The Misadventures of a Blushing Mommy

It's Been So Long!

2009-04-13T11:00:00.002-05:00

I swear I don't mean to wait so long between blogs, but with Grab Bag Reviews and the boys I just don't seem to ever have the time.

Life is crazy. Insane. Things have been hectic and rough with no end in sight. The most recent thing is my car. Alex has been driving my car since his was out of commission, and we finally got it fixed Saturday. I needed to have my brakes looked at and so I took the car in. Apparently the caliper is stuck on one of the back tired and they quoted me $1200!!!! That just doesn't sound right. I honestly think and they thought I was just some stupid woman who was going to take them at their word and eat the bill... NO WAY!! I've been calling around and have found a place that will do the same job for $500! Part alone are close to $300, even if we bought them, so that is definitely a discount. It's insane what these places try to charge!

On top of that, I left my wallet at the place I had my brakes inspected but didn't realize until after they closed. I call this morning and nope, they don't have it! How convenient, since you can't rip me off with my car you steal my wallet. Fabulous. Thankfully most of what was in there can be replaced with no problem. I called as soon as I realized it was gone and suspended my debit card, so no problems there, and I should be able to replace my liscence next week when we're in Alabama. But I did have about $200 cash in there that is gone. Gone, gone, gone. It was the money had I brought to pay for the brake work. Go figure.

So, if you don't mind, just say a prayer that things will start looking up soon. We are leaving Saturday to go back home to Alabama for a week again, and we have several things we need to get taken care of while we're there. I hope our trip goes smoothly, the drive is safe, and the boys don't have too hard of a time being in the car for that length of time again so soon.

P.S. Don't you love the one of a kind artwork Henry did? :)

My Table is Artwork

2009-02-27T10:14:00.000-06:00

Unfortunately for me, I didn't intend it to be like this. My oldest was coloring some pictures for me, having a grand ole time, and I was online. Surprised, right? Anyhow, I turn around to check on him and he has foregone the paper in favor of my kitchen table! He drew lovely criss-crossing train tracks down the entire length of my table. Now, as you can see from the pictures, it's not the best table anyway, but it's still our only table! I have tried scrubbing it out and it's not budging an inch. I think a tablecloth is the only thing that's going to save it.

Please, tell me I'm not alone. Tell me what your kiddos have turned into art lately!

Win A Slow Cooker!!

2009-02-19T23:32:00.002-06:00

Win a new Slow cooker Mate at Ohana Mama. Cook an entire meal in one crockpot!!

More pictures!

2009-02-12T17:31:00.005-06:00

Hi everybody! We headed to St. Louis on Tuesday and had a lot of fun at the zoo there. I got lost on the way due to road closings from construction, so that was a lot of fun. Note the sarcasm. I'll be uploading some pics from that soon, but for now here are some pics of the boys from today and a SUPER cute video of Luke! He was eating a snack of yogurt, so never mind the mess. He was just too cute not to share!

Also, some news. We're coming back to Alabama for a week in March! March 14th through...ummm, we'll be leaving that following saturday. So anyone wanting to get a visit in, schedule now! lol

The video... enjoy!

One of Henry... more to come soon!

2009-02-09T14:42:00.000-06:00

2 Years Free of Parents magazine!!!

2009-01-16T11:07:00.001-06:00

http://www.valuemags.com/freeoffer/Parents-BBS.asp

Snow Everywhere!

2009-01-14T10:02:00.001-06:00

And it's still coming down thick and fast!!! WOO! Our first real, deep, snowy, wintery, snow!!

Updating My Blog Again

2009-01-07T09:39:00.002-06:00

Just so you can't say I didn't. So.... hi.

I'm a bad bad blogger

2009-01-06T11:38:00.003-06:00

My mom asked me yesterday if I was ever going to update this blog again. Woops! Things have really taken off at Grab Bag Reviews, and I've been so busy writing that I barely have time for anything. I'm also writing for Busy Mom and Playdate Picks. WOO! If you get a chance I really would like you to check it out. Especially the moms with little ones b/c I am starting up some really great giveaways!

But, enough self promotion. Things are going here. The Christmas decorations are put away, the snow has melted... and then it snowed again last night and so there is the thinnest blanket of white. The boys are good, smart and crazy as ever. Luke has started asking "Sdat?", like he's asking what's that. And I tell him, and then he points to something else and "Sdat?", over and over and over. It's really cute! He rambles on and on all day long and some of his rambles are sounding more recognizable, so no doubt he'll be talking before long! Henry has been working on his numbers and letters. He's beginning to recognize alot of the alphabet and knows some of their sounds. We're working on writing too, but for the most part he just bears down really hard and scribles, or draws train tracks. LOL

Alex and I are doing well. He's very ready to come back to Alabama, so the way things are looking we'll be heading back in September. Sigh. Don't get me wrong, I feel no real attachment here, and I'm not opposed to going home, it's just...ugh... another move. AGAIN. I'm so sick of moving. I would live in an igloo in Alaska if it meant I would never have to move again. Ok, well, maybe that's taking it a little bit too far, but I am sooo sick of moving.

So there's my blog. My update. The what's what. The 411. I hope you enjoyed it. And hopefully I'll have time/remember to update sooner next time! Enjoy the picture of our first White Christmas!

Basking In The Christmas Afterglow

2008-12-26T11:30:00.001-06:00

Here is a video of the boys coming down to see their presents for the first time!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T09:02:00.001-06:00

A warm holiday hello from the Grab Bag. I want to wish everyone a warm, loving, family-filled Christmas. And I want to say that, in this time of presents and food it is so easy to be swept away by the Christmas spirit and, in doing so, forget the real reason for the season. So, in honor of our Lord Jesus, and in celebration of his birthday here is the story of his birth.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city called Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them at the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said to them, Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born today in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.

And they came with haste, and found, Mary, Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

The Gospel according to St. Luke Chapter 2 verses 1-20.

