The Dirt Devil

Seriously, people. This has been the best investment I've made since giving birth to my 2 kids. (Okay, not LITERALLY, but kinda.) I remember my mom bought Chad and me a dust-buster for a wedding gift 8 years ago when we bought our first house and were all neat and tidy. I was very thankful for that gift, but I remember getting VERY little use out of it, and thinking in the back of my mind, "What am I ever gonna use this thing for???". Then about 3 years and 1 kid later we moved into another house, and I don't know what happened to the dang thing. But I HAVE MISSED IT! Flash forward to 8 years and 2 kids later, and I'm in desperate need of one!

So, I made a trip to Target this week. I don't like Target. Let me rephrase that. I LOVE Target. However, my checking account goes into panic-attack mode and wants to abandon ship. (Well, my husband probably does, anyway.) But, I must say, this has been the best bargain I've found all week. (And I've done a lot of shopping this week......) It was less than twenty bucks and I've sucked every corner of this house cobweb free with that thing this morning. In 3 words or less: IT. IS. FABULOUS.

Easter/Spring/My hubby

I am really looking forward to this weekend. With Christmas being first, Easter is my next favorite time of the year. Especially when Easter comes in April instead of March. However it always seems like it sneaks up on me no matter if it's in March or April. We have some great, special things planned for Saturday. And some of our agenda will be new to us this year. Brennan's getting older and is very curious about God and Jesus and I think this is the perfect year to really start focusing on the TRUE meaning of Easter.

We've never really made a big deal out of the Easter Bunny. As a matter of fact, I don't think we've even had our pictures made with the Easter bunny in the past few years. It's just not something that appeals to me. But, things are blooming, the sun is shining, and Easter in it's religious entirety is a breath of fresh air and a way to really get back to the things we take for granted in our hearts about our salvation.

Here are some plans we have for this weekend:

#1. I really want to take the time to watch "The Passion of the Christ". Chad and I saw it in the theater when I was 8 months pregnant with Brennan. I vowed to never watch it again. Don't get me wrong. It was AWESOME. But, it was so awesome it shook me to my core. I vowed to never watch it again because of the brutality of it and the violence of it. But, now, I realize I SHOULD watch it again. Why should I be AFRAID to watch it? What happened in that movie is a very accurate portrayal of what MY Savior and YOUR Savior did for us. To be afraid of it is to be afraid to see what was done for me. As hard as it is to watch, it's what history has recorded and the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So, maybe Friday night after the boys have gone to bed, I will sit and watch it. Maybe I can even get Chad to watch it again, too.

#2. Saturday morning I want to make Resurrection buns. I have seen several versions of this recipe printed, but found an excellent one that Rana Bryant posted on Facebook. If anyone wants that version, I can email it if you are not on Facebook.

#3. If memory serves me correctly, Chad has worked the past couple of years on the Saturday before Easter. However, he will be at home this weekend. He will now get to experience dyeing Easter eggs with the boys. That is certainly a treat. (Take that however you want it....)

#4. Saturday night, before going to bed, I plan on making some Resurrection cookies with Brennan. I found a great page on the internet that provides the scripture and each step to go along with it. This may be the thing I'm looking forward to the most about this weekend. Brennan is at the stage in his life, he's really curious and asks a lot of questions. He even opens his Bible almost every day and "reads" it. He can't read all the words, but he uses what he hears in Sunday School and church and repeats it as he looks at his Bible. It is so sweet.

#5. Wearing our spring clothes to church Sunday morning!!!! And no, that is not the most important thing about Sunday morning, I know. But, I love to dress my family up and I LOVE that this is the one Sunday Chad will actually wear a coat and tie. (He refuses any other Sunday, except for Mother's Day if I really beg him enough.)

So, a few things planned for this special weekend. I am really excited about all of it!!!!

