What Does He Say

You've seen it.

I've seen it.

Almost everyone knows someone affected by an abusive relationship.

I've seen it with girls & their "protective" boyfriend. I've seen it with boys & their "jealous" girlfriend. I've even seen it with your "best" friend.

Every. Single. One of you (US) is at risk for a toxic relationship.

but for simplicity, we are going to stick with the protective boyfriend here 

It starts out like any other relationship, you catch each other's eye, start talking, & eventually start dating. The changes are so subtle that you don't even see them happening.

When he gets jealous over others guys, even ones you have been friends with forever, you think "he's just being protective". When he no longer wants you to hang out with your best friend, you think "well, we do tend to get into trouble together".

When he says he wants to spend every minute with you, you think "oh how sweet, he must really love me". When he asks you to wear or not to wear a certain outfit, you think "he just wants me to look my best".

When he changes to be more what you want or like, you think "wow, we have a lot in common". When he changes you to be more what he wants, you think "its ok, we all make sacrifices for love".

When he loses his temper, you think "it was only one time, he wouldn't ever hurt me". When he becomes violent, you think "it will never happen again". When he stays violent, you think "if I wouldn't make him so mad, he wouldn't act like this".

"But baby, I LOVE you! Why do you make me act so crazy?"

In case you haven't realized it yet, the devil doesn't show up with a pitchfork reeking of smoke, he's usually the best looking one around who can sweet talk like no other. I should know, I had my very own Devil in Disguise.


I've been there!!! Others have been there!! So when someone sees the warning signs, PLEASE pay attention!

Hello Juvenile Delinquent

I have wrestled with whether or not to post this one. Usually I'm an open book, no holds barred type of person. But this subject, while it could easily happen to any one of you, will probably cause lots of talk. So welcome to another edition of my less than perfect life...

As some of you know, there was an "incident" with Austin earlier this month. Now, my oldest isn't a fighter by nature, but he isn't one to back down either...ever. As we are learning, he can certainly hold his own. Long story short: a friend of Austin's started it, Austin finished it, resulting with the friend needing medical attention & glue.

Its never a good day when the school shows up on my caller id. But what started out as dread, turned into full fledged panic with more questions than answers.

Since there was "serious injury", the county, NOT the school or the other family, HAD to press charges. Because of a situation that started out as nothing more than boys being boys, now both of these 12 year old BOYS were being charged with misdemeanor assault!

Great...now I have a juvenile delinquent. At 16, sure maybe, but 12!!!

After the shock wore off, talking to the other family (who we are also friends with), and getting a few more answers, we were able to try to laugh about the whole incredible ordeal.

Even through the jokes, worry still remained. What would the juvenile protection services say, would there be long term repercussions, counseling, community service, worse?

After 10 L O N G days, we finally had our meeting. Since this was his first offense, all went well & the case was dismissed.

I think part of her job is to scare the pants off of kids.

While talking with this woman, we learned so many shocking things.

Did you know that the school refers every case involving fights, weapons, & drugs? EVERY ONE OF THEM! Including 6 year olds who through something across the room!!!

At any given time, there are 250 children (under 16 - because 16 is legally an adult here in NC) in this county on probation! REALLY??!!??!! Is that necessary?!

It shocks me to think that the school no longer wants any part of trying to help children that truly need help. While our case was nothing in the grand scheme of it all, I just can't imagine what some of these families go through just because the powers that be don't want to deal with it.

If my oldest child, who is not, nor ever has been, a saint, gets into another fight, whether he starts it or just defends himself, (which let's face facts, most boys do fight) he will be right back in that office facing stricter consequences.

Its a sad time we live in folks. Children can no longer be children, they can't try to settle things between themselves, they can no longer take up for themselves, without threats of legal action looming over their heads.

Of yeah, and my juvenile delinquent goes to church, plays football, wrestles, makes good grades, plays guitar, rides dirt bikes, & ties bow-ties just for fun!

Yes, I Think That's Enough Now

I remember winter from my childhood. I remember it snowing all day & all night & all day again. I remember waiting gleefully to find out that school was canceled. Then I remember getting bundled up, spending all day playing with the neighborhood kids, sledding down hills, hiding under the pine trees in a winter castle, building snowmen big enough to sit on, & eating tomato soup with grilled cheese to warm up.

I loved winter when I was a child!

