Wordless Wednesday

My Christmas Angel
Lots of other Wordless Wednesday participants over here....http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/

Hustle and Bustle "Not Me" Monday

Gotta get out the door, so this one is short today!

I am not sitting here writing my "Not Me's" even though I just overslept this morning, not waking up the kids on time and now have to drive them to school which will totally discombobulate my day!!

I did not just sit and watch my toddler and my cat in amusement, while they crawled all around under the Christmas tree this week, knowing that they would eventually end up breaking something.

I did not allow my husband to spend way too much money on and then erect those gawdy "flash with the music" Christmas lights.

Watch this short video!!

Who's got time?

I'm falling behind on my blog! I suppose it's just the extra holiday activities, but I haven't had time to say hello to my blogging world readers. So here's a big HELLO!

Today is Friday. All week I've spent my free time decorating. There are lots of decorations that just aren't coming down from the attic this year. Glass ornaments and toddlers don't mix. Neither does tinsel and a kitten. The tree is finished although the bottom 2 feet is basically bare. And guess what else...
My husband bought the newest "must have" for outside decorating. Yes, he bought an expensive contraption from Costco that enables the lights to dance to music. As of last night, it is up and running. Already, people are stopping to watch. Over the weekend, I plan on working on some video footage of our holiday antics. So, stay tuned!!!! Have a blessed weekend.

3 Cheers for Mom

Did I really do that? This is just Not Me!

Usually I'm a bumbling stumbling Momma, but sometimes I just need to give myself a pat on the back.

I actually got my to do list completed for the week... My house is still fairly clean after the Thanksgiving gathering. I got a little Christmas shopping done. The kids have their costumes ready for the Christmas musical at church. I visited my Grandfather whom I haven't seen in about 2 months. I put the flea treatment on the cat. I got my car inspected (Well, I got my husband to do that, but that's work in itself.) I have groceries in the kitchen. We helped my Mother get her Christmas tree out of that attic as well as my own....I'm giving myself a break today!! Yeah Me!

Now head on over to MckMama's and read about all those crazy bumbling stumbling Mommas.

Anchor Friday

I'm going to bed, but wanted to add this quick post...
My friend Joan and others around the Web, with God's help, are trying to live a healthier life. So check her out every Friday for prayers and encouragement in your own lives. Too many sweets left over at my house. Please pray that I'll resist. I'm a horrible sweets-aholic.

Black Friday

I love Thanksgiving. Yesterday was just splendid! My family gathered around a beautiful table and gave thanks to God for everything. The weather was perfect. God was here comforting us as we reminisced about family members who are in heaven and He pampered us with delicious food. We were able to laugh ourselves silly while we enjoyed each others company too. What a giving God we have!!! I pray that your day was blessed also.

Now I've gotta know, why is the day after Thanksgiving called Black Friday? You know, that day when all the crazy people leave their warm homes at a ridiculous hour to be first in line when Best Buy opens. As my Step-Dad would say, "I'd rather staple bologna to my face!" I hope that those of you that participated in this weird ritual will please forgive me for making fun.

Anyway, I checked around the Internet to find out about the origins of the name. It seems that most people agree it is called "Black Friday" because it is the biggest shopping day of the year and stores expect to be firmly "in the black." Well, that's nice for them, but I prefer the other story I found.

According to The City Desk, from the late 1920's until the 1960's, there was a devoted "floor men" or salesman named Laurence H. Black. He worked for Osberger’s Department Store which today is called Macy's. Mr. Black became well known in the retail world. As the story goes, he died in the store on November 27th, 1964 from a heart attack. Mr. Osberger closed the store the following day and other retailers around the city wore black in his honor.
Hope you enjoyed the tid-bit. Have a great weekend!!

I'm glad I'm not cooking the turkey

Could this really be?

It's only 9:30 in the morning, a Monday morning, and I'm writing my second post of the day! How can that be?

And what to write about?....Why, Christmas of course!....
I was watching 60 minutes last night and Andy Rooney was complaining about how Thanksgiving gets pushed aside because of the commercialization of Christmas and the almighty dollar! Oh my gosh he is so right!! We all realize this don't we? But here I sit getting ready to write about Christmas shopping when Thanksgiving is in 4 days.

Just let me clear one thing up. I haven't put up my tree, I have leaves spewed across my lawn and a Thanksgiving pumpkin on my mantle. On Thursday, I'll have a house full of family and a big turkey sitting on the table. So Andy Rooney, please forgive me for starting my Christmas shopping early! It must be done!!!

