angelwez's Xanga

Days and Moments

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 02:32:54 GMT

Today has been one of those days where I just want a break. By last night, I just wanted to get out of the house for a bit (it was ok if the kids came) and today, I just wanted a break. Today has left me tired, weary, and wanting of rest. I wasn't sure how much longer I could handle the extreme crying and minimal use of words. Matthew wasn't speaking as often as he usually does when in good spirits, and he was crying at every little thing. Ugh. Due to an illness I am quite certain Matthew picked up from my niece (no one knew she had it) prob about a week and a half ago, he is extremely fussy and always needing me. He had a fever for a few days, but no sores. Now, he is more uncomfortable than ever, but bless God, he still wants to drink water. For this, I am ever so thankful! He has never been much of a fan of other beverages. Water works just fine for me. I knew he hadn't been feeling well since prob last sat or sun, but then on Tues he developed a fever. It was gone by fri morning, but he wasn't feeling any better b/c of the pain mostly in his mouth. He wants to eat, but it is hard for him to find something that doesn't bother his mouth. I suspected Jonathan of beginning to not feel well today, and taking his temp tonight confirms this suspicion. 102.6. Yuck. I gave him some motrin and am continuing to spray things w/Lysol and of course pray. After the dreary rain wore off this evening, there was a break of sun. I got everyone out of the house. We didn't have much time, b/c dark was quickly approaching, but we took advantage of what we did have. Anyway, instead of Jonathan confessing that he or Matthew doesn't feel well we're trying to get him to say: "Jesus, thank you for making me better." or something along those lines. I do not believe sickness is our inheritance or our portion and I hate it!!!

There is a bright note to this outdoor excursion. We were able to meet a family that lives in our development who has 3 (older) kids. The two youngest are real into soccer and want their backyard a bit "bigger." So this couple decided they'd like for us to be the recipient of their used, but good condition swing set. How wonderful is that?! We only have a small climber in our yard and the boys are getting bigger. They really enjoy playing on swings and a bigger slide. I have been thinking our yard needs more play stuff in it, but figured we would just wait it out and see. Their set happens to be wood which he has treated and they've taken care of over the years. Since they don't live very far, they've offered to help bring it to our house. They say it's pretty easy to take down and not to difficult to put back up. Yea God!!! He is SO GREAT like that!!! I have not taken a good look at it yet, but Rick and I will go down in the near future to do that. I was thinking tomorrow, but forgot I will be occupied w/a baby shower in the afternoon. I love baby showers, b/c I get so excited for the people having the baby and the baby! Anyhow, I'll have to bake this family some sort of bread and cookies or something. Such nice people! Maybe if I'm ambitious enough, we'll have them over for dinner.

Some other time this week, I was going to post on how much Jonathan and Matthew love mowing. It seems they want so much to be like Dad. It's so cute what they do... esp. Jonathan. He copies every move Rick makes when mowing. I am not kidding. He doesn't "start" the mower until Rick does, and if Rick stops to check the oil or gas, Jonathan will do the same. The other day, Rick even stopped to blow his nose, and turned around to find Jonathan doing the same thing. He is such a great kid! He has a great example too. When he came down w/me tonight so I could take his temp and give him some medicine, I had (and still have) the ball game on. [I know the Yankees aren't in it, but I do still love a good game.] Anyway, you know how much spitting goes on in baseball. Pathetic. I don't know why they feel it's necessary. Jonathan doesn't either and asked me why "he was spitting?" This referring to one of the players. Then he saw the same player do it again, and a few more players in addition to the same one a few more times. He declared it rude and they shouldn't do that. I did not have an answer for him as to why they do it, other than nobody tells them not to and I don't really know. Then I was thinking, don't they know kids watch them? So why on earth are they spitting? It does not make one a better ball player or a cooler player. It doesn't make one run faster or hit more balls. I mean, I guess I could test the theory myself, but I'm pretty sure I've more important things to do. Maybe when I take up home schooling science, we'll create a hypothesis and test it. But really. Spitting? And multiple times in public? Have I spit before yes, but usually discreetly and b/c I have something disgusting in my mouth and not multiple times. Now, I know these guys don't have tissues in their back pocket, but come on! Anyway, that's my two cents on that. It wasn't supposed to be that long.

So that's it these days, or at least this week. This week has seemed more like long days than moments, but at least I get to cuddle w/my kids just a bit more. And perhaps those are the moments to best be thinking about. I'm not so sure if in a couple of months, I'll remember the long bouts of crying and having to juggle 3 kids at the same time. Thank God Kaelyn truly lives up to her name and remains extremely sweet and joyful. She is happy to play on her own and I don't know if her brothers realize how nice that is for them in times like this. She is also oh so patient in being fed. Thank God.

