In the midst...

Hi all~

I am in the midst of reclaiming my house. You know, putting all those Christmas decorations away, clearing out the clutter, going through all those kid's toys (are they multiplying in the toy box, or what?!). I have rearranged my kitchen a bit - the stuff on the counters, at least. I just rearranged the family room furniture in anticipation of our future no-t.v status - finally adding in a train set/block table so the kids can keep some of the toys off the floor (or such is the idea).

Yet I still have to get the boxes from the garage and take down the Christmas tree, that is what's holding me back. I just need to DO IT ~ yet with this headache, I'm guessing that chore will get pushed to tomorrow again. Oh well, it *will* happen.... My mom pointed out our Christmas tree space would make a great sitting area, with a 2nd hand chair or two and a side table. I bet it would work for a nice nursing spot as well, as long as I can find the perfect, comfy, 2nd-hand store chair. I've got two months to find just the right one, so wish me luck!


And one more thing, the diet is going well thus far. I am eating way less, especially in the afternoon/evening hours - which are the hardest for me, by far! While my folks were here, I had plans to make up a bread pudding dessert with vanilla sauce. We simply ran out of time, so that recipe never did make it to the table. Instead, I made it up last night. This time, instead of going out and specially buying raisin bread, I made up a homemade loaf in my bread machine. It was AMAZING!! The bread machine loaf was big enough for one and a half the original recipe, plus a few slices of cinnamon raisin bread for toast in the morning. And the homemade bread made the already-delicious recipe even better!!

As a bonus, I remembered that my dh *loves* cinnamon raisin bread and now I can make it again for him just 'cause I love him - mmmmmmmmmerrrrrrrr.......;)

Dean and I have been TRYING to simply eat smaller portions, especially smaller portions of dishes like that! So there's actually still lots in the fridge and we don't feel guilty about what we *have* eaten. Wow!

So here's the recipe for Bread Pudding w/ Vanilla Sauce. If you have the capabilities of making your own raisin bread, I highly recommend it - it makes an already terrific recipe AWESOME!!

BREAD PUDDING
2 c. milk
1/4 c. butter
4 c. raisin bread cubes (~8-10 slices)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350* - spray 8X8 pan

In medium pan, over medium heat, stir milk & butter until butter melts.

In large bowl, place bread cubes - then pour milk/butter mixture over the cubes and let it soak in for 10 minutes.

In the mean time, lightly beat the eggs, sugar, vanilla, nutmeg & cinnamon. After the 10 min. are up, pour mixture over bread cubes and mix LIGHTLY to blend.

Spoon in the 8X8 pan, bake 45-50 minutes, 'till center is *almost* set.
It will look a bit puffy and may fall when it cools. That is fine!

Top w/ Vanilla Sauce and enjoy!!


VANILLA SAUCE
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter (1 stick)
1/2 c. whipping cream
2 tsp. vanilla

In medium pan, over medium heat, combine br. sugar, butter & whipping cream. Cook 5-8 minutes, stirring very often, until it boils and thickens up.

Take off heat, stir in vanilla. Spoon over individual servings (not the whole batch) of bread pudding and enjoy!!


Later, my friends, I gotta get rid of this headache and get some supper in the oven for my little ones (a previously frozen meal, great for those headache days). I'm going to enjoy my last batch of Bok Choy Salad tonight.....yummy!! A big ol' THANK YOU to another Michigan Momma out there, what a great recipe~



p.s. Somehow, I keep missing picture opportunities of my food. I'm gonna have to keep the camera in the kitchen and lock the childproof gate until AFTER I snap the needed pics. It'll happen (I think).....~Lori

The BRINE and The BANE

Well, let me tell you, if you haven't brined a turkey before, you are missing out!!

Seriously, it was delicious!

I'm just bummed I didn't get any "in progress" pictures to share with you. I will say that I will NEVER cook a turkey without brining it EVERY AGAIN! I didn't even make any gravy - and it didn't NEED any ~ it was *that* moist, that flavorful, that GREAT!!


We used Alton Brown's recipe (what?!?! You don't know who Alton Brown is? Shame on you......go directly to the Food Network site and do some research!) except we used a bunch of dry and/or ground spices rather than spending the extra money on the fresh, more exotic stuff. Still turned out terrific, so I'm okay with that.


