Merry Christmas everyone!

I will try to post photos later.  Took pictures with my phone today because I had to order a new cable for my camera.  We will see how and if they turn out!  Happy Birthday Jesus!

Oh the day I have spent...

Ohio makes life exceedingly difficult when trying to get legal.  By legal, I am referring to transferring title, getting license plates, and obtaining a driver's license.  We went to 6 different offices and one of them we went to twice.  What a pain!  After all of this driving, stopping, waiting, paying fees, etc, I am still not totally legal.  My hubby is, but I am not.  Why do you ask?  I was born in Puerto Rico and apparently in an effort to increase security all birth certificates obtained prior to October 1 2010 are not valid.  This law went into effect in July and since I don't live there, nor do I watch the Spanish channel news, I had no idea. I called my Mom to make sure that she was aware and she had just found out about it recently.  My Aunt who also lives in the states is in PR now for the Christmas holiday and is planning on attempting to get our certificates on Monday.  If she is not able to, I will have to put the request in for myself.  I had to take the written exam to get my license and I passed so that is valid for 60 days.  I am hoping that either my Aunt can get my certificate or that they can process my request quickly.  From my experience, PR does nothing quickly.  So that is my story.  Thankfully B had the day off for the holiday so that we could take care of all of this.  Seriously we had been out from about 9:30 this morning until just before 3 this afternoon trying to get all of these items processed!

I am having trouble downloading photos off of my camera so my recent shots are unavailable.  Insert sad face here.  I am hoping it is just the cable and not something more serious.  Because of the move and busy-ness, I had not downloaded photos for some time.  Needless to say I would like to leave you with a shot from Halloween simply because it is cute.  Merry Christmas all!

Christine--thank you for your sweet comment.  Things are going well.  Slowly I have been trying to get organized, but in some cases organization has been difficult.  The Christmas holiday has just compounded my slowness because I have had to spend time finding decorations, and decorating, making treats, shopping, and everything else.  We are getting there and I hope to be able to start making some friends soon.  I have not made much progress on finding a church beyond having a short list of places to visit.  I am hoping that this Sunday is the day!  Take care my friend.  I am thinking of you always.

I have internet again...

I have a phone again.  Well, I had a cell phone but now I have a land line again.  Not that I have anyone local yet really to share this information with except the kids schools, but we are on our way.  One last Sunday of hard work getting some things organized and unpacked, put together and decorated.  Next weeks goal...find a church to visit.  I was given the name of one by one of our pastors at my Wi church, but I have since come across two others that are also worth a visit.  Pray for us that we find someplace wonderful to attend that feels like home.  Actually one of the churches intrigues me simply because it shares the same name as our previous church home.  I need to look into it a bit to see about denomination and beliefs.

I have tons of pictures but have yet to come across my camera cable.  I am sure that it is in one of my unpacked office boxes.  My goal is to complete my office/library area this week since my bookshelves came in this Friday.  They look really nice!  I have to get my old computer desk up on Craigslist as well, but that can come later.  Ah well, rambling rambling rambling.  Just waiting on the hubby to get out of the shower so we can make a run to Costco before dinner.  Can I just say how I love having one of those nearby again.

Still here...

drowning in boxes.  Spotty internet service.  Hanging in there.  Trying to get organized slowly but surely.  My in-laws are coming on Saturday.  So not ready...More post later.

Moving this week...

Well, our last week in Wi has finally arrived.  This has been our most difficult move ever.  From the sale to the house, to paperwork for said sale,  I am hoping that the packing, loading and delivery goes much better.    We are headed to the West side of Cleveland suburbs.  I currently feel as if I have ADD because I cannot seem to focus on tasks to completion today.  For example, I bought a few grocery items this morning.  I came in, dropped them on the floor and proceeded to work on laundry.  Then I realize about 30 minutes later that my groceries were still on the floor.  Finally, I sorted my items and put them away only to forget to work on the laundry sort.  Ah well.  I am not going to try to post again this week.  I will have internet access until at least Thursday so if anyone needs to get in touch I will still be available.  "See"  you on the flip side.  Say some prayers for safe travel, good closing, etc.  I would really appreciate them.  Love you bloggy friends.

Bible Study thought of the day...

From Beth Moore's Daniel Week 8, in reference to the eschatology portion of our study in with the Jewish people were under the rule of Antiochus iV Epiphanes.

"Oh, how Satan wants the people of God to think God has abandoned them!  Thank goodness, God is the initiator, enabler, and sustainer of relationship.  Though He undoubtedly calls us to obedience, we can offer nothing that paves a path to the throne of grace.  God alone makes the way, and the same God who calls us keeps us".

I find such comfort in that!

Halloween pics to come in a later post.  I have a sickie home this morning.  Probably Mom just being cautious but I am taking her in to the Dr to have her checked out anyway.

Old Photo Catch Up--Bookmunchers

Once a month at Aidan's school the parents are invited to join their students at the school for lunch and a reading period.  Aidan did not want me to take his picture in the cafeteria, but would allow me to take his picture in our spot in the stacks.  We are reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix together.  This was the first bookmunchers of this school year and was their most attended one yet.  They had a record 108 Moms, Dads, Grandparents, or other various relatives in attendance.  What a good time was had by all!

Old Photo Catch up--Our trip to the pumpkin patch

Early in the month of October before we got the offer on the house we stopped for a morning of fun at a local pumpkin patch.  In Texas, we never really did the pumpkin patch thing because there really wasn't one nearby for us to go to.  Here there are many places like this to go an pick out pumpkins.  This is one of the smaller operations we have come across, but that it what I love about it.  The lady of the house has many cute fall/halloween crafts for purchase as well as tons of pumpkins in varying size and color.  Last year they also added a corn maze that they had this year as well.  Very cute and sweet place that we will miss very much.  Have a happy and safe weekend all!

A short week becoming a long one...

I had all these plans for this week.  It is a short week of school due to a teachers conference.  I had planned all kinds of fun activities, seeing friends, and plain old down time until someone moved my cheese.  My agent called yesterday with all kinds of new amendments I have to sign and get to her, and all kinds of painting I have to do to my exterior and my basement for the FHA loan the couple buying our house.  I got most of the interior done yesterday, but really in my view it is the principle of the thing.  Pack and load starts the 10th and we are leaving early on the 13th.  I don't want the appraiser to come out and keep telling me I have to paint until they have the whole house repainted.  There has to be a point when we say enough is enough.  Also, the new buyers want to move up their closing date as well, yet it is their lender that is causing all the delays at this point.  Regardless, we are leaving this house on the 13th whether their issues are resolved or not.  Ah well, got to love bureaucracy.  I am just wondering why this wasn't mentioned on their home inspection and was only mentioned by the appraiser.

