause--then in a very fast and determined tone she began again, "and it's all Sam's fault, he was chasing me and we knocked over the trash can when we (RAN AT FULL TILT) through the kitchen and I'm sorry".

Realization as to what the "cauliflower" was. . . the flour I had dumped out.

I headed downstairs to assess the damages and there it was, every last fleck of flour was on the kitchen floor. Makiah had tried to sweep it up and had just kind of smeared it around. Samuel had walked through it, over it, around it and left little foot prints all over the kitchen and then of hall carpet before coming to tell me about the "cauliflower".

I began sweeping. I swept up a pile and then again and again. Leaving a broom path of white dust. UGH!! Finally, I got most of it up and I went for the Clorox mop and got up the rest of it.

This is one of the reasons for no running in the house. And next time I dump some flour, I'll put it in a bag in a bag.

Of Friends, Camp and Diapers

It's a mixed bag to day friends.

Our holiday weekend was great!!! We had some of our peeps come and visit us. Fiona, Jonathan and Daniel came over on Saturday and left (practically had to be kicked out) Monday evening. They could have stayed longer, but you know that pesky thing called work beckoned them home. We had good food, good fellowship and relaxation!! What a grand way to spend the weekend.

Makiah left for church camp Monday morning. She is two and a half hours away from me. A couple of times yesterday I wondered if we had completely lost our minds!! Last night I got a call from our Pastor who is down there with Makiah and 20 other members of the church. When I answered I wasn't sure if it was a check in call or Makiah was going to be crying on the other end for me to come and pick her up. Makiah got on the phone and told me that she had received the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38 for those who want an explanation) in church last night!!! I was thrilled!! How great is that??!?

I can't have a post without telling you all about a fabulous giveaway!! You all know that I am a HUGE fan of cloth diapers and Kelly's Closet is my favorite retailer. Fluff Fridays giveaway for this week is up and I have to say it's a good 'un!! The prize package this week is (drumroll please):

1-BabyBeehinds One Size Fitted Diaper (Winner choose either hemp or bamboo)
1-Thirsties Diaper Cover
12-Kissaluvs Premium Print Wipes

Pop on over there and enter to win and check out the other blog posts too. I enjoy the posts and always come away having learned something!!

I still have my post about my closet adventure and a kiddo post for fun. The boys and I are going to try to get in some fun in the sun, but the sun is going to have to cooperate and come back out.

Happy Tuesday bloggity friends!!

Birthday BBQ

No, I am not 830, though there are days I feel like it.

While in St. Louis we had a birthday BBQ for Makiah. Little did I know, that I was included in the birthday celebrations! Makiah got presents and money, I got money. Money is always the right size and color.

The food was awesome, the socializing was great, Makiah and Sam played with friends and puppies--a good time was had by all. Speaking of food, we indulged on grilled burgers with Linton's Special Sauce, grilled hot dogs, potato salad, macaroni salad, chips and dip, oatmeal scotchies (yummy cookies that are fabulous) and of course, ice cream cake!

I have to take a moment and tell you all that Linton's burgers are the best. The sauce he makes to go on them is fabulous! I would give you the recipe, but there isn't one. He just pours certain ingredients together in whatever amount he thinks and cooks it on the stove. Then to complete the burger you top it with a grilled slice of fresh pineapple! YUM! Caribbean burgers is what they have been dubbed in our house.

Enough talk about food, it's making me hungry. ~Smile~

Also, thank you for all the kind comments on Monday's post, either on facebook or here.

What?? I Am Not Sure I Heard You, Say It Again Please??

So this week I have been crabby. I know it and I am woman enough to admit. Just random crabbiness. Not proud of it, just not in denial either.

Yesterday, I woke up early and was straightening up the living room before physical therapy. I figured since they crawl around on the floor the therapist might appreciate a vacuumed floor. I'm thoughtful like that. So I picked up the random toys that apparently walk around while we sleep and vacuumed. Then the children got up. First Daniel, so we changed diaper and then a bottle sacrifice was offered up. The big kids played upstairs while the therapist was here and so the day started out fine.

That last sentence should tell you something about the following paragraph.

Then about 1:30 that afternoon something transpired. It wasn't a specific event, just something changed. I am not sure what it was exactly but I heard "mommy, mama, mom" said, yelled, whined, cried at least 70 times in about 30 minutes. At that point, I wasn't sure if I should turn on the iPod and tune them out, change my name or sit down and cry. Sam was having a melt down of terrific proportions, still unsure because of what, but when they are three they don't usually have a reason. Makiah was asking for something, but she never got around to actually asking, just saying my name. Daniel was crying and bawling out "ma ma ma ma". In that moment, I considered updating my resume and looking in the want ads.