I can't believe that I am 33 (almost 34) years old and this is the first family, holiday meal that I've cooked! It took all day (well, I guess we didn't really get going until lunch time - but then again, we didn't eat until 7pm either!) and then we inhaled...um...I mean, we ATE it in just 30 min. Isn't that just how it goes??

We had the Amazing Brined Alton Brown Turkey,
sweet potatoes,
green bean casserole,
corn casserole muffins,
cheesy potatoes,
crecent rolls,
Bok Choy salad,
plus a big, ol' dish of banana cream pudding (you know, with vanilla wafers, bananas & pudding)

I also made a loaf of cinnamon raisin bread - in order to make up some bread pudding with vanilla sauce - but we never actually got around to making that particular dessert up. It's in the plans for tomorrow though.


Speaking of desserts and tomorrow......my dh and I are going on a serious diet. One of those "we need to get serious and really get dedicated to this" kind of diets. The whole idea of "just changing a few things, make them a habit" kind of diet just isn't working (at least not for us, not right now, I do realise the benefits of this type of change).

Anyways, we are starting Monday (isn't that just the worst cliche? "We'll start fresh on Monday......" yada, yada, yada....ugh) and we are going to be dedicated, serious, committed and ruthless. The holidays (and the holiday food) are over. We've been married almost 10 years and we are DONE with being uncomfortable with ourselves....come on!!!

So, feel free to ask me how I'm doing, how WE'RE doing, and also feel free to share if this is something you are working on as well (or want to! Need a buddy??!) I am going to ask my mom to be on the lookout for some Leslie Sansone - Walk Away the Pounds videos (a walking video seems like a smart move for an often-preggo women who can't always get out of the house for exercise) or I may even ask my hubby for a birthday gift in this area (hint, hint, honey!). Exercise is just about the very bane of my exsistence.....*very large annoyed sigh*


Anyways, gotta get to bed, gotta get sleep, gotta get up early for church. Have a great Sunday, my friends!

A 2nd-hand Christmas

Now, just so everyone knows, I am not against buying new gifts for kids. We just didn't have the money this year. And you know what, I'm okay with that. Actually, I'm really impressed how well our little family Christmas went this year being a bit strapped in the cash department. We were certainly not strapped in the love and family department and it was GREAT!!


My baby, lil' Elijah, basically *loved* everything about Christmas. During the opening of his presents, he just kept saying "WOW!" to *everything* - adorable! I wish I had gotten some better pics.

We bought a bunch of dollar store gifts, basically as stocking stuffers. One of those gifts were two, styrofoam-type swords. My boys immediately started a sword fight (even Elijah knew what to do with a sword at not-quite-2yo. Amazing!

Yet later in the day, my girls got a hold of those same two swords and GIRLY-FIED them. Here they are, proudly holding their decorated swords. Ya right, boys and girls are just the same, no differences what so ever. Mmm-hmmm......

And one of our best 2nd-hand store finds, a log with cans & bottles on top. Along with an orange pistol and some kind of basic sensors.....you have some really good times!! This was maybe $10. Along with the $2 Toss-Across, I totally scored in the Christmas gift department this year!!

We've got more presents tomorrow (from Granny, Uncle Kenni, Mema & Papa) so no one has to feel bad for the poor 2nd-hand store present children in our home. I wouldn't feel bad for them anyway, but hey, you know how Americans tend to view materialism (said by an American who has too long been just as materialistic as the rest, let me tell you!).

And just to prepare everyone, my dh and I are *discussing* getting rid of our dish tv. I know, I know, WHAT?!?!! It's just in the discussion mode at this point, we'll talk more about it later........but there it is. We're officially weird now, huh?

Giving it a try....

Our family is going to go ahead and give the Duggar's homemade laundry detergent a try. We made this decision before reading their book (thanks again, Janet!) - we've just been waiting to use up some more of the storebought stuff (plus now, I have saved two of those HUGE laundry detergent containers to store the homemade liquid detergent in).

Anyways, the biggest drawback that I've read about (not all families experience this - I'm betting it has to do with what kind of water you have) is that after a while, their whites tend to look a bit "dingy". I like my bright whites, so I'm wondering if I can continue to use my Clorox Ultimate Care Bleach just for my white loads?

What do you think? Any experience with this liquid type of homemade detergent?? Did you continue to use bleach? How did you get your whites BRIGHT?! Or did you not have this particular problem?