Luke Is A Daredevil Cutie

2008-12-22T17:37:00.004-06:00

More Lukie pics!

Eating Lunch

Climbing the steps

He knows he's in trouble!

Made My First Ornament!

2008-12-14T14:16:00.002-06:00

Last night I made my very first Christmas ornament, totally from scratch! I bought the clay and followed some directions online and here is the product! I blacked out the names b/c this is for my SS. And just in case she reads my blog I don't want the surprise to be ruined! Shhhhh!!

Henry's Turn for Pics!

2008-12-10T22:11:00.002-06:00

And our tree

Books Giveaway!

2008-12-07T22:25:00.000-06:00

Win some book pressies over at Riding With No Hands blog!

Reuseable Shopping Bags

2008-12-06T08:33:00.002-06:00

Alot of you know that I use reusable shopping bags. Over at my friend Sarah's Ohana Mama Blog she has a giveaway listed for bags called Envirosax! These things are the epitomey of cuteness and functionality! Hop on over for her review of these super chic bags!

Have a Very Etsy Christmas!

2008-12-05T21:12:00.002-06:00

My friends over at Busy Mom are sponsoring a tremendous Etsy give away. The list of sponsors is a mile long with some of Etsy's finest products! Here's the list! You should head over to Busy Mom and enter for your chance to win this amazing Christmas gift!

Children
This and That - $20 gift card
Red Pajamas - Little Man's Tie ($8)
Baby Luv Gifts - Cute Custom Beanie ($15) *
Baby Bears - $25 gift card
My Custom Baby Boutique - $25 gift card
Baby Goin Places - PocketChanger Diaper Changing Pad ($25)
Layla Legs - $15 gift card & free shipping
Second Story Window - $10 gift card
Inspiring Color Tie Dye - Youth pullover hoodie rainbow diagonal or swirl ($30)
Baby Peas - boy or girl cloth play blocks- set of 4 ($18)
Abby Chase Designs - Lotus Hair Flower ($13.50)
Tadpoles and Tutus - $20 gift card
Make it and Love It - onesie/bootie set of choice (14.99)

PiggyTails Boutique - Christmas tutu and snowman wand with a matching personalized bow ($26)

Jewelry
Four Dog Day - Cute Pink Key Ring ($8)
Jupita - $20 gift card
Zeba - Coin Pearl Earrings ($20)
Jodi Horgan - $25 gift card *
One of a Kind Custom Jewelry - $20 gift card
Across The Pond - choice of any vintage button ring ($14) *
Kerstin Hanson - $20 gift card

Bath and Body
Krug's Eco-Logic - $15 gift card
Indulgent Creations - Soy candle travel tin, soap and lotion ($16.50) *
koko candles - holiday brownie cupcake candles ($25)
Dazzle Dott - $20 gift certificate

Especially for Mom
Mary Zoom - Pink Polka Dot Glam Cleaning Gloves ($10)
Maggie Sue Designs -A cup cozy and coordinating set of Tame Your Mane ponytail holders ($12)
Gaia Conceptions - "My Everything" piece (clothing, $40)
Boojiboo - apron of winners choice (only ones in stock, $28.75)*

Stones of Healing - $20 gift certificate

Yummy Treats
A Sugar Affair - $10 gift card
Cakebox Cookies - $20 gift card
A Thyme 2 B Comforted - $25 gift card
Double Dipped Sweets - $20 gift card *
KE Cookies - One dozen chocolate chip cookies ($8)
AngelPie Cookies and Cakes - One dozen decorated sugar cookies ($18)
Meg's Creations - 2 pack of cookie and brownie mix ($24 including shipping)
Cookie Art by Sarah - One dozen sugar cookie snowflakes and $25 gift certificate ($53)

Paper Crafts
Paper Treasures 4 U - 2 page 12''x12'' Christmas layout ($9)
Inkspot Workshop - 1 Set of 6 Snowman Gift Enclosures 1 Set of 6 Tree Bird Gift Enclosures ($12)
Take Note - 1 set of personalized notecards ($15)*
Articulations - 6 lunchbox love mini cards ($5)

Bond.... Luke Bond

2008-12-05T17:00:00.003-06:00

He snuck his brother's stool and was trying to open the door. Lucily we have ancient doorknobs that are nearly impossible for an adult to open! Doesn't he look SO pleased with himself. *eye roll* And nevermind the jelly face. This was immediatley after lunch.

And now looking super cool in his brother's shades!

I'm Coming Out!

2008-12-05T08:33:00.002-06:00

I have a new blog!!!! It's a review blog and I will be reviewing anything and everything that I use or see in my life. If you want to look for some new great products, or enter in some giveaways (COMING SOON!!!), or if you have something you'd like for me to give my opinion on just shoot over to

Beautiful Necklaces

2008-12-04T21:14:00.002-06:00

There is another giveaway I wanted to tell you guys about over at MomDot.com. klacustomcreations has tons of beautiful pieces but I love the one pictured in particular. For a chance to win head over to MomDot.com

TRAIN BEDDING!! ACK!

2008-12-04T19:52:00.002-06:00

My friend Lee has an Olive Kids bedding giveaway going on her blog. I drooled over this bedding while I was PG with both boys and now I actually have a chance to WIN IT!! WOO!!! Head over to MySentimentExactLee if you're interested!

The Holiday Season Is Upon Us!

2008-12-02T16:13:00.002-06:00

I'm finally back in the blogging swing of things. I've been spending alot of time getting my NEW review blog ready to go public, so I'm sorry for the neglect that Blushing Mommy has recieved. Once the other blog is off the ground I will have a bit more time to spend here... at least if the kids are sleeping. LOL

I hope everyone's holiday was good. My family drove up from Alabama and came to stay with us! We got our first big snow while they were here, so that was very exciting getting to share our winter weather with them! Turkey Day was amazing! I did the turkey ALL BY MYSELF for the first time, and it turned out b-e-a-utifully! It was so golden brown and moist.... yummm. I still have some in the fridge if you want a bite? lol I did my mom's stuffing while she layed the baby down and that was not such a success. Luckily my cornbread dressing swooped (or should I say scooped?) in and saved the turkey day!