Over the past few years, I've really started paying attention to winter again. I noticed that the winters of my childhood don't seem to exist anymore. Most recent winters were somewhat mild. Oh some had a few days that were downright frigid, but for the most part, they were chilly at best.

Snow? It seemed to be the thing that dreams & memories were made of, at least here in western North Carolina. Sure, plenty of counties surrounding mine could relish in the white stuff. But it seemed there was a perpetual hole sitting right over top of us. Or better yet, a dome shielding us from any real winter weather.

There are a few winters that stand out in my head. The Blizzard of 93 when there was snow on my birthday (March 30). I had just broken my ankle a few weeks before in softball. I was too cool as a Freshman to wear jogging pants & refused to allow anyone to cut my jeans, so I hobbled around on crutches through the snow in shorts. February 1996, my senior year presented the most ice I can ever remember. We were out of school more or less the whole month, with usually only a day here & there that wold warm up enough to ensure safe travels. Valentine's weekend 2003 produced 2.5 feet of snow. The most I have EVER seen.....oh wait, we were in New Jersey on vacation then! I never would have imagined having to shovel my car out of the snow while on vacation.

Now the winter of 2014 will be added to that list.

We experienced multiple "polar vortexes" where the temperature plummeted to hover around 0* with wind chill factors being much colder! This is the first time I ever recall school being canceled, not just once, but several times due to the temperature alone.




Smowmageddon was aptly named when at least 16 inches (more in many places) fell in a short amount of time just before Valentines's weekend here in Western NC. My husband spent many countless hours scraping snow. I was stuck inside with my youngest child as he battled first the croup & then strep throat. My older two, who were so excited at first, eventually didn't even want to go outside because it was more trouble than it was worth.

Then just a few weeks later, as the weather channel predicts "just a dusting" with freezing rain to follow. BAM Snowmagaddon 2.0 (named just for the fun of it) produces 6+ inches. And again, this snow fell as my family was recovering from illness.

So, after this, I'm not really reminiscing winters of yesteryear.

This was my Facebook post this morning.....

Dear Mother Nature, 

I love snow. I love warm breezy days. I like blistering hot days in moderation. I even like the rain. Really I do. But I've just got to tell you that I don't appreciate your schizophrenic mentality. I'm not sure what Father Time did to make you so mad, but I do wish that the two of you would kiss & make up. The rest of us should not have to suffer.

Sincerely,
A Very Confused North Carolinian 

P.S. That 60+ weather you are cooking up for tomorrow & next week, feel free to allow that to hang around for a long time!

Bring on SPRING!

Keep Calm & Just BREATH

I witnessed something the other day that I have never seen before. My child passed out!

I'm not talking about from sickness, from stress, or from over working the body. I'm talking about from pitching a holy fit, holding your breath until your fingers turn blue, falling out in the floor, & hitting your head passed out.

I'll give you one guess which child it was too.

If you guessed that the child with the major temper issue was Logan, give yourself a cookie. My sweet baby has turned into a screaming banshee.

Now, he has done this 1 other time, but nothing quite like this. Justin & I just stood there watching as he held onto the chair and slowly went down. I told him to breathe like I always do when he gets mad. It was almost comical. (No, I am NOT a sadist & YES, I most certainly DO love my children! But I have NEVER, nor will I start, catering to their every whim!)

As soon as he hit the floor, I picked him up to love on him & calm him back down.

I hope this is not an indication of what the future holds!

Take My Breath Away

I LOVE LOVE LOVE a nice smelling man! Who doesn't? ;)

There was one particular cologne that someone used to where when I was a teenager that made me weak in the knees EVERYTIME I smelled it. I tried to get my husband to wear this cologne a few years back, but somehow, it just wasn't the same. It had nothing to do with the fact that my husband was now wearing it. Somehow, somewhere, this scent changed for me.

It happens. Our tastes change over time. We start to like things that we never thought we would and we begin disliking the things that we used to love.

I think my nose has gotten a lot more sensitive over the years. I don't do well with smells. (If you have ever tried to get me to smell something, you know this is the exact line I say)

That being said. Have you SMELLED a lot of this crap they are marketing to the younger generation these days? I am talking specifically about the Axe Body Sprays. Now, I have finally started liking the soap, but the body spray..... Oh My Stars..... Who came up with that mess?!

Do you know how much fun this makes for living with a preteen boy?

He is still stuck in the land of "the more, the merrier".

I am constantly reminding him not to wear so much & coughing like crazy when I walk by his bathroom.