I've been picking my children's brains this past week for ideas. I am blessed with grateful and appreciative children. They don't ask for anything really. Which is wonderful, but makes shopping a bit more difficult. So one kid at a time. My toddler will be easy. She can't tell me what she wants so I have to take cues from her.

She loves to stick things (fingers, food, toys) in everyone's mouth. She'll definately get a cute little baby doll. One that comes with a bottle or a pacifier. She loves pots and pans and my kitchen cabinets! So we'll be checking into a Little Tikes Play kitchen for sure. She also loves to climb on top of things, knock things over and throw things. I'm thinking I'll get her the WWE Blow Up Wrestling Ring for Babies. Just joking! No one really sells that kind of stuff! :)

Off to the toy store....

Just To Draw Traffic To My Site

Not Me!
I would never buy my son a pack of trading cards to bribe him into going to the mall with me so I wouldn't have to go alone.

I would never guilt my children into spending time with their mom because I may not be around for much longer.

I would never give my children a tearful long talk to convince them to remember to feed their bird or clean the kitty litter.

I would never threaten my children with standing in the corner for leaving their dirty socks on the couch or a tootsie roll wrapper on the floor. (Can you picture a 16 year old standing in the corner? It cracks me up!)

And like MckMama said, I would never write one of these Not Me Monday Posts just to draw traffic to my site!

An Omen

I believe there is an omen hanging over my house this week. I've been stressed out and overloaded. My daughter has been sick. And the boys have let my distraction with the baby be an excuse to slack off and do as they please. I've been stuck in the house with the exception of the visit to the doctor's office. I stepped on the scale this week and saw that my diet (started in Sept.) has gone haywire. I've got this huge 'to do' list that is not getting done. And here come the holidays!! ARGH!

Well, you must be thinking, 'Stop crying, get a grip and be thankful for what you have!' And I agree with you totally, but what if you walked out into your front yard and found a big pile of feathers. Obviously a bird had been attacked and drug off to his demise. You know what a animal lover I am. It made me so sad. Yet again, you're thinking 'Leah, it's nature, the food chain must go on. For the second time, get a grip!'

Ok, but then what if you walked out into your front yard a couple days later and found blood and fish scales smeared down the side of your beloved mini van and a BIG DEAD FISH lying on the driveway....What would you think then?! It's an OMEN!!!

I'm not joking! We live next to a lake and there is a canal in our backyard so we're guessing that one of the big egrets or herons accidently dropped his dinner on my car. Talk about gross. My son took some pictures of the scene, but it's just too gruesome to show. Hubby took the car to the car wash last evening in the 35 degree weather, but as of this morning, there are still a few scales left.

Last night I ran up to the local witch doctor store and bought everyone in my family an amulet made from a crow's head and the skin off a dead donkey's nose. And if that doesn't work, then I can always sing...."Ooh-ee-ooh-ah-ah, ting-tang-walla-walla-bing-bang"

1 Kitten and a Baby (Continued)

Click here to read the first installment of this series.

As Glynis and Arlo became better friends, they shared everything! Glynis shared her baby things.

And Arlo showed Glynis his "box."

They had the same interests of course. Some of their favorite things to do together were watching cars go by and hiding things around the house. Momma would find toys in the funniest places.

The highlight of the day was always the same....Sesame Street!

And most certainly, all this fun would wear them out.

To Be Continued Again...

Where have I been?

I went a whole week without posting! That's odd. I can barely even remember what I've been doing this past 7 or 8 days. Maybe I hit my head and I'm having amnesia. No, I don't think so. What it boils down to, I suppose, is that I've just been busy. If I think real hard, I can remember something about an appointment, a sick kid, stocking the pantry and refrigerator, cooking a few meals, carting kids to their activities. I think I may have even done a few loads of laundry. Oh wait....I remember that at some point, I sat down and actually watched a few television programs! Wow, it's coming back to me. I went to bed at a normal hour several nights in a row.
My gain is your loss though. I'll get back in the saddle and write tomorrow! See you then!
By the way, here's a pic of the kids on Halloween. If you look real hard you'll see 4 children.

To Our Veterans

The day is almost over, but I didn't want to go to sleep without saying Thank You. My prayers tonight are for you and your families.

This is a picture of the Veteran's Memorial here in Virginia Beach.

"Not Me"

Ok, I've been surfing the blogworld for several months now and have found this fun "game" that other bloggers play. Well, not a game really, just a post where you blurt out a bunch of things that you "did not" or "would not" ever do, but maybe you really did. I've linked up with the "Not Me!" Monday Diva if you're interested in reading my fellow bloggers' posts.