It was so nice to have my family here and to feel like things were slightly back to normal because, I'll tell ya, being on your own without any help is exhausting! The couple days they were here, having help with the kids, was so wonderful! They helped me a ton with housework and dishes and laundry... too much actually! But regardless, it was so nice and endlessly appreciated!

We have the tree up now and the rest of the house is decorated. I finally found my camera charger so I will get some pictures of the house and post them in the next few days. I'd love to see pictures of everyone else's decorations too!! Have a happy holiday and go put on some Christmas music!

waiting for Twilight

2008-11-20T23:13:00.000-06:00

Well folks, the time has finally come... Twilight is here! I am sitting in the theater patiently waiting the last 45 minutes before it begins. I am here by myself which kind of sucks, but next time I'll be with my sissy so that makes it better! Well, I'm going to go and enjoy the mindless teen chatter going on around me. Twerds unite!

MySentimentExactLee

2008-11-20T08:58:00.002-06:00

One of my friends from BabyTalkBio recently started a giveaway blog. She has lots of great products that she reviews and gives away. She recently listed a really cool magnetic calender for kiddos and some Amaz pads. (MEN: LOOK AWAY THIS BLOG ISN'T FOR YOU!!) The Amaz are cloth pads to replace disposable menstrul pads. They can make your period shorter, cramping less, and you're not spending money every month when Aunt Flo comes knocking.

MySentimentExactLee is my friends blog and if you want info on great products and chances to win some cool stuff, check her out.

Looking For Work

2008-11-15T01:45:00.003-06:00

Well, I just took a typing test for a work-at-home transcription job. You make your own hours, but it is a legit job. No paying to work for them, none of that jazz. I'm actually excited about it! It will be nice if I can bring in a little extra to help out our family.

My Boys Are Angels

2008-11-14T12:08:00.004-06:00

Why, you ask, are they angels? Because they are asleep. Both of them. At the same time! We ran some errands today and they both fell asleep shortly before we got home. I succesfully unstrapped and carried both the boys, taking off coats and shoes along the way, and laid them both in their beds. They're all snuggly warm under their covers, and mama is sipping on some Starbucks, enjoying the rare total peace and quiet. Ahhhhh. This is going to be a short blog b/c I want to revel in the silence while I a chance. Just remember, silence is golden!

I've Been Tagged!

2008-11-11T23:01:00.002-06:00

My friend Benah (rhymes with Dana ;) ) tagged me. And that means I am supposed to impart 7 pieces of my motherhood wisdom. More specifically, wisdom I aquired in my first 3 months of parenting. So let's see what I can dredge up from that sleep deprived period of my life.

1. You cannot spoil a newborn. Don't be afraid of holding them too much, giving them too many kisses, or whispering too many I loves yous into their tiny ears. You never get these newborn days back, so as exhausted as you may be, cherish it! Your tiny miracle will never as tiny as they are today. All too soon they will be scooting, the crawling, then walking, and then off to college. Make the most of every day.

2. BUY A BOPPY! This thing is a lifesaver. From feedings, to cuddlings, to learning to hold thier head up this thing is a godsend!

3. Breastfeed. It's the easiest thing you can do for your baby that counts in so many ways. Your breastmilk is taylored to fit your baby exactlly, and your milk changes nutritionally to meet the constant changing of your baby. The bonding you experience through breastfeeding is unlike anything else. I see it as the 2nd way you give life to little love.

4. This one only applies to boys, but it's something I learned in the early weeks with Henry. Point their penis DOWN. For some unknown reason I was under the impression that you were supposed to point it up. Frustrating diaper change after frustrating diaper change, soaked outfit after soaked outfit and my friend Misty finally clued me in. DUH! If the pee pee is point up then guess where the pee goes? Up and out. Tuck it in! lol

5. When your baby wakes up in the middle of the night, keep their surroundings the same. Don't turn the lights on, don't make eye contact (this speeds up their heartrate and makes them wake up more), and try to keep the atmosphere the same.

6. White noise. Get a humidifier, white noise CD, or something similar. Both of my boys still use white noise for sleep and it helps so much. If muffles all the things that go bump in the night so they can sleep more sound.

7. Get into a routine. Since so much a mother's hardships in the beginning revolve around sleep, this one is key. A bedtime routine is especially important, but getting your baby into a routine gets their little body into a routine, and this makes falling asleep easier because their body is anticipating it. We did dinner, bath, jammies, boob, rocking, and then bed.

So that's some of my motherly wisdom. I hope it helps someone out. I'm off to tag 4 other mamas!

1. Misty - Be Cool, Be a Guhl
2. Laura - Wait. What are we talking about?
3. Michelle (mama) - The Process of Changing Michelle
4. Stephanie - The Osbornes

House Pictures

2008-11-10T09:39:00.002-06:00

Here are some promised pictures of the new place. I'll get some of the bedrooms and kitchen later and post those too.

Fall is Falling

2008-11-07T12:33:00.004-06:00

Most of the leaves are out of the treetops and on the ground now. We haven't raked yet because who wants to rake twice? Ew. We're looking at a mix of rain and snow tonight and tomorrow morning which is kind of exciting. I doubt it will stick though if there is going to be rain in the mix. I could've sworn I saw flurries earlier while I was at the bank, but they were really thin, and didn't stay but for a few seconds. It could've been my imagination running away with me.

I bought Henry an approiate sized rake a few days ago and he's been having fun with it. Here are a couple pictures of him and Luke outside "raking" the yard yesterday.

Hippo Toes

2008-11-01T22:13:00.001-05:00

There is a wonderful line of fair trade children's clothing called Hippo Toes. If you're interested in winning a $25 gift certificate (with FREE shipping!) then head over to Ohana Mama blog!