I have all kinds of pictures I have yet to download because I have been swamped and stressed.  I am taking tomorrow off!  Hopefully I can get my pictures downloaded then.  When we moved into this house we did not have the space to use our butcher block style kitchen table.  So, sadly I sent it down to the basement and it became a work table for my hubby.  In our new place we will have a breakfast area off the kitchen, so I can once again use my table.  I mentioned this to the hubby and his response was, have you really looked at that table recently?  Well, It had seen better days.  Paint, Nicks, Cuts from a wayward saw.  You get the idea.  I have been inspired by a home decorating blog I have been reading for a while.  I decided to try ti fix up my table.  Being in an old house, I have learned some things about home repair so why not try.  I would not be any worse off if I failed really.  Needless to say it is turning out beautifully!  I wish I would have taken a before picture, but I filled in nicks and cuts with wood putty, scraped off wayward paint and sanded, primed, and painted.  I am going to do a few more coats of paint to get the color I want and then put on a clear coat of varnish or something as a covering.  I am also doing this totally with materials I have on hand so no money out of pocket either.  Got to love that!

Anyway, this is a ranting and rambling post, but I had a few minutes to put down my thoughts.  Thanks for listening and I will still try to get some pictures up soon!

I have really not fallen off the planet!

More to come this weekend maybe.  I really am okay.  Trying to come up for air a bit.  Swamped with house sale stuff, had a houseguest for a week, and appointments out the wazoo!  Anyway, things will be slowing down this next week as flag football is finished and the kids have a short week of school.  More to come!  Lots of pictures!

Talk about answered prayers...

after putting a very upset 8 year old to bed crying on Tuesday night, prayers were certainly answered on Wednesday.  Not only did the child from across the street apologize to Aidan he also apologized to the boy Aidan was defending.  They all walked home from school yesterday with arms over each others shoulders.  I was trying to find out details from Aidan..."did you talk to M and let him know how what he has been doing was hurting you?"  No Mom he just came and apologized on his own.  Which does lead me to wonder if his Mom finally noticed what was happening and said something to M.  I have noticed that she is much slower to respond to a behavioral situation than I would be.  If I see Aidan or Ainsley treating someone badly, I immediately correct the behavior.  Maybe I am too harsh, but I am quick to remind them not to treat others in a way they would not want to be treated.  Aidan and I also had the chance to talk later about how God had answered his prayers.  What a learning moment!  I hope he understands the idea of a personal relationship with Christ long before I did!

Also, sorry Miss J, and I will call you later, but we sold our house!  Next week B will be in Cleveland to put an offer in on something.  We are hoping to be moved by Thanksgiving but we shall see what happens.  Life is still a bit up in the air for the moment, but we are headed to Cleveland before the end of the year.  God is good and does answer prayers.  A lesson my Aidan learned quite well yesterday I think.

Something is brewing...

on the house sale front.  I will give you more details as I have them but things are looking good at the moment.

Say some prayers for Aidan.  He is struggling with the neighbor kid again.  Not during school hours but during the walk home from school.  I am going to meet Aidan on the walk home today so that I can see what if anything is going on.  This is all the detail I am giving right now.

That is it for now.  Something is brewing, and I am praying it is something good!

Back to where I started...

I hate to brag, but I am very excited that I finally finished my Bible in a year program.  By no means have I done this perfectly and I was only able to do it with God's grace.  Now, my goal is to continue with the daily reading program and hopefully read some commentary along with it so that I have a better understanding of what I am actually reading.  Obviously some parts are much easier to understand than others.

So I will leave you with the picture above.  Fall color from our neighborhood.  God's paintbrush is stunning, isn't it.

House showing this evening so the kids and I are headed to McD's before swim classes.  What can you do?  I am grateful for the showing though.  It is my agent, actually.  They were going to see a house down the street and she wanted to show ours as well since we are a block down.  We are priced a little higher than they wanted to pay, but you never know I guess.  I will trust Him that He will bring us our buyer when He is ready.  I am believing and trusting in Him.  Trust is key for me this week and always.

Call me crazy...

but this little munchkin is going to make a nice addition to our household.  I will post more about how we came to be cat owners once again tomorrow.  For now, meet Scamper, Scamp for short.  Bask in all her cuteness!

It is not late, but I am done for the day.  Off to bed, leaving all my mess for another day.  That is at least until my house showing on Thursday evening.  Dinner at McD's before swim class it will have to be.  More later as I am to pooped to pop!

A little closing thought and my ah-ha moment from my bible study homework this past week.  God knows all your details, from Beth Moore's Daniel.  I just love that.  When you get so busy in your own "stuff", it is easy to forget.

Painting...

I have been painting this week!  Not changing colors, just touching up outside paint on the porches and handrails that were going to need it before this winter.  It is amazing how much I can get done given a good chunk of time during the day.  Needless to say though, I have been killing myself again.  I need to stop.  I feel guilty when I do things that are fun for me during the day.  Wrong thinking on my part as usual.  I have to finish up a small bit of painting today for the open house tomorrow and then I think I will be done for a while.   I am going to go back to allowing myself a bit of sewing time during the day.  Friday I actually allowed myself time for a nap if you can believe that!  I have been so exhausted!

Well, Aidan has a full blown cold officially.  He has been complaining of a sore throat for a day or so but had no fever.  Yesterday he came home from school with a runny nose.  We went to dinner at the restaurant of some friends of my hubby's that is closing this weekend and the kids and I had to leave early because Aidan was just miserable.  We came home and I put them straight to bed.  Both were asleep by 8pm.  He is a bit better this morning but we are going to take the weekend by ear and see how he does.

We have yet another open house tomorrow hosted by another real estate agent in the office.  The economy is terrible around here and yet they still can't believe this house hasn't sold.  People looking in our price range are just not buying, and no one seems to be doing much hiring so not as many people are relocating to the area.  In the 4 months that our house has been on the market only one home in our price range has sold.  That says a lot I think.  Bad bad times.  We will keep praying and keep trying and I will probably keep painting...after a small break though.  Posting got away from me again this week but I will do better (I am always saying that).  I have pictures as well as we are starting to see some pretty fall color as well as Aidan football pictures and Ainsley's Kindergarten artwork.  Have a good weekend all!

A food weekend...

My husband came up with this wonderful creation for the kids this weekend.  Not only were the pancakes chocolate chocolate chip, but he also added powdered sugar, cool whip and chocolate chips on top!  Sugar overload!