By the way, this may be PG-13....

I did not drink a slim-fast shake and then eat 4 pieces of stolen Halloween candy, and then have a McDonald's hamburger and fries for dinner.

I don't ever leave wet clothes in the washing machine for 2 days in a row.

I have not taken hundreds of pictures of my baby and my kitten this month. Why would I? It's not like they're cute or anything.

I did not finally throw away a whole unopened package of bacon even though it's been in my fridge since August.

I did not lie to everyone about how I hurt my neck last week. I would never do that. I would never say that I hurt it playing with Glynis (the baby) when I really hurt it :) playing with Chris (the husband.) Tee hee hee :)

That's all of the insanity for this post. I may try this again sometime if I haven't offended anyone too much.

Once upon a time

Everyone has a story. How many people take the time to write it down? For the sake of all my busy readers, this is a condensed version of my life, but we're talking 39 years here, so get your cup of coffee.

It all started "back in the summer of '69." That's when I was born. Into a semi-dysfunctional household. It wasn't all bad, but my parents divorced when I was a teenager. Although my immediate family had some issues, I had 2 wonderful sets of Grandparents. I always had a feeling of home with them. Despite the divorce, my parents still managed to instill some values in me. At age 12, I was baptized and became one of God's children. This turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. Throughout my entire life, during my sane and insane times, I've always had the sense to turn to Him.

High school was difficult for me. Without enough support at home, I ventured into the "bad girl scene." I wasn't exactly strung out on drugs or anything like that, but I definitely made some poor choices. I didn't stick with college. I was too anxious to get my life started. At 18, my good friend Donna and I got an apartment. I worked in a bank. Made decent money. We were too cool! We were making it! Parties every weekend. Under-age drinking, boyfriends, and "fun." God was still speaking to me, but obviously I wasn't listening.

Then I met Clay. He was also a product of divorce and in some ways, just like me. I think we both longed for a real family. We got married when I was 22 and he 24. I was madly in love and thought that nothing would ever come between us. We had our first son just days before our first anniversary. Life was good, but unfortunately for us, it turned sour. Becoming a mother was a wake up call from God. I was working my way back to who I was suppose to be. Clay and I still had a lot of growing to do and it didn't seem that we were growing at the same rate. But we kept it up for 10 years. We had 2 more beautiful boys and then finally it collapsed. Clay had a serious alcohol problem and eventually drug addiction. I feel comfortable sharing this, because Clay has been sober now for just over a year. He credits his sobriety to his involvement with NA - Narcotics Anonymous.

So, how did I get here, Nov. 2008? The next chapter also starts "way back when."

The summer of '85, when I was 16 years old. I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to California with a girlfriend's family. It was a sad occasion, because my very best friend was moving away, but what an adventure we had that summer. I live on the East Coast. So we're talking far far away. Her parents and I spent almost 2 weeks touring the country. We stopped every night at a new hotel. And I spent the rest of the summer on a West Coast beach. It was so fun. The important part of this story is that I met a boy. I actually met several boys that summer, but only one was special. You'll never guess where I met him! Yep, Disneyland! We exchanged phone numbers, but who would have thought he'd want to fly all the way to Virginia to see me. Well, he did. He was 18 and his name was Chris. For several years we kept up our long distance "friendship." Chris was the kindest person I had ever met. He was a comfort to me during my hard teenage years. He was a good listener and his letters kept me believing that someone really cared. I had fallen in love with him, but in my mind, nothing more could ever be between us. California was basically a different planet to me. It was just a friendship... and it came to a halt when I decided to marry Clay. Chris and I totally lost touch. I prayed for his happiness and knew that he'd have a great life without me.

Fast forward now to the year 2001. I was going through my divorce from Clay and now living as a single mom. Life was hard. Legally, our divorce was easy, but it ripped my soul apart. If it weren't for my God, I may have lost my mind. I don't think I'll ever truly get over that failure. And I'm teary now writing about it. There is something to be thankful for though. I'm proud to say that I was able to shield my children from any painful blow-ups between Clay and I. And for having a father with a drug addiction, the boys came through without ever having to witness his (or my) insanity first hand. The boys are compassionate and understanding towards their father, but they miss him. He has since moved out of state and is trying to get his life back together.

So, it was on some lonely evening, after the boys were tucked in, that I found Classmates.com.

And wouldn't you guess that one of the first names that I typed in the search block was Chris, the boy from California. When his name and location actually appeared, I was in shock! I was so excited I couldn't stand it. After all these years, I knew he had gotten married and that he was a police officer, but I didn't know anything else. How in the world could I email him without upsetting his wife, or embarrassing myself. I just did it, I had to take the risk. Curiosity would have killed me.