Halloween 2008

2008-11-01T21:55:00.003-05:00

Pics of my Thomas the Train and Chunky Monkey!!

Fluffy Blog

2008-11-01T00:02:00.004-05:00

I need to apologize. Things have been feeling so hectic lately that most of my blogs have been fluff 'n stuff. Well, I say hectic, but really I've pushed the "New Post" button tons of time and say here thinking, "I have NOTHING to blog about." Do you ever feel like you have nothing going on in your life? Obviously my life is full. I fell as though I don't have a minute to myself most days, I'm so busy doing. But when it comes down to it, where was all my running getting me? What was I accomplishing? Was it even worthwhile enough to mention in a blog? Hmmm. Apprently not because my blog has been pretty bare.

So, what's a girl to do? How do you go about making your everyday happenings mroe meaningful? How do you find value in monotenous tasks? How do you make an extraordinary life out of a life that barely seems blog-worthy? Truth be told, I have no idea. But I know I need to get out of whatever funk is keeping me feeling this way.

I haven't been to church since I left Alabama, which, I'm sure, is a huge contributing factor. Even Alex said today, "We need to get you back into church QUICK!" but that was a joke. Although, many a truth is said in jest. I need to get back into the Bible too. I know it's nothing more than an exscuse, but every spare second I have I (usually) spend trying to clean or finish unpacking/organizing the house. It's not exscuse though. Sigh.

If anyone has advice for me, let me know. I want my everyday life to feel full. And not just with "Stuff", but to be full of meaning.

Night!

To The Spoiled Under 30 (or in my case 25) crowd

2008-10-31T00:42:00.000-05:00

If you are 30 or older you will think this is hilarious!!!!

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears
With their tedious diatribes about how hard things were. When
They were growing up; what with walking Twenty-five miles to school
Every morning

... Uphill... Barefoot.

BOTH ways

In the snow...

Yadda, yadda, yadda

And I remember promising myself that when I grew up,
There was no way in hell I was going to lay

A bunch of crap like that on kids about how hard I had it

And how easy they've got it!

But now that... I'm over the ripe old age of
Thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of
Today.

You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my
Childhood, you live in a damn Utopia!

And I hate to say it but you kids today you
Don't know how good you've got it!

I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have The Internet. If we
Wanted to know something, We had to go to the damn library and
Look it up ourselves, in the card catalogue!!

There was no email!! We had to actually write
Somebody a letter, with a pen!

...Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put
It in the mailbox and it would take like a week to get there!

There were no MP3's or Napsters! You wanted to
Steal music, you had to hitchhike to the damn record store and
Shoplift it yourself!

Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and
The DJ'd usually talk over the beginning and @#*% it all up!

We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting! If you
Were on the phone and somebody else called they got a busy
Signal, that's it!

And we didn't have fancy Caller ID either!
When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be
Your school,
Your mom, your boss, your Bookie, your drug dealer, a
Collections agent, you
Just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your
Chances, mister!

We didn't have any fancy Sony Playstation video
Games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600!
With games
Like 'Space Invaders' and 'asteroids'. Your guy was a little
Square! You
Actually had to use your Imagination!! And there were no
Multiple levels or
Screens, it was just one screen
Forever!

And you could never win. The game just kept getting
Harder and harder and
Faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE!

You had to use a Little book called a TV Guide to find out what
Was
On! You were screwed when it Came to channel surfing! You had
To get off
Your ass and walk over to the TV to change the Channel and
There was no
Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons
On Saturday Morning. Do you Hear what I'm saying!?! We had to
Wait ALL WEEK
For cartoons, you spoiled
Little rat-bastards!

And we didn't have microwaves, if we wanted to heat
Something up we had to use the stove ... Imagine that!

That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids
Today have got it too easy.
You're spoiled. You guys wouldn't have lasted
Five minutes back in 1980!

Regards,
The over 30 Crowd

Picture Day

2008-10-30T00:32:00.006-05:00

I had a request from my mom today for pics of the boys. So, as requested, lots and lots of pics, iuncluding Luke's birthday here in Illinois! These are all backwards in order too. Sorry!

Petition widget

2008-10-22T19:22:00.002-05:00

Christmas Countdown

2008-10-22T10:10:00.000-05:00

The season is upon us!

Get Myspace Christmas Countdown

A little update on Henry

2008-10-20T16:45:00.002-05:00

At the moment Henry is sleep, but he appears to be back to his old self today. No fever, high spirits, eating good, still drinking lots but that in itself isn't abnormal for him, and playing with his brother. All in all I think he's fine now!!

Sick, Sick, Sick

2008-10-19T22:21:00.003-05:00

Ever have a period where it feels like your kiddos are constantly sick? Yea, I'm going through that period right now. Ear infections, sinus infections, random mysterious fevers, chest congestion... it never seems to stop. Right before we left Alabama both boys went to the Dr and were sick. After getting better Luke suddenly spiked a 104 fever one night and was completley fine by the next morning. Now, for the last few days, Henry has been lethargic, not eating well, drinking a ton, and had an on and off fever. Last night it was 103, this morning 99.7, and tonight 103.4 and then back down to 100.7. SHEESH! We just got here, so we don't have a pedi yet. I'm so sick of having sick children. It just feels like we're in a never ending cycle of sickness. I want my babies all better!

Total change of subject here, but Jeff took his ASFAB for the Army on wednesday and made a 49. If he had made a 50 he could've gone ahead and enlisted w/o his GED, but now he has to wait to take his GED and the recruiter wants him to take the ASFAB again, which he has to wait another month for. I love Jeff, don't get me wrong, but I have been living in someone else's house for the past 6+ weeks and I was sooo looking forward to having a home that was just my family again. And now this. And not only are we talking a month, but b/c of the date when he'll be able to enlist they won't actually send him to basic until JANUARY. January. JaNuArY! Do you get what that means? That means he'll be living with us... until January. He was just supposed to come help us move and stay for a week and now it end up being nearly 3 months! That's not exactlly what I enlisted for.

