Weekend To Remember

That is exactly what this past weekend was. We went to Aventura Spa Palace in the Myan Riviera Sat.-Tues. It was the perfect way to spend our anniversary. Charles' dad actually won this trip, but wasn't able to go, so he gave it to us. It was all inclusive....we even had free calls to the U.S. from our room (which is needed when you are checking up on 4 kids!) The only thing we had to pay for was our shopping excursion in Playa Del Carmen - and the dr. visit to our room the first night. Charles had been battling sinus problems before we left, and the descent from the plane when we landed did him in. The first night he was up at 2 a.m. basically in tears because his ears hurt so bad. The last time I saw him in that bad of shape was when he was in the hospital for his diverticulitis. Anyway - this place was so awesome - they have a dr. on call 24/7...he was at our room in 15 minutes - examined Charles - gave him 2 shots and some pills and 20 minutes after he was gone Charles was snoozing away. Drugs are a beautiful thing! The dr. said if he wasn't any better, to call him and he would come back at no charge. This place was incredible. You can see pics of the trip on my Facebook page. (Let me throw this in -- I'm sure everyone knows the mark-up is outrageous in Mexico. At the airport, they had a little snack area for sandwiches, drinks, and Pringles. Guess how much 2 can drinks and a can of Pringles cost........$10! We didn't pay that -- I'd rather go hungry - but others did!)

Anyway - like I said - this was our anniversary and I have done a lot of thinking over the past few days. It makes me laugh to think of how we started out in our little one bedroom apartment (that I could vacuum entirely from one outlet) and have grown to a family of 6 in a house that is now bursting at the seems! We are by no means perfect, but I so love my husband and am grateful to God for bringing us together. We have had funny moments (oh so many of them!), sad moments, scary moments, worrisome moments, etc., but each "moment" has made us stronger. I have always said that he is the only person who could be married to me and not divorce me! I blame it on OCS...."Only-Child-Syndrome". We have learned that we have to make an effort to make time for "us". With 4 kids and our crazy schedule, that is near impossible, but somehow we manage. We have learned to rely on the "little" things. We joke that we are rare because we actually LIKE each other and like to do things together. I want to share the things that I love about Charles...the things that make him so special to me:

1) He loves his family. Charles is 100% hands-on with his kids. With my work schedule, I am gone 3 nights out of the week, so that is 3 nights he is home alone with 4 kids and having to manage homework, dinner, sometimes karate, baths, and bedtime. There aren't many men who would do that - or at least be good at it!

2) I love how he will do little things to show me he thinks of me. On days he comes home and knows I am driving his car the next day, he'll set the CD player to my favorite CD, or he'll send me an e-card for no reason. He doesn't hesitate to make me feel special.

3) He is always quick to compliment if he thinks I look nice, or even on dinner (when I am able to cook!)

4) He voluntarily helps out around the house. He will give the girls a bath while I do dishes or vice-versa. I never have to ask him to help me.

5) He has no problem with me having a "girls night" every now & then - even when I am gone other nights of the week.

6) He has a tender heart and is soft-spoken. He never yells and never talks down to me.

7) He has the best arms in the world! When he hugs me, it is the best part of my day!

8) His "oh well" attitude is so comforting. We had a "situation" while we were on our trip and his response was "let's go get dessert" - rather than wringing his hands together and freaking out. Now I know where Josh gets it!

9) He is great at making me see the "other side of the story". If I get upset about something he'll say, "Well, from their perspective, they probably meant......"

10) I love how he hums in the shower.

11) He'll bring home Nestle Tollhouse ice-cream cookies when he has to make a night trip to Wal-Mart!

12) He will sew his own button or iron his own shirt. I would do it if he asked, but he has no problem doing it himself if I'm not home.

13) He makes the BEST lasagna, cheesecake, and oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies!

14) He still opens my door for me.

15) We ALWAYS end a phone conversation with "I Love You". Even if he is miffed with me, he'll still say it! :-)

16) He'll bring me flowers "just because".