I suppose you can say the rest is history, but I'll give you the quick scoop. Chris was also divorced and actually about to be medically retired from the police force for an injury on the job. He was in limbo so to speak. Going to college. Not attached to anyone and best of all, happy to hear from me. We began another long distance friendship. About a year later, he sold his house, had a huge garage sale and packed a Uhaul. He moved into an apartment just down the road from me and finally, after all those years, we dated! 6 months after that, we married, as if it was always meant to be.

Here's where I get teary again. Chris and I have been married 5 years now. The boys call him their other Dad and last year we cemented the family when Glynis was born.

I'd like to write another post soon about what I've learned. This one was exhausting so I'll save it for another day.

What I did and what I still have to do

It's been a nice day.
I enjoyed some family time, got some calls made, had some "me" time, and did some chores.
I'm tired and it's past 10 p.m. Yet, there are still things to do before I can get to bed.
Do you get side tracked like me? I'm notorious for this.
For instance:
I got all my bills paid and the checkbook is balanced, but my bed is still covered with receipts, my notebook, checkbook, calculator and statements. Glynis was taking her nap when I started this bi-weekly job. She woke up before I was finished so I left it there to clean up later.
Instead of cleaning up my bed, I thought I'd post some baby clothes for sale on ebay. I got it done, but the clothes ended up in a pile next to my bill pile on my bed.
I started some laundry, but it sat there on my bed for several hours before I was able to get it put away. Now I have to iron a few things. Ugh!
I actually started writing this post at 10, but had to take a break to console Glynis in her crib.
It's almost 11 now. Maybe I should just call it quits and post this already. Yep, I'd better do that so I can get my bed cleaned off before my husband gets home from work at midnight and needs a place to sleep.

Do you see my subliminal message in this post?

Pals

This story is called...

1 Kitten and A Baby

It all started when Arlo, the little orange kitten, was born under a barn. He longed for a warm safe home to call his own. Around that same time, a cute little baby named Glynis yearned for a play mate too. Someone closer to her size then the rest of her family. Arlo moved in with Glynis and they became instant friends.

They played together and worked side by side! So much to learn, so many ways to explore!

One night, very late after bedtime, a scary big brother came to menace them. But Arlo and Glynis weren't worried one bit. They had each other now!

To be continued....

My Heartbreaker

Here's the teenager that's been giving me a hard time recently. You've probably seen this video before. I love him so much and get so sad when he makes life harder on himself. Growing up can hurt. There are so many distractions and temptations especially in the year 2008.
God gave him this beautiful voice and I'm thankful to know that he uses his talents for God. Take a minute and listen to Cole again. The song is amazing and he picked it to sing at his high school. A public school! It's by Third Day.

I really need to post, but I can't post today, oh wait, that's what I'm doing...

Hi Everyone,
I feel terrible for not writing the last few days, but time has slipped away from me this week. I get on the computer every day and I've had time to check out some other blogs and my emails, but my brain has been too busy to write.
I just got home from the hospital where my Step-Dad had an angiogram this morning. That's the procedure where they stick a little camera up into your arteries and see if they are clear. And his of course, are not clear. He'll be looking to have a stint or regular surgery in the next week or so. We're talking carotid artery by the way. Lucky for us he has not had a stroke and this was caught in time. I'm so grateful to God for that.
Please pray for Tom! He is worried about his health, but even more so he has been struggling with some of life's hardest hits. He is in his early 70's and by the time you reach his age, you've seen a lot. Most recently, his son (my younger step-brother, Travis) passed away suddenly last December. It is still horribly painful for us all. He left behind a young daughter. And this is not the first child that Tom has lost. About 20 years ago, Tom's oldest son, Tony, passed away from ALS. Can you imagine the feeling of losing a child and then another?
I can't bear to even imagine it.
Anyway, that's it for my post. I suppose it's more of a prayer request and a reminder to go home and hug your children. Love your parents, kiss your husband and thank God for your life.
Hope you all have a blessed weekend.

My Super Designer Blog

I can't believe it's actually here! Lindsey is my hero. She's the cool chick that gave me a blog that totally says "ME." I just stumbled across her site one day and looked in awe at her reasonably priced and very beautiful web designs. And then some weeks later I stumbled across another site that was sponsoring a blog design give-away that just so happen to be Lindsey again by way of one of her clients! I told you it was fate...