Official a resident of Illinois!

2008-10-14T13:15:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! I know I've taken a bit of a hiatus from blogging, but with the move and preparing for the move, and unpacking from the move things have been too crazy. We left out from Alabama on Thursday morning and stopped overnight (for the boys sake ... well, and frankly everyone's sake!) and arrived here early Friday afternoon. As soon as I walked into the house I squealed! It was/is soooo much more than I expected! The house is beautiful, although it does need cleaning and painting. The steps are also quite a workout. There is only 1 bathroom, and it's upstairs, so if I need to pee I have to haul butt up the steps. Then the luandry room is downstairs, so that's more trips everyday. And of course stuff in the boys room, and unpacking, and yada yada yada. In short, it's alot of stairclimbing. A built in stairmaster, if you will. The area also seems nice. The day we got here there were about 10 kids outside playing from ages 2 to about 8. LOTS of little boys for Henry to make friends with. I've seen our neighbors a few times, but so far I've been too shy or too busy to actually say anything. I play over in my head what I will say and it just never sounds right, so I've stayed put so far. But I will socialize soon... promise.

Well, right now we're about to head out to take Jeff to the Army recruiters office. He's been thinking about the military for months, and it seems like he's finally decided on the Army. So we'll see what becomes of that.

I'll write again soon! BYEEEE!!

A Survey

2008-10-03T15:17:00.004-05:00

Because I never do these things and, well, it's good to change things up, right?

1) Is the last person you kissed mad at you?
No

2) Is your hair up?
How did you know? Are you phsychic?

3) Do you still talk to the person who hurt you the most?
Yes

4) Do you think you are an argumentative person?
No, why? Do you think I'm argumentative? That's sooo typical of you. Sheesh!

5) Is your phone right beside you?
Ummm, no. I think it's in my car.

6) Will this sunday be a good one?
Sure hope so

7) What color boxers are you wearing?
I'm not wearing any. Oh lala!

8) Have you ever had a difficult relationship?
Is this a trick question? Hasn't everyone had a difficult relationship?

9) Ever gone skinny dipping ?
Not completley.

10) What's your biggest pet peeve?
When Alex do-do's. Not poops, but like do-do's to a song he doesn't know the words too. drives.me.insane.

11) Have you ever hugged someone named Madison?
If I've hugged Madison from next door, then yes. But I can't rememeber.

12) When was the last time something bothered you?
Always.

13) Have you ever stayed in a hotel?
Duh.

17) How did you feel when you woke up this morning?
Tired. I wanted to go back to sleep.

18) Have you ever showered with the opposite sex?
I have a husband so I don't think a yes or no is neccesary for this one.

19) How long does it take for you to fall asleep at night?
5 minutes? It used to take forever, but being a mommy is draining.

20) Have you ever had a best friend who was the opposite sex?
Yup. A couple of them.

22) When was the last time you shot a dirty look at someone?
Last night or this morning.

24) Whats in your pocket?
Dollas!

25) When is your birthday?
August 30th. You missed it!

26) Where did you buy the shirt(s) you're wearing now?
Penney's?

27) What color are your eyes?
blue/gree/grey with a gold spot in the left one

28)Who is your last text from?
Jessica

30) Are you a forgiving person?
I try my best to be.

31) Ever kissed someone who smokes?
mmhmm

32) When you shut off your alarm clock, do you tend to fall back asleep?
Yea. But I have this other alarm clock with no snooze. It's called babies!

35) Did anything weird happen in the past 3 days?
Not that stands out, no.

36) What are you listening to?
The hum of the a/c and Luke babbling. (eee... uuuh...bu....ah)

37) Your number one tells you they're pregnant, you say?
I'll kill him, what's his name!

38) Have you ever thought about getting your lip pierced?
Yeah

39) Who was the last person of the opposite sex you shared a bed with?
Luke

40) Have you had more than 3 boyfriends/girlfriends at the same time?
No. Whore much?

41) Who was the last person whose voice you heard?
Henry "It's Rachel's RIIIIIIDE!"

42) What will you do this weekend?
SHop, spending time with family, have an early b'day party for Luke.

43) Are you on medication for anything?
No. Should I be?

44) Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone
My hubby! He's almost home!

45) Last female you slept in the same place with?
My mom in Atl.

46) If you were upset, who's the first girl you would go to?
Misty probably.

47) Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
Every single day!

48) Kissed someone that had a girlfriend/boyfriend?
Yes. :(

49) How old is the first person on your top?
18

50) Does anyone call you baby?
Yup

51) How long was your last phone call?
ABout 10 minutes?

52) Do you like comments or messages better?
Both!

53) How many kids do you want to have?
somewhere between 3 and 5

54) What did you do today?
Drove to Publix but didn't go in b/c both kiddos were sleeping. Picked up. Myspaced. BTBed. Blogged. Played with the kiddos. Took some pics. Talk to Misty.

55) Has anyone ever told you they were in love with you?
yes

56) How are you feeling?
Excited! Alex is almost here!!!

57) What were you doing at midnight last night?
Getting off the computer

58) When's the last time you were surprised?
The other day. My mom brought home mother daughter necklaces for her and myself.

59) Who was the last person to grab your butt?
Henry? lol

Henry Bit Me!