Well, since i am weary and needing of rest, I suppose I am going to find the Rock that is higher than I, if only for a few moments. His yoke is easy, His burden light and His invitation to simply come for He will give me rest is one I think I will take Him up on. His love is endless, His mercies ever new, and His promises remain sure. This is my God!

Remembering

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 02:52:16 GMT

I am watching home videos of the boys and Jonathan is 1 1/2 (around Christmas 2005) while Matthew is approx Kaelyn's age-perhaps just a bit younger. It is a riot. It all started when the boys wanted to see themselves on tv tonight, so we obliged and put in some recent footage. After they went to bed, we wanted to see what other tape we had, so we ended up putting one in that had some tape of Jonathan right before Matthew was born and then after. It even had a bit of tape in the hospital w/Matthew. Oh so precious!

Anyway, I am watching these and thinking how much I love being a mom. I really do. I am glad I'm a mom. And how thankful I am for these wonderful, precious children of mine! They are amazing and wonderful and have brought much laughter. I am not saying I don't have tough days, I am sure everybody does. However, it is usually the tough ones that seem hard to remember and the wonderful ones that you just want to remember every moment; it is these days, these moments that seem so fleeting. In watching these, I want to cry. There are so many moments and in some ways I wish I could get them back. Seeing Jonathan at his oh so cute stage w/his many curls, wonderful voice and caring ways just make me want to go pick him up out of his bed, hold him in my arms and just sit there and smile at him...maybe even sing to him: I'll Love you forever, I'll like you for always, as Long as I'm living, my baby you'll be. I wish I could recall every second of his younger days. We don't have any beginning video on Kaelyn and that is sad for me. I am thankful for the video we do have, but I wish I could hear that newborn cry of hers, the moments she first started to coo, talk, and babble. Most footage we have of her is from this summer through now. I heard that newborn cry of Matthew's and got to see him there w/me and Jonathan in the hospital (I was tandem nursing, so it was even more precious) and it made me miss that sound. I really do love that sound.

All the things about watching this... I mean, it makes me want another one-well, not like I didn't want any more. But, even then, it's just not the same. It's always different w/each and every one. Which, I suppose, is what makes those moments so special. They each have their own way of saying things, their own mannerisms, and their own voice. AAAHHHH... I cannot explain the emotion I feel or all that is in my heart because it is so much. But I do so wish I could remember when I held and saw them for the first time-just what it felt like. I suppose this heart of mine knows, but I just want to hear, touch, see, smell and feel those moments over and over and over again. We recently moved Kaelyn to her own room since that little bed next to mine is now way too little for her long body; and last night, I remarked to Rick how I miss having Kaelyn in our room. I don't know...I just missed her. In fact, I kind of wanted to get her, bring her into bed and nurse her. She was sound asleep, so I settled for taking Rick with me to check on her, touch her, look at her, and thank God for her and her wonderful, precious life.

And I suppose it is in the growing that is the hardest part of being a mom-for them and for us. I like the growing too. I like the discovery, the looks of awe and wonder, the expressions of love and the laughter. I like that even though my boys are getting older, they still want to cuddle and snuggle with me. It seems to esp. be one of Jonathan's favorite things. I also enjoy the conversations Jonathan likes to have and all the endless imagining of which he seems capable. I try to drink in every moment of those times and be sure to pay close attention. After all, if I pay close attention now and want to listen to him now, perhaps he will still enjoy talking and want me to listen when he is 10, 12, 13, etc... I especially try to make a mental note of this in the times when it may seem hardest to tune in. I tell myself I want to tune in and I don't want to miss it. this is the truth. I want to and need to hear every word he is saying. Just because he is 3, does not mean it is unimportant or that what somebody else is saying is more worth listening to. HE is important and therefore so is what he has to say. I have been doing my best to follow this lesson as of late. Yes, I am practicing with Matthew too. Kaelyn takes it all in.

I guess that's all for now. I was trying to remember some funny things that the kids have said over the past couple of days, and I know if I took the time to sit and think, you'd be reading something amusing, but it is late and I am tired. Besides, I did have to get Kaelyn during this entry, so that put me back on time a little bit. I enjoyed snuggling with her. Being a mom is just so wonderful. That's how it feels tonight. I am tired, yes, and it wasn't the smoothest day. But that doesn't make what I do not wonderful. Because all the wonderfulness seems to outweigh the not so wonderfulness. And God truly has been oh so good to us. And He is still good to me.