Imagine my dismay & TOTAL SHOCK as I endured not 1, but 3, preteen boys getting ready for church last weekend. They stunk up MY WHOLE HOUSE! 

If he is this bad now, I can't imagine just how traumatizing it will be when he finally starts dating.

And I wonder if girls are this bad?!?

Tales of a Homeschool Nothing ~ Insane Asylum, Ice Cream, and a New Business

We have tried to resume school this week. Really we have. But let me just tell you just in case you don't seem to have this problem. Insanity breeds insanity.

WHAT? You don't have that problem? Well, welcome to my world. Let me introduce you.

Hi, my name is Tracie & I live in what I affectionately call the "Insane Asylum". This is my world. I am the queen. They know me here. And that's how I like it!

Anytime, and I do mean A N Y T I M E that we get off schedule, it takes entirely too long to get back on track.

After the crazy 2 weeks we have just had, I really didn't expect the first part of the week to be too productive. Wait - I think I have said that a few times recently. Oh well.

Through the, uh hum, raising of voices and threatening of lives, we have actually had a decent "school week". We have gotten a lot accomplished and hopefully learned a little as well.

The purchase of a new business extension on Monday did little to ease the stress of our week. Blessed Boutique officially added bottle cap jewelry to our many talents. PLEASE check it out on Facebook & help support us!

Hitler is still an evil man. People are still persecuted just because they are different. We Are the Ship shed some light on a little history of America's favorite past time.

Tuesday brought the next episode of poultry judging.

We went to church early on Wednesday to work on our Easter Centerpiece. As always, I'm a little behind. We decided to put it in Justin's office at church this year. I forgot the crosses so I still have to add them. Here and here are the links from last year. I'll add more pictures as the grass starts to grow.

We have had a few warm sunny days this week, so lunch time involved ice cream and baseball. :) I can't wait till warm weather!

Hey do you know what you get when you give a toddler a rainbow sherbet push up? A colorful sticky mess! Thankfully we ate outside.

From Snow Bibs to Swimming Trunks

It has been a wild and crazy weekend. Thankfully we are off of school this week.

As I write this post, I am lounging on my bed, surrounded by laundry and thinking about how sticky my floors are, while resting my knee on a few pillows. Hold on & I'll tell you all about that story.

Saturday started E A R L Y with a trip up to Jonas Ridge in Boone snow tubing with the church. If you are local and haven't tried Jonas Ridge yet, you need to! The slopes are fun, the drive isn't too far, and the price is reasonable.

This is the 3rd year in a row that my family has been to Jonas Ridge, but it was the first time in 5 years that I was going to get to actually tube. Pregnancy & nursing a baby knocked me out 2 years running. YEAH finally, I get to have fun too!

The first hour and a half went by without a hitch. Kids and adults alike took turn after turn zipping down the slippery snow white slopes and creeping back up the moving sidewalk. Squeals of delight and fear could be heard all over that mountain.

I took a break to snap as many pictures as I could.

I should have stopped while I was ahead.

The very next trip down, my foot found a rather large snowball that tried its best to keep me up on that slope. My left knee was snapped outward & I have been limping since.

I seriously considered a trip to the ER, but my wallet talked some sense into me.

Here's praying for a quick recovery!

Saturday night was our sweetheart dinner at church. I really wanted to stay home with my leg up, but I'm glad I went. We played the Newlywed Game & I haven't laughed that hard or seen that many red faces in a LONG time.

Monday also held a special treat for all of us. We took off with a ton of kids to Ray's Splash Planet for a little "summer" fun at their indoor water park. As I was thinking about all 10 children that went with us, I realized that we had 8 different grades/age levels represented. (I know, weird, but it fascinated me) 9th, 7th, 6th, 5th, 5th, 2nd, 1st, 1st, K, and 20 months - 6 boys & 4 girls. They got along great and had a blast, except Logan.

We got down there at nap time & the water was a little chilly, so Logan was not happy. Less than an hour into the fun, Logan was all wrapped up in a towel & asleep in my arms. That's ok, I got to rest my knee, take lots of pictures, and read while snuggling with my baby.

We had a picnic lunch outside and thankfully it was a pretty day and the wind wasn't too brutal.

Unfortunately, lunch ended up being anything but peaceful because my little dare devil wanted to be like everyone else sitting on the picnic tables, except he lost his balance and hit his head on the way down. So now we have a hysterical, bleeding baby who is holding his breath.