I stopped.

I left the dishes in the sink, they are used to it anyway, and went out to the living room. I scooped up Daniel, pulled Sam close and calmly asked Makiah to stop repeating my name. I pulled out a story and we sat down and read. Instantly peaceful quiet filled the house and even Daniel was listening to the story. I do believe it was therapeutic for us all.

It seems that on those days, when all craziness is unfolding, that dropping it all and reading a story or singing a peaceful worship song is simply soothing. It also reminded me of why I stay home. Why I have the best job on earth. Why I consider raising my kids the highest calling I could ever have.

Though there are times my kids tend to push all the buttons at once and they may test my patience, I love them more than life. Kids are crabby sometimes too, just like mama's. Sometimes I push the Lord's buttons and I am sure I at times, take His grace and mercy for granted. I am thankful, that He pulls me into His lap and sings to me (Psalm 42:8). And even when mama's crabby, they wanted to spend time with me. Grace and mercy flowed out of all of us yesterday.

I am sure we will have more days like that, but I know one thing for sure, I wouldn't trade one day here with them for anything!

Crankiness Be Gone

Sometimes I am cranky. By the end of the day, I am sometimes a lot cranky. I've decided that I don't like it.

I don't like to snip and snap my way through the day, at everyone and everything. I'm not really sure when I transformed into this cranky stranger, but she is no longer welcome. Goodbye, please don't call again.

Now, that that's over, I think I should tell everyone how wonderful Samuel is doing with potty training. I mean, the transformation is just unbelievable. He actually wants to wear underoos and goes to the potty all by himself, most of time. I am so grateful for this transformation. Now if he would just listen as well as he pees in the potty.

Makiah went to play mini golf with Gramps a couple of weeks ago and she had four hole-in-one shots! I was very impressed. My dad is an avid player and he said she did really well. I am hoping to get her into a golf program this summer, she has wanted to for awhile now. Maybe, just maybe she'll go pro and support me someday!

The Great Slim Down of '09 has taken on some different meaning and I have another reason (as if I didn't have enough) to work harder. I'll share it with you tomorrow. It's exciting.

Today's heart tip is. . . laughter. Yes, that's what I said, laughter. Long, hard and often. Recent studies show that laughter may possibly increase circulation and blood flow. Laughter is a great stress reliever and we all know what that pesky stress does to our bodies. Not only did the scientists tell us that is good, but it's Biblical. ~~A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22~~ Tell some jokes (clean ones, of course), watch some classic comedy (Dick Van Dyke or I Love Lucy--if you don't laugh at them, you need someone to check your pulse), find some humor in your children/grandchildren. Basically, be merry. Your heart needs it, but so does your mental health. Here's a few to get you chuckling.

A little girl, dressed in her Sunday best, was running as fast as she could, trying not to be late for Bible class. As she ran she prayed, "Dear Lord, please don't let me be late! Dear Lord,
please don't let me be late!"
While she was running and praying, she tripped on a curb and fell, getting her clothes dirty and tearing her dress. She got up, brushed herself off, and started running again! As she ran she once again began to pray, "Dear Lord, please don't let me be late...But please don't shove me either!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three boys are in the school yard bragging about their fathers. The first boy says, "My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls i t a poem, they give him $50."
The second boy says, "That's nothing. My Dad scribbles a few words on piece of paper, he calls it a song, they give him $100."
The third boy says, "I got you both beat. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon, and it takes eight people to collect all the money!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~
An elderly woman died last month. Having never married, she requested no male pallbearers. In her handwritten instructions for her memorial service, she wrote, "They wou ldn't take me out while I was alive, I don't want them to take me out when I'm dead."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
A police recruit was asked during the exam, "What would you do if you had to arrest your own mother?" He answered, "Call for backup."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Sunday School teacher asked her class why Joseph and Mary took Jesus with them to Jerusalem . A small child replied, "They couldn't get a bab y-sitter."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds. After explaining the commandment to "Honor thy father and thy mother," she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?"
Without missing a beat, one little boy answered, "Thou shall not kill."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Joh nny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs.
Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and she said, "Johnny, what is the matter?" Little Johnny responded, "I have pain in my side. I think I'm going to have a wife."

I hope you have a merry Thursday. Feel to share some laughs in the comments, should you so desire!! ~~Smile~~

Did I Come with an Off Button?

Busy, busy, busy weekend. So busy, I was glad to see Monday come.

Then Monday was busy. Very busy and by the time I sat down to have a minute of quiet to type, I was too tired. I wrote that first line and then went to bed!