The invitation

Sat, 06 Oct 2007 02:04:47 GMT

Come. Simply come. Come if you're tired. Rest with Me. Come just as you are. This seems to be His invitation to me on many ocassions. Really, He is so wonderful. I am thankful that they are home again. The pictures are so precious. Bless God they were able to bring that sweet baby home! Thank you, Lord, for Your goodness.

Last weekend, we decided to take a trip, esp since a certain someone was home from the west coast for a visit. I knew we would miss seeing "the yellow house down the street" as it is so affectionately called, but we went nonetheless. Thanks to a gracious hostess, we were able to stay at their house. Everyone was wonderful really, and we were thankful for their hospitality. It was a great place to stay and we had a wonderful time. The kids did well, so Rick and I decided it makes it more tempting to trip out that way more often. We got in Sat night and drove around downtown potsdam for a bit before making our way to Madrid. We were greeted enthusiastically and warmly by all. They made us feel at home and that is such a nice thing. Thank you, Sinclair family...it was truly a treat! Since Jonathan has been asking to go to "Mrs. Sinclair's house", I suppose we'll make it back again. :) Brietta, I'm sorry we missed you, but I am glad you are home and your little one is better. We'll see you sometime.

Jonathan started school and LOVES it! He's doing real well and His teacher said he's her model student. Yea!

Kaelyn is babbling lots these days and making me laugh. I love it. She wants to start moving around, and looks like she is close to crawling, but whether or not she will remains to be seen.

Matthew finally got his haircut...by a professional!!!! YEA!!! WOO-WOO!!! he has come leaps and bounds since his first one. Rick and I used to have to do it together. I would restrain him and Rick would cut his hair. The screaming and the crying was crazy!!! However, I was SO proud of him yesterday when I brought him in the morning and he sat in that chair nice and still. He did not move or cry not one bit. He did FABULOUS!!! I could not get over how well he did. I am telling you, he was so quiet and so still... it was amazing! YEA Matthew!!! way to go!!! I am so glad we can take him to a real place now to have it done. Jonathan was cute when we picked him up on Thurs b/c Matthew's haircut was the 1sth thing he noticed. He said "Matthew got a haircut." He said that 1st thing. I was surprised. And even he praised Matthew. It was cool.

Well, I'm just about done. Want to hear a Jonathan quote from prob about a month ago now? I put lotion on Matthew for his eczema and sometimes Jonathan wants some to put on his hands. I decided to give him a little. He rubs it in and says: "there. now my hands are pretty." he's funny and cute. A Matthew quote: Matthew's OT was here and he was looking out the window and says to her "my neighbor, my neighbor." and she said "what is your neighbor doing?" he said "mowing." He was right. Our neigbor was mowing. He is only 2. Not 2 1/2. 2. And he knows how to use the word neighbor??? wow. too cute. Every once in awhile they do stuff like that and it blows me away. The OT thought it was so funny that he knew neighbor. She got the biggest kick out of that. I did too. I really do love my kids. They are precious gifts from the Father to me. Thanks Dad. You're the best!

Tagged

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 03:44:27 GMT

I really would like to do a real update, but for now I am posting since I was tagged a while back. I also wanted to say thank you so much to my wonderful friend Angie-la. She made a wonderful page especially for me in honor of my birthday. There are some great pictures there if you'd like to take a look. Thanks so much, Angela. That was very special and I think quite the highlight of the day. It made me laugh. It made me cry. I felt special. I was filled with gratitude for having you as a friend and that the Lord brought you into my life. You are an amazing friend. That was a lot of work. wow! Someday, we'll have a hoop in our driveway. In the meantime, here is the info from the 'tag' game.

1. What is your schools name and why?

I don't go to school

2. How is your weather today?
Warm and a tad bit humid, but not so bad that we couldn't go outside.

3. What steals your joy?
I'm not sure of this answer.. I guess getting angry. But I don't think joy is really taken. No one/nothing can take it away unless we let it be taken.And I guess I could go off on my anger answer but I won't.

4. Name 5 blessings you received this week?
Phone calls from friends, Revelation of His faithfulness and love from the Word, An email from Danica (even though in the mid of busy schedule...thank you! ) Playing with my children, talking to Rick

5. Favorite Scripture Passages?
Lots. Right now the one I am most using is no weapon formed against ______ will prosper.

6. Who in the Bible do you think you are most like?
This is interesting. Gosh, I'm not so sure I know. I think that's maybe a question to ask people who know me. Anyone have any input on this question? I'd loveto hear feedback.

7. The passage of scripture you read last?
”Ps. 63

8. Have you praised God for something weird?
All the time. Well, i guess if you consider praising Him b/c boneless ckn breast is on sale, then yes. But I don't think He thinks Praising Him for anything is weird.