With my mother's help, I came up with this theme from Psalm 84. Being a mommy and a servant of God, I can truly relate to this sweet, meek little bird nesting and raising her young near at God's altar.

After deciding on a theme I looked through thousands of pictures on http://www.istockphoto.com/. Weeded through them and finally picked the cute little bird that you see here. Learning much along the way. I so wish I had Lindsey's talent.
Lindsey did all the planning, vector image editing, and technical gob-el-d-gook (made up word.)
On the left side of my site you can find a link to her web page. Please check her out sometime. She's not only a web designer, but she and her husband are missionaries in Panama. (And they eat iguana in Panama, ewww.)

Now I must do my part and at least write some interesting posts now and then.
Please keep coming back. I love hearing from friends old and new. And you should think about starting a blog of your own. It's fun! And shamefully I feel a little pride knowing that someone actually gives a bird poop about what I have to say. Please forgive me for being a goofy little sparrow.

Are there dishes in your sink?

Am I the only mom in America with dishes in my sink? I think not...

Hubby just got a promotion which is wonderful, but he's on the evening shift now. I have to deal with sports, clubs, homework, dinner, baths, and tucking them in.

So tell me... is your house clean? Is the laundry piled up? Are your bills all paid and checkbook balanced? Have you sent out the birthday cards and made all the appointments that need to be made?

Join the club!

Brain Injury

This is by no means to make light of a serious injury that someone may have had. I'm just using "Brain Injury" as a metaphor for what I've experienced since having my 4th child. Or maybe the brain injury occurred before I had this 4th one and that's why I had another one. I don't know.
I just know that having 4 kids is insane. And if you have more than that you don't deserve a medal, you deserve a straight jacket. (I'm Kidding for goodness sakes, lighten up!)
But for real, my kids are the best thing that I ever did. I want to tell you about them...
My first son was born when I was 23 years old. He's 16 now. He's handsome, he's a wonderful musician and singer. He's intellectual and is a great conversationalist. He's helpful around the house. He's thoughtful when he's not being selfish and he's a great dresser, but his room is a mess.

Son number 2 was the sweetest little baby! He is 14 and getting taller every day. He's my quiet one. He resembles my side of the family more than his older brother. He's super smart and oh so Witty. He also is a musician, but he wouldn't sing if you paid him. He is my hugger, but he is sandwiched between 2 others so it's no wonder he gets a little irritable sometimes.

And on to son number 3. Even though he's not the baby in the family anymore, he's still my baby. He's gorgeous! Blond hair and big brown eyes. In kindergarten a little female friend of his told me that she wanted to marry him. He's going on 11 now. He's a leader and I look so forward to seeing what kind of man he turns into. Also a musician and aspiring singer. Being the social butterfly that he is, he has always had a little trouble with containing himself.

And lastly, my sweet little Glennie Minnie. I hadn't prepared myself for a 4th child until just recently after I remarried 5 years ago. And wasn't God good to give me a daughter! I so look forward to having a special bond with her. At age 1, she is much like her Daddy in looks and well as personality. She loves music and bops her head every time she hears a beat. She says, Momma, Kitty and Doggy. She blows kisses and makes our blended family complete.

Stay tuned

I'm working on coming up with a new web design and I think I'll be changing quite a bit.
I've been racking my brain to come up with something more relevant than "Randomness." I actually really have come to hate that title.
So I let my fingers do the walking through the Bible today to give me some inspiration. One verse that spoke to me was Psalms 84:3

Even the sparrow has found a home,

and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may have her young-

a place near your altar,

O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.

There are several references to birds in the Bible. It brings to mind peace and beauty. I love to think of myself as that little sparrow, finding her place, building her nest and trusting in God. Makes me smile!

The woman who will be designing my page is also a devout Christian. I have a feeling that she'll be able to help me design around this image. Tell me what you think!

Goody Good for Me!!

Remember the contest I entered last week? I Won!!!
I just about wet my pants when I opened the email.
I guess it's my destiny. When I started this blog a few months ago, I thought for sure it would be something that would fall to the wayside within weeks. It's been quite time consuming just learning how to use the easy blogger.com editing tools. And then wondering if anyone is really reading my lame posts.
But as you see, I now have "2" followers (see over on the right side of the page.) Thank you Joan and Robin!
And to my local friends and family: I know you're popping on here now and again to see what is going on in my crazy household, but it sure would be nice if you'd leave a comment so I know you've been here! My own mother hasn't even done that!
So like I said, winning the blog make-over is all the proof I need. Bloggerhood is my destiny. This is only the beginning. It all started here, with my little "mommy blog," but who knows what greatness I will achieve.