So this is a Monday post, published on Tuesday morning.

Makiah is having a very hard time getting back into the school routine. Still. There have been a couple days where I was looking for the nearest public school. But, we will press on and get at it, I know it's what is best for us, but there are days. . .

The lifestyle change (diet) is going well. The soreness is getting better every day and last week I lost a pound (wanted more, but I'll take it) and melted away 6.5 inches off of various locations! So at least I see progress and that is what I want.

I need to feed Makiah and get started on school. I also have a mountain of laundry and some errands to run. Looks like busy bled over into another day.

Have a very blessed Tuesday.

My thought of the day:
Studies have found that dark chocolate helps prevent heart disease and cancer, and has also been shown to improve mood by boosting the brain chemical serotonin. ~~So I say, enjoy a little chocolate everyday, even on a diet! :)

First Injury of 2009

This post is sans pictures because I can't find the camera cord to upload the photos!! Arg!!

Anyhoo, Samuel has begun the New Year with a bang. . . literally, a bang on the nose. We were playing on Monday, actually having dance time. We crank up the music and dance. It's fun, good exercise and a great stress reliever. Sam was doing is infamous jump and spin. This is where he jumps and spins at the same time, but rather than land on his feet he comes down all the way to his eyes. Looks painful, but when you're three what's a little pain when having fun. So on, what turned out to be the last jump and spin of the day, he shut his eyes. He was getting very dramatic with it and he came down on his knees but also brought his head down. Because his eyes were closed and moving at warp speed he didn't know that his face was going to make impact with the floor. And make impact it did. I was dancing and didn't see the whole thing unfold, being the attentive mother I am and all. I scooped him up and almost immediately the swelling began. Within 15 minutes he had a fat, red-purplish nose. He looked like Rudolph gone wrong. I know it had to hurt, made my eyes water just looking at it. I gave him Tylenol and he fell asleep. He woke up and it was even more red and purplish and a little fatter. Hubs insisted that it was just bruised and so we didn't go to the doctor.

The swelling has gone down considerably and he doesn't have a red and purple nose anymore. It's now just a fainting memory, well, kind of. See for Sam the memory is still very vivid. He tells me about 100 times a day--"I won't bump my nose anymore, that was ouchy". Does he still go at warp speed? Yes, of course. Does he still do his famous jump spin dance move? Yes, only this time, he leaves his eyes open and doesn't drop to his knees.

As for the rest of us, no injuries, only if you don't count the ones to my nervous system. Makiah is having a had time getting back into a school groove. She is easily distracted and I am constantly telling her to get back to work. I should just record it and play it looping every 15 minutes. Hopefully, we will be better in the coming days, but I have to say that the last three days have been difficult to say the least.

The diet, I mean, lifestyle change is going well. I have been soda free for 4 days! That's saying a lot for a Dr. Pepper addict like me. I haven't had any caffeine for 3 days and haven't hurt anyone yet. Who says miracles aren't still happening?!? I have increased my water intake and trips to the bathroom have also increased. All in all, things are progressing well. I plan on posting my progress about once a week. I know you all are excited about that, but I have to share my joy with everyone.

Well, since I am rather nauseated (I think the stomach flu is trying to venture back into my life), I think I'll go take a nap. Resting is part of a healthy lifestyle, don't you agree??

Just Realized. . . .

I did it again. I created a post and forgot to schedule it. So I cheated, I went back in and time stamped it for yesterday. I wouldn't want to start out the new year and not have a post!! :)

Sam--a potty training update--It's going so well, I could cry and leap for joy!! Today, Sam went to the potty and came out and proclaimed that there was "stinky mud" in the bathroom. Fear rose in my throat and I went to inspect. Sam had actually went poo poo in the potty and not on the floor as I had feared. It was a momentous occasion! So, we are doing really well in this area and I plan to have that goal marked off that humungous list by mid year. As you can see I am optimistic, but not overly so. He also recognizes his name (letters) and is getting better with other letters as well. I am hoping by the end of this school year that he knows the alphabet by sight.

Makiah is entering a new semester of school and I am not happy with our curriculum. I mean she's learning, but I don't feel like she is getting enough. So I am researching other options and if you have any suggestions, throw 'em at me. Her reading has come a long way. I never believed she didn't know how, but rather that she didn't want too. She would read her work, but never anything outside of her school books. Now she reads everything and I am happy about that. Yesterday, I was loading the dishwasher and heard her reading a new book, I peeked around the corner and both brothers were sitting beside her enjoying the story. My heart soared! I want to foster a love for reading in my children.