2008-10-03T08:02:00.002-05:00

Henry has never been a biter. He's never gone through a biting stage. But, for some unknown reason, this morning he decided to sink his teeht right into the tender part on the back of my arm. OUCH! I wonder so often what this kid is thinking. He is always going 90 to nothing, full throtle until he crashes for bed. I hope it's just a 3 y/o thing and that this too shall pass. I see plenty of other 3 y/o though, and most of them don't have near the same energy level and don't exhert theirselves physically the way Henry does. He is truly one of a kind. Lucky me. (Do you feel the sarcasm coming off of that one?) I mean, don't get me wrong, I do feel beyond lucky to have him (and no less lucky to have Luke) but he is suuuuch a handful. Sometimes I just wish I had a timecard to punch and say, "Ok, I'm off now!" But motherhood doesn't work that way does it. Men don't realize how lucky THEY are to actually have a workplae to go to... and a workplace to leave from! And I know just how lucky I am that I get to spend every day with my boys, no matter how tiring, no matter how taxing, no matter how hard.... it's a blessing I'm thankful for beyond measure. :)

Target, Twilight, and CVS

2008-10-01T23:19:00.002-05:00

Exhausting day. I'm really tuckered so I'm not entirely sure why I'm blogging exactlly, but I'm here so let's do this thang! This morning I decided to try to squeeze in some shopping at Target before Luke's nap. We left the house at 9, it takes 20 minutes to get there, 20 minutes to get back, and Luke is supposed to nap at 10. Ummm, yea. We didn't make it back by naptime. So Luke fell asleep in the car on the way there and, thankfully, woke up just fine and was peachy the whole was through Target. While I'm shopping I get a phone call from CVS that Luke's eardrops are FINALLY in. Oh yea, remind me to tell you all about THAT story in a minute. So we leave Target, I forget to swing by CVS, but I just assumed my Dad could pick them up on his way home from work. No can do. My mom informed me that he had to pickup his lawnmower on the way home, so that meant another trip back out for us. At this point it was 1:30pm so I just decided to wait around for my sister to get home from school and see if she would watch the boys so I could make a super quick trip of it. She did. I went (and got a canolli at Publix while I was out hehe) and got the drops. Came home, dealt with kids (which seems to always be an ordeal) made dinner (meatloaf, corn, mac n cheese), wrestled with the kids more (this includes Henry trying to start a food fight with Nathan, refusing to blow his runny nose, and standing at the potty for 15 minutes before bedtime also refusing to budge an inch on not going pee in the potty), layed Henry down while mom gave Luke his bottle, and then the night was over. Well, mostly b/c I'm still here but sheesh. It doesn't SEEM like alot but man oh man was there alot today.

Oh, so the medicine thing. Both boys started up with a runny nose last week. It started green, turned clear, and then over the weekend it started green again and this time with a yucky wet cough to go along with it. So monday I took them to the Dr. Our insurance is crap which means I had to drive back up to Jasper (an hour each way) and wait in the sardine cramped, slowest moving waiting room in the country to see a NP. She was nice, although we waited in the room about 45 minutes before someone came back to see us. Both boys had chest Xrays and blood work. Henry had streaking in his lungs but Luke looked mostly fine. The both had sinus infections. And Luke is on ear infection #3. Lovely. I leave the Dr's office after having them print me out blue forms for the move, and head to CVS to get their meds filled. Thank goodness I picked the one by my mom's house and not the one in Jasper or I would've been doing alot MORE driving! So anyway, I drop the Rx off and the lady tells me it will be about 30 minutes. Fine. We grab some lunch, swing back by, and the meds still aren't ready. So I sat waiting at the window for what felt like forever, but was actually only about 10-15 minutes and they bring me 2 bags. Henry had 2 meds, both in 1 bag, and Luke had 3 meds, but only 2 of them were in the bag. Turns out they didn't have those particular eardrops in stock so they will order them and I can pick them up next day at 11am. Sucks, but what can you do? So I called on tuesday before driving out there and the lady tells me they have the drops in and ready. Wonderful. I drive to the pharmacy and after waiting 5 minutes someone comes to the window, then disappears for another 5-10 minutes, and I am then greeted by a very large, very intimidating looking, sweet as pie black man. lol He apologized profusely and said that the drops that were prescribed for Luke were no longer manufactured. He had called and ordered a different Rx with the same ingredients and it would be there the next day. Oh really, and I should believe this why? Well, that's what I wanted to say anyhow. I smiled sweetly and told him no problem. They called me this morning (like I mentioned before) and said the drops were ready and HALLELUJAH this time they were! My poor bubby having to deal with this ear infection.... it just made me feel awful to see him tugging at his ear. Now don't get me wrong, he's taking antibiotics for it, but these were numbing drops to help him deal with the pain that the Tylenol/Ibuprophen wouldn't help with.

So now that I've babbled my head off I'm gonna shut it down for the night. Oh hey... HANSON IS IN LESS THAN A WEEK!!! EEEEEEEK!

Time Keeps Tickin' Tickin' Tickin'

2008-09-29T16:33:00.002-05:00

Moving day keeps creeping closer and closer, as does the Hanson concert. But I must say, if I'm leaving I couldn't have chosen a better sendoff than Hanson! I'm hoping my best 2 childhood friends will be able to join me and we can really make it a last hoorah for the books. After we leave who knows when or if I'll get to see them again. I hate to think like that, but schedules conflict and people get busy... well, I'm sure you know too. A week and a half, wow. It's come so much quicker than I thought it would.

Since we will be in serious winter weather this year I am going to be putting together a winter weather/emeregency kit. Sort a diaster preparedness thing but with cold weather items thrown in there. Here is a really great list of some essentials that I am using to guide me in putting my kit together.

You should have available:

A flashlight and extra batteries.
Battery-powered NOAA weather radio and portable radio to receive emergency information. These may be your only links to the outside.
Extra food and water. High-energy food, such as dried fruit or candy, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best.
Extra medicine and baby items.
First aid supplies.
Heating fuel. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a severe winter storm.
Emergency heating source, such as a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc. Learn to use properly to prevent a fire, and be sure to have proper ventilation.
Fire extinguisher and smoke detector. Test your units regularly to ensure they are working properly.
In cars and trucks, plan your travel and check the latest weather reports to avoid the storm! Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins.

Carry a winter storm survival kit including the following items:

Blankets/sleeping bags
Flashlight with extra batteries
First-aid kit
Knife
High-calorie, non-perishable food
Extra clothing to keep dry
A large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
A can, candles and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water
Sack of sand (or cat litter)
Shovel
Windshield scraper and brush
Tool kit
Tow rope
Booster cables
Water container
Compass and road maps.
Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.