Sunday was the first Dallas game of the 2010 football season.  For the first game, my hubby likes to have his snacks.  He outdid himself this year.  Grilled chicken wings, cinnamon apples, fresh mango, ants on a log, fresh salsa, and the one unhealthy item...cheesy taco dip with baked tortilla chips of course.


So above were the pictures of our weekend eats as they were a bit more fun that our normal day to day.  This week has been so busy so I am sorry that I have once again fallen off the map.  Let me see what has gone on...Aidan started flag football, bible study started, swim classes started.  I also have gotten it into my head to work on some painting on the house.  Not making changes just touching up existing painting that really the work.  I was able to get to the porch this week.  I will have to brag that it looks really good!  I will try to get to more this weekend as the weather does not seem to be cooperating too much this week.  I also had to get my house ready for a photo shoot for my real estate agent.  Her new idea is to make a "photo story" to be posted on you tube.  I will post a link when I have it.  So to get ready for that I had to depersonalize my home even further.  It looks so bare!  It was so much work as well.  I have everything stored in my basement and brought out only essentials that I use day to day.  I am tired of all the working this week and am going to take the rest of the day off once I get the load of laundry I have in the dryer put away.  Have a great weekend all I am planning a little fun for myself as I have had a long busy week.  As I sit here I am getting so sleepy so I am off to take a nap...shhhh, don't tell my hubby!  Just kidding!

My parents...

are officially retiring at the end of the month!  My Dad took an early retirement a while back but eventually went back to work.  First, he worked as a substitute teacher in the school district where I attended.  Then he eventually moved on to do contract work for the manufacturing company for whom my Mom does Accounts Receivable.  My Mom being quite a bit younger than my Dad was not able to retire when he did.  This past weekend she turned 60 and apparently the week before they turned in their letters of retirement effective at the end of September.  Even with the hit their retirement accounts took with this economy, they have been doing quite well financially.  My parents are quite frugal...my Dad almost annoyingly so.  I honestly never thought they would do it, but here they are officially retiring.  My selfishness about this situation is that I hope that it means that they will visit more often or for an extended time.  Now they won't have to worry about attaching their trip to a holiday so that my Mom would get an extra day or two in without eating too much into her depressingly small amount of paid vacation.  I told them I do not want to hear the excuse that they are too busy to come see us as I have heard from others who shall remain nameless.  Well, so that is the news.  I am tired as I did not sleep well last night...allergies bugging me something fierce yesterday and today.  I am off and everyone have a restful, relaxing and in my case football filled weekend!

Last Fling of Summer...

So I guess I finally have to accept it...summer is over.  Our last fling of summer was this weekend.  My parents were visiting and we attended the annual Kites over Lake Michigan Festival.  Lots of wind this weekend as we had a cold front come through on Friday.  Temperatures were anything but summer-like as on Friday I dressed the kids for school in long pants and hoodies.  So here we are fully into the beginning of fall and I am once again sad as usual.  I never did like the oppressive summer time temperatures in Texas, and I don't mind fall typically.  This year has me sad though.  Is it the move and that I had my illusions that we would be in Ohio by now or does it have more to do with the fact that my baby is in Kindergarten this year.  I have time during the day to do what I want and I should be thrilled, but I am sad.  Does that make me weird?  Most Moms I know are excited about back to school time.  I am not one of those Moms.  Ah, so is the life of the wishing-she-was-a-homeschool-family.  

My parents visit was great besides the bumps with some Aidan behavior issues.  Not sure what was going on with him besides exhaustion.  We tried something new with his sleeping arrangements while my parents were here this time that I think was the real problem.  Usually, guests bunk in his room, as he has a big bed, and he will sleep in our room in a sleeping bag.  This time, I offered to let him sleep on the air mattress in the play room.  The problem with the playroom is that there are no black out shades.  All the bedrooms have them because daybreak is so early here.  Needless to say he and Ainsley were both up with the sun all weekend!  Ainsley decided that she also wanted to sleep in the playroom this weekend with her brother.  He could not be the only one to have the fun of sleeping on the air mattress!  My mistake and it won't happen again.  I enjoyed my parents visit.  I missed them.  Plus I was first to hear some of their big news.  I can't say as my sister is a reader of this blog but I am very excited for them.  Selfishly though, I am also hoping this will benefit our family in some was as well.  When I actually get to talk about it I am sure you will understand why.  M is that enough of a teaser for you?

Well I hope everyone had a nice relaxing Labor Day weekend.  We are having our family football party on Sunday so hopefully I will have my act together enough to take pictures of our smorgasbord.  

The Rest of My Creation...

Double Irish Chain using a variety of Pooh fabrics that I bought as part of another project a few years back.  I ended up going a different direction on a gift so I have had these around for a while with this plan in mind.  I have never used anything other than a variety of white as a background fabric, but I am really liking the blue.  It just kind of pops as it goes so well with the other fabrics.  I also tried a new brand of batting that I just love and am going to have to continue using.  Just a basic brand from Wal-mart believe it or not, but it is much more dense than the Mountain Mist I have used in the past.  I just loved the weight of it.

Have a happy Labor Day all!  My parents are visiting and I will give you the full update later this week.

A Teaser of Things to Come...

With my children in school full time, I have found myself with an abundance of time during the day the likes of which I have not had since I was put on bed rest for 6 weeks at the end of my pregnancy with my first child.  When the kids were in VBS this summer I started working on a project as a gift for a friend, now I have finally found the time to finish it.  I will post more pictures once this one has been delivered.  I can't totally blow the surprise, now can I.  Seriously, working on my sewing once again has been therapeutic.

The kids have had a wonderful time at school getting to know their teachers and meeting new friends.  I expect both of them with have great years.

Well, my house is ready for guests as my parents are actually coming to visit!  They haven't been to our house in over a year and a half, so it is about time.  My kids have been missing them, but I just could not make the trip this summer...too much stress and anxiety.  Still working on that as we are still working on the sale of our house.  Have an excellent holiday weekend everyone and hopefully soon I will post pictures of my completed project.

First Day of School

So off they went this morning happy as clams.  My children are very well adjusted where school is concerned.  It should make me happy but I am left a bit sad.  This is the first time Ainsley is in school all day and I am a little concerned how she will be this afternoon.  When Aidan was in K, he was exhausted at the end of the day.  Yesterday was meet the teacher at both schools.  Aidan's teacher was not present though as he is apparently also an alderman on our city council.  I had wondered if he was the same individual, but was not sure.  Now I know.  It should be an exciting year regardless of how long we will continue to be in this area.  Happy day.  Now I am off to take care of some things around the house.  Hope all of those who are starting school today have a wonderful day.