Daniel is getting everywhere he wants to go by rolling there. His favorite thing is the DVD player and he gets mad when we move him away from it. He is just starting the do a form of crawling using his toes and elbows. He also goes backwards which is so funny! Developmentally his is still behind, but definitely improving. He is eating Cheerios now and gets excited when he sees the box! Next week, I plan on making some homemade baby food. I am looking forward to it.

I am trying to break my soda addiction, I am calling it as it is, and will be entering into water only for thirty days. I mean for drinks anyway. I have done this before and broke my bad habit, then I fell off the wagon and soda re-entered my life. I am praying for the same results this time too. I know it sounds silly to be talking of soda as an addition, but for me, it is.

Whew, I am a just rambling on and on. The kids have built a pillow fort and Daniel is in there with them and I am off to clean something (there's always something to clean), then naps and maybe a little crocheting for me.

Have a blessed day!

No Blog Fodder, But I Am Posting Anyway

There isn't much going on around the Lovelock abode this week--unless you count the sickness, busted lips, falling down the handicap ramp at church, the schooling, the potty training, the lack of motivation and various other things.

I guess I'll start from the beginning.

Tuesday Samuel jumped off a piece of furniture, shocking I know. None of you would ever believe that Samuel climbs or jumps from things.

Ok, he jumped off and in his hand was a remote. He jumped and landed just so, that between the remote and floor all making impact with his mouth it busted his lip. It bled for a little while, but not too long and it looked okay--for a busted lip. Then yesterday when he woke up I looked at it and the swelling had gone down and so I figured all was well. A little later he came to me and said he felt something in his mouth. A big bump had formed with yellow in the middle. I am sorry for those of you now gagging. I guess I should have put a disclaimer in. So I tried all day to call the doctor, with no avail. The flu and other various diseases are rampant down here and so they were excessively busy. I opted to take him to the urgent care center after dropping Hubs, Makiah and Daniel off at Bible Study. Now he is on 10 days of antibiotics. That's my boy! Way to bust a lip. His first of what we feel, will be many. Of course his humor is still in tact because while sitting in the waiting room he asked my friend if "he could climb on the chairs like a monkey". An exact quote I promise.

Obviously he learned nothing from the remote, floor, jumping incident.

Last night after church, Makiah was running down the handicap ramp, which is wood and it was raining. I turned and told her to slow down, that she was going to. . . and just as I said fall, she did just that. Bet you all thought it was going to me doing the falling. Feet went out and she landed right on her hinder parts and now has a sore tail bone. I thought at first that I was going to be making another trip to a medical facility, but alas it's just sore.

Daniel's eyes are crusty again and now his poor little nose is all clogged up and so he can't have his binky and breathe. A most terrible problem, believe me. He also can't drink a bottle and breathe which frustrates h
im greatly. He sucks, breathes, cries, coughs, sucks, breathes, cries, coughs--you can see the pattern developing. So my sweet baby, today, is a grouchy baby. Mama understands, but still for a long day it makes. He isn't the only one having sinus issues, all except Hubs is suffering. Tis the season for blowing noses, fa la la la la la la la la. I may have to write a whole song!

As for that lack of motivation thing, that would be me. I have a very long list of stuff to do, but apparently my motivation up and left--no notice, no forwarding address. Hopefully it will miss me and return quickly.

I did finally get to watch all of the best 5 hour movie I have ever seen. I like Gone With the Wind, but I have to say that I absolutely LOVED Pride and Prejudice!! Not the recent one, but the older one starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. If you haven't seen it, you should. Just a warning though, most husbands probably won't sit and watch it with you. My hubs was having no part of it. Too boring in his opinion. That is just HIS opinion though.

Well, now that I have thoroughly bored you long enough with my randomness and slightly whiny post, I shall close. My grouchy, sweet baby is crying for mama. I think we'll all settle in for a nap.

Who Wrote That Book?

As part of Makiah's school work this year, I have decided to have her learn about different authors. We are compiling Makiah's Big Book of Authors. Using one of the binders I purchased during the school supply sale rush, we will decorate the front and we'll start filling it up with the info on a different author every few weeks. I think learning about the authors will help fuel a love for reading and an appreciation for the work that goes into a book.

My kids really love Dr. Seuss and I decided we would start with him. I went online and printed out his picture and some information about his life and books.

While looking for information on Dr. Seuss I ran across this website: Seussville. Its a great site for kids to go to and play some games, take a look at books, make your own stories and quotes. There are also several printables for activities. So I printed a couple of things to go in the Big Book of Authors and Makiah is lovin' it.

I am always on the look out for new and fun things to learn, do, color, play, etc.

Do you all have any favorite sites or projects for your kids?

Homeschoolers, what extras, as I like to call them, are you putting into your daily work?