Its a good thing I don't get too excited! Of course having my EMT hubby and a nurse friend there helped a lot.

It looks like we didn't escape a trip to the ER this weekend after all, we just delayed it.

Hey, at least now I know how to get to the hospital in Charlotte!

So almost an hour and a half and 2 staples later, we rejoined everyone else back at the water park. It seems that the excitement didn't die down when we left. We also dealt with a cut across Makenzie's nose and another child with a bloody nose. Just about every one of our 10 darlings ended up having some sort of issue before the day was over. Due to the high chlorine content in the water, there were several coughing, breathing, and red burning eye issues. Headaches also seemed to run rampant through our group.

But all in all, I think everyone had a good time & they were returned to their families in relatively good condition.

Hey, we are planning a trip out of town in a few months, don't you want to go with us?!?!

Treasure Box Moments

So, its been far too long since I exploited shared the funny, warm, often unbelievable quotes from the insanity I call life.

If someone ever tells you "it's ok, I won't hurt you." DO NOT BELIEVE THEM - especially if that person just so happens to be your brother or sister!

Shortly after waking from his nap & having powdered doughnuts for a snack, I asked if Logan needed a diaper. Austin did a sniff test & said "All I smell is doughnuts."

Logan loves it outside. While we were visiting the chickens one day, I kept saying "chick". His response... "duck". Every. Single. Time.

In similar news, Logan also calls Zoey a cat, no matter how many times I say "dog".

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly - Part 2

So after all of the negativity, I thought we would end on a positive note. These are the things that make me happy. The things that bring a smile to my face just thinking about.

My Saviour - I would be NOTHING without Jesus! He is my rock & my shelter. I don't live for Him like I should, but His love amazes me!

A Good Book - I love to be able to lose myself completely while reading about someone else.

Fresh Cut Grass - There are few smells that compare to grass that has just been mowed in the summer.

The Beach - Everything about the beach. But mostly, the feeling of wet sand slipping away from your feet as you stand in the ocean's edge. The crystal clear smell of salt water. The peace that rides in on the wind that can only be experienced close to shore.

Peach Nehi - This is the best drank out of a cold bottle on a hot day.

Saving Money - I can't explain the excitement I get from getting something for next to nothing.

Canning from my Garden - Even when I get overwhelmed because all of the crops come in at one time, there is nothing like the satisfaction of preserving & then eating food that you helped grow.

That Ah-Ha Moment - You know the one. Watching your child struggle to grasp a concept only to eventually see recognition dawn on their face.

Seeing someone smile & knowing that you had a part in making them happy.

Snuggling with my babies.

Mexican Food

Fire - Becoming mesmerized by the way the flames dance & consume everything in its way. The smokey smell that clings to everything near by. I used to lay in front of the fireplace at my grandmother's for hours just watching the fire.

Music - I enjoy all types of music from various different time periods.

Ireland - I don't know what the pull is for me. But  for as long as I can remember, I have been in awe of anything Irish. Maybe, its the magic...

The smell of a freshly bathed baby.

A Perfectly Roasted Marshmallow - For me, that means burning the outside layer, peeling it off to eat it, & repeating until there is nothing left.

Spring - The birds singing. Chilly mornings & sun drenched days. The promise of new life.

Summer - The carefree spirit. Swimming. Cooking out. Gardens.

Autumn - The crisp air. The rich colors. Leaves crunching underfoot. Pumpkins.

Winter - The first snowfall. Hot chocolate. Family dinners.

My Kids .... more specifically...
Knowing that they love the Lord. Hearing them sing Gospel songs. Their desire to go to every Bible School around. The sound of their hysterical laughter from being tickled too much.

Austin - The smattering of freckles across the bridge of his nose (I don't know if "smattering" is a real word, but I always think that about his freckles). The way he shows off, only to suddenly get shy when a pretty girl is around. His heart of gold. The way he will sometimes beg to read after he has gone to bed. His hard work & determination towards the things he thinks are worthwhile. Watching his imagination work as he builds countless things. Knowing that he watches out for Makenzie when no one else is around.

Makenzie - The way her eyes light up when she is excited. Her willingness to wear her heart on her sleeve. Her need to mentor anyone that needs a little extra help. Her fascination with clothes, jewelry, make-up, & shoes. Her genuine desire to make everyone happy. Her adoration for her younger brother. The fact that she always wants a hug even when you are mad.