17) He works hard. He has a full-time job and still works for his dad. It stinks sometimes, but he still does it.

18) His kids and his family come first. Sometimes his dad has a problem with him taking off to go to a game or karate tournament. I think he is just jealous because he sees Charles doing what he should have been doing 30 years ago.

19) He is quick to help out a friend or neighbor.

20) He is the most patient person I know. I don't know how he does what he does!

21) He'll give me his "crispy" part of his fish and take my "thicker" part. (I don't like thick fillets!)

22) He knows that I like honey mustard with my onion rings, lemon in my tea/water, no jalepenos on my " Spud Ole", and my eggs hard scrambled.

23) He'll arrange for the kids to go to his moms so we can have a "date" every now & then!

24) He decorates an amazing Christmas tree. I am not the creative one here...he is so good at that kind of stuff!

25) He is faithful. Enough said.

I could go on but I'm sure you are tired of reading about why I am so in love with him. I love him for the big things as well as the little things. I can't wait to see where the next 12 years leads us!

Time to FROG!

"FROG" ......Fully Rely On God. Is that what you are doing? Were you doing it before the elections? I hope so, but if you weren't, I'm sure you are now. I don't want to give the wrong impression, but I'm not upset about the election results. I've known from the beginning that God was in control and knew who our leader would be before the first vote was ever cast. It's not like He was watching the returns saying, "Oh my gosh! What is going on down there?" He's the Alpha and Omega...the First and Last. He may not have answered the prayers of many in the way that was anticipated, but that just proves once again that "The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works." (Ps. 145:17) (Note - it is HIS way ... not OUR way!) It isn't our responsibility to be disappointed, it is our responsibility to lift this man up in prayer daily as he leads this nation. He has a difficult task ahead of him and even though there are things we may not agree on, he is still our President. God placed him there for a reason and we should honor that.

When I was in high school, my algebra & geometry books had the answers to all the odd problems in the back. Sometimes I would get so frustrated trying to work out the problem that I would just write down the answer and not care how I got it. Getting the right answer was all well & good, but I was really cheating myself for not taking the time to figure out how to actually work the problem. I guess what I am trying to say is that today some people might be trying to jump to the answer...what is God trying to show me/us through this election? What we should do (in my opinion) is slow down, and see how God is going to work in our nation. This is not the time to despare and have an "oh woe is me!" attitude. This should be a time for everyone to put aside political views and unite in praying for our nation as well as our leader.

1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10...

That is EXACTLY what I have had to do so many times today!  I do love my girls, but OMG...they double team me sometimes!  Sarah woke up Ava so breakfast was being served before Charles & the boys even left for school....not a good sign.  Besides them both being cranky -- they were just into everything!  I found a place that had some little shoe covers for Sarah's costume (Dorothy) so we went to get those.  That sounds like such a simple task doesn't it?  You all know what the "getting ready" process is like, so let's just skip straight to the store.  I had asked them to hold the shoes for me so I wouldn't have to try digging for them.  So, I get in line for the register and Sarah thinks she is in Santa's workshop -- she's all over the place.  I manage to corral her to stay at least within 2 feet of me, and Ava is going nuts wanting to get down --- which was NOT going to happen!  We were in the store 3-5 minutes but it felt like 3-5 hours!  I was so glad to get back in the car!

We get home - they nibble at some lunch and I announce nap time.  Sarah goes into a crying fit so I promptly place her in bed and let her cry it out.  She's waaaay tired!  Ava goes too, but after about 30 minutes, they are still "talking" and Ava starts with the "serious" crying.  This does happen sometimes.  Usually I go check to make sure someone doesn't need a diaper change, give them a stern warning, and they proceed to go to sleep.  Not today.  Ava has chosen to revert to the "stripper" phase except this time she is "jaybird" naked.  Diaper & clothes are on the floor, and yes -- a wet spot on the sheets.....nice.  I changed the sheets, re-dressed her, swatted her behind (all not necessarily in that order) and put her back in bed.  I gave both of them a good "talkin' to" and walked out.  Not another sound was heard.  Finally!  Naps today  were not an option.   We have "trunk-or-treating" tonight at church and since they were up at the crack of dawn, they needed some down time.  Not to mention that mommy did too!  I had things to do!