On a different note, I must say, I am so proud of Chad. This past Sunday he was ordained as a deacon. This is something that was not necessarily an easy decision for either of us. He has been nominated a few times in the past, but we were not at a point in our lives or our marriage to accept that call. It was not even an option. But, this time Chad felt the pull and prayed about it and we talked for several weeks about it. He was even 5 or 6 weeks late turning in his questionnaire . He then followed the tedious process and the "interview" process with the appropriate leaders in our church and it all worked out. There are certainly some things that I have had to make a personal commitment and a vow to change, and I certainly have to think before I speak and think before I act and really take my role as a deacon's wife seriously. It's an honor and a privilege to me and I can definitely say that Chad and I both have come a very long way spiritually, emotionally, and mentally the past couple of years. Our marriage has also matured, and I can say it's matured in Christ just in the past year. I am where God wants me to be and Chad is where God wants him to be also. Someday Chad and I will hopefully be able to use our story and our faith to help a young couple in trouble or in need of serious changes in a marriage that needs saving. I couldn't ask for anything more than what God chose to bless me with as a husband and a father to my children. And I have taken it for granted before, and there are still moments I still take it for granted. But, we are exactly where we need to be.

Great reads....

"Facing Your Giants" by Max Lucado is one of the best books I have ever read in my entire life. I must be honest here-- I usually have a hard time picking up a Christian-based book and reading it through entirely. There is really no particular reason for that, other than sometimes I feel like I'm being lectured to or sometimes it seems a little over my head. I like books that are easy to read and take me straight to the point.

I first bought this book a little over 2 or so years ago. While I was training for a marathon in 2007, I was solely in training to let go of some "demons" and for mental help. (Yeah, I know. Sounds crazy. Running 26.2 miles for my mentality????? Strange. But very true--and it worked.) But, I was really (and I mean really) struggling with some emotional issues in my life and some bad choices, and someone recommended this book to me. It's the story of David. But, it's not just about David and THE giant. But, about David and ALL of his giants that he faced in life. There is a chapter for everything in this book. From grieving, to addictions, to wronged relationships, to mistakes made in life- whether intentional or unintentional. It's all there. I highly recommend this book.

This is a cheap buy monetarily speaking, but the best $10 you will ever spend on yourself. If you have nothing else to read this week, I really suggest you get your hands on a copy of this. With Easter in a few days it's the perfect book to read. But, it certainly doesn't have to be Easter to read it. Excellent. And gives you some enlightenment on the true sense of forgiveness, grace, and mercy.

So, I just dove into this one (as the boy on the cover suggests.) But, as with all other Max Lucado material, it has me hooked. This is Lucado's newest book and it is nothing but a breath of fresh air in so many ways.

I fear so many things in life that it's almost become a handicap for me. I suffer from anxiety (and any of my family members will gladly agree that I do) and no, I do not take drugs to control my anxiety (yet, because I really probably should.) But I fear everything from having no money in the bank to the fear of death. One dark cloud that always hovers over me is the fear of something happening to one of my children. That scenario has played out one too many times to people I love and care about, and now it has really put a fog over the way I think about my future and my children getting older. I saw this book a few months ago, and finally broke down and got a copy. And YES, there is a chapter in this book for fear of death, and fear of not protecting my kids.

If you have never read ANY Max Lucado book, you are missing out. He's got such a no-nonsense, yet funny point of view on everything. His books don't bore me, and I don't feel like I'm being lectured to. If I were to sit down and write a book, I would write it in the same kind of style he does. He just adds an everyday, comical twist on all of his points. Lucado is the man!

What a week.....

It has definitely been a week at my house. Everyone has gotten a round of the nasty stomach bug that has been spreading like wildfire. Brennan is the only one who has been fortunate enough not to get it (knock, knock, KNOCK on wood.)

Ethan was the first to get it Monday afternoon. I felt so bad for him, and it was only inevitable that Chad and me both would get it. He got sick on both of us, and all he wanted was to be held. Ethan is a milk drinker, so he wouldn't take very much juice which concerned me a little because I was afraid he would get dehydrated. Fortunately, his only lasted about 12 hours. Although he does have a lingering side effect which has given him a terrible diaper rash, but I think that's because he is a milk lover and his tummy upset is lingering because of that.