Logan - The way his hair curls at the back of his neck when he gets hot. Knowing how excited he gets over food. Watching him dance everytime he hears music. Seeing his little arms reach up to you when he wants you. The silly trick he does where he spits his papi out just because he sees a sippy cup (he also does it when you open the fridge).

I love it when I'm standing somewhere & Justin walks up behind me to wrap his arms around me & kiss my neck.

I could go on & on. I learned many years ago that its not the big celebrations that you remember most in life. Its the everyday moments that carry their way into your heart & forever etch themselves into your memories. I am blessed beyond measure. I hope that you take a few minutes to savor those fleeting moments & try not to dwell on the unimportant things.

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly - Part 1

A dear friend of mine recently posted on Facebook many of the things that annoy her. I got a kick out of it & it got me to thinking..... So here goes.....

We all have pet peeves. You know, the things that get under your skin & find it hard to ignore. So here are a few of mine, in no certain order.

Liars - I cannot not stand to be lied to. If you are doing something that you feel the need to lie about - I have a suggestion - STOP DOING IT! If you don't want to tell me that you are doing it, then tell me to mind my own business. Its no big deal. I have bluntly put my nose where it doesn't belong in the past & I am sure I will do it again. Just tell me the truth.

Cheaters - This falls right in line with #1. If you have to cheat to win, then you don't deserve to win. I have been known to call people out for cheating during a card game. Just play fair.

Back Stabbers - Do not pretend to like me only to turn around & talk bad about me to someone else. I promise that your opinion of me will not make me or break me. If I say something about you to one of my friends, rest assured that I would also say it to your face.

People that think they are better than others. - Just because you have a huge house, a nice car, a prestigious job, & loads of money does NOT make you better than me or anyone else! We all put our jeans on one leg at a time, we all breathe the same air, & we will all die the same way we were born. I don't care what you have managed to accomplish in life, you can't take it with you. And guess what - your mansion in Heaven will not be much different than mine.

Soured Towels - Oh that smell sticks to the inside of your nose & takes forever to get rid of.

Anything in My Bed - My husband calls me the Princess & the Pea because if there is one single crumb or piece of dirt on my side of the bed, I will find it. It drives me crazy!

War - I hate fighting. No, I don't live in a world where I believe everyone can always get along, but seriously, why can't adults act like adults. Is it really necessary to blow up innocent people just because you don't agree with them.

Bullies - This goes along with #4 & #7. Just because you're bigger, doesn't make you better. Get over yourself.

Abuse - see above ^^^ Anyone that abuses a child, an animal, or another human weaker than them should be hung up by their toenails & beaten (& that's the nice punishment)

Today's Fashion - I really don't know which is worse - guys wearing clothes 3x too big & seeing their underwear or guys in skinny jeans. Both examples make you look horrible. And WHY must we try to dress our girls like they are working the street corner?

Hypocrites - I cannot understand why people choose not to take a stand for things. Yes, I would prefer that
people choose to stand for what's morally right & stand against what is morally wrong, but it doesn't work that way. No matter what you believe in - know why you believe it & stand behind it with all of your heart. Quit skirting the issues just to please someone else.

Christians that Don't Act Like Christians - see above ^^^

Rude People - Just be nice. Simple enough.

Disrespectful Children - I do not tolerate it in my own children & neither should you. The last time I checked, we are the adults & the ones in charge, not the adolescent who is having a bad day. Does that mean that my kids are never disrespectful? Nope, but they find out really quick what happens when they are.

Cleaning & Re-Cleaning - I just cleaned that, do you think you can clean up the mess you turned right around & made?

Stupid Comedy - Stupid comedy usually consists of anything with Jim Carrey, Chris Farley, or Adam Sandler. I like comedy, but it needs a plot.

Politics - I don't really like politicians in general. Lying & self serving seem to be part of the job description.

Procrastination - WHY do I put everything off to the last minute & then complain because I am stressed about getting it done on time? You would think I would learn...

Judgemental People - Everyone is entitled to their own opinions & their own life style. That doesn't by any degree mean that I agree with you or what you are doing. I can tell you out of love whether it is wrong & what Gods says about it. I can offer my advice & prayers. God is the only judge. It would benefit us all to remember that!

Being Taken Advantage Of - I try to be a very trusting person. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. Do not let one of my good qualities turn into something ugly.