Try not to travel alone, and be sure to let someone know your travel plans - your timetable and route.

TWILIGHT

2008-09-24T21:29:00.003-05:00

I have a new obsession. A couple girls I know were talking about a new book, Twilight, so I ordered it from half.com (GREAT website for super cheap books and music btw) It came in mail and I had it read (all 400 something pages) in less than 2 days. I went out the NEXT day and bought New Moon. This is a series btw, did I mention that? Read that in and day and half and bought book Eclipse. Tomorrow I am running out in the morning to get Breaking Dawn, the final book in the series. Sigh. I don't know what I'll do when the story ends.

The upside is that they have made the first book into a movie, and should continue to do so with the rest of the books in the series. WOO PEEEEEE!!! This blog has some great trailers/teasers and movie info. Enjoy! http://teentroves.com/blog/?cat=69

Another Day In The Life

2008-09-19T09:08:00.003-05:00

The boys are playing, I'm blogging, and I want to be in bed. Luke had a rough rough rough night. About 2 hours after I fell asleep he woke up crying and so I brought him into my bed, nursed him, and we both drifted off. Then he woke up again... and again... and again... and finally at 6am he was up for the day but I managed to keep him at least IN the bed with me for another 45 minutes. TORTURE! Must sleep. Henry is going strong and Luke is fussy today (imagine that. SNORT!) Anyone up for babysitting?

It's a Beautiful Day!

2008-09-17T15:30:00.004-05:00

Indeed it is. The sun is shining, the wind is blowing a cool breeze, there are gorgeous fluffy coulds floating slowly by... it's picturesque for sure! I took the boys out and we played for a bit. Even with the breeze the Bama sun was taxing so I sprayed them with the hose for a bit. LOL They both loved it, although Henry told me, "Don't you ever Ever EVER do that again!" He was joking, but it's so funny when he sounds so serious. Then he of course asked me to do it again.

Luke had fun pulling up grass and learning the ropes on the porch. My parents have a 2 level porch where you step down from the first level and then back up from the 2nd. This makes for a gorgeous porch, but it's not very baby friendly. He was trying to figure out how to step down and climb up all without scratching his pretty little face, or should I say handsome little face. He did a pretty good job if I do say so myself.

Well, I hope everyone's day is as beautiful as ours was.

Picture Day

2008-09-09T13:26:00.005-05:00

Afternoon everyone. I am sitting down for a second before I get the boys ready to get pictures taken. I never get professional pics done, mostly because I have a professional camera. But we were at Wal-Mart the other day and the picture lady was standing there with the cutest trin picture and I just squealed... and now we're getting ready to get pics done. lol I hope they turn out cute!

Before hitting Wally World I have to pickup mom's keys from the hair place, and go setup a PO box for us in Hueytown. I still haven't setup our PO box or had our mail fwded. Oops! I need to call Pearl (the old landlady) and see if she will pick our mail up for us. What a pain.

Oh, so I got stung by a wasp today. See my pic? OUCH! I am slightly allergic to wasp stings. I was getting Christmas decorations out of the shed last year and one stung me on my pinkie. It stayed huge and red and itchy for a week and a half... it was painful. I'm hoping this one, which is right in the middle of my back, isn't as bad. At least this one I can't scratch constantly.

So tra la la la la... have a good day everyone!

We Have A House

2008-09-07T15:53:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! I know I haven't blogged in a few days but things just seem to be so hectic. Living in a house with 7 people and 4 animals is a tad crazy.

Alex drove into Peoria to start looking at houses and was having trouble with his phone. He called me and asked me to call the places and find him directions, so I did. He drove to the first place and the owner met him there. He said he'd call me after he was done and so I waited. Well, about 10 minutes later the phone rang. Alex said he needed my parents address so the guy could send us keys!!! OMG!! I begged him for info but he said he'd call when he left. So, we have a house, and we can move in any time after the 26th. The man who owns the house is still living there and is moving out on the 26th. He is being transferred as well, to South Carolina. One leaves the south, the other comes. I guess there is always a balance, huh?

Getting My Oil Changed

2008-09-03T11:29:00.000-05:00

Anyone wanna look under my hood? Just kidding, just kidding! Anyhow, I'm sitting here with two babies asleep in the back with some cutie changing my oil. My boys are truly men. The carr is off, they are asleep but its loud in here and they are sleeping through bells, dings, those loud lugnut changers (their name escapes me at the moment)... they're so peaceful even through the racket.

Well, my hubby is gone to Illinois (ill uh noy) and the boys and I are settling into my mom's house just fine. The kitties and dog are all pretty friendly although our Milo is quite relentless with the older ( read fatter/slower) cats at my mom's. He's been whacke at a few times but he still keeps on chasing them. His current conquest is Emily. She wants nothing to do with him and he is ever more interested in her. Ahhh, unrequited love.

Henry has settled in perfectly to living at Nana's, but Luke is having trouble sleeping. He is also sick with a stuffy runny nose and really chesty cough so that is just compounding the problem. He's waking up early too, which is killing me.

But I don't want to complain... so I'll hush. If I can't say something nice, I won't say nothing at all. Oh yea, and I miss my hubby already. Ok, ok.... I'm really shutting up now.

My First Mobile Blog

2008-08-30T02:00:00.000-05:00

The boys and I are spending our first night in our new temporary home... my mama's house. All 3 of us will be sharing a bedroom for the next 6 weeks and tonight both boys are sick. Yay. Can't you feel my enthusiasm?
I'm currently sitting on the couch in the dark, trying to be as quiet as a mouse, waiting to turn a quarter of a century old. 16 minutes and counting. Who would've known that this benchmark birthday would be bring myself and my family such huge changes. I am back living with my parents and although its temporary, I haven't lived here in 6 years and, honestly, never thought I would need to come back. I will soon be digging up what few family roots we have laid here and will be moving my family halfway across the country to a state that is all but foreign and to a town I have never seen. That a lot for a girl to handle. But, hey, I'm almost 25 so I guess its about time to pull out the big girl panties, right? Even still, everyone pray for my family and I, that God quickly leads us into what he has planned for us in Illinois.
BTW, can anyone tell me if it's il-uh-NOYS or il-uh-NOY? I've been obsessing over this, and a little paranoid that we will be banished as outsiders if we get it wrong. Ok, so maybe I'm exaggerating a tad, but you get the picture.
So I'll end this blog with a simple Happy Birthday to me. It's midnight and I'm 25! Night!