And lastly, I need to find myself a better grinder. If you've watched the Duggar show where the girls are actually making the soap, they grind it up in this heavy-duty grinder that clamps onto their kitchen counter. My dh said it looked like an old meat-grinder. Maybe?! What do *you* use?? Any suggestions on where I can obtain a decent grinder?

Thanks y'all~




P.S. Oh, here's the recipe for the liquid laundry detergent directly from their recipe page. Go to the Duggar's site if you want to try a different version (such as a powder kind) or a cost-effective fabric softner of sorts.

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap
4 Cups hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup Washing Soda
½ Cup Borax

- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)

-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.

-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.
-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

Merry Christmas to ME!!

Look what I got! Look what I got!!

Ok, well, *technically* it was a present for both myself AND my dh - but let's face it....I'm reading it FIRST!!

How exciting! A BIG OL' THANK YOU to Janet & Gary ~ you two ROCK!!

p.s. just so you know, we were *just* at the local Christian bookstore last night when I first spotted this book. As we were looking around, Dean asked me if I found anything interesting (we were looking for a certain person). I told him no, but I *had* found a great gift for MYSELF!! How did you guys know?? Way to go, J&G~~

Some c-section Q&A

The blog is actually an answer to some questions from the previous blog's comments. As most of you know, I will be having my 5th c-section coming up here in March, so this is in relation to all of that. My on-line friend is preggo with her 4th baby (w/ 3 previous c-sections). Just to let you know what's going on....(hope this helps!)


Thank your for the advice on breaking the news to others- you are experienced in it I'm sure.

I am trying to decide what to do about birth. I have at times greatly desired a vbac, in fact the third one was supposed to be but the doctor put me in a rock and a hard place. I am wondering why you've always chosen c-sections (I know you had to have the first one) and how do you prepare yourself for it.

I get nervous and sweaty just thinking about the process. The last one was the best, but still, all the needles and surgical stuff and that crazy feeling when the drugs wear off etc...I can imagine it could be just as scary with a vaginal birth as well, but still...

And not to pry, but how do you guys pay for it? If I go back to the same OB it will cost about $3000 total, which breaks down to $150 something each month, plus extra for the glucose tests and the Rhogam shots I take at 28 weeks, which are at least $130 plus a pop. Not to mention driving out there, ultrasounds etc. We are going to be moving next month for sure, either to MI or back to the other house down the road, so that will free up extra money. Still...just wondering...

It's just such a touchy thing with me and I'm praying for God's perfect plan.
Thanks busy woman!


I'll have to check on the exact $$ stuff, but we don't have to pay anything during the prenatal time (at each appointment). For the hospital, OB, surgery, etc. while I am at the hospital, we have to pay our portion of the total bill (once our insurance pays their part). I'm guessing it's a lot, but we just have to pay whatever our yearly out-of-pocket is. Not sure exactly, maybe $1000.00 or so (could be wrong).

Whatever is it, I know that we never feel like, "oh, we have *so* much medical bills from that kid" kind of thing. I'm betting it's just differences in our insurance plans - and there's really not a lot you can do about that (unless your dh is getting a different job in MI, then maybe his insurance would be better in this area).


Here's the basic breakdown of the c-section situations:

#1: very conservative OB, didn't want to try a version (turn the baby since he was breech). He did end up turning at the last minute, but he turned to a transverse position anyway - which always leads to a c/s.

#2: we were in a fairly small town w/ a small hospital. They didn't even *allow* VBACs there. I might have tried to go somewhere else, but we were pretty poor at the time and I was on state insurance - so I went whereever they gave me coverage. Not the smartest decision, but I guess I just didn't think ahead. As a side note, she ended up being breech as well (butt-first).

#3. This baby was actually head's down - probably my best bet for a VBAC, but I never did find anyone willing to give me a TOL (trial of labor). I had never actually been in labor - ever - and had never delivered a baby vaginally. No one was willing to let me try and I was kinda scared by all the "statistics" (thanks to the nurses - they are like walking "doom-sayers"...ugh...not all nurses, I know, but all the nurses I came across).