Ainsley at Meet the Teacher 

;

Aidan and Ainsley Breakfast of Champions

All set to go Kindergarten and 3rd grade

What I am trying to remember these days...

1 Peter 5:6-7 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (NIV)

What have I been doing the past few weeks...

We are finally ready.  Well, the kids are at least.  Supplies are now packaged to take to Meet the Teacher on Tuesday.  The kids are ready.  Mom is not.  I am not looking forward to the running around that comes with children attending public school.  We seem to get much more done in the day when I am not shuttling little people to and fro in the morning.  I refuse to send my children on the bus.  My own issues, but only one child is offered bus service anyway.  Next Wednesday is the day.  I will post first day of school pictures then.  I still don't know what to send them in yet though.  We will see what I come up with.  Last week before school fun and playdates all week.  This afternoon we are headed to the last Lego building scheduled for the summer.  Love the summer library program.  Well, I am off to make lunch.  Later my friends...

14 years...

of marriage today.  Too bad my hubby is in Cleveland this week, but thus is the life of a family who is in the middle of a relocation.   Thanks for the flowers babe!

Accepting things I can not change...

so we are still here in our unsold house.  I made the decision a few weeks ago that I had to get started getting the kids ready for the school year.  We have spent several days shopping for school supplies, organizing said supplies, checking out fall clothing in the closets, deciding what needed to be purchased as far as fall clothing.  Aidan did not need very much due to the generosity of a friend who gifted me with 5 pairs of brand new Levi's jeans.  She had bought them the year before and her boys seemed to have skipped that size.  They are too big for my Aidan right now, but they should fit him by Christmas time and into the new year.  Ainsley essentially needs a new fall wardrobe as she has grown so much since the last school year.  I bought her a few things to get her started.  I will pick up more as we go on into the fall/winter.  I also went ahead and got the kids enrolled in their fall activities, swimming and flag football.  I also signed myself up for fall bible study.  I am going to be going through Beth Moore's Daniel.  Should be interesting as I always find her studies, but I will also need to get myself out of the house to keep my mind off of our sale process.

Still praying for the sale of our house.  We reduced our price and are having yet another open house this weekend it seems.  I am sick to death of open houses as I feel the people that attend them are really not interested in buying a house.  They are either shopping or know us in some way and checking out where we live, which is the creepier of the two scenarios by far.  Pressing onward.

Tomorrow is a big day for the hubby and I.  Unfortunately he is out of town this week, but we will try to celebrate this weekend.

Well, I am off.  Big things to come in the next week.  Kids back to school 9/1.  Ugh.  They are excited and for that I am grateful.  Leaving you with a photo of my summer bounty.  I have more tomatoes than I know what to do with.  I may pick up some canning supplies if I am brave enough!

At a loss for words...

of late.  I don't really have a whole lot to say these days.  We have had many fun activities and outings these past few weeks.  Trying to keep a positive mindset while I am turning my thoughts to getting the kids ready for a new school year.  Lots of teeth being lost here as well this summer!  The last few weeks have served us with many hot humid days.  Days in which I miss central air!  I really haven't fallen off the planet and I will get back to regular blogging one of these days.  Miss you my bloggy world.

Pirate Party

My Aidan is an avid reader.  However, since he was a pre-schooler, he has never enjoyed the library programs, story times, etc.  He would rather look for books and play in our local library's play area.  They stock it very well with legos, puzzles, trains, etc.  I have always had to ask him to go in the summertime so that I could take Ainsley.  She loves story time, craft time and most of the other library activities.  Yesterday, everything changed.  The library hosted a pirate party where the children were  encouraged to dress up, play games, have snacks, and the like.  It was crazy!  There were so many children!  Aidan loved it!  We stepped out after a while to look for books as we had already participated in all of the games.  After a few minutes he asked to go back!  He stayed until they wrapped things up.  Unbelievable!  Next week, the library is wrapping up their summer reading program with a magic show. Aidan is already asking to go!  Ainsley is usually asking to go, but the tide has turned.  It will be crowded but because he asked I will take them.  Finally!

Feeling...

sorry for myself this morning.  I have another open house this weekend and I am tired.  Tired of keeping my house spotless for people to come look at it.  Tired of people saying that they are very interested in the house and then nothing coming of it. Tired of praying for the sale of my house.  It feels so selfish...however, we are selling for way under what we paid for it so not terribly selfish, is it?  I love where we live, but with the start of school beginning to loom over me I am feeling ready to go.  To be settled again.  Even though I am starting over again, I am tired of feeling at loose ends.  I can't plan too far in advance.  So much so that my family hasn't come to visit this summer with the thought that we would be in the middle of moving or gone already.  I guess what got to me was a sign I saw yesterday on a house on another street that I believe has been listed much longer than mine has...Any reasonable offer considered.  Really.  Are we to that point that the market is so bad that we need to put that on a sign?  I think it is.

Once again sorry for the rant.  I am generally a pretty happy person even though it may not seem like it here.  That sign just got to me yesterday.

Mom and her Monkeys

We were so hot on this Sunday outing during our week in Cleveland.  We all had a great time though and the zoo was very nice.  I hope we will make other trips to this zoo in our future as we make our home in Ohio.  No offers on our house yet, but we are still busy with showings and some are quite promising.  Something is bound to happen soon.  At least that is my prayer.

My in-laws are here this week and I think we have worn them out!  I just don't know...I tried to plan some outings to get us out of the house to balance the kids energy and desire to play.  Nothing super strenuous, a trip to the beach, a trip downtown shopping during the sidewalk sale day in town.  They really needed a day to recover even though the outings were only a few hours each.  Yesterday they took the kids swimming and to play putt-putt for the afternoon while I went to the grocery store and worked at church.  They were falling asleep on my couch after dinner.  I just don't know how to balance activities with them without the rest of us going stir crazy.  This visit has made me realize how active a family we have become in the summer time with walks, bike rides, lake outings, park outings and the like.  I am thankful that my family is not as sedentary.  B and I have made a promise to each other to keep each other accountable in staying as active as possible as we get older.

We have a house showing this afternoon at 4 so I will be taking the kids over to their RV to "hang out".  I would rather have taken the kids to the playground or something, but I may just take them anyway just earlier in the afternoon.  Well, I hope all are well this week.  I am counting my blessings.  I hope you are too.

Cleveland week...