After tonight, I should have some great pics to put up.  We went to my boss's farm in Moscow last weekend and the kids had an incredible time.  They got to see horses, cows, miniature donkeys, go on a hayride, roast hotdogs & marshmallows - we all had a blast.  [I work with some pretty awesome people (you know who you are...love ya!)  We always have a great time together, be it at work or elsewhere.  That is a "fantabulous" thing since we are together 12+ hours the days we work!  I love them so! ]  Anyway, I have those pics and hopefully will get cooperation from the kids to get some good shots tonight!  Zachary is Batman, Josh is a storm trooper, Sarah is Dorothy and Ava is a kitty (pink/black).  I hope the hood fits over her rather "healthy" head!  We'll see... Happy Halloween to all!!

Yes, I'm Going There

Okay, let's just go ahead and discuss the elephant in the middle of the room -- the upcoming elections. I'm going to take a break from the comedy that is my life and voice my opinion on why I believe the things I believe and why I support the candidate I support. I will state right now that I am a Christian and a Republican, so if you think that anything that I am going to "say" will anger or offend you, please click out now and I promise to return to my regularly scheduled hilarities next time! I am not out to change anyone's views - I am just stating my own. Since I created this blog and it does have my name on it, I feel that I am entitled to voice my opinions here. Should you disagree, please do not blast me on my comments - let's just respectfully agree to disagree. Feel free to go to www.blogspot.com and create your own blog! I would love to read it.

First, I am thrilled with Sarah Palin's boldness on her beliefs and views of Christianity. The following is an excerpt taken from an interview she had with James Dobson (Focus On the Family). Christa -- I copied this from your blog -- I hope you don't mind!

"The Alaska governor talked by phone with Dobson for about 20 minutes Monday while she was in Colorado campaigning. Dobson's Focus on the Family radio program aired the interview Wednesday. Dobson asked whether Palin was discouraged by polls showing the GOP ticket behind. "To me, it motivates us, makes us work that much harder," Palin said. "And it also strengthens my faith, because I'm going to know, at the end of the day, putting this in God's hands, that the right thing for America will be done at the end of the day on Nov. 4. So I'm not discouraged at all."

Palin thanked Dobson and supporters for their prayers and — when Dobson inquired about the importance of faith in her life — said: "It is my foundation, yes, my Christian faith is." She also used terms like "prayer warrior" and "intercession" — words that might be unknown to the average listener but are common vocabulary in Pentecostal Christianity. Palin spent 20 years in a Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church, but she usually refers to her faith generically as Christian, not even evangelical. "It is that intercession that is so needed and so greatly appreciated," Palin told Dobson. "And I can feel it too, Dr. Dobson. I can feel the power of prayer, and that strength that is provided through our prayer warriors across this nation." She continued: "When we hear along the rope lines that people are interceding for us and praying for us, it's our reminder to do the same, to put this all in God's hands, to seek his perfect will for this nation, and to of course seek his wisdom and guidance in putting this nation back on the right track."

Describing herself as a "hard-core pro-lifer," Palin said the birth of a son with Down syndrome was "this opportunity for me to really be walking the walk and not just talking the talk. There's purpose in this also and for a greater good to be met there." Palin said the campaign had to have faith that its message will be heard "minus the filter of the mainstream media." "That filter has to be erased," she said. "So we have to have faith in the wisdom of the people that they'll understand what our message is. But even bigger that then, I have to have that faith that God is going to help us get that message out there."

I just loved what she had to say. This is only a portion of the interview, but you can't deny the strength of her convictions. It is also obvious just by watching her that she has a peace about her. She knows that win or lose, this election is in God's hands and until that time, she will continue to be His vessel. The liberal media does not phase her - it is almost as if she has a "bring it on" attitude. Now, I'm not totally stupid -- McCain knew what he was doing when he picked her --- reaching the audience he would otherwise never reach had he picked just another guy in a suit. McCain has pushed Palin into the limelight and sort of taken a step back. I'll admit -- my vote for McCain is actually a vote for Palin. I'm not "wowed" by McCain - but I'm not going to vote for Obama either. (As a side note - I think this whole SNL thing with Sarah Palin has been hilarious, and she has been a gracious sport!)