#4. We moved cross country when I was about 8 months preggo. I actually found a GREAT OB here, who is very well respected by other OBs and patients alike. She told me I *might* be able to find someone in the COUNTRY who might let me try a VBAC after 3 other c-sections, but I would have to pay for it myself (my insurance wouldn't cover that), plus go to all the trouble of actually *finding* a willing OB. Not likely. At this point, my c-sections had always been fairly positive, with my recoveries getting easier and easier. I knew my risks were also going up for a VBAC. I had also read lots on women who have had numerous c-sections. My research and my OB confirmed that each woman is different. Some women can deliver MANY c-section babies with great healing and no problems. Some women can not. Some women have bad scarring or thin areas......etc.etc.etc.

So right now, we simply take it baby by baby. I trust my OB, I like her a lot. I have talked openly with her about our beliefs, and that I would like her HONEST opinion after each birth - how do things look in there: are there thin areas, is the scarring bad, are there lots of adhesions, what is her medical opinion???

Then after each birth, my dh and I will have to make a tough decision as to how to procede next. We are not willing to head into another pregnancy if my OB says I and the next baby will be in great danger. I know some QF families would "trust in God" no matter what, but my dh and I believe we are supposed to use the medical information He has supplied to us.

I guess it's an individual call for each family - that's just how we look at it. It's not an easy situation, and I always encourage those who can avoid c/s to do so - absolutely!! Yet I also wouldn't go to extreme measures simply to have a perfect, vaginal birth. That just may not be what God has for you. Maybe it is. Just don't let "the perfect birth" become this idol that you *must* obtain. At least, that's how I feel about it.

Lastly, I get nervous too. Especially that morning, right as I'm going into the hospital and all the "medical stuff" is starting. The worst is when I get the catheter, then they wheel me to the surgery room where I have to get the spinal ALONE (they don't allow my dh in there with me - which is awful IMO). I usually cry a bit, with tears sneaking out (which is not unusual for me or for pregnant women in emotional situations). Once my dh is in there with me, I calm down and relax and try to actually "enjoy" the birth of my child, as much as possible. I talk to my OB, the nurses, asking them how things are going, what things look like in there, remind them I do *NOT* want a tubal, etc. ;)


I will be praying for you - for peace in your decision-making process. I know you and your dh only want God's best and if you seek His will, He will show you what to do. It may be a trying time, emotional, jittery, etc....but He can give you peace through it all (beyond ALL understanding).

I really am so happy for you, yet I also understand the many emotionas running through you as well. C-sections are not "ideal", yet praise the Lord for them!! Please keep me informed of how things are going for you in that area. Perhaps you will be able to find someone willing to let you try a VBAC, especially if you are already having to pay so much even *with* your insurance - money might not be such a factor in that case.

Luv you, sister
~Lori

Funnies from Tali~

I should seriously have a section dedicated soley to the hilarious things my 2nd daughter Talitha says. She is currently 3yo and is every bit her mother's daughter!

Today, while in the local Christian Book store, Tali and her siblings were playing in the kid's section. Tali came wandering towards her father and said, "Daddy, can we buy this for Papa?". Obviously, Daddy was engrossed in searching for just the right gift, 'cause he asked, "What honey?". Tali tried again, "Can we please get this for Papa for Christmas??".

My husband looked down and immediately started laughing. I was in the isle over. I heard Dean reply, "Honey, you want to get your Papa a pink, fairy wand for Christmas? (Tali must have nodded sweetly) That's very sweet!"

That's my Tali ~ always thinking on her feet.

Later that same day, as I was tucking her into bed, I put my rather cold hand on her face. Her face felt quite hot! "Are you sick honey?" I asked her. She nodded pathetically. "Oh, Tali, when did you get sick, you poor thing?" I asked as I stroked her sweet face. "When you put me to bed." she answered.

I choked back a laugh and told her water and a good night's sleep was just what she needed.

Whew.....this girl has me in stitches on a regular basis ~ except during the times when she has me frustrated beyond all human comprehension.....yup, her momma's girl, alright~~

Would your kid say this??

I'm not sure what it is about this little diddy that made me laugh so hard today.....it's either the fact that I can just see my dh up there, talking to kids and having one of them say something like this (then watch him try not to crack up laughing) ~or~ it's having children who might actually *say* something like this. Whatever it is - it's hilarious!! Thanks Joann....


The Sermon I think this Mom will never forget.... this particular Sunday sermon...'Dear Lord,' the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. 'Without you, we are but dust..' He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little four year old girl voice, 'Mom, what is butt dust?'