Well, we had a good week, but exhausting.  We did find several potential houses but our favorite is bank owned so they won't take a contingency offer.  If the Lord planned for us to have that house then it will be there after we get a contract on ours just like this one was.  Speaking of contracts, we have a couple coming back for a second look see today with a contractor in tow to see what they can do remodeling wise to my kitchen.  It is rather small, but it is not so small that it is not useable.  Anyway, they want to see what they can do so I am hoping that means that a contract is on their minds.  They are coming by rather late tonight to which I am not thrilled about but what can you do.

My in-laws are coming in for a visit on Thursday and they will be staying for a week.  They are towing the trailer so I am assuming that they are already on their way.  I am going to try a bit harder this year to get the kids out and about with them this year than I was able to last year.  Their schedule just never meshes well with mine.

I do have pictures of our Cleveland trip to the zoo which was very nice.  Of course we went on the hottest day of our trip to Ohio.  Go figure, but we all had fun.  It is a very nice zoo with very neat exhibits.  Our favorite was the butterfly house and Aidan especially loved their summer dinosaur exhibit.

So on to my day yesterday...which did not start out as planned.  I woke up about 3:30 in the morning having chest pains!  I could breathe so I new it wasn't my heart, but it sure did hurt to take deep breaths.  I ended up finally waking B up and he took me to the ER.  He had to cancel his trip out of town for which I felt awful, but I was glad he stayed.  Everything is fine, they checked my heart and checked me for a blood clot in my lungs and they decided that it is an inflammation of some of the lining around my lungs.  They sent me home with a prescription for steroids.  I was feeling better at first and was going to send B on his trip but then the stomach issues started.  I always have trouble with pain killers but either the nitro patch or the contrast dye for my CT gave me the same reaction as well.  I spent the rest of the day throwing up!  Awful.  By evening I was starting to feel better and keep some food down so I will be starting my steroids today.  I think for the long term I am fine and my Mom seems to think this is a stress reaction.  I scared everyone to death and for that I feel awful.  I kept apologizing to everyone for wasting everyones time.  Why do I do that?  I had every right to be concerned for my health.  Chest pain can be serious business which is why they always treat it seriously at the hospital.  I am supposed to see my regular Dr.  for a follow up this week.  Thanks all for letting me unload a but here.  I am sure this is going to get around town soon.  All the people at my hubby's work know and I am sure it will get around rather quickly as most things seem to.  Anyway, that is my rant and whine for the day.  I have to return several phone calls as my friend T, my Mom, my Aunt, and my sister were all calling to check on me.  Between sleeping and running to the bathroom I did not get to talk with anyone to tell them I was okay.  Thankfully my husband stayed home and manned the phone and managed the kids after our babysitter brought them back home.  Praising God today for a good nights sleep and that I am pain free today!

Some of what was up this week...

These are some of our activities this week.  Nice warm weather that necessitated a swim in the pool. The open mouth was Miss Ainsley pretending she was an alligator and Aidan was throwing her pretend fish to eat.

Ainsley also went to Welcome to Kindergarten at which she had a blast.  She was excited to have one of her little church friends in her class.









Aidan was excited that he was finally old enough to go the a golf camp through our town's parks and rec department.  4 afternoons and free buckets of balls at the driving range for the rest of the summer.  I wonder if he will be able to talk the hubby into taking him to practice.  We were sitting quite a distance away for our safety.  Aidan is in the middle of the group in a white shirt, blue shorts, and burgundy ball cap.




We also made trips to the library to check out new materials for our road trip tomorrow as well as ran various other errands.  It has been a busy but fun week.  I am hoping this next week will be fun as well.  House hunting and getting to know the area a bit.  I will admit, I am still not hopeful for the quick sale of the house.  I keep hearing reports of the declining home sales market.  I am sure the powers that be at my husbands company will be understanding of this and give us extra time to move if needed.  Surely, they will not be unreasonable.  Many changes going on.  I will try to post some next week.  And hey, maybe we will end up putting a contingency offer on a house.  We have an agent from a neighboring town coming in on Sunday to hold an open house while we are away.  Not sure why another agent wants to show ours as an open house.  All I can think is that maybe they are new and need to get some hours under their belts.  Anyway, who knows what will come of it.  Well, I hope everyone has s blessed weekend.

I have...

started several blog posts and end up deleting them.  I don't want to sound like I am whining.  Same old same old around here.  Just trying to plan a bit more of my summer.  Trip to Cleveland, in-laws coming to visit and potentially a visit to Texas for a short trip with the kids at the end of the month.  Don't commit me to that one yet.  I have to check out airfares first.  I still have my cancelled ticket from April so hopefully I can work out something not terribly expensive.  I have some cute pictures from our activities this week.  Ainsley went to Welcome to Kindergarten.  Aidan went to golf camp.  The cool thing about the golf camp besides the fact that he was actually taught to stand and swing a club properly is that anytime he wants to go for the rest of the summer he gets a free bucket of golf balls.  I love the free stuff!  Anyway, we head to Cleveland for the week sometime on Friday.  I am not sure what we are going to find house wise.  We have a ton of listings on the West side from our agent.  B will have quite a drive to work, but that is what he gets if he insists on new construction.  The houses on our list however are a fair mix of new and old and by old I mean 1930's and up.  Much younger than the house we have now!  Well, I will hopefully post some pictures tomorrow.  My golf pictures are from quite a distance as we needed to sit away from the group in case of wayward balls coming our way.  More tomorrow I hope!

Out of School...

for the summer.  Last Thursday was the last half day of school for my big kiddo.  Ainsley finished on Wednesday.  Thursday ended up being very busy as I had a dentist appointment, a house showing, and B's new plant manager and wife came over for dinner as they were in town.  We must make that a more regular thing while we are still here as they are a fun couple.  Trying not to get depressed over the house selling thing, but, alas, it is difficult.  I keep getting the feedback from showings which is all positive, but no offers yet.  It has only been 3 weeks which is what I keep telling myself. The weather has not cooperated for fun summer activities as yet.  Friday rained, Saturday was cloudy and threatened to rain and of course was Aidan's last soccer game for the spring.  Yesterday we played outside with some neighbor kids but it was mostly cloudy and then it rained.  I woke up to clouds this morning and apparently the threat of more rain this afternoon.  At least my mini veggie patch is getting plenty of water without my help.

This morning, I was a bit more creative in my breakfast making as we don't have to rush anywhere early this week.  I made these awesome low fat strawberry scones.  Aidan had to add jam to his and ate 2 of them.  Ainsley decided she did not like baked strawberries but added butter and ate almost all of hers.  I thought they were yummy as is and will definitely make them again.  Just lightly sweet with a touch of strawberry.  I think they would be excellent with blueberries as well.