9. If you were making a greeting card for God, what would you say?
I used to have the answer tothis one in my head, but I'm not sure i remember. I think it was a Thank you card of some sort. Thank you God for all You've done and all You continue to do! You are so good to me!

10. What is the best miracle God has performed in your life, or what is you favorite answered prayer?
I think the 1st thing that comes to mind is our van and Brietta carrying Aubrey to term.. .

11. What is the most fun thing that you have done lately?
Define lately?

12. How did you choose your screen name?
Rick actually chose it a long time ago when we were 1st married, I believe and there was this chat room out of England for a Christian radio show. I've used it ever since. It fits well. All of my 1st name and the easiest part of my last name.He could tell you how he came up with it, I'll have to ask for a reminder.

Now...choose five people to tag.

Well, I guess I'll tag Katie. Too many other people have too much going on right now. Katie is a college student and the most likely to respond, if at all.

Angela...thanks so much for tagging me. I fully intended to respond right away b/c I was so excited about being tagged, but I didn't. Sorry so late. Thanks again.

Family time

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 03:57:42 GMT

Hello to all of you out there in the xanga world who still stop by here on occasion! It's been a busy month for me. I've been trying to fit time in w/ a sister who was leaving to return to college and is now gone, and a brother who was visiting for a few days who just left today. I was thinking it had only been a week since I last posted, but I guess time begs to differ. That means there was much much more I was going to get up on this site, but alas, it did not happen. I had been spending so much time w/my sister, that other stuff goes by the wayside. And that is ok, so long as those things aren't time w/my kids, etc... and that did not go by the wayside. At least I don't think it did; b/c i know there were things i wanted to do w/her and didn't. There was time I wanted to spend and didn't. I guess that's ok, seeing as how she as to divide her time so many ways anyway. I just wish it weren't so. She probably would have spent more nights here if she could have.

We had a fantastic weekend. On Friday night after the kids went to bed, I packed a small bag and headed over to my parents house w/ Kaelyn so I could spend the night. You see, my brother Peter had arrived in town that afternoon, so I figured I would spend a night and get time in w/both Katie and Peter. I knew most peple would be sleeping Sat mornign, but everyonne usually stays up late anyway. Only that night, not many people had energy, so everyone ended up in bed earlier than the norm. [this means 1am instead of 2 or 3] And in the morning at about 9:30 or so I did not find anyone to be up. I figured I'd pack up the van w/kaelyn's bed and the bag and then hang out for a little bit to see if my bro pedro would be up and about soon so at least i couild get some much wanted time in w/him. i always feel like i miss out on time w/him when he's here and i hate that. i'll call the house and there everyone is having fun and laughing and i don't really get to be a part of that. i miss being there for those times. Esp since we only see Peter about once or twice/yr. So anyway, i ended up seeing my almost sister in law there and her fiance wasn't up and since she and i were both hungry, we decided to grab breakfast. in the middle of all this i was wishing peter was up and he could go w/us. We had a nice time at breakfast and upon returning to the house, i find out peter had been up, he was just in bed reading his novel. I was so so way bummed, esp since that had been my main reason for spending the night. So, i hang out a bit longer, then come back home. The boys were having an extreme amount of fun being outside w/dad mowing. You can tell they really need the break from being w/me and need some dad time. they are always extra happy after times like this and it makes me a better mom. I think it is important to do this kind of thing once in awhile.

Later that night, we all went here for a great concert. I can't remember all the pieces and I don't have the program nearby, but I do know there was a Chopin piano concerto. It was all beautiful music. I loved it! We got lawn seats, and what a perfect night it was for that. You pick your own space on the lawn, bring chairs, blankets, or what have you and hunker down however you'd like. There are big screens so if you want to see what's going on, you can. However, the music that filled the air was just wonderful. Oh I love good music. It was spectacular and being there w/my family was even more spectacular. The kids loved every second of it and were so well behaved. I was pretty impressed. Other people were too. It's nice to have other people compliment you on the manner of your children. I was rather proud of them. It was a relaxing night. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think one of the things i miss about here is the free concerts. Whenever I was in the mood to just go and chill out and hear some good music, all I had to do was make my way across campus into the comfortable seats of Hosmer hall. How I loved it. I love the energy and excitement of it all. How fun it is! I know there are CDs to provide such things, but i relaly do enjoy the live version.