There are a plethera of issues surrounding the presidential election - the war, the present financial crisis of the country, social security, etc. I'm not writing a book or hosting a nationally syndicated radio show, so I am not going to comment on all of these - just one. Every election - be it local, state or national level - has the abortion issue tagged to it. I am very much pro-life. I have a really hard time with this whole "it's my body and you can't tell me what to do with it" attitude. Seriously? That's your excuse? As soon as you become pregnant it is not about you anymore....it becomes all about the life you are carrying inside you. And yes -- it IS a life - regardless of how it began. I've seen and heard the heartbeat at just a few weeks. People use the argument, "Well, it isn't viable outside the womb." Okay -- well, (not trying to sound insensitive) the person up in ICU who is having to be fed thru a NG tube - breathing only with the help of a machine - heart pumping only with the help of a machine - isn't "viable" either, but at least is given a chance. You don't see people picketing outside the hospital to turn off the switch. It's all about making a choice....a choice to put someone else's life above your own. A choice to save a life - not end it. If you don't want this life, then give it up for adoption. I probably sound like a mushy mom who loves to cuddle a newborn (and I do!), but I have done my research -- I know the "how" and "why" and what happens after an abortion (no - I haven't had one, but I know many who have). People bring in the issue of rape. Yes - that is a horrible crime on so many levels, but I don't believe an abortion is the answer there either. I remember MANY years ago a woman came to our church to speak who was the product of a rape....wow! She was amazing! She was a prime example of God turning something tragic into something beautiful. I guess that is the difference...the "God" factor. Not everyone has it - but that is all the difference in the world. He influences your choices - He gives you comfort in the most painful of times and provides you with a support system like no other. I don't judge you if you chose to have one - actually my heart aches for you b/c I cannot imagine how painful an experience it had to be for you. I hope you know that God can help you thru the healing process.

Okay -- I have written enough to last a month. Maybe I gave you something to think about - maybe you think I'm a rambling idiot! It's not easy to put yourself out there -- these are sensitive issues. Like I said, I am not trying to force myself on anyone. I gave you the opportunity to bail out at the very beginning, so if you read this all the way thru, it was YOUR choice! :-) I hope that whatever your views are you feel strongly about them (don't ride the fence!) and that you will pray before casting your vote. It isn't important that you agree with me....I'll still like you! :-) These are just opinions! Whoever wins this election has a long and trying road ahead of them. The state of our nation did not happen overnight - it will take years for us to see any improvement (if any!) We ALL have a long road ahead of us!

Where Oh Where Does All My Time Go?

Seriously....my days are gone and usually I have nothing to show for it.  This week, my days off are Tues. & Wed.  I try to cram in the things I NEED to do (laundry & grocery shopping), but the girls consume any available minutes while we are at home.  They try to be good little helpers, but sometimes create more work instead.   I was folding clothes today and Sarah was all too eager to jump right in.  "I help mommy....I help you!"  And she did -- I folded a huge basket of whites in about 35.2 seconds because she was pulling everything out and handing them to me for me to fold and was very impatient when I did not take her items fast enough!  You know, for a 2 year-old she is quite opinionated and demanding.  Okay - I guess all 2 year-olds are demanding -- I'll give her that.  Her big thing right now is that she MUST be dressed first thing in the morning.   There is no "lounging" around in her pajamas....oh no.  As soon as I go into the girls' room to get them up , she is telling me, "Mommy, I want my clothes.  I want my orange shirt (or pink, or purple, etc.) and pants."   There is no tricking her either.  She knows her colors so if I don't produce the requested shirt, I have to convince her that the one I have in my hand is better.  Good thing my college degree is in psychology because she is already making me use it.  I'll have to go back for my PhD. before she hits the teenage years or I won't make it!  Let me just add that while she can push me to the brink of insanity, she also has the ability to charm the socks off me.  Everything is "please" & "thank-you mommy".  How can you resist that?  She can see it on my face when I am counting to 10 on the inside and she will pat my arm & tell me, 'You o'tay mommy....you o'tay."  I sat down on the couch one night and she came running across the room saying, "I comin' mom...o'tay...I comin'."  I didn't really know what she wanted, but she just crawled up next to me and sat there -- holding her blanket and patting my leg.   She is so free with her hugs & kisses.  She & Ava are both like that.  I could just eat them up sometimes! 