Well, it is a bit of a light week for us.  I am hoping for sunshine for a beach trip later in the week.  Next week is a bit busier as Ainsley heads to Welcome to Kindergarten and Aidan to Golf Camp in the afternoons.  We will also be headed to Cleveland sometime that following weekend as well.  So, this next few days B is in Greensboro, NC visiting one of his plants and he will be working the assembly line to get to know his people.  Can't wait to hear how that goes!  I have got to find my summer routine as here it is 9:19 and I have yet to shower or do anything other than make breakfast and do dishes.  Well, I am off to vacuum and put in a load of laundry.  What are your plans this week?

Wow...

I cam across this verse today in my scheduled reading for the day...Psalm 127:2  In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat- for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Wow, like I said in my title.  This struck such a chord with me today.  This is how I feel in this moving process.  As if all the cleaning up I am doing is in vain.  I need to trust Him more.  I clean because that is the one thing that I feel that I can control.  I am not thinking that He does not love me because I am secure in the fact that he does.  Just kind of wondering what His plan is for us these days and the when if it all as well.  Trying to turn it over to Him and remember that it is his plan and his time not mine.

MIA

Well, all I can say is that this has been an interesting and stressful few weeks.  Our home has been officially listed for 2 weeks, we have had many showings, and an open house.  I have been cleaning up like a storm on a daily basis which has required me to change my schedule a bit.  School lets out this week so my pressure filled mornings will be alleviated for a while.  I have had to juggle our summer schedule a bit, but I am going to proceed as if we will be here in the fall for the kids school.  Ainsley will be headed to the Get ready for K program, and Aidan's plans for gifted and talented curriculum has been finalized. In recent days weather around here has cooled down considerably but one afternoon when we had a showing while the kids had the day off from school we packed up our gear and headed to our favorite beach.  What a nice afternoon!  I am hoping to make this a regular outing for us this summer.  It is free, it is fun, the kids are worn out when we are done.   I have also made some changes to my comments on this blog.  For some reason, I have people posting "comments"  in some asian language characters.  Don't know why as I haven't come across this on other blogs I read.  If it doesn't stop, I will be making this blog private to where you have to log in to gain access.  Anyway, just wanted to let my friends know I am still here and hanging in there.  I am headed to the local zoo with Ainsley and her 4K class tomorrow morning so we are hoping it does not rain!  I also have to buy a watermelon to provide for her class fruit salad day on the last day of school.  Fun stuff!  I have more pictures I would like to share and will hopefully get back into the habit of posting more regularly.  Take care everyone!

Yesterday...

was a long a stressful day for me.  Met with the real estate agent and found out how the housing market is doing.  Not good.  I am praying that we will sell sooner rather than later.  We are priced well for the market and a listing should be in our local paper this weekend as well as on-line today.  My agent is coming over this morning to take photographs to put on-line.  Trying hard not to worry trying hard not to worry trying hard not to worry.  I have a headache this morning from all my anxiety.  Not good.  Ahh well, it is Friday and we are on our way to get this home sale rolling.  I am looking forward to more pleasant weather this weekend and temps potentially in the 80s next week.  Today is a bit gray and rainy matching my mood unfortunately.  I can't wait for more sunshine!

Baby Blanket...

These are the pictures of the blanket I made for my nephew.  Actually, the blanket I decorated, as I bought the blanket with the cross-stitch pattern printed on and the blanket was already quilted and bound.  I loved the colors and I felt they were relatively gender neutral.  Besides who doesn't love these cute frogs!








I think it is just precious.  I have had this finished for a while but I finally just mailed it to M since I haven't been able to make my trip down as planned.  Now that I have the freedom once again to go, her house is full with in-laws from Australia and in a few weeks half of Europe as well.  Just kidding with the half of Europe thing, but they will have plenty of visitors from the UK.


Meeting with our local real estate agent today.  I am completely stressing out.  I am starting to frustrate my husband with my stress and I think he just needs to cut me a little slack.  This is a big deal and there are so many variables right now and I am very uncomfortable with the instability.  Anyway, say some prayers for me!

Working my fingers to the bone...

getting the house ready to be listed.  I will post any on-line links when I have them.  I have tons of pictures of some fun goings on around here.  I just have not found the opportunity to download them.  I will get to it one day.  B is in touch with the relocation company and we have heard from the Cleveland area agent so I imagine that we will be listing soon.  By the weekend, I imagine.  Here is my concern.  I really love my house.  It is charming and beautiful and laid out very well for our family.  I am just worried what the agent will say, is it sellable?  The housing market just scares me right now.  I know some of my anxiety is unfounded and just comes from the stress of the unknown.  One of the parents at Aidan's school runs a home inspection business and has been to our home many times to drop off and pick up children.  Just from what he has seen of our home he seems to feel that it will sell quickly.  I just hope not so quickly that we don't get the chance to get to Cleveland to look for something ourselves.  We are headed down the week after school lets out here.  I am thinking maybe we should go Memorial Day weekend too.  I wanted to say here, but now I am not so sure.  B will be there that week and agreed to spend some time looking.  I also told him that if there was something just absolutely that could not be passed up that he should make an offer.  After sending me pictures of course.  Poor man he is so busy.  He needs to replace himself here soon.  The job is posted and he has a few interviews scheduled next week.  I am fairly certain that he has someone in particular in mind for the position though so as long as there isn't anyone better, I am sure that is the direction he will go.  Anyway, trying to spend plenty of time in prayer, but I know He already knows my concerns and has a plan for us.  Ahh well, that is it for now. Pictures soon I promise.  

So now it is out there...

I have yet to be brave enough to actually post this on my Facebook page so I am starting with a smaller more anonymous audience some of whom already know this news.  It is official, my husband received a promotion and we are going to be relocating to Cleveland, Ohio.  Actually, he will be working in one of the eastern suburbs.  This became official on Friday.  Previously there was only a possibility as he was asked to post for the job, had the interview set up and then had to cancel at the last minute due to his Grandfather's funeral.  This says something about my husband, he was promoted into a position without an official interview.  So, if any of my anonymous readers out there are from the Cleveland area, please leave me a comment as I would like to be in touch with someone from the area to give me some direction on neighborhoods to check.  We have some suggestions from some of B's co-workers, but I am curious as to what others have to say.  Thanks bunches!