Are you laughing? I was seriously cracking up.....my kids were definitely giving me the "she's-lost-it-again" look~

a crazy week~

**random pictures following body of blog**


Yup, it's just that kind of week around here.

Yesterday, Dean and I took our 4 little ones to the mall. To get glasses. For both of us. With eye exams.



In case anyone is really wondering, NO, we do *not*recommend this as a general practice!



See, the church has changed insurance this year, including their eye care stuff. Soooo, we were both able to get new glasses, plus I got a pair of prescription sunglasses (I'm a wimp about bright light - this is *so* nice for driving) - basically for free. We had to pay upfront, but our church's plan includes a reinbursement amount each year. Thing is, you have to use it by the end of the year. So obviously, that is coming up here. We were trying to squeeze it in......



Still....



Four children in the eye exam/glasses store? Not a great decision, especially for fairly experienced parents of little ones. It went...okay....even though the store workers told us they were good. Hmmm....not so much.


Anyways, my eyes have not changed a bit - my dh was teasing me about why I got new glasses then (my current glasses are not that old) - I told them a girl needed options! Am I right, ladies?!? My dh said my glasses are a bit more "spunky" - at least for a pastor's wife, I guess! I'll get some pics up here soon.


NOW....
This week is the week of our church's adult Christmas Musical. It's a big ol' affair, especially this year. Since we took on so much more this year, we are caught at the end wih a bunch of needed extra practices. So I'm headed off to an extra rehearsal tonight (Tues.), dress rehearsal on Wed. night, a "buffer" practice-if-needed on Thurs. night, then the performances are Fri/Sat/Sun evenings. Fun, but man, it's a LOT of time and a LOT of effort. Plus memorizing. I'm terrible at memorizing. I was terrible at it *before* being preggo 5 times......it's bad.




NEXT WEEK....
You know...the regular stuff. We have a staff party (which is providing babysitting for the little ones - from one of our regular babysitters, the senior pastor's daughter, whom I love!) on Monday. Then family arrives Tuesday...stays on 'till Friday....when the next family group arrives and stays on 'till Sunday. Luckily, my dh has some days off during this time for Christmas, plus the next week for New Year's. PTL!! I'm excited yet a bit nervous about having company for so long. It's easier than traveling all over with four little ones, but still....

UPCOMING MONTHS....

Well, except for the continued pregnancy, I have to start up my Kid's Choir at church with rehearsals for our Spring Musical. I'm trying to find a co-director, but it's turning out to be quite the challenge. It probably scares people that I'm going to have a baby right in the middle of this whole rehearsal process (baby due: beginning of March via c/s, spring musical: end of April). I think things will go just fine, but we'll see.

There's also some health concerns with both my mom and Dean's mom, so prayers are needed there.

SOOOOOOOOO.....

Hey, all is good! Did I mention dh & I are doing "The Love Dare"? From the movie "Fireproof"? It's going slowly, yet it's great! It is forcing us to get our eyes and our focus off ourselves and back onto God and HIS WILL for our lives, specifically our marriage. That's very helpful during a time such as this, when what I really want to do is say, "oh, poor me, I'm so busy, I've got lots of little ones, I'm pregnant, I'm tired, me, Me, ME!!!". Today, for instance, my dh took my spot at church, taking my girls to a Christmas Party, along with a snack and himself as a helper. I'm here, eating breakfast with my boys, starting some laundry and blogging. He's such a wonderful man!!

If you don't see me around here for a week or so, now you know why. I'll get on asap and post some more pics (that one's for family, of course). Then in January, we are back to hs'ing consistantly and diligently (since we'll have to take another break when this little one arrives) - so I want to share about what that looks like for our family, at this time.

For now, I need to attack some more laundry (even with my mil catching me up while she was here, it's a never-ending process. THANKS MARLENE!!), update the chore charts, and get my own shower in. Whew....is it nap time yet?

Here's praying we all have that extra bit of energy we're gonna need over the next few weeks - our Lord is faithful, right?! PTL!!

All my love~

"The Three Musketeers"

Elijah snuggling with Mema

My Michigan Man


my lil'est man, getting one of his first offical time outs - it was inevitable...

Where does he pick these things up?

The other day, my oldest was talking on the phone with my mom. You have to understand: my 7yob is not like your average 7yob. He is fairly naive and I like it that way for now. He is sweet and innocent and says just the most adorable things.