I digress...this is supposed to be about where my time goes.  Yesterday I had a dr. appt., took Ava to the grocery store with me (that alone is a whole other blog -- why can't my kids actually ENJOY riding in the basket?  I know it is possible...I see other kids doing it without shrieking!)  We picked up Sarah & the boys from school, had dinner, then went to the Collierville mall to get some pants for Zachary.  We were in Children's Place about 10 minutes and I sent the brood over to the cookie place b/c I could not think.  Charles had Ava, the boys were showing me hats and big winter coats that I had to convince them I was not buying at this time, and Sarah was running amuck thinking this was some new cool playground.  I must admit, I got some sweet deals and everyone did come home with at least one thing!  Today I knew it would be just me & the girls all day, so I decided I would take them to the park after it warmed up.  I planned my strategy -- I planned to get there about 2:00 thinking little kids would be home taking a nap and we would be gone by 3:15 in case mommies wanted to let their little darlings burn off energy after school.  It was a great plan -- no one was there and we had the whole place to ourselves for about 30 minutes!  

Now - let me tell you the events leading up to our little outing.  I decided to "jump" in the shower while the girls were engrossed in Barney, or some "Sprout" show.  Normally, I have to get up at 5:45 a.m. (working or not) in order to get completely ready for the day (b/c I also have to get the boys up & ready and Charles needs to be in the shower by 7:00).  Today, I knew I really wasn't going to have to see anybody, so I decided to sleep in until 6:45 and try to work in a shower later.  Big mistake on my part.  Fast forward....I had just started washing my face when I hear the bathroom door open and Ava's little voice - "Momma!"  I'm talking to her, trying to get the soap off my face & out of my eyes.  When I open them, she has pulled the shower curtain totally out and is standing there -- water hitting her face -- just looking at me.  It's Josh all over again!  (If you don't know the Josh & the shower story, go back & read one of my earlier postings!)  I yank the curtain back but it is too late.  Water is all over the floor.  Ava can't even walk because she keeps slipping on the water like ice...her butt is soaking wet (I had JUST put her clothes on her!)  I had only had one towel in there b/c I was washing all the others.  I had to use my one towel to put in the floor to start soaking up the water.  Sarah tried to go get me towel, but she does not know where I keep them (not really important info for a 2 year-old to retain!)  Poor little thing tried to go find one, but as soon as she left the room I hear, "Mommy, I can't find it!"  So, I had to run to the other bathroom (where the linen closet is) dripping wet and get a towel....both girls all up under my feet like this was some new game.  So I get the water cleaned up (only a 1 towel job this time!), change Ava's clothes, finish getting myself ready, get everyone's shoes on, THEN we are ready to go!  The topper would have been if I had gotten everyone in the car and someone had a "stinky" - but that didn't happen.  If it had, I think I would have just cried!  It did end up being a good day though.  The girls had fun.  They were exhausted because they didn't get their afternoon naps, but that just meant an early bedtime.  I did manage to wash and change our sheets, dust a little, and do 3 other loads of laundry, so I was a little productive.  I just hate when I run myself ragged all day and have nothing to show for it in the end (that isn't true - I usually have at least one load of laundry as evidence).  I let the girls help me fold, or dust, or pick up.  I'm trying to loosen up and not turn them into neurotic cleaners like me!  I let them do what they want and whatever they don't clean up, I take care of when they go to bed.  After all -- it's just "stuff", and they are babies!  I'll crack the whip when they get older...just ask Zachary & Josh!