Dirty Floors - Have you ever been to my house? Yes, I have dirty floors and it drives me nuts! I could sweep & mop daily & still find dirt.

Sitting down only to realize that someone else has used all the toilet paper. And please put the new roll on correctly. No one wants to have to reach under the roll to grab it.

Misplacing Things - Keys, important papers, papis - you name it & I loose it.

Well, there you have it. An insiders view that what really aggravates me. I'm sure there are plenty more, but my brain is tired. Now that you know, make sure you don't do any of them! LOL

Stay tuned tomorrow & I'll let you know what really makes me smile! :)

Luck O the Irish

We decided that we were going to try to catch a leprechaun.

After the leprechaun escaped the traps.

 

There are sprinkles ALL OVER MY FLOOR!

I made a rainbow cake for him (with a few surprises - hehe).

 

But that little stinker ate his way out!

I guess he needed to potty before he went back over the rainbow. At least he washed his hands!

And here are the cutest little leprechauns I have ever seen!

 

If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good.

"I do not like green eggs & ham. I do not like them Sam I Am. "

Pink Ink is NOT good to drink ..... unless you're a Yink!

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
Nothing is going to get better. It's not.”

"We looked! Then we saw him step in on the mat! We looked!

And we saw him! The Cat in the Hat!"

Our Cat in the Hat snacks were INCREDIBLE!

We had Zamps in Lamps & Quimneys in Chimneys.

We also had Wockets in our (Pizza Pita) Pockets & Beezlenut Juice.

"We are men of groans and howls, Mystic men who eat boiled owls,

Tell us what you wish, oh King, Our magic can do anything."

Bartholomew may not have enjoyed the oobleck, but we sure did!

 

"All the rest of that day, on those wild screaming beaches,

The Fix-It-Up Chappie kept fixing up Sneetches.

Off again! On again! In again! Out again!

Through the machines they raced round and about again."

I'm a little partial to the "Star Belly Sneetch Treat".

“I meant what I said and I said what I meant.
An elephant's faithful one-hundred percent!”

Turns out my kids are not good "mothers". Makenzie forgot her egg repeatedly before it finally died in an unfortunate accident. Austin's egg was smartly tied around his waist. 6 short hours later, it was squished when he fell on it. :(

"At our house we open cans.
We have to open many cans and that is why we have a Zans.
A Zans for cans is very good.
Have you a Zans for cans? You should."

Zans has the best Can Chili I believe I have ever ate!

We served it with Dr. Seuss Juice & Fiesta Bread
(not Seuss related, but still yummy).

We had a great time celebrating one of the greatest authors ever.

Thank you Theodor Seuss Geisel! Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

 

 

 



Treasure Box Moments

Makenzie woke up & said, "Momma it looks gray outside. It looks like a page from a coloring book. Can we color it?"

Austin while looking out the window said, "Little elves have been here. Look at the little footprints. (I think it was the melting snow)

Justin hollered for Austin to bring him his deodorant (he was out & somehow, there wasn't any under the cabinet). Austin promptly walked into the bathroom with an opened cup of yogurt! I think its time to clean out his ears!

We were running late (imagine late) to the 4H Food Show when Makenzie said, "Its ok if we are late, but we shouldn't speed. If I speed, I might get upset. If I get upset, I might struggle, & that could cause a heart attack." I giggled & said, "yeah, struggling could cause a heart attack." She said, "well, isn't a struggle & a heart attack the same thing?"........................ "oh, you mean a STROKE." bwahahaha

Austin CHOSE not to do the Food Show this year. Instead, he CHOSE to go to the Cherry Grove Men's Conference! I realize that more than likely, he only wanted to go because his daddy wanted to go, but I'm thankful that he made that choice. I'm thankful that my kids have a Godly father to follow.

Logan has been super fussy. He still doesn't feel the greatest. His ears still hurt & those cute little bottom gums are almost sporting teeth. Because of all this, my precious boy has not been sleeping good at night. And the silly thing thinks he no longer needs a late afternoon nap - which makes for a super cranky baby. ....... A friend shed new light on the situation ~ Of course, he's tired, I just love to keep him up all night nursing. hahaha 

On a personal note....I lost 5 pounds last week! AND was able to put on a pair of jeans that I haven't had on in 2 years!

Treasure Box Moments

I had to dig REALLY deep this week to find those hidden gems. I know that I am blessed but sometimes its hard to find those moments, so....

