Merry CHRISTmas!!!

From our house to yours.....Merry CHRISTmas!!! and a very BLESSED new year!!!

Halloween 2011

So we visited everyone's Fall Festival's or Fall Family Gatherings this Halloween.  It was different for sure, but we had a B.L.A.S.T.!  yes, I am behind on posting but it is for our memories so sue me!!! 

I believe my kids were:

 a Magician

a Green Ranger

a Cowboy

A Jester

A kid in a magicians hat

and a doughboy but I didn't get a good picture of that!!!



We hope that you had an awesome Halloween, but remember to still shine your light for Jesus, and that you got lots of yummy candy too!!  (We are still working on our stash :])

Our Eldest 12th Birthday!!

We are SO excited that it is Big D's birthday and at the same time SO sad that we cannot give him the party he so rightly deserves & wants.  It is all ok though & he is so sweet about it all, he knows that we are in a tight (but ok) spot at the moment and he understands.  He is one of the most kind spirited kids EVER!!!

We did celebrate though :) What type of parents would we be if we didn't, hummmm?!? 

His birthday was on Sunday and normally the birthday person gets to pick where we go have lunch (he was still able too) but his Daddy had to work today so we decided to go have a birthday dinner.  His Aunt was still in town at the time when we decided but we thought of it too late and they'd already gotten something for dinner. 

So our little family of four went to Chili's to eat.  Big D told us that he was branching out and having something different to eat than his normal meal (he kept his usual side though,lol) and then he got FREE icecream that we all shared a little of.  We then went home because we had a big day at church and knew we needed all the sleep we could get. 

I think it is SO awesome that we got to celebrate Big D's birth and worship the One who made him all in the same day!!  I must be the only one that thinks it is cool because nobody commented on my post on Facebook, sigh: oh well, I thought it was cool ;) 

After church, we went to Milo's to eat lunch and then to Wal-Mart to get a cake and a few other items.  He then got to do his favorite thing the Wii for the rest of the day :)

& just for good measure a baby pic :)

Happy Birthday to my Tween yikes did I really just say that!!!

In Memory...

Today is National Day of Pregnancy Loss & Miscarriage: if you have lost a baby in any way than light a candle to honor your child's sweet memory...

I wanted to share with you a paper I wrote this past semester about our loss.  The paper is about what our sweet gal had, ya know the medical side of the story, and since I've been saying that I'll share with everyone the story (& haven't) I thought I'd share something about her for today!  So, I apologize that it will be in a paper format and it is very long but I'll share some of it anyway...

           At around 26 to 27 weeks I began to swell.  I especially swelled on my feet, legs, and around my ankles.  Medically this swelling is called edema and can occur with fetal hydrops (but we did not know this info at the time).  I called my OB’s office and they sent me to the Radiology Department to check for blood clots in my legs.  The tech there asked me if I was supposed to go down to see the nurse or my Dr and she called down asking if I needed to see them.  They told her no and that I was supposed to go home and rest.  So that is what I did.

The next Tuesday I had a Dr’s appt at around 11 or so.  It was the glucose screening test appointment and I was also to receive the Rhogam shot then also.  I brought my step-mother and young son along with me that day, so I decided to get there a wee bit early to see if I could get started on everything so we wouldn’t have to wait too terribly long.  It turns out, on that particular day, my Dr. was behind and it really didn’t matter that I was early or not.  So after waiting about ten minutes after my appointment time I went to complain, because quite frankly I was in pain and getting tired and ill (remember I was still very swollen & getting bigger by the hour), and because we’d been there for about an hour already.  The front desk lady was nice but not moved much; she did however get me the drink so that I could drink it and be ready for the testing when the time came.   

Not too long after I was able to get the drink I got called back to the exam room.  The nurse kindly took my weight, blood pressure, and asked what drugs I had been taking.  She also took note of the swelling in my lower extremities.  She then gave me the Rhogam shot as well as letting me listen to my gal’s sweet heartbeat.  Everything was going ok until she measured my belly, I was measuring 42 weeks at only 29 weeks and she quickly said something isn’t right and went to go get my Dr.  My thinking was that it was the end of the world because I was carrying twins and didn’t know it, boy do I ever wish that was the case because it was much worse than that!  I was whisked to the clinic’s ultrasound room where the nice tech just stared at the screen for a while and I knew something wasn’t right when she wouldn’t let me see.  She quietly got up called the Radiologist that was there that day and came back to wait for her.  The Radiologist came in, looked at the screen, and then quickly left leaving the poor tech with me.  It was awkward and quiet in that room while waiting for my OB that late morning and I just wondered what was going on.  My Dr comes in and looks at my sweet child while standing over me and he is telling what is going on with her while I looks and moves the wand across my belly.  Then he says the three magic words that catch my attention; “I’m admitting you.” And to make it even scarier he adds: “I’m releasing you to the high risk department.” Really?!  Is it that bad? And will you please tell my step-mother that is sitting in the waiting room with my oldest child was my only responses.  He answered some of my questions then but mostly when he was talking to all of us and then the wheeled me over to the hospital.  I was quiet, wondering, and fixating on what had happened to my sweet girl and about the future. 