The Big Day

Today was Zachary's luncheon at Chickasaw Country Club.  I think he was a little underwhelmed with the food, but he still had a good time.  Here are a couple of pics.  It looks like his poster was about crawling out of a burning house to safety.  He did a good job showing people crawling - that is pretty difficult.  My friend Jen pointed out that I left out a Josh update in my last blog.  Well -- He hasn't said much about Zachary's accomplishment.  He told Zachary, "You don't have to keep bragging about it."  He was quickly reminded that he had his moment in the spotlight at the karate tournament, and now it is Zachary's turn.  In case you didn't know, Josh is very competitive.  If he loses in a game, he will make you play again until he wins -- he's very much a sore loser!

Anyway - here are the pics I promised......he is growing up so fast!  It is hard to believe he will be 10 in a couple of months.  In three years, a teenager --- aaaaaggghhhh!!!

 

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far.....

I have really got to get better at this blogging thing.  Time gets away from me and the next thing I know another week has passed!  I'm going to brag on my kids once more and I promise to stop - well for a little while at least!

Zachary has won honorable mention in a poster contest for "Fire Prevention Week" - like - for the whole city!  It was extra credit, but he wanted to do it anyway.  I think only 3 people in his class even did it.  Next thing we know, Mr. White (his principal) came to Charles' office with a fax that told him his poster was one of 1,500 chosen from the whole city!  It will be framed and will hang in the Memphis Fire Museum for one year, then given back to him to keep.  He was so excited!  He gets to go to a special luncheon at the Chickasaw Country Club too!  This made up for his slump after the karate tournament.  This reminded me of when I was in 6th grade and won 3rd place in a "Law Week" poster contest.   I got to go downtown to a luncheon with the Mayor (Wyeth Chandler at the time - some of you will have no idea who that is - yes I'm old).  Somewhere there is a picture of me with him....maybe I can dig it up.  Believe me - that poster was no work of art.  I'm sure Zachary did an amazing job on his - you know he IS his father's child!  I never saw it - it is best for special projects to be left at Daddy's office where little hands (a.k.a. Sarah & Ava) cannot get to them.   

Speaking of "little hands" -- the girls have done a good job of staying dressed this week.  I hope this is a trend that has passed!  They are so funny....Sarah is singing her "ABC's" like a champ (with the exception of l-m-n...gets a little blotchy there!) and Ava amazes me at just how much she understands.  I think I underestimate her !  She's so tiny that I tend to forget how old she really is.  (She is 16 months old and still wears 12 month clothes...thus the nickname "Itty Bitty"!)  She goes to the tub when you mention a bath, goes to her room when she's ready for bed, she'll put something up if you ask her to.....and her favorite word right now is "NO!"  Ask if she is hungry -- "NO!"  Ask if she is ready to get in the car -- "NO!"  Now, if she really means no, then you get "NONONONONONO!"  I took the girls to see my grandmother this past weekend and Ava's little face lit up like a candle when she saw my grandmother.  She looooooves her!  Well - all my kids do -- she is so great with them.  It is sad to see how her health is going down (she has a cancerous cyst on her pancreas).  There was a time a few years ago when the boys would go stay a day or two with her, but that is out of the question now.  She is barely able to stay by herself.  I had taken some things to her house to make dinner for her so that she would have something to eat on for a few days and it made me sad to think how much things have changed over the years.  When I was little, I loved weekends because we would go to my grandparents house and cook-out steaks.  They were sooooo good!  We would have baked potatoes and salad too.  I always thought she made the best salad ever -- then I realized it was her dressing I liked.  She always bought that Thousand Island dressing that came in the jar -- the thick stuff.  When I spent the night, she made a breakfast to feed an army.  She was always up & moving & could not stand to sit still.  She loved to cook and always made more than we could eat.  Now, everyone else is taking care of her.  It really stinks to grow up...  

Well, like I said, I hope to get better at keeping up with my blog.  The girls alone give me enough material to write about!