On Wednesday I had a terrible, terrible headache, to the point of being nauseated, but I was able to take some headache medicine and I felt better. Chad went to work that morning, but was on his way home within a few hours. He had been hit. His mother had some Phenergan so he took one and he was out cold until yesterday morning when he decided he felt okay enough to go back to work. It's hard being sick in the middle of tax season. Lots of deadlines, and he has too much to be able to bring his work home. He was fortunate enough to be able to sleep his off for the most of it.

Thursday morning at 3:00 a.m., I woke up feeling like I had been punched in the stomach. That was when I knew it was my turn. Thursday was such a bad day to have it. I work on Thursdays and no work equals no pay. The virus seemed to last longer with me and be a little more severe. I was sick for a full 24 hours and couldn't get up or move without the urge to get sick. I've been sick many times in my life, but I haven't been that sick in YEARS. I am so thankful my mom came over Thursday and watched Ethan and Brennan for me. I took Phenergan AND Advil PM for my hurting body and still couldn't sleep. It was miserable. I finally went to sleep about 7:00 last night and slept soundly until the alarm went off this morning. I drank one cup of coffee this morning, and immediately had regrets. The thought of food for any of us is still nauseating.

My prayers are that Brennan will not get it. It's terrible and even though is seems to be a 24 hour virus, or a little less, it is still nauseating to think about food or certain drinks. Chad brought me home a cherry limeade from Sonic last night and it was like heaven to me. It was the only drink I could think of that sounded good enough to drink.

Now, Ethan is coming down with either sinus or allergy issues. I'm hoping his ear is not starting to bother him. He's very fussy with a runny nose and occasionally he tugs on his ear. And then last night while I was still sick in the bed, Chad came looking for my tweezers. Turns out Ethan had 2 splinters in the bottom of his foot festering. Chad was able to pull them both out and said that one was huge. It has been total chaos in my house for the last few days. It's been a week for sure. So glad it's almost over!!!!!!!

Recipe

Okay, okay. I posted an entry earlier today about the health care issue. I sent a version to Gregg Harper, and I also plan on sending one to Gov. Haley Barbour. But, I am now tired of talking about it. It's too close to bed time to get my blood pressure all in a tizzy. Although, I do appreciate the great comments and support from you Facebook friends.

On a subject a LOT lighter than politics.

So, tonight I made some homemade macaroni and cheese. Chad has been begging me to try and make some because his grandmother makes it and it is THE BEST. So, I have never made it because frankly, I don't want my cooking being compared to his grandmother's. (Not that Chad would intentionally do that, but we all know grandmother's have the best cooking skills EVER.)

Anyway, here is the recipe (AND it's done in a slow-cooker which makes it even BETTER!):

8 oz. (2 C.) elbow macaroni
4 C. (16 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 and 1/2 C. milk
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
4 slices American cheese

Cook pasta according to pkg. directions. Mix pasta, 3 cups cheddar cheese, evaporated milk, milk, eggs, salt and pepper in greased slow-cooker. Sprinkle with remaining cup of cheddar cheese. Arrange American cheese slices on top. Cook, covered, on low for 3 to 4 hours. DO NOT remove lid or stir while cooking. Serves 8 to 10.

This so unbelievably yummy AND easy. And to top it off, Chad loved it as much as his grandmother's recipe. I am so excited my first attempt at homemade mac and cheese was a success!!!!! It's hard to find something to make that the entire family will eat, and everyone LOVED it. Even Ethan, who is recovering from the stomach virus and hasn't eaten in several days. He wanted a bite, and then ended up eating an entire bowl.

My untitled opinion....