By 7:35 that night our sweet Haley Joe was born via c-section due to the fact that she was dying in the womb and they needed to take her to save “both” of us.  We heard her cry as she entered this world, but then she could not take a breath by herself so she passed as soon as they had cut the cord. I had them make pictures of her, an autopsy done so we could know for sure what had happened to her and requested to be able to hold her.  We got to hold her for a very long time; I think it was after midnight before they took her lifeless body back to prepare her for the pictures. I remember feeling 90% better after she was born and everything but the morphine had worn off; it was a very strange feeling for sure. 

By the time I went back to see my Dr, 4 weeks post-partum, the autopsy report was back.  Haley had a blood vessel that popped in the placenta very early in the pregnancy- like at around 3 months.  By the time she was 7 months gestation she became anemic and severe anemia does cause hydrops fetalis among some other things.  We feel very blessed to have known our girl even if it was for just 29 weeks inside the womb and we are glad we got to know what happened to her. 

In conclusion, fetal hydrops due to any medical condition can cause hurt, pain, loss, and usually ultimately death.  There is a lot of help out there for a loss of a child & if you know anyone going thru this the best you can do to help them is to steer them to seek correct counseling and give them your love and support not just the days and months after but the years later.

My Mommy Do

Ok so a couple of posts ago I blogged about how I had a complete "mommy-fail".  You know, while at my father in law's church my children decided to show that they had no manners nor did they know how to shut their mouths!

Well here is my "mommy-do"time.  I have been reading Creative Correction by Lisa Whelchel and she has so many fab-tab-ulous ideas! I mean, if your sweet blessing is talking back sure you can go the regular punishment route or you can do something out of this world that helps your child remember it and the best part....she adds scripture that goes with the punishment!  Yup, I love that!! 

So, both of my children used to act up while at the store.  I mean complete jerk behavior!! YES, I just said my children had jerky behavior so sue me!!  So anyways I just started leaving them at home and all was well.  Except...that my youngest child wanted to go with me.  He'd beg, cry, and pitch fits; but I wouldn't bring him because of all that and more... one lovely day I was going to the store and he very calmly asked if he could go with me and I agreed on one condition...that I would call his Dad if he acted up.  He did act up and I did call his dad to come get him.  We did that about 5 or 6 times (he's a stubborn child) and he finally got the message.  Now when I go to the store and he wants to go I can take him and he is plesant, helpful, and we both normally have a great trip.  Whohoo!!!  My oldest would just rather stay at home but he is good now too because he knows that I can shop faster if he helps than if he fights me. ;)

I have more mommy do's, but this is just one that I can think of that has worked for me and my child(ren)!  I'm not saying this would work for anyone else, but it is always good to know that you are not alone & there is a book with scripture help (for quick help & lookup) out there.  If this works for you let me know!

New Giveaway somewhere else not here!

There is a great new giveaway over at Megan's blog.  If you are pregnant, or have a baby or toddler you may want to enter!

Go here http://www.inthiswonderfullife.com/2011/09/giveaway.html  for the details!!  Tell her you came from my blog!  Thanks!

A touch of Light: I heart faces

I'm not linking to the I heart Faces because my pictures don't have a face but I wanted to post mine up here anyways.

and one that is old

You can go link to I heart faces with your picture!  I think it is open until Tues night for those of you who want too!

One Sunday

So a couple of Sunday's ago the devil reared his ugly little head in my life.  Is it bad that it happened right after church? Umm, probably not and possibly so!!  Anyways, here is the story and believe me I know that I will be going around this mountain again and hopefully I can be a more "grown-up" christian about it the next time go around, prayerfully that is!!

We had gotten up and out early because we were visiting my father in law's church that was about 30 to 35 mins away from our home.  Now, normally it would not have been a big deal but on this particular Sunday I was to be heading north from our house after church and we were going the opposite way and 30 mins away at that.  So needless to say I wasn't thrilled to say the least. 

I wish I could say I learned something during sunday school and church, but I can honestly I heard the scripture was in 2 Tim and some things that really didn't stick. What I did hear clearly was "Mommy, I got to go potty.  Bad Mommy!" and I also heard "Mom, what's he asking?" about 15 times.    My kids are older and they know better, so why they picked this particular Sunday to act up I have no clue.  I was livid of course and I wanted to pinch their little heads but the caring I could get in trouble mommy stopped me! so I told them they were gonna get "it" when I got home. 

Can I just say my kids are the luckiest two fellows that I know!  They thought they got out of trouble and they did for that night and thought that they got away with what they did, but they didn't.  I made sure of it.  They sat at the kitchen table sulking as I cooked dinner one night.  Not being able to speak, laugh, play, or touch one another.  Yeah I know it wasn't a wonderful punishment, but they are gonna learn how to act in big church even if it means they sit still for 10 or 15 min a day to start off with until they can sit in "big" church for 30 min to 1 hour. 

So far we have visited churches that do have wonderful children's ministries and children's church where they learn and actually ask me to find someone to go talk to so they can stay because they are having that great of a time.  I LOVE that!!  I do really, but I also know how important it is for them to be able to sit in the sancturary with their parents to worship and learn about God's word in a grown-up fashion, but first we must practice at home because it was entirely embrassing to me that my children were so horrible that day.  To make matters worse it was that church's pastor last day so...yeah.