With all that said...One of my bloggerhood buddies and Sister in Christ, Tarah, has "tagged" me. She has a beautiful sight called Eyelashes and Endzones. Check her out after you've finished with my post. And don't forget to leave some random thoughts on my site!

7 Random and/or Weird Facts about Leah

1. When I was a teenager, I had a humongous mole removed from inside my belly button.

2. My Dad called me Dumptruck when I was little and sometimes still does.

3. I use to be a bank teller "BK" (that stands for before kids.)

4. I also worked in a party supply store and sometimes I would inhale helium from a balloon and

call my friends. (I didn't know back then that it was harmful!)

5. On the eve of my first wedding (I'm remarried) I ran over a possum and killed it.

(I knew that marriage was doomed.)

Ok, something more up to date...

6. I absolutely adore chocolate peanut butter cup ice cream and I don't like to share it!

7. My current husband and I met in Disneyland when I was 16,

we went our separate ways and then years later, I found him on Classmates.com. It's such an amazing love story. I'm guessing Oprah will have us on soon. :)

And I'm tagging these other bloggers:

Keli - http://dreamimaginelive.blogspot.com/

Kim - http://www.kimheinecke.com/

Joan - http://moregodlessme.blogspot.com/

Jen - http://cheaperthantherapyjen.blogspot.com/

Robin - http://robinandolivia.blogspot.com/

Valerie Lynn - http://simply4god.blogspot.com/

Ok, so I only have 6, sue me!

A Teen & A Toddler

One of them is breaking my back and the other one is breaking my heart.

I would give anything to be able to just go poop by myself! (Sorry about the "graphicness" of my words there.) The baby is glued to me. Or should I say that I'm glued to her? I really can't get enough of her. She's like sugar! But I sure could use one morning to sleep in. Or at the very least, one night of peaceful sleep for at least 9 hours. Ahhh. I dream...

And this teenager of mine! Argh! Actually I have two of them, but at the moment I've only had the urge to strangle one. "Calgon Take Me Away!" (I remember my mom saying that when I was younger) Or better yet, "Carnival Cruise Line, Take Me Away!"

Thanks Marty

It doesn't happen often, but once in a while, someone takes time out of their busy day to share some encouraging words with someone else. And the God part of that, is that it happens exactly when it is needed!

I've been struggling this week with a teenage dilemma. I have good kids, but this is part of growing up. In fact, I am more than grateful for the relatively small troubles that I've been faced with thus far. Yet, here I am, heartbroken that my son hasn't discovered the importance of good grades. This kid is a sponge! He has talent beyond my dreams, but homework isn't fun and therefore does not merit his full attention. You can imagine my frustration and despair.

Here's where God stepped in today...
I received an email from my buddy "Marty." She jumped right in with the humor, empathy and encouragement. In just that order too! Write that down... humor, empathy and then encouragement.
Humor is sometimes a touchy matter. It may not be a good idea to start w/ humor in a more serious matter, but in this case it was absolutely a necessity. Empathy, not everyone can relate to each other's problems, so if that is the case then go with sympathy instead. And the most important of all is encouragement! God is our finest encourager, but we have this power also. I don't know why we don't share it with others more often. Take some time today to be an encouragement to someone else. It's as easy as sending an email, making a phone call or just smiling at a stranger!

Lastly, I just have to share the humorous part of the email that Marty sent me...
"I heard one time that raising teens is like being pecked to death by chickens."
Isn't Marty a hoot?! Thank you Marty!

quick funny

My neighbor is pregnant and Saturday was her due date, but she's being induced today! Yipee for her and her family!!
The quick funny...
I'm helping my 10 year old get ready for school this morning and I mentioned to him that little Baby Robert will be born today. He says "Oh yeah, what time are they endorsing him?"
teeheehee

Help with Blogging

I've been working so hard on this blog of mine, but does the design aspect of my page really work here? I think not. It's blue and green. Not even my favorite colors! Don't worry, I'll never lose that cute scrunchy face at the top. I just want something a little more "ME."
So there's this really cool contest on this really cool website and I'm posting this as an entry into the contest. The winner gets a blog makeover. Isn't that fantastic? You actually might get to see some pretty designs and some spiffy upgrades if I win.
Leave some comments below in support of my entry!!
Here's the link to the contest rules Blondereviews
And here's the designer's page Mommy Chronicles

Mommy Abuse

Glynis and I started our day with a little fun under the sheets. (I'm talking about my baby daughter here!)
She loves to play under the blankets. Basically she just sits there in awe and laughs. We make faces at each other and I flip the blankets over us and off again. It's just about the most fun you can have if you're a 1 year old. Apparently to make it even more fun, she thought she'd jump backwards right into my face! And do you know how hard a baby's head can be? They're not really soft all over... Check out my new fat lip. And don't worry, her lip is fine.