In no way has my blog turned into a political blog. I don't want it to. However, I come here to speak my piece and share my opinion. So today I have come here to say that I am sickened over what went down this weekend at the Capitol in Washington D.C.

Never have I been more disappointed and more disgusted with my country. Not even when Obama was elected into the White House. As much as I could not stand his arrogance and his values, I still could only hope and pray that he would do as much good for this country as possible. Yet he continues to anger me. Just some points that I am stewing over after he was able to "successfully" (and I use that term VERY loosely) cram the health care bill down the throats of 219 Democrats, who weren't even going to vote YEA before Obama started his bribing and scheming:

#1. Obama signed an executive order stating that no abortion funding would be allowed in the bill, just so Mr. Bart Stupack would be enticed into voting yea on the health care bill. I am not an expert, but I'm about 99.9% sure that when a president signs an executive order, he can basically renounce it without warning or without having to receive permission from anyone. Mr. Bart Stupack, you sir, are the biggest sell out in recent history, and as far as I'm concerned you are also a traitor to those you represent. And I'm also pretty sure that Mr. Obama's signing of the executive order could be placed somewhere under the label of BRIBERY. (Bribery is also unconstitutional for those of you who don't know what the constitution states.)

#2. I do not see how any red-blooded proud American, especially those with an education and a job, be it a white-collar or blue-collar job, could deem this bill as being fair and equal. When Obama signs this bill into act, he is basically telling my husband and me that we can both take our degrees, and/or any educational certificate they we have worked our you-know-what's off for and flush it down the toilet. My husband's degree and his accounting certificate, AND that fancy title behind his name didn't come easy OR cheap. We basically owe $55,000 for 2 pieces of paper that label him a college graduate and a certificate that labels him a certified public accountant.

But why did he work so hard in school for so many years just so that he can he can go find a decent paying job? Well, he has a family to support. He has a wife and 2 kids that depend on him and his job and his paycheck. But now, not only does he have to support us, but he also has to support every illegal immigrant, every unmarried baby's daddy and baby's mama and their 4 or 5 kids that they have before they turn 25. How can anyone justify it rightful AND my right as an American citizen to work hard, pay my taxes, support MY own family, but yet let the government tell me WHO I'm going to support with the rest of what little I make at my part-time job and pay for every pregnant, unmarried 18 year old to have her 2nd or 3rd kid? Don't think so.

How is it fair to punish the majority of Americans contributing back to society and working an honest and decent living, while there will be millions who will get to sit back on their haunches and watch our hard-earned money come pouring into them? (That is, more so than they already do.....because you don't even want to get me started on our twisted welfare system.)

#3. Health insurance is EXPENSIVE. So expensive that when I when I started working part-time I was really close to going without. I was denied from a couple of insurance companies because of preexisting conditions. I finally found one I could afford, yet there are a few things they refuse to cover because of those preexisting conditions. Three years later, my premiums continue to skyrocket without any warning or explanation. My coverage is so pathetic and terrible that one trip to the emergency room a year ago has cost me OUT OF POCKET nearly $3,000. For a 3 hour stay in the E.R. But yet, I still have that insurance because I need it.

So basically what I'm trying to say is this: These insurance companies are what needs an overhaul. It's wrong on so many levels in so many different ways for an insurance company to deny me and/or tell me what they will and won't cover, yet they charge me a horrific amount of money each month. As a friend recently put it, these insurance companies are RAPING us. Insurance companies need competitive rates and there needs to be some sort of cap on how much they can increase the rates each year, ESPECIALLY when they don't cover a lot for a certain individual. It's wrong, it's wrong, it's WRONG what these insurance companies are being allowed to do.