Case in point: while visiting my folks over the Thanksgiving holiday, my mom planned a time for the kiddos to decorate their small Christmas tree with ornaments, especially some "special" ornaments dating back from when *I* was a small child. They loved it! Especially my Isaac. At one point my mom caught him standing around, smiling and then he said, "Now, *this* is the life!". What a sweetie!!

So anyways, here is Isaac talking to his Mema, when suddenly he says to her, "uh, Mema, I have to go". Assumedly, she replied back to him and then he said, "No, Mema, I have to go. You're breaking up!". What?!? I heard her laughing on the other end. He then said, "You know! You're going kshhhhh, kshhhh, kshhhh. I gotta go".

What?! You're breaking up? Where did he pick *that* up? Did he think his Mema was going to believe he was traveling through a tunnel??

Cracks me up......

You just gotta love this little man!!

A regular ol' blog post

Ok, nothing too exciting has happened today - I did get locked out of the house with no car keys, no keys to get back *into* the house, with four small children but that was nothin'. Thanks to my handy-dandy new cell phone, my hubby was able to send a Children's Ministry volunteer down the road in no time flat with an extra house key. So that hardly counts as exciting - in fact, my kiddos thought it was pretty cool! If that tells you anything of the chaotic nature of our everyday lives. Getting locked out of your home in the freezing rain is no biggie....



So today I'm just gonna post a few pics of my kiddos when we went to cut down our Christmas tree this past weekend. Once we got past a few minor parental arguments....um....discussions, we had a *terrific* time actually searching for and picking out the perfect tree for our home! Elijah especially was LOVIN' the snow and the freedom to run around all those Christmas trees. Yet once we got inside the "warm-up" building to actually pay for the tree, perhaps get a hot drink and a cookie.....well......it all went downhill and downhill FAST!



That was one of those horrible parental moments when you just *know* that you have taught these children better than this, that you just *know* you've disciplined them and been consistant, and you just *know* their current behavior issues are COMPLETELY from your husband's side of the family (sorry, Marlene....you know what I mean). It was awful. I felt really bad for the other family sitting beside us, *trying* to form wonderful family Christmas traditions......um, ya, sorry about that.




Instead of focusing solely on that, let us instead remember their sweet faces when they were picking out the tree. It really was adorable - and sometimes you have to have selective memories of how things went so you'll be sure to actually attempt the same traditions again next year.....*wink*

~Elijah hammin' it up~

~See? He loves the camera~
~He must get it from his older brother, Isaac~

~The Girls: being sweet~

~Talitha throwing a snowball~
~My four beautiful babies~

Ok, time for me to get some laundry done - I've threatened my family that they are simply going to have to go naked for at least one day per week ~ my laundry seems to be out of control!! Ah, such is life. Later, my friends~

Quit trying to squeeze it all it!!

Sage advice from a harried momma of 4, going on 5:

YOU CAN NOT DO IT ALL!!

And certainly not in one day.

If you have many young children, quit trying to squeeze "normal" activities into your already brimming life. There is honestly only so much you can fit in around all the diapers, potty trips, dishes, laundry, organizing, training, more laundry, finding the missing sippy cups and binkies, wiping down tables, wiping off faces, preparing, cooking, baking food and then cleaning it all up again, teaching your children how to read, how to add, how to tie their own shoes and how to pour their own glass of milk..................

and I am LITERALLY just scraping the surface here.

There will be days when basic meals getting fed to dirty children is a great accomplishment. There will be days when it seems as though your children have never been disciplined a second in their short lives - even though you KNOW that's not true! There will be days when no one else seems to understand why you can't 'get it all done' and get it all done *better*. So be it. What does God think? What does God see?

I'm trying to save you some stressed-out times here. Seriously, don't push yourself, don't push your kids, don't stress out your family. You will have time for all that extra stuff soon enough. Soon (yes, it's soon) you won't have to wipe chubby cheeks and the kids will have been taught how to do their own laundry. Soon enough you won't have those sweet little clothes to wash, dry and fold anymore (nor no one to fit into them).

*deep breath*

It's been a long day. It's been a long weekend. And it's only early afternoon on Saturday.
*deep sigh*


**I needed this advice, this blog, more than anyone right now....

What do you think?

Ok, is Micah becoming more of a girl's name?