Today is Blogging Lite

2008-08-26T16:21:00.001-05:00

Lots of packing still and time's tickin'. The house is starting to resemble one that's ready to move though. YAY!

Moving... continued

2008-08-25T17:36:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody. It's monday. Yesterday was church, which was nice, although the pastor did ask me to sing about 5 minutes before service and I was sooo thrown!

Today has been another crazy hectic day getting ready to move. First thing this morning I ran to the bank and while I was in line Alex called me with an update from his new regional manager. What we thought would be 2-4 weeks of training has now turned into 6 weeks. 4 weeks in Peoria and 2 weeks in Atlanta. I was really worried at first that we wouldn't see him for the first whole month because they are flying him up there and then renting him a car, but they are flying him back to Alabama almost every weekend!!

I did some mad hunting for boxes today and finally lucked out at Dollar General. They're almost all pack already and somehow my house still looks the same. BLUSH! Anyone have an itch pack? Come to my house and scratch it! I feel sort of stuck too because we need things for my mom's, Alex needs things for his trip, I still have to cook all week, we still have to wear clothes this week. Woo... we have alot of stuff.

Once again I am pulled away from happy blogging by a baby crying "mama" in his crib. For real though, the packing offer still stands. Any takers?

Happy Saturday!

2008-08-23T12:20:00.000-05:00

The weekend is in full swing and I'm wondering if everyone else is feeling as scatterbrained as I am. So much to do, so little time... that's all I can seem to think. Lucky for me, I work well under pressure. Tomorrow we are picking up about 100 boxes from Alex's brother, and Monday packing will be in FULL FORCE! It's going well so far. I'm sorting through our things, trying to weed out what we don't need/use/want. We have quite a few big items that we are donating, which will help to cut down on storage costs and time spent moving.

I don't think I mentioned it before, but, the boys and I will be staying with my mom while Alex is finishing his training. He will be in Atlanta for 2 weeks and then in Peoria for 2 weeks, so rather than being an hour away from anyone and alone with the boys for a month, we're going to be staying with her. Hopefully we won't be too big of an imposition. ;)

Well, Luke is awake and crying for "mama". Enjoy your weekend!

Ahhh, peace.

2008-08-22T15:45:00.000-05:00

At this very moment both of my angelic boys are sleeping. Why are they angelic, you might ask? Because they are asleep!!! Duh! Can't you read?!?! hehe

Anyhow, I've already commenced packing and it's going well. So far it's mostly just toys and nick nacks, but hey, it's a start, right? It all still feels unreal. I even had a moment today where I was expecting a phone call from Alex saying,"Nope, sorry, we're not going." It's not that I want that to happen, it's just that this is all very very surreal. The only place I can remember living is Alabama. And now, not only will I not be in Alabama, I'll be a completley different part of the country. Whew.... intimidating! I'm already hearing wonderful things about the area though, and we've seen some really lovely houses online for decent prices. So, I'm just trusting God and letting happen what will happen.

I'm off to enjoy my quiet. I hope you're having a great day.

Things are about to change!

2008-08-21T17:38:00.000-05:00

Today has another crazy day in our house. I swear, there has been so much going on that I won't have a single new thing to blog about after next week. Now onto the news.

Many of you know that there has been talk of a possible promotion for Alex for a few months now. Today was the BIG day and the regional manager was in Alex's office. Everything went great, she was super nice, and they accepted his salary requirements. ACK! Do you KNOW what that means???? WE ARE MOVING! To Peoria, IL to be exact. Another ACK. I've never been to Peoria... actually none of us have.

It's exciting, because Alex and I have always wanted to get out of Alabama, but at the same time it's scary. There are sooo many things going through my head right now.

Pros

Better schools for the boys

Actual seasons, not just summer and not so much summer

A fresh start

Less racial tension (Alabama teems with it)

Closer to some friends and family

I will be forced to socialize or I will be completley alone... surrounded by testosterone

Better pay

Cons

Far far away from my family here

Less big family holidays

Completley new area that I know zip about

Boys will grow up without family close by

Luke's first birthday will be celebrated w/o his Nana and Papa

We're moving.... AGAIN

See why I don't know how to feel? I'm accepting it, and I'm honestly a little excited. But how can I not be apprehensive.

Today is also a big day in that Luke is 10 months old today. TEN MONTHS! That means that his first birthday is 2 months away. That is not possible. THAT I cannot accept. :P

Jumping on the bandwagon!

2008-08-20T09:40:00.000-05:00

Well, it appears everyone else on the internet is blogging soooo that means I have to too right? Right. My life is pretty run of the mill so I don't know how interesting everything will be, but I'll do my best to spice it up without making the fish too big. ;)

So today has already started off trippy. Alex brings Luke in to me every morning so that I can nurse him, only this morning he also brought the new that he hadn't been paid. WUUUUT?! He immediatley starts calling everyone, but they're all slackers and it was only 7am so no one answered their phone. He went into work early and got the go ahead to call payroll and was told there had been an error and he was the only one who hadn't been paid. Nice, right? Apparently someone else's paperwork was attached to Alex's and his paycheck went into someone else's account. Whoops! Hopefully we will hear back in a hour that the money is in our account and all will be right with the world.

That's all for now as I have Henry asking, "Can I pick you up?".

My First Mobile Blog

2008-08-20T02:00:00.000-05:00