Although Sat was a good day, i really wanted some strawberry shortcake. And not the kind w/the biscuits. I wanted something similar to what they have. I never want strawberry shortcake. It is not even remotely one of my favorites. Strawberrie-fresh and on their own I like very much, but shortcake? not so much. However, i really wanted some. There was none to be found. My husband had recommended some strawberry tall cake and they no longer carry it on the menu. The reason for recommending that dish is because it was on the way home. He was willing to go to the aformentioned location, but it was a little more out of the way, so I declined. I just was baffled as to the reason I wanted SSC. I found out on Sunday. it's b/c after 6 1/2 mos of not being around, an aunt wanted to drop by for a visit. I guess she decided she had been way long enough and it was time she dropped in. I was happy w/her absence (as I'm sure most females are) but she decided otherwise. I fault her visit to my sister since she's the one who brought the visitor by during her trips to my house. Oh well. That's the longest aunt flo has ever stayed away after I've had a baby. BTW, I still havent' had that SC. Maybe sometime.

Come sunday morning, rick and I were exhausted b/c we were up VERY late talking. I didn't make it to church on Sun, and when I came downstairs, I discovered Matthew had gotten into the bag of wipes and decided it was his job to take every single one out and put it on the floor. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! That was just crazy and it took awhile to make him pick them all up. After Rick came home, we made our way back out to my parents so we could hang and have food. My dad makes the best breakfast! it was yummy! my mom made real good chicken too!!! I was going to hang out there and stay late then katie and peter would bring me home, but Jonathan was having the hardest time w/me staying. He really wanted me to come home with him, but I just thought I'd hang out a little bit longer. He was crying and cyring in the van, even though we explained that I wouldn't be staying overnight, I would be coming home in just a little bit, he would not be consoled. Needless to say, I just rode home w/rick and the kids. i guess that was good neway. it kept rick awake on the drive home. we were both so tired.

Monday was immunization day for Kaelyn. I hate those things. We only get the "necessary" ones, b/ c the kids never respond well. It always makes for a super long few days after such on goings. Last time Kaelyn had a fever for 2 or 3 days. Bless God she didn't a fever this time and it was only one day of being miserable. She was back to her regular self today. Yesterday was the challenge. I could not really put her down all day and she barely slept. It was quite a long day. I am just glad that's over. After the dr's appt, we headed out to my parents house again so we could spend a last little bit w/Katie before she had to fly out. We then headed over to see her off at the airport. The boys loved this part, esp since there's an observation deck so you can watch the airplanes up close. For me, it was my least fave, b/c i know that means no more katie till mid december. this i do not like. but i am happy for her.

Wed. morning (still today to me) i was sleeping so nice, b/c kaelyn was and then i woke up rather quickly realizing that oh my goodness I had to get the the airport yet again, b/c this time my brother was leaving. I've decided I don't like two relatives leaving in the same week. Next time, they should spread that out better. Anway, we get there to the airport and since peter and other fam wasn't there yet, we used the time to go watch the airplanes agian. After Peter arrived, we said farewell, (not in song form) and waved to him from 3rd floor while he was going through security on the 2nd. He left and so did we. The boys got in the van and ate their donuts that papa d. and grandma jo brought them while we drove to see rick since he only works 3 min tops from teh airport. That doesn't include speeding. jWe spent a little time there and then drove home. It was a good rest of the day. And I just remembered anotehr incident I was going to blog about from last weekend ( I think) but alas, it is too late, and I will save it for later. it involved sprinklers and the outdoors or something.

Ok. i'll stop all this chit chat now. you all have a lovely day. Please excuse all typose. It's rather late. thanks. :_)

An interesting read

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 03:19:23 GMT

If you are just interested in the specific read I am speaking of, skip to the bottom. But if you want to know what I have to say about the recent on-goings of our family, you can read this 1st. :)

I am in shock that my daughter has been sleeping since 7:15pm or so tonight. It is now 11:30. I went to Curves and usually she is awake by the time I return. Most of the time, she just takes a 1/2 hr snooze in the evening, but I guess she must have been pretty tired. Only thing is, she's not in a dry diaper or pjs. I'm pretty certain she needs a dry diaper. The pjs just assure me that she is staying warm in the midst of her sleeping. I usually like it cold, but never can seem to keep it cold. She must be pretty cozy.

Speaking of Curves, I am discovering that it is getting more difficult to get my heart rate up. I guess that's good, b/c it means I am getting in better shape, but I nd to get it up to be sure I am really getting a workout. I still feet sweaty and somewhat worn out at times, but when I ck my heart rate, it is not at its max. So, i need to start working harder-at least if I want results. And that is something I prefer. Results.