I really like Micah ~ as a boy's name. Yet I read that many parents are starting to use it for their little girls. I guess I don't really care, our children usually have *interesting* names anyways, but I was just curious.

So what do you think? We haven't 100% decided on a boy's name (I still think it's gonna be a girl, but I admit to not having any particular reason for this assumption). We like Cyrus too. There are a few others floating out there as well. I like Jeremiah. Oh, goodness, I always used to think boy's names were easier.....but not with *this* pregnancy!

Let me know what you think about Micah, 'kay?

'Nother appointment today

Same old, same old....

Which I guess is a good thing. The only reason you *don't* have a routine pregnancy appointment is if something is unusual or wrong. I'd rather have an uneventful pregnancy, thank you Lord!

I do have my 1 hour glucose test next week - but I have always passed those just fine. I know it can happen to anyone though, so I'm going to get it done (I'm pretty bad at even *making* it to my regular appointments...). My OB also told me that my next appointment (in early Jan.) will be my last 4 week appointment - from then on, we are on to the every-2-weeks appointments. Wha-hoo!! Not long then - although when I mentioned that I thought Jan. & Feb. would D R A G along, my OB reminded me that EVERYTHING seemed to drag along in Michigan during Jan. & Feb. Oh ya, right.


Lastly, tonight my wonderful dh took me out to dinner & a play. Pride & Prejudice, as put on my a local high school. The director is a volunteer at our church and we are friends with him, his wife and their four little ones. We ate at a new place - Pepper Joe's - and the play was quite nice! All my babies were tucked into bed when we got home, Christmas lights were a twinklin', and I was quite the content lil' lady. Thanks honey, luv you!!

Ok, well, time to get to bed. We are getting up early, going out to cut down our Christmas tree, hopefully get it set up (easily - please Lord!), and some of the inside decorations up. My dh has a bachelor party to attend, then we have a make-up Bible Study get together to attend. I love these fun-filled weekends, yet I know by Monday I will be ready to crash. Thank the good Lord above we homeschool, so we can all rest on Monday mornings - otherwise, I'd never make it!!

Have a great weekend friends~
God Bless~



p.s. Yes, Mom, I am going to upload some of those Thanksgiving pictures, very soon. Maybe tomorrow while Dean is at the bachelor party. It's been hectic. Glad you found your camera too. Luv ya~

Most Awesome Gadget

Right now, my most awesome gadget award goes to my brand new (well, you know....my mom got it at a second hand store, but whatever) Goldstar BreadMachine! It is truly awesome!!



My bread maker of the past was good for one thing: making dough. Which was fine, I kinda enjoyed punching down the dough, shaping it, placing it in the bread pan, letting it rise again and baking it in the oven. Yet for convenience sake, not so good. I had to plan ahead and be available when it was done with the kneading. I have had some over-the-top-rising-explosions that were less than pleasant to clean up, let me tell you!

The fact was, my other bread maker just didn't make a good loaf IN the machine. This new machine makes great bread IN the machine (what a concept, eh?). It's only a 1 1/2 pound loaf - which equals about one meal of sandwiches for my kids (maybe w/ hubby & I too, not sure), but I could make one every single morning, it's that easy!

I found an on-line owner's manual (LOVE the internet!) and it has over 30 recipes. I've made their oatmeal bread, which my little ones ate up with butter & honey. I've also made a coffee cake with crumb topping - didn't go over as well, yet with some adjustments, I think it will go quite nicely with coffee for me and my lady friends! I just finished a "snack cake", which is basically just a small, kinda loaf-shaped cake. They have all different flavors, but I stuck with basic yellow for this trial. It is delicious (hope I don't get any on the keyboard) - nice and moist.

I also have some pizza crust dough kneading in there for tonight's dinner. It will make about 4 med./personal size pizzas, which is enough for my small brood (not counting my dh, he would have to get a second batch - speaking of which, I wonder if I could make up a whole bunch, and throw them in the fridge like for the next day??? Hmmmm....sounds like an experiment in the making.....). The love your basic cheese pizza. With sauce doctored up from Aldi's and minimal cheese, I've got a quick meal for a low cost! Whoo-hoo!!


Anyways, just wanted to share. They've also got sweet bread recipes: banana & pumpkin high on my list! Tons of different breads, lots that I've never even thought to try. And did I mention snack cakes? Did I? Mmmmmmm....delish!!