A Tough Month...

in our house.  I haven't posted in a while because I did not want to seem like I am complaining.  There are many blessings to be found amidst the issues that have surrounded us of late.  I have a busy week and I am once again stalling, lacking motivation to tackle the mountain of chores and projects.  Monday did not start out so well as Ainsley woke up with a pink goopy eye.  I get her into the Dr that afternoon and turns out she has an ear infection that is spreading to the eye.  They are treating it with a strong oral antibiotic as opposed to an eye drop.  Needless to say, after a dose of medication her eye cleared up and I was able to send her to school on Tuesday and attend our Ladies Bible study brunch.  A much needed event of fellowship and girl time.  I have to say I love my children and I love being at home with them, but I am in desperate need of a break.  B is coming back from Dallas on Thursday and Friday I am headed to craft night at church.  I think I will bring some sewing.  Not really working too hard on anything at the moment, but I always have sewing projects to catch up on.  Kind of a random post I know but I have so much going on it is difficult to sort everything out.  I feel like I have ADHD at times with difficulty focusing on the task at hand because my mind is already moving on to the next thing.  So I will leave you with a list of our blessings in the midst of all the mess.

-Ainsley is on the mend from pink eye and ear infection.

-The kids have gotten along amazingly well the last couple of days.  Playing well together to give Mom a break to tackle laundry and dishes.

-Nice sunny weather during the day to lift my stressed out spirit.  (I am really trying not to feel so stressed!)

-The knowledge that I have wonderful friends that will give me a call, send me a note, jot me an e-mail to let me know that they are thinking of me and understand when I am not able to call them back right away.

-Having a wonderful husband who called yesterday evening concerned about our weather as he was getting weather alerts on his phone for our area even though he was physically so far away.

-That last nights tornado warnings were cancelled and storms in our area were minimal allowing for a decent nights sleep for all...

and many many other blessings that I am not mentioning here.

B's Grandpa...

passed away yesterday at the age of 95, a few weeks shy of his 96th birthday.  I can't access my older pictures, pre-computer crash, at the moment.  I will post a photo of his sweet face later.  His death was not unexpected as he has been steadily declining since a slip and fall accident back in November.  Prayers for my MIL especially please.  Well done good and faithful servant, you will be missed.

Explain to me...

why it is so difficult to get an 8 year old to tie his shoes?  I think it is an epidemic because all his little classmates seem to be the same way and run around with their shoes untied.  They are going to have a hard time if they don't tie their shoes today as they are headed on a school-wide field trip to the local skating rink.  Of course, my Aidan just needs to argue with me and tell me that it is not a field trip.  Yes, it is, I had to sign a permission slip for you to go.  Argue with me, what is up with the 'tude!  Have a good weekend everyone!  I am going to sleep, go to soccer and hopefully paint my entryway.  What do you have planned for this weekend?

Celebrating Aidan...

Tuesday was my Aidan's 8th birthday.  Monday morning Aidan was very upset that Dad would not be making it back in time for his birthday.  I ended up planning several things for him just so that he would feel special even if Dad could not be with him.  First we made chocolate and vanilla cupcakes to share with his class and a few extras for teachers and principal.  I find it sweet that Aidan wanted to share his cupcakes with the principal!

We bought a cake from a local bakery to share with some after school friends.  Yummy!

Aidan also received many gifts from our generous family.

I just can not believe my boy is 8!  Where has the time gone?  I will try to post some more tomorrow.  My formatting is causing me problems today and I don't have the time to continue to sort it out.  Anyway, busy busy busy times for our household. 

Sicky blogger

I am sick but my hubby is on his way home.  He sent me a text that he actually made it on the plane.  Now if only I could breathe and get some sleep.

Stuck in Germany...Updated

Well, it looks like B's Monday flight was cancelled.  He is booked on a flight that should arrive in MKE Thursday at noonish.  Cutting it too close for my trip to Houston.  I think I need to looking into changing/canceling my plans.  I am just waiting to see if the corporate travel agent can do any better.   B can't get through to them until 8 am tomorrow.  Aidan is most upset as Tuesday is his birthday.  Poor buddy...

Stuck in Germany...

B and his travel companions are stuck in Germany because of the volcano erupting in Iceland.  Argh.  Now he is booked on a flight out on Monday and we are hoping that one will be able to go out.  He was going to check with the corporate travel agent to see what they could do to get their flights rerouted to get them back sooner.  Prayers for all the stranded travelers overseas!

The Little Man and His New Wheels

We got Aidan his birthday present a bit early since we had such beautiful weather over spring break.  His birthday is actually next week so that will be another post, but this weekend I was able to get a shot of him on his new wheels.  He loves it and will be able to keep up with the big kids now, and maybe Mom and Dad.  Got to build up his endurance a bit so that we can go on some good bike trips this summer up and down the lake trail.

Feeling better today finally.  Very tired as I am not getting enough sleep.  I have a hard time falling asleep when the hubby is not home plus I stayed up a bit later than I should have watching a movie.  What can you do...I should have turned it off and gone to bed, but it was just getting to the good part.  Ah well.  B will be home Friday so in case I don't make it on here tomorrow, everyone have a wonderful weekend.  Later peeps!

Not well...

I have been meaning to post once again, but I am not well this week.  I had a Dr appointment Monday morning for which I needed to be fasting and I was very stressed.  I have been feeling the after effects ever since.  Migraine city!  Stinks!  I am tired, feeling a bit better today but I have been unable to accomplish the things that I have wanted to accomplish this week while my husband is away.  Yes, the hubs is traveling once again this time to Germany and Italy but he will be back on Friday.  I have been trying to take it easy as much as possible since Monday and the kids have been great about helping me out. Still, my extra projects are on the back burner.  I did get my upstairs hallway painted before the migraine set in.  My hubby will be so surprised when he comes home to see that!

I also finished a large project this weekend that I have been working on since my sister told me she was pregnant.  A gifty for her and baby S!  I have pictures, but I will not post them until after I give the gift to her.  I just hope she likes it!  She is one of my readers so I hope this note leaves her in a bit of suspense!  I get to meet my nephew next week and I am beside myself with joy.  I will put the bug in their ears to come visit me soon, once the European/Austrailian contingent leaves mind you.  Wink Wink Nudge Nudge!  M are you listening...heehee.  Think of the fun we would have!

I did get some pictures of Mr.  Aidan on his new wheels this weekend and when I feel better...hopefully by this afternoon, I will get them posted.  I did take a second Excedrine a bit ago so I am going to lay down and hope it kicks in soon.  Have a nice day everyone.  I have to say we are having a beautiful day again and I wish I could enjoy it more.  Soccer starts this weekend and more pictures to come I am sure!

What I woke up to this morning...