I was just going to comment on something. What was it? Can't quite remember. So I'll tell you what I thought I might comment on earlier tonight. Rick reads Ps. 91 to the boys every night along w/other Bible material. He's been doing this for quite sometime now. (We do also read them a book of their choice) Last night, Jonathan recited almost the whole Ps. w/just a little bit of help. Tonight, he did the entire Ps. w/Rick only filling in 3 words, AND acted it out of his own accord, and telling Matthew which actions to do along w/him. How amazing is that?! I'd love to be a fly on the wall in that room when they do this, but I know 2 things. (1) They would just get silly about it if I'm in the room, and second, if there were a fly in the room, Jonathan wouldn't be doing any of it at all, b/c he'd be too busy freaking out about the fly and waiting for us to kill it. I tell ya. Anyway, it just goes to show how much reading them the Word even when they are little DOES get into their spirit. Their inner man receives it! I guess he was even reciting it after Rick left the room last night and tonight. That's a pretty good way to fall asleep.

What else can I fill you in on? There was just something, right at the tip of my brain... Aaarrrrggg... i hate it when that happens... Oh wait. I remember. It is once again the Lord's amazing mercy and grace. You know, it is so much easier when bringing things into the light. Some things can seem scary and hard to face, but once brought into the light, they don't look that way anymore. The past, at times, can be a daunting thing. And even though there has been forgiveness and moving on, sometimes, things just seem to sneak their way in and one can wonder why is this coming up and how do I deal w/it? And when there is really no sin involved, it can just feel... i'm not sure i know the word for it. All I know is it can hold you back, but only if you let it. And i was letting it hold me back. And my wonderful husband just let me talk about it and then it was all ok. It is so good to know that we don't have to let decisions in our past dictate who we are. "this is how it feels to be free/this is what it means to know/that I am forgiven/ this is how it feels to be free/ to see that life can be more than I imagined/ this is how it feels to be free, yeah!" God as always is so good, and if I may add, so is chocolate!

I received this in an email today. For any of you looking for an interesting, yet short and entertaining read, continue on.

A young woman was about to finish her first year of college. Like so many others her age, she considered herself to be a very liberal Democrat, and among other liberal ideals, was very much in favor of higher taxes to support more government programs, in other words redistribution of wealth. She was deeply ashamed that her father was a rather staunch Republican, a feeling she openly expressed. Based on the lectures that she had participated in, and the occasional chat with a professor, she felt that her father had for years harbored an evil, selfish desire to keep what he thought should be his. One day she was challenging her father on his opposition to higher taxes on the rich and the need for more government programs. The self-professed objectivity proclaimed by her
professors had to be the truth and she indicated so to her father. He responded by asking how she was doing in school. Taken aback, she answered rather haughtily that she had a 4.0 GPA, and let him know that it was tough to maintain, insisting that she was taking a very difficult course load and was constantly studying, which left her no time to go out and party like other people she knew. She didn't even have time for a boyfriend, and didn't really have many college friends because she spent all her time studying. Her father listened and then asked, "How is your friend Audrey doing?" She replied, "Audrey is barely getting by. All she takes are easy classes, she never studies, and she barely has a 2.0 GPA. She is so popular on campus; college for her is a blast. She's always invited to all the parties, and lots of times she doesn't even show up for
classes because she's too hung over. "Her wise father asked his daughter, "Why don't you go to the Dean's office and ask him to deduct a 1.0 off your GPA and give it to your friend who only has a 2.0. that way you will both have a 3.0 GPA and certainly that would be a fair and equal distribution of GPA." The daughter, visibly shocked by her father's suggestion, angrily fired back, "That's a crazy idea! How would that be fair? I've worked really hard for my grades! I've invested a lot of time, and a lot of hard work! Audrey has done next to nothing toward her degree. She played while I worked my tail off!" The father slowly smiled, winked and said gently, "Welcome to the Republican party".

So, how true is that? I thought that was pretty good. I watched "The Patriot yesterday, b/c it was on tv and I've been wanting to see it. I watched it in the middle of a perfectly beautiful day, but I can't watch those kind of movies at night. It was worth the watch. Good, really good. Freedom. Gotta love it. I am ever thankful for those who gave their lives for us so we could continue to freely live and worship. If only people would remember that the current war is truly about freedom-not only for others, but for us. And I am still grateful.

Ok. One more thing. We were able to meet up w/my parents Sat night at a cool place out this way called Jumpin' Jacks. It's an outdoor sort of eatery w/good food on a river. The food isn't on the river, but the location is. If you go on the right night, you can catch some cool water ski shows. Sat night was a concert. It was funny, b/c we just went for the food. but as much as Jonathan enjoys music, (so do we), we went over and watched the music. Jonathan was totally into and and both he and Matthew were groovin to it-totally. It was just nice to spend time w/some of my family and watch the kids have fun. And all this on a not so humid night-finally!!! woo-hoo. Well, i guess i'll be going now. I'm wondering about Kaelyn...

Already?