Got milk? I gotta go~

The *perfect* dress~

For us....ahem...plus size women, finding the perfect dress can be frustrating. Very frustrating. Can't be too short, don't want it to be frumpy and too long, watch the incredibly LOW necklines, gotta have 3/4 length sleeves (great in almost *any* weather, seriously), the waistline has to be just a bit ABOVE your natural waist........now add in being able to wear it pre & post pregnancy, plus during pregnancy.......AND wanting to wear this perfect dress while nursing your newborn???

Yup, it's impossible.

Right?!? Wrong. It *can* be found. Well, I'm not so sure about FOUND, but it can be DONE!


I have purchased, lets' see.....one, two, three, four...no, five wrap dresses in the last few years (maybe just a year). None of them are PERFECT, but a few of them are close. Now I've found a plus size mock wrap-dress pattern from Butterick.


I'm going for it!!


I'm gonna add some lingerie elastic to the neckline, for modesty's sake, yet I will still be able to nurse in it (with a cover-up, of course - I'm all for nursing, but I'm not about to whip it all out either, 'kay?!). I may have to raise the waist a bit, to accomodate my ever changing figure. If you aren't plus size, you may not realize that my preggo body IS different than my non-preggo body. Not in overall size, per se, but definitely in where it's all placed. A higher waist is *needed*.


Now I guess I just need to find some cheap knit fabric to make up some trial dresses. I've heard it can be kinda tricky, sewing with knit. We'll see.....




Here's the pattern I'm gushing over. Now I just need to get it on sale. Keepin' my eyes open~

Look at that!!

I didn't think it would ever happen!!

But look! Right up there! We are now under 100 days left in this pregnancy~

WHOO-HOO!!

I just can't wait to meet this little one.....




p.s. my littlest man (thus far) spent the night over at some friends of ours, when our evening was just SO hectic at church. *sigh* I missed him SOOOOO much! The next morning it was snowing again, and I got worried when my friend didn't show up *exactly* when she said she would. I even made my dh call her cell phone. *big sigh* It just wasn't the same at home without my little dude. Yet for the rest of that day, he ran up to me NUMEROUS times throughout the day with just the BIGGEST smile on his face - it almost made it worth it to have him gone that one night. Just to see those big ol' brown eyes sparkle and laugh......awwwww~

Where *did* I leave it?

So there we are, 5 hours from home, getting ready to go out for our Thanksgiving dinner (which is a nice meal, yet I do look forward to our own home, large enough to host a family Thanksgiving dinner too!).

Anyway, there I am, standing in front of the mirror, just finishing up blow-drying my hair. I hadn't put much effort into my hair the other days since we had been there - just a wash-n-go type of look - and wanted to make my hair look extra special for this extra special meal.

I opened the cabinet to grab my curling iron. It's just one of those basic, large barrel one that just gives your hair a bit of body, not tight curls or anything. Yet it wasn't in the cabinet. Hmm....still in the suitcase, maybe? Nope. Umm...did I leave it in the car? Maybe I had used it right before we left and it was too hot to put in the suitcase. Yeah, maybe I put it in in the car after it had cooled down a bit. Cooled down a bit? Wait....

Uh-oh.

I knew where my curling iron was.


Seems I *had* curled my hair right before we left on this trip. It *was* very hot and everyone else was ready to go. In the car, seatbelts on, ready to go. So I wrapped up the cord, threw the still-hot curling iron in the freezer - just to cool it down enough to travel.

What?!

You've never put your curling iron in the freezer? Really?! Come on, now......

Anyways, I put it in the freezer, just for a moment, while I went pee, put on my shoes, grabbed my purse, did a last double check on lights and quickly ran out the door. Without my curling iron. Didn't even give it a second thought for over 48 hours. Nope, not a second thought.


At least my family got a kick out of my forgetfulness!


Yup, it seems I simply can't remember ANYTHING without writing it down. Praise the Lord for timers on the oven, the microwave, the bread machine, etc. When I walk out of a room, it's out of my head!

End of story: I got home, took my frozen curling iron out of the freezer to let it thaw on the counter. Then I put it back in the bathroom cabinet overnight. The next morning, Sunday before church, I plugged it in, trying my best to avoid any potential SHOCK or explosion or smoke or whatever.....

Nothing. It worked fine.
Awesome~