Back to the babies and kittens...

I'm in heaven!

Tell me, what were some of your favorite things when you were a little girl? Babies and Kittens, right?

They smell sweet (unless they just made a stinkie.)

They're soft and cuddly (unless they jump into your face when you're not looking.)

Their hugs are the most treasured prize (unless they've grabbed your hair by the fistful or clawed your arm till you bleed.)

Their silliness is so very amusing (unless they've just climbed your curtains or knocked over a vase.)

Heck, the pros most definitely outweight the cons.

And when you put them together.... like I said....Heaven!

Jesus loves the little children

Children see things differently than we do. Simple. Peaceful. Humble. As adults, we spend our time juggling our responsibilities, dealing with stress, just being a grown up, Jesus is gently calling us back to the heart of a child.

Should I post something political?

Shouldn't I be posting about more than just babies and kittens? What's not to love about babies and kittens?!
How about the upcoming election?! WooHoo!
I don't usually offer too much when it comes to my political views. Why? Because I'm not as educated about the issues as I should be. Sorry. I will never debate with you, I will never post a sign in my yard or send you an email. It's not my thing. I am patriotic, but I'm not political. I know it's important. My mother reminds me. :)
I suppose when someone I like and respect shares their views with me, I am influenced. It rubs off on me. Maybe I should be more proactive that way. Maybe I should voice my concerns about the economy and war. Oh forget it...
This is not me.
Let's there be Babies & Kittens!
Go McCain!

Sylvester and Tweety

That's what I've got here! Our new addition Arlo, is having some pretty interesting experiences. Remember, he lived outside his first few weeks of life. He's never seen a bird in a cage!

Glynis' Indian Summer

Leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping. Who doesn't love this time of year? Last week was a perfect example. The temp. was in the mid 70s, the sun was bright, so Glynis and I decided to play outside a bit. She loves the water so I thought I'd give her a little bucket to splash in. I pictured her sitting on the deck pushing her little rubber duck around in the tub. Dressed in play clothes, so what's a little water?
Here's what she pictured... One last swim before it gets too cold!

See you at the pole

See You at the Pole™ is a student-initiated, student organized, and student-led event. That means this is all about students meeting at their school flagpole to pray—for their school, friends teachers, government, and their nation. See You at the Pole™ is not a demonstration, political rally, nor a stand for or against anything.

See You at the Pole™ is scheduled annually on the fourth Wednesday in September, which is September 24 in 2008. The suggested starting time is 7 a.m. If that doesn't work for your school, choose a time that will work for your school, but let everyone at your school know!

from the website http://www.syatp.com/

When Mommy gets sick

Ouch! Got my first urinary tract infection on Monday evening. Have you had one of these?
I'm gonna get a little graphic here...
Sometime in the afternoon I was feeling a bit constipated. I was in the bathroom forever! Glynis (the baby) was in there with me. (What else was I suppose to do with her? Are you curious about what she did all that time in a bathroom? Well, just refer to my earlier post about tissues. Give that girl some tissue paper and she's set for hours) Chris was at the soccer field w/ the boys. So there I was, just sitting there thinking that maybe I hadn't been eating right and that maybe I should just go drink some juice and everything would be fine by morning. I was wrong! Because 15 minutes later the pressure moved to my bladder. And this was not a normal pressure. I ran to the computer, because that's where I get all my info. Then I called my friend Lorraine, a nurse. We came up with the diagnosis together. Must be a UTI!!
By now, Chris was on his way to the drugstore to pick up something called AZO Fast Relief for Urinary Pain to "get me through the night." It was already almost 8pm.
To wrap up this stupid story, I ended up going to the doc in a box at 9pm. I was in agony, could barely stand. The foreign, monotone doctor told me that my urine was badly infected and he prescribed antibiotics and a bladder analgesic that turns your urine bright orange. That was pretty cool actually. Chandler insisted that I show him before I flushed (I know...GROSS!)
Do you know how your urine becomes infected? Eww!
Now here's a question for all mothers...
What happens to your house/family when you get sick? You're all shaking your heads, aren't you?
I guess the best we should hope for is that the kids get their homework done and have eaten something (even if it has no nurtional value at all) before getting to bed way too late.

I'm better today! Feeling pretty good actually (still peeing orange.)
I can't believe I'm actually posting this story! I'm a weirdo.