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 02:55:38 GMT

There has been so much to say, but again, I have forgotten to write it all down. Aforementioned situation w/said child, etc... has been taken care of. I am ever so grateful for the Lord's mercy and grace. He truly is good, great, wonderful, and amazing. I only wish I would fully think things through before reacting. Usually, I can be pretty good at that, but I had a more difficult time this time around. Live and learn, right? And as I said, God truly is good!

I do not know where the time has gone. I cannot believe it is August!!! WHAT??? You have got to be kidding me!!! This year has seemed to pass so quickly. Kaelyn has reached 6 months. It seems so crazy. She truly is beautiful and growing. She loves interacting w/her brothers, laughing, and talking. She is starting to eat solids and enjoying it. I think one of her most favorite thing, however, is playing w/her feet. She loves, loves, loves her feet. It is so precious. I can't put her in one piece pj's-you know, the ones that just zip, but don't have feet? b/c she gets frustrated if she can't get to them. She's amazing, really. She even has a favorite blanket. This I find rather interesting, as the boys never really had a favorite anything, other than nursing/snuggling w/me. However, when she's tired, she wants to nurse, grab that blanket in one hand, and rub it on her face. It's so precious. Truly so so precious and I love every minute of it...probably even the seconds too.

This week, we had two young boys come and mow our lawn. Nice kids-10 & 13. They brought their lawn mower and used ours. I showed them what setting to put it on and didn't realize until later that the setting for the front was too short. I felt so bad b/c Rick does such a good job w/our lawn. The reason it mattered this week that it was so short is b/c it was going to be a real hot week w/no rain. So, it's easy to burn the lawn. Thanks to Rick's care and those sprinklers, though, the lawn is doing ok. Yea!!!

As far as the summer is concerned, the only part I truly enjoy about such a season is that the days are longer-well, you know, it's lighter for a longer amt of time. I like that. However, I do NOT enjoy the heat/humidity. I loathe/hate it really. Esp what it's been like this week. I detest it. I don't even like being outdoors for 5 minutes. As a result, we have not been out much this week, anyway. The heat, in addition to the bugs/bees is just not pleasant. I was contemplating letting Jonathan run through the sprinkler (esp. since it's not usually something he takes an interest in) but there seem to be wasps following that water around, and I'd hate for him to get stung. He has enough problems w/bugs w/o actually getting hurt by one.

I want cake, or brownies, or something like that. I have homemade cookies in the cupboard and I can much on them, but it is so unsatisfactory when it's not what one is looking for. It is also frustrating. Anyway... Speaking of frustrating, Jonathan was doing something the other morning (can't remember what) and he said "I did it. And i didn't get frusterated." it was cute. I think I was a little amazed that he used the word properly and even thought of such a thing. He really is a great kid. Right now, the thing he is looking fwd to most is going to school in September. He's been asking every morning now "can I go to school in September?" It is so cute. We decided to send him to a great preschool w/small classes. Although we plan on homeschooling, we have decided this is a good move for him. He's pretty excited. I really can't believe he's old enough to go!!!!

Although I have been going to Curves for a month (I usually try to make it in about 5x/wk) I only lost 2 lbs. That's ok, though, b/c I did lose a considerable amt of inches. I guess that's good. I like it enough to keep at it anyway. I do wish I could find a nearby school that has an inside track so I could start running again. Oh well.

I suppose that'll be all for now. Enjoy your day!

Chicken and long days

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 01:37:31 GMT

I had a long day today. It really started w/Kaelyn not sleeping too much last night-or at least I don't think she slept much. She was kicking me an awful lot and it really hurts when she kicks. She was also not happy quite a bit. This happened a week or so ago and I don't know if I even have a clue as to why. I know she is getting real hungry, so I've decided I'm going to attempt introducing solids on a more regular basis instead of interspersed. Anyway, back to the day... I took the roast out of the fridge to put in the oven tonight for dinner and cut a small slit in the wrapping. I wondered what the smell was... turns out it was the chicken roast I was going to cook. The thing of it is this-I just purchased the roas on Tues. It's not like it had been sitting in there. I was more upset b/c this was the second time I had to get rid of chicken in two weeks. The 1st time it was my fault, b/c I had forgotten that I had a couple packages of boneless ckn breast sitting in the fridge. So, i had to throw it away and did. Tonight, though, it wasn't like it had been sitting in there for awhile or anything. Well, bless God for Hannaford's policy-if it is their product, they take it back and give you double your $. At least I got $ back for this one. We ended up having mac n chs w/fish. yum. It's just that I was really looking fwd to the ckn. and rice. and steamed broccoli. oh well. another night. so.... what else to tell?