Several nights this week, I heard sweet little snores on one side of me & not so sweet or so little snores on the other - you figure it out!

Justin asked if he could take a Tylenol even though he had already taken a dose of Nyquil. I said "sure, its two different types of drugs." So he said, "so I guess if I took Cocaine, then Meth it would be ok because they are different drugs." ....... it was funny at the time!

The conversation that followed was even funnier .... Justin was talking about eating lunch somewhere (I forgot) & was amazed at the fancy fountain drink machine (why, because they served real fountains?). It looked futuristic & you could add a shot of vanilla, cherry, etc to your drink. ........ I promise it was funnier at the time - it must have been late!

Seeing Logan smile even though he has felt so bad is such a testament to his personality!

While waiting tables at our spaghetti supper fundraiser, Austin asked the people at his tables "Who ordered the spaghetti? Who ordered the sp - aghetti? Who ordered the spaghe - tti?" He's so funny! It was such a blessing to see my kids giving back instead of just receiving!

Sunshine & Roses

Yep, its been one of those days weeks.

I warn you now there will be lots of complaining in the next few minutes so if you don't want to hear it, feel free to leave.

First, it seems that somehow I have offended or misled people. Dear friend, you know who you are & I HONESTLY didn't mean to! I am opinionated. I tend to whine, complain, & grumble at times, but I try to find the insanity & humor in the day to day stuff. Please don't read more into it than that.

We all had a much better night last night, but, sorry that's the bulk of my gratitude right at this moment. (NO, NOT REALLY, but please let me whine!!)

Since Logan has been sick, I have had ZERO control over schooling. The least little thing derails us. Its VERY hard to read while trying to calm a screaming baby. And for the past two days as I am still TRYING to teach after 4pm (no, that's NOT a mistake!), Justin walks in & does something off the wall which completely destroys what little bit of control I do have. Yesterday, I was trying to explain rotation & revolution with the globe & one of Logan's play cups. Justin decided to be a meteor & throw cups at the globe! Yes, it was HILARIOUS but I tried, I REALLY TRIED not to laugh!!

You do the math ..... zero minus little equals........I quit!

So, no control, kids not listening, baby screaming, distraction after distraction, blah blah blah.

My diet is shot all to kablooey because I am a stress eater. I think I ate EVERYTHING in the house last night!

Then a lovely bill collector called & was NOT nice. So, my temper got a little heated & I nicely told him off. Yeah, yeah, I admit it, I am behind on a few bills. HELLO - one income family!!

Next, while chopping onions for supper, the chopper slipped & knocked Makenzie's slushie in the floor. The sticky red liquid laughed at me!

Logan reuses to go to sleep, so he sits there & fusses. He's still awful cute though!

And then, Pillsbury has the NERVE to tell me NOT to eat raw cookie dough! Yeah right! SHHHHH! Don't tell the kids. I don't think there will be any left by the time they get home!

And to top it off, I don't get to go to church. I don't want to spread germs or bring home any new ones.

 American Idol had better be good!

Where is my Mt Dew?

OK, I'm better now......

Miracle Drug or Devil's Elixir

Yes, I am talking about Albuterol!

My poor little Logan has been sick for over a week now. We thought it was just croup/congestion junk so we didn't make an appointment with the doctor until Thursday, who also diagnosed croup/congestion. No cure, just cool moist air, a snot sucker, & a prescription for prednisone "just in case".

Slowly, little by little, day by day Logan has gotten worse. The worst day - Saturday -  the day we went snow tubing....wouldn't you know it! He was VERY fussy & took fitful cat naps all day in my arms. Unfortunately, he also took fitful cat naps all night too. Ugh! I really do like my sleep.

So we filled the prescription Sunday & Logan decided he didn't want any part of it, so he spit it out & fussed some more.

Back to the doctor on Monday & RSV was confirmed. Welcome to the world of breathing treatments! Fun fun!

In case you have never dealt with this before, let me give you a brief overview.

 Albuterol ~ liquid medicine that is converted into smoke through a loud roaring machine. It is known to make one's heart speed up & hands shake uncontrollably. Most people tend to bounce around like a rubber ball when under its influence. It will also cause overly tired babies to cry louder, rub their eyes harder, & beat up their mothers. Other known side effects include short tempers, sour attitudes, lack of sleep, raised voices, & a general unpleasant environment. If your doctor ever prescribes this drug to you, don't forget,

you have been warned!