Do owls go to heaven?

The Great Horned Owl has passed away. I don't know when it happened, but the owl captured in our back yard did not make it. I was told that his death was probably caused by head trauma.

God loves all his creatures and I believe that he has a special place for owls in heaven to soar free and happily for eternity.

Here's a quote from the patron saint of animals...

Glynis Loves Arlo

Letting my heart lead

Like I said, we're keeping the orange kitten. His new name is Arlo. Chris and I brought him home yesterday, but first we had to go to the pet store. He has new toys, litter box and food and boy, is he happy. You've never heard a purr like this one.

The boys are ecstatic. Chandler couldn't stop jumping up and down when he got home from school. It's another great memory making moment. Even Glynis, who won't be allowed to touch Arlo, is having a blast watching through a gate as he spins in circles playing with his toys.

5:30am and reality has already set in. I know that I let my heart make this decision instead of my common sense. A toddler and a kitten?! Baby Arlo's continuous little meows and also Glynis' "mamamamama" is what woke me up just before my alarm rang. Who do I go to first? They both need me! ARGH! Arlo's in the bathroom and probably just lonely. Of course, I go to Glynis first. Change her diaper, cut on Seasame Street and that gives me just enough time to get the kitten and bring him into his make-shift cage in the living room.

Back to Glynis... for the few minutes that I left her to her S.S. show, without my knowledge, she has gotten hold of my keys. I thought I heard a faint beeping.... It's my car alarm. So now, the whole neighborhood is awake!! :)

Look at the time... got to get Chandler out of bed.
My life = 4 kids, one dog, one bird, one lizard, 11 fish, 2 toads, and a cute, adorable, cuddly, soft, orange kitten. Lucky Me!

More animal rescues

It's squirrels and kittens this time!!

Tropical Storm Hannah came through on Saturday. Not a big event really, at least on my street. Just a few limbs down. I was standing on the front porch when a baby squirrel was blown from the big pine tree in my yard. The coolest thing happened. I watched as the momma squirrel came running down the tree and grabbed the baby in it's mouth and scampered back up. It was a beautiful sight. The lucky thing was, that just a bit later, I looked out my front door and another baby was in the middle of my yard shivering. Momma squirrel was nowhere to be found. We waited and waited. With a towel, I moved the baby closer to the tree and we waited some more. I read on the Internet that if the momma doesn't come for its baby fairly soon then they may never come. So we scooped up the baby, placed it in a shoe box and took it over to our friend Chris. Chris has rehabilitated many baby squirrels and even released a few in my mother's back yard. They are so fun to watch.

And then there's the kittens....5 kittens born under my mother's barn in her backyard. Approximately 5-6 weeks old. Who doesn't love a kitten?! The last several days we have been trying to trap them. We have 2 already hanging out in the bathroom. We're hoping to get them all, including the momma who is very young herself. Anyone want a kitten?!

It looks like the orange one is ours. He's playful and cuddly. Chris, the squirrel lady, is also keeping one because her teenage daughter begged long enough. I'm hoping that my mother will keep the momma kitty and maybe a kitten also. The rest will probably end up at the SPCA.

Email me if you're interested in adopting one. :)

School Daze

Oh yes! School started today. Here's how I prepared... First off, I made sure that everyone was in bed by 9:30-10 last night. Then I got to work! I had to make sure the house was cleaned and ready to be destroyed by the rush of 3 boys and a man all trying to leave the house around the same time. I set up the coffee maker for hubby, straightened up the cereal boxes on the shelf so they'd be easily accessed, made sure that all the cereal bowls were clean and ready to go, checked for clean towels, made sure everyone's clocks were set in intervals so that there wouldn't be a traffic jam in the hall, and lastly I colored my roots and watched some t.v. all by myself! Around 11:30 I was asking myself the obvious question, "Why am I staying up so late, when I have to get up so early?" I answered myself with another obvious question, "When do I ever have this kind of solitude?!" Duh!
Well, I'm paying for it tonight. The morning went smoothly. Everyone reached their destinations on time, looking snappy in their new back to school sneakers. I totally enjoyed the day spent with my daughter, playing, doing a few light chores, a little shopping. When the troops started filing back in the door this afternoon, we filled out back to school forms, talked about their day, passed out snacks and headed to the soccer field.....As the other parents screamed and cheered all around me at the scrimmage, I almost nodded off. Oops, I forgot dinner. McDonald's dollar menu it is! Now, 9:15pm. I'm Done!!! Must Sleep!! Night Night!!!