#4. Does no one see the BIG picture on the amount of debt that this nation is about to find itself in? Liberals and those who were sick of Bush, want to blame Bush for the national debt that this country is in. My friends, open your eyes. This health care bill is about to cost us TRILLIONS of dollars in time. TRILLIONS. My brain cannot even fathom that amount. And the sad thing is, it's not in my lifetime that it will truly start to affect this country. It will be when my children are adults and they have children of their own. I can only hope and PRAY that God will have mercy on this country in 50 or 60 years when this nation is one of the poorest in the entire world and we are owned by a country like Japan or China because we can't pay back those that we owe. How can Obama and those 219 democrats justify putting this nation into a sinkhole, an abyss of debt that tremendous? It frightens me.

America, once the proudest, noblest, richest country in all of the world, is now sinking itself into quicksand. We've taken God out of our schools, out of our government, and out of our homes. And now look at the mess we are becoming. We as a nation have turned our backs on what our founding fathers were proud of and wanted this country to be. How can Obama and his supporters honestly look at the American flag and be proud of it? Do they truly know what it stands for and what it took to get those red and white stripes and the 50 stars that wave proudly at us from schools and business establishments and government lawns? Does Obama know that what that flag stands for is what thousands upon thousands of soldiers have fought for and died for and continue to suffer for?

America, shame on you. Obama, shame on you. Democrats, shame on you. What a real pickle we have found ourselves in.

Being conservative and making NO apologies....

Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
Ronald Reagan

Well, I suppose we are missing something, Mr. Late President Reagan. I think we have dropped the ball. I LOATHE what is going on in Washington D.C. right now and I LOATHE the fact that Obama is trying to bribe, beg, and steal this healthcare reform bill into law. Did these staunch Obama supporters who are now against his agenda NOT see this coming from a million miles away when they voted him into office? Fool me once, Mr. Obama? Absolutely not. I knew his corrupt and shady and arrogant views would be an issue once in office. It's a sad day when even MOST of the liberal Democrats and ALL of the Republicans are trying to keep this bill from passing.

Excuse me, Mr. President. As far back as my history lessons take me, I'm pretty sure the Constitution and all that other "stuff" that many men toiled over and have gone to war over, and have even lost lives over, there is something in there that says no President shall ever commit bribery.....So, I guess because Mr. Obama thinks it's okay to be shady and arrogant, he also thinks it's okay to totally override the Constitution of the GREAT United States of America. There is total disregard and lack of respect coming from someone who is LEADING this country on the principles, rules, regulations, and moral and ethical standards on which this country was founded.

America, we as a nation have failed. We have failed in electing great and noble, and EDUCATED leaders to serve us and this great country. We have have failed by allowing our freedom to be slowly taken away. Even the media is biased and liberal and it makes me sick to my stomach. I come from a long, PROUD line of military soldiers. Socialism is one thing America has fought to stay away from. So because fellow Americans have voted such a man into office as Mr. Barack Obama, we are now headed down that path.

Mr. Ronald Reagan, I hope you are resting in peace. You had it right all along. We are a long way from the views you had and from the common sense your ran this country with.

As for me, I make NO apologies for not being an Obama fan. I think he is all wrong, and I can't believe that America never saw this coming when they voted him into office. America said they wanted "change", well, here is your "change". I like nothing that Obama stands for and I have a total lack of respect for his motivations and his views. Why should we have to work so hard for an education and then work so hard at our jobs, when Mr. Obama is going to give it all out to the undeserving anyway? Enlighten me someone.

Every day is a new adventure....

It's not easy being a mother. Not at all. And I find myself saying that a lot in my head. I'm beginning to sound like a broken record. I really don't know how I will ever survive summer this year. In August of last year, when Brennan started school, I was so very upset. My baby was growing up and there was nothing I could do about it. However, the exact week that Brennan started school, Ethan became very mobile. As in walking. Ethan has been a whirlwind of action since then.

So, Spring Break was this week. Translation: Two kids at home with me ALL day. I am worn out. Just today has been an adventure.

#1. Both boys are awake before the sun. As a matter of fact, Ethan awoke at 5:30 to cry. Then 30 seconds later dozed off. Within 5 minutes, he would start crying again. This continued until he was fully awake at 7:00. He does this almost every night. He has not been a good sleeper at night since the day he was born.