Also, I was furious with my husband (not that he wanted to go there) for the way that he chose to be able to go.  I felt like I was trapped and couldn't say no, but I made it VERY clear that I was not interested in driving to a church permantly for 30+ minutes and he said that he knew.  You know what though, that mean ol' evil devil just kept on bringing up how he did that and I got madder and madder at him.  I think I was furious with all my men folk by the time I got home, lucky for them they weren't here. 

I knew it was wrong and ungodly of how my mind was thinking on the way to where I had to go and home.  I was pulled in thru my anger and it was not pleasing to God.  I know that I will have to go around that mountain again, prayerfully I will be fully prepared and ready for that time.  Because if you know me you know that God is first but then after Him is my Hubby/kids and then family/friends. 

Oh and the pictures having nothing to do with this post, just thought I'd post some to it to show God's beauty!

I want to Remember...

I always want to remember these sweet moments...

1999

2005

These sweet people who are no longer here....

My Uncle

my sweet baby girl

These awesome people who have made me, well me..

My Mom & Sis

My Dad & Husband

My Grandmothers

and my Grandfathers

and of course my walk with Christ, becoming a Christian, and learning more about how to have a more Christ-like walk!

This post was inspired by The Paper Mama 's photo challenge "Remember"

Life...

has had it's downs with me this week.  I really haven't "felt" like doing anything this past week, but yet I have done some things around the house.  Ya know, deep cleaning...the type that can make you feel sick and all.  Isn't that lovely?!

We really haven't done much so not much to blog about.  I did go to my cousin's baby shower and she got LOTS of wonderful little goodies for her babies.  I took pictures but I am not posting them yet :)

Y'all be in prayer I get a job offer soon, I really need to be able to work or do something...obviously housework isn't my thing...just like cooking ( only slightly kidding). 

Remembering...

Honestly, I cannot believe it has been ten years. 

Picture found here

Ten years that the twin towers fell and so many lives were changed forever.

 

(picture found here)

Ten years that some many heroes rose up to help the hurting, wounded and to dig thru the ruble.

(picture found here)

Do you remember what you were doing that day?  I do!  I had a two year old running around the house and so the T.V. was on Nick Jr that morning.  Joey had come in from working the graveyard shift and asked me if I had not heard about the twin towers.  I, of course, had not because we were happily watching Bl*es Clu*es and no one had told me.  So he changed it to show me and refused to let our son watch his shows anymore because he wanted to watch about the towers. 

I really couldn't believe that it had happened, but there was proof all around on the TV, news, etc and everyone was talking about it.  I was just wow'd at the destruction and lack of respect for life for the terrorist that took others lives as well as their own!  I also knew about terrorists and their lack of respect but NEVER had witnessed it until then.  I am so glad that we live in this country where we are "free" and that we have SO many ready to raise to the occasion and fight for what we believe in!

*Note: None of the pictures are mine in THIS POST ONLY*

I linked to the sites I got them from below the picture

When the lights go out

You use candles to light your way!

and also you can shine your own light for God when darkness attacks you (and you pray)!

Wordless Wednesday: Sleepy Chloe

She soo poses, ha!

Lately...

We have had a busy weekend and such...

I had a little photo session with my Mom's pup for part of her birthday present.  I have yet to print them out but here is a small sample...

We also took a little road trip where I took this picture of my Mom's pup sweetly sleeping...



and then she woke up and did this to me...

aww I love puppy kisses!!
Here is my new furry friend too...

He needed lots of love recently and we gave it to him..
What have you done lately?

Labor Day aka Monsoon Day

Well, Tropical Storm Lee hit the Gulf of Mexico and the southern states and now for Labor Day we are not laboring, but chillin out inside the house watching TV and waiting for pizza.  I know it sounds like a blast doesn't it?! 

The boys? They have been hopping around acting like crazy kids, but that is ok...really it is because tomorrow we get back to our "normal" schedule and everything should be dandy.  We really do not do good when we are off our schedule, but I enjoy having the kids home so it isn't a big deal ( I enjoy it better when I am able to take them outside somewhere though!).

I have a new bloggy friend that I've been talking to via email because she is hosting a 21 days of prayer for anyone's boys.  If you want to join us- no matter how old your boy(s) are then go here.
I read the first chapter last night & I can't wait to get on my knees for the Double D's!

Hope you have a wonderful Labor Day; whether it is raining or sunny!

Creativity lives here..

Our children and their neighborhood friends are VERY creative.  They play all these made up mind games and love to be outside until the sun goes down.  Recently, they created a "shower" using our hose and some piping my cousin left from adding on another room to our townhome along with some plywood.  I thought it was pretty creative myself.  They also had a living room area that they made up too.  Just take a look:

They had redone the shower by the time I got out there & put down the tubing, but now it is back up and in a different place...I guess I need to take a picture of it too.

I'll have to add new pictures to this to show everything now that the backyard is "cleaner".  So more to come