There is other stuff. I mean like I've just been feeling cloudy and stuff. I have another issue I have to work out w/someone-and hopefully before sun, so that is at the front of my mind as of late. (it could be contributing to the cloudiness)

So, I go to Curves and I really enjoy my time there. It's perfect, b/c you go for exactly a 1/2 hr or so and then you are done. It's close to my house too. My husband is good enough to let me have that time in the evenings and I truly appreciate it. I always feel so much better afterward. The boys seem to like when I go. Last night, I came back and they had made a tunnel and were playing w/flashlights. So, tonight, Jonathan says to Rick: "can mom go to Curves?" it's so funny. He wants me to leave so they can do other stuff...be it making tunnels, or playing Rick's electric guitar. Too funny. And cute. I'm glad they have fun when I'm gone. :) I still do my best to get back quick b/c I never know how Kaelyn is doing in my absence.

I guess that's all for now. Sianara

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 02:21:25 GMT

On Thurs. morning while picking up the living room a bit, Kaelyn was laying on her mat playing w/her gymini. I turned around and discovered she had rolled over onto her tummy. i was sad and happy all at once. Time seems to pass faster w/each child and the rolling over thing threw me for a loop. Anyway, I started writing this last week. And i think I may have discovered something. This something is, in fact, the possibility that Kaelyn did NOT roll over on her own. I think she may have had some help from a certain older brother whose name starts with 'm'. He came in the kitchen one day saying "roll, roll" in his cute little voice. And I figured out that he was trying to say Kaelyn rolled over. Today, I was watching him as he went over to Kaelyn and rolled her to her side and he says: "roll over, roll over?' in that cute voice of his. It was kind of funny, but I told him to put her back and leave her alone. Hence, I think Matthew is the one doing the rolling over and not his baby sister. Oh well.

I'm trying to think if there's any recent news to tell. I had an entry working in my head earlier, but no longer remember what it was. That's just the way things go sometimes, I suppose. I'm surprised i'm actually getting this one up before midnight. If I think of anything else before time runs out, I'll be sure to post. I usually have pgs and pgs to write (ok paragraphs and paragraphs) but not at the current time.

What to do

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 04:31:04 GMT

Hello everyone. I have a question for you parents out there. If an older child... say eight yrs old or so were always around your children and not respecting what you said, what would you do? I mean like it happened frequently. Say you always and i mean every time the child was in the presence of your children had to tell them not to pick up your kid, or that you don't let your kids run around the sanctuary, or whatever... say you had done the best you could w/this child but they still were not listening. what if it seemed that everything you told your kids said child tried to get them to do the opposite? What would you do? And the other thing is: what would you do if they asked you if they could hold your baby, you told them no and that someone else was holding the baby, but the kid went to the person holding the baby and asked to hold the baby (the person holding the baby had seen the conversation between kid and parent of child from a distance and assumed parent had given the ok b/c said child when parent was out of site decided to ask person holding child). Said child had walked away from the conversation w/a defiant look and attitude, but you gave said child benefit of doubt. What would you do? I would like to know. If any of you have feedback on this issue, I welcome it. Should I have sent an email to try and remedy this problem? I have tried to think if I were a parent on the receiving end of this would I be mad at the parent telling me this, or my kid or both? I just want to come out and say would you please supervise your child. But I can't. B/c that's unsolicited advice. and i hate unsolicited advice. however, right now, i am asking. so if i have any parents of younger children reading this, please let me know. i have gotten so frustrated it's not even funny.

And if you did send an email trying to be as nice as possible and leaving out about eighty percent or so of what you really wanted to sayand you got a response back saying: "I'm sorry...has been so bothersome to you. i will instruct her not to interact w/your children in the future." what would you do? The email wasn't meant to be attacking or hurtful. it was meant as a means of communication in hopes that they would try to remedy this child's behavior. this child can be quite pleasant to carry on conversations with and such and the email mentioned such things. Now do i mind if said child doesn't interact w/our children in the future? no. not really. after all, it would make a lot less of work for me seeing as how said child isn't supervised and doesn't care to listen to boundaries set for our children, and would make less confusion and frustration on our kids. i thought about personally asking the child do discontinue playing w/my kids. i really thought about it. so, what would you do?

I know. rather melancholy and un-angela like post, hey? but i thought i'd throw that out there. that's at the front and sometimes it does go to the back of my mind right now. and this is a mumbo jumbo of language not even put together correctly.

For the record, her posts have made me cry lately. Even one her mom wrote made me do that too. I really regret that we didn't make it out to see her b4 she left. Seeing pictures of her beautiful self and smile along w/her precious son and hearing her voice in my head really make me miss her. I really thought we'd be able to see her before her trek to the west coast. She is always such a pleasant person to hang out with. So sorry we missed you, Danica.