#2. While trying to color my hair before my shower this morning, (I know! Don't ask me why I thought it would be an easy task)Ethan decided to get into my make-up drawer. I had just mixed the hair color and was putting it in my hair, when Ethan got his hands on one of my Amy Head powder brushes. This is probably a $30 brush (that I bought when I actually had the time AND energy to apply make-up just to go to places like the grocery store and I cared enough to spend a fortune on my looks---otherwise known as the time in my life BEFORE kids). So, after he got said brush, he then squatted down and started sweeping the bathroom floor with it. (Keep in mind, I had hair color all over my hands at this moment.) After I told him "NO, NO", he then stood up, turned around, and turned on the faucet to our whirlpool tub. Next he took the same cosmetic brush and "washed" it under the running water. Well, I'm sure it could have used a good cleaning, ESPECIALLY after it was used to sweep up the bathroom floor. Now it's just one expensive, pitiful looking brush.

#3. While trying to take a shower, thinking I could do it in 10 minutes or less, I left Brennan in the time-out corner, where he was for the second time this morning, and then I put Ethan in his walker. Yes, I know. Ethan is way too big for a walker, but the only way for me to shower and get dressed in the morning, is if he is contained in the walker. So anyway, Brennan's in timeout and Ethan is in walker. Thirty seconds after I was in the shower trying to wash the hair color out, I hear Ethan cry. It wasn't a frantic cry like he had been hurt, but it was his mad cry. (As a parent you learn to know the difference.) When I get out and look in my room he had somehow turned his whole body around in the walker, without managing to climb out or escape, and then he got stuck and couldn't move the walker forward to turn the television back on-- the same television I had left on for him, but he decided to turned it off. (I know, but until you've been desperate to bathe and/or use the bathroom in peace, don't judge me.)

#4. We took a trip to the grocery store this morning for the second time this week. Enough said.

#5. We returned from the grocery store and landed in "Meltdown City". Brennan and Ethan got into war over a box of Brennan's crayons that I had already told him to put up. Ethan is not afraid to use force to get something he wants, and Brennan is too much of a softy to really fight back. So they both had hold of the crayon box and they are both screaming and crying bloody murder, yet Ethan won't let go, and Brennan is too nice to snatch it out of his hands. This is all while I'm wrist deep in dishwater, washing dishes. They were both hysterical and it became way too ridiculous.

#6. I told Brennan to play outside while Ethan took a nap this afternoon, instead of sitting in front of the television all afternoon. My child is deathly afraid of anything that flies. And he has a good reason to. He's been stung on numerous occasions, by numerous flying bugs. He was even stung last year at his birthday party after finding a wasps nest. Out of all the kids at his party, he was the only one that got stung. And he still remembers it. Anyway, now that spring is here and things are blooming, the bees are in full swing. So now, he refuses to leave the patio. And then he comes to the window and knocks every time he sees a flying insect to report it to me and to tell me he needs to come in. *sigh*

Every day is a new adventure. And with each new adventure comes a new test for patience. It's true. Being a parent is full of good times and fun times, but also trying times. Survival skills weren't taught at the hospital before birth like childbirth classes and sibling classes. Even if it was a class, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have listened or taken notes. Or, just like my childbirth class, I would have dropped out after the first night. I will survive, and I will cherish each moment. But by now, I ought to have the patience of a saint!

Brennan's St. Patrick's Day art......