So this is living in NE Wi.  Snow in April.  Ah well, I have a feeling it will all be gone by this afternoon from the sunshine and them temperatures we are expecting.  I pulled out boots and snow pants for the kids once again today in case they went outside at recess at school.  Can you believe in was nearly 70 degrees here and in the 80s in some places only on Monday!  Warmer temps and sunshine should be back on its way this weekend I believe.  I guess I just needed a reality check as I was getting spoiled by our gorgeous weather of late.  So much good weather that we got my Aidan his birthday present early so that he could enjoy it during spring break.  A new bike!  Pictures of that soon.

Easter Weekend...

I hope everyone had a blessed Easter weekend.  We finally were able to take our weekend visiting a resort in the Dells!  We have had to reschedule twice because of work/or school related activities.  We had a great time and I was the only one who seemed to feel waterlogged after the adventure.  We had a nice week prior for spring break and a fun day off on Monday spent enjoying much of the day enjoying the nice weather in our back yard and as well as a local park.  Once again I should have taken my camera, but alas, I did not.  Not much else to report.  B heads to Germany on Friday for 8 days.  I will single parent for the week, which typically is not so bad, but I find the weekends difficult.  I have plans though.  Saturday I was thinking of taking the kids to a movie as well as a local park if the weather cooperates for that part.  Sunday we are attending a luncheon to celebrate a friends first communion.  Anyone familiar with the gifting for an event like this?  I did not grow up Catholic so I am not familiar with any traditions.    Any suggestions for a gift would be appreciated, otherwise, I am thinking I will just give the boy a little money in a card, plus home made cards from the kids.

So I will leave you with this photo of my howling little wolves.  They were waterlogged and tired here as we were just leaving the resort after spending about 3 hours playing at the various pools/slides.  Fun times.  Wish it was less expensive so we could go more often, but then again if we went more often it would not be a nice a family time for us.  Once a year is good then.

Spring Break Activities

So far this break we have made Jelly Bean Bark.  To make this you melt white chocolate chips.  When melted, pour onto a wax paper lined pan and spread out evenly.  Then press jelly beans of choice into the melted chocolate.  Refrigerate.  When the bark is firm, it can be broken into bite sized pieces.

Today we dyed Easter eggs.  A tradition, while fun, I tend to find wasteful.  As my children don't eat boiled eggs and I don't enjoy them cold.  My husband will eat them at least which is why I only make a dozen.  I loved how vibrant the colors were in the kit we used this year.









Anyone else on spring break this week?  What activities do you have planned?  Tomorrow we are at least making a trip to the library to pick up some new reading material, but I am not sure what to do Thursday.  I do need to spend some time packing for our weekend in the Dells, but I wanted to have some other activity included with our outside play time.  If it were just me, I would be headed down to Target.  I am so missing Target lately!  Not sure why, it is not like I am in need of anything other than our normal day to day items.  How I prefer Target to Wal-Mart!

Potato Salad Prep...

For my birthday I was gifted a food processor.  I had wanted one for some time but had never made the commitment to break down and get one.  Chopping chopping chopping by hand all the time for me.  When you are making potato salad for 2 not a big deal, but today I had to make a large quantity to take to Blue and Gold Banquet for cub scouts.  I pulled out my little food processor and got to work.  My time was cut at least in half if not more!  Amazing and minimal irritation to my eyes from the onions.  It seems that as I get older my eyes are even more and more sensitive to onions.  Anyway, I am off to banquet and to enjoy my potato salad so I thought I would post my recipe in case anyone would be interested.

I have no real measurments and do everything to taste.  Sorry about that but many times that is how I cook!

Potatoes--peeled, chopped and boiled until fork tender.

Boiled eggs chopped.

Apple chopped---I like Fuji's for their tartness/sweetness

celery chopped

onion chopped

Mix all ingredients together with mayo---lately I use the light variety in order to cut the fat, but it really does taste fab when you use the full fat stuff.  Refrigerate until ready to serve!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Catching up...

on life around here.  I am trying so hard to stay on top of things so that I can spend the time I have free with the family and focus more on them instead of the tasks I have to do.  This past weekend was wonderful.  Nothing planned, just able to spend some time sewing while Ainsley played in the play room.  My sewing table shares the kids playroom.  Aidan and Dad worked on Aidan's Pinewood Derby car for scouts.  Their Pinewood Derby is this weekend as well as their Blue and Gold banquet.  Aidan will officially become a Bear.

This weekend will be a bit busy but fun as we have the scouts events on Saturday  and then an Easter egg hunt at a friends house on Sunday afternoon.  Should be fun but I get to spend less time catching up on the things at home.  Aidan has a half day at school tomorrow and then both kids will be on Spring break.  I am looking forward to the time off with them!  Low key fun and hopefully nice weather for some back yard play.

While I did not get the chance to talk to her, I understand from my Mom that my sister is doing better.  She just had a really rough day and was taking some of my advice as far as the nursing goes.  When I chatted with her the day before, I did have to tell her that whoever told her nursing was easy lied.  It does get easier over time, but I do recall the first month to month and a half to be very difficult.  Anyway, if anyone has any tips to pass along I would be happy to hear them and get the information over to her.  Baby S is soooooooo cute!  I can't wait until I get to see him next month!

So I will wrap this up, and tell you about the picture above.  One busy day we decided to make pictures for a little friend in the hospital.  Mayhem ensued, but they were having a blast drawing and coloring.  Of course I take pictures and later realize that I had left the ketchup and Ainsley's salad dressing on the table as well as my water glass and sun glasses.  Too funny, but I do enjoy the unposed picture.  Ahh well, more another day my friends!  Have a good weekend in case I don't get the chance to post tomorrow.  Now off to do more housework...the story of my mornings!

Prayers again please...

All I post about lately prayer requests, but I really do appreciate your prayers. Please add my sister to your prayer list if you think of it. She is struggling with the whole nursing situation with S. Thanks to you my dear readers and friends!

I have a nephew!

Baby S was born this morning, 6 lb 9oz! So excited...more info when I have it available.

Praise!

My little God son seems to be doing better today! He is able to open his eye a bit so the antibiotic seems to be working. All this seems to be from a strep infection. He never had the sore throat just infection elsewhere. He will be in the hospital until about Thursday and I have been keeping up with the family via Facebook. Continued prayers, but praise God he is doing better!

Prayers!

Please lift up my God son in your prayers today. After battling flu symptoms for about a week, things have become much more serious. He is currently in a Georgia Children's Hospital on IV antibiotics, for various infections. Most serious seems to be periorbital cellulitis, an infection and inflammation of the tissues around the eye. Apparently, he is expecting to have a surgery scheduled soon. Please lift him up! Wisdom for Doctors, peace for Mom and Dad and Sister, and healing for his little body.