Sunday Spectacular

Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost". Acts 2:38

Makiah has been talking a lot lately about her need to be baptized.

Sunday she did it!! She went down in Jesus Name and had her sins washed away!! Her daddy baptized her. Grandma and Grandpa stood nearby to witness this life-changing event.


During service she sang a special. She sang We Worship You by Israel, and did a really good job.


Here she is getting ready, Daddy was praying for her.


Just coming back up out of the water.


Newly baptized smiles.

Everyday I pray and hope that I am raising children who will grow up to love God and serve Him with all their heart, soul and strength.

Makiah's journey has officially begun.

I'll post the video later. Samuel is in the kitchen, alone, that's means I've been on here long enough.

Normal or What Exactly

Makiah had a check-up today from her hernia surgery. Everything is fine.

Though a trip to the doctor's office with Makiah is rarely boring.

We sang, tickled and told funny stories while waiting for the doctor.

Then she had a great idea. She would hide from him, and when he walked in she would jump out and surprise him. Being the mom I am, I let her. See her surgeon is young, has an eight year old daughter of his own. I figured he could handle it. Might even be the bright spot in his day.

So I was sitting in the chair across from the table and Makiah is crouched down behind the table, completely out of sight from the door.

She tells me, "Now Mom, act normal okay, not like anything weird and don't tell him where I am." Act normal--what do I normally act like? Wait, never mind, don't answer.

Dr. Very-Tall-and-Bald-by-Choice walked in. He walked in rather quickly (ya know he is a surgeon, he's busy), strode right over and shook my hand. He didn't even look in that direction. You could tell he was rather bewildered though at the fact that the actual patient was no where to be seen, but before he could ask, she jumped up and said "surprise, here I am."

He laughed and told her that she got him. Then he looked at me and said, "Well, I was going to ask how she is doing, but apparently she is doing quite well."

"Yes, yes, she is doing fine it seems." I didn't tell him this, but she isn't fine when she's trying to get out of doing something, like clean her room.

He told her that he would release her upon the world but she had to still be careful. Right.

I left thinking this: "Was I normal enough?"

Pass the Tissues Please

Well, Hay Fever season is upon me and I am having so much fun. I can't breathe, my head feels swollen and my throat is sore. I just generally feel YUCK!

Okay, I am done whining. . . . for now anyway.

Daniel is better now, no more fever, just a junky cough. Hopefully within a couple of days that will be gone too. Makiah's upset stomach never went any further (thank you Lord, prayer works people) and Samuel seems to have escaped this recent round of illness (another thank you Lord).

Daniel is teething so his snotty ways may hang around for, oh, say the next six months, but hopefully not. Except for the first son, my other two had horrible snotty issues associated with teething. I am hoping Daniel takes after his oldest brother. The doctor said she could see one just below the gum and it should make it's appearance soon. But babies often fool even the best of doctors, we'll see.

Daniel's palette now includes squash, green beans, peaches, pears, bananas, carrots applesauce and sweet potatoes. He loves his food and eats the whole jar, followed by a bottle. He's still a peanut, but he's growing steadily so that's all that counts. He is up to just over sixteen pounds. He reminds me so much of Nathaniel. He has the same temperament, holds his hands the same way, does several of the things Nathaniel did. It's a good reminder though. I can't believe it, time is moving so quickly. *sigh*

Makiah is doing well in school. She is dramatic about it, but she is doing well. Her reading skills have increased tremendously, not that she was behind, it's just gotten smoother. She is still flying through her work, I think we'll switch her to the A Beka program next year, give her more of a challenge. I need to get her in some type of music class. She is always singing, making up her own songs. We have music time everyday as part of school. I want her to take piano lessons, but I am having a hard time finding someone around here that teaches children. Most of them have a full schedule and aren't taking new students.

You know, I don't have enough on my calendar, I need to add something else. I don't mind really, I want her to learn.

Samuel is still up to his old tricks. He loves to take things apart and see how they work. The other day I found him sitting in the lower cabinet, taking my blender apart. Yes, the blender, you know the kind, sharp blades, glass pitcher--that's the one.

He has figured out that if he moves everything back he can hide in the lower cabinets. It's great really, thinking that your two year old has vanished, and start to feel panic rising. Yes, before I knew that he had discovered his "house" I searched all over, I just knew that he had opened the front door and was heading down the street to Guitar Center. Finally, as I was rushing through the kitchen calling his name again, he pushed the doors open and said "yes mommy". My heart began to beat normally again and I told him he can't hide from mama and that if I am calling him he needs to answer.

We'll see if that works, if not, at least I know where to look.