Today we went to the art studio where Brennan takes art lessons. His teacher has had it opened all week as a come and go set-up, and she has all kinds of different projects each day. Today was all about.....you guessed it.....St. Patrick's Day. Since green is Bren's favorite color, I decided today would be a GREAT day for him to get his "art on". When I dropped him off, his teacher said sometimes the kids stay for an hour, a little longer, or some have stayed as long as 2 hours. So I wrote down my number and she said she would call once Brennan got through or became bored with everything. I went to my cousin's house down the road to visit, and 2 hours later my phone still had not rang. I decided to go pick him up and see what was going on. Well, when I walked in, he had just gotten started on a new project. He was having SO much fun. Although-- I'm trying to steer Brennan away from drawing houses. He loves to draw them. But, he also loves to build them with blocks. Anyway, he made a mask that he wanted to wear to church tonight (but of course, we didn't allow that) and he painted on canvas after learning to mix all different shades of green, AND he did a sand-art project. For $15 I got way more than my money's worth. I'm thinking about taking him back on Friday.

Even Ethan did a sand-art painting while we waited on Brennan to finish his canvas. I think he did a GREAT job. This is going on the fridge, and one day I want to have this matted and framed as Ethan's first piece of art.

This is the mask Brennan made.

Brennan loves his art class. It makes me so happy to know that he looks forward to going to art every week. He doesn't play sports and has no desire to, so I want to get him plugged into things that he enjoys and will keep him busy and keep his mind thinking creatively. He gets so excited about going to lessons, I almost have to physically restrain him so he doesn't run across the busy street to get there after we park the car. I'm sure over time I will have lots more pictures to post and more art to brag about.

Losing faith.....

Okay, America. I hope you are shaking in your boots right now. All I hear about is the healthcare bill that Obama wants to cram down everyone's throats. I am all for healthcare reform, but not in this way. I have recently been enlightened on some things that are actually in this bill. Wow. I have no words. We are soon to become a very socialist nation if this gets passed in Congress. And it makes me angry. Our founding fathers never intended us to live in this kind of country. America is supposed to be "land of the FREE". Each day, the average, middle class Americans keep losing their freedom. Their freedom to work hard for their money in an honest and decent way. The freedom to stand up for the principles on which this nation WAS FOUNDED ON. It makes me sick to my stomach to know what kind of healthcare reform our "great" president thinks is okay. How about let's start with all these ambulance-chasing lawyers? Let's start there and work our way down the list. And how about Nancy Pelosi saying, "Let's get this thing passed so everyone can see what it's all about". SERIOUSLY???? Did she really say that? Wow. America, I am losing faith in you.

A few of my favorite things...

Yes. One of my favorite things is this picture of George W. I love George W. and I would go to great lengths to be able to meet him one day. But, not only do I love him as the man he is and made no apologies to be, but I looove this picture. The caption and the picture truly go together. I certainly hope he is enjoying retirement. And YES, Mr. President W., we DO miss you!

I cannot live without my Merle Norman lipstick pencil. If you know me AT ALL, or have even met me once, you know I've gotta have my lips on. The brighter the better, and the glossier the better. Carnation Pink and Ruby Slipper are my two favorite shades. However, I was told that Ruby Slipper has been discontinued. I then had a day of mourning.

(Shhhhhh. Don't tell my husband.) Yes, I love, love, love this toothpaste. I have always been an advocate of only brushing with toothpaste accepted by the American Dental Academy. Don't ask me why. I guess it's just because of my profession. Chad loves this toothpaste. I always used Colgate Total, which is fabulous too, but Chad got me addicted to this. I eventually gave it a try and it took a while, but now I am hooked. It really brightens teeth and helps with staining. (Because at one time I was formerly obsessed with bleaching my teeth, BUT 2 kids later, I don't even think about bleaching anything but the toilet and sometimes the laundry---and maybe my hair to get rid of all the gray I see sprouting up lately.)

I mean, really.... Do I have to explain this one? It's Elvis. I rarely go a day without sliding in one of the two discs from my "Elvis Essentials Collection". Sometimes Elvis puts a smile on my face after a long stressful day. My favorites are (but not limited to) "Burnin' Love", "Are You Lonesome Tonight", "Big Boss Man", "Polk Salad Annie", "That's Alright", "Bossa Nova Baby", and " You Were Always on my Mind".

*sigh*

New discovery for me. I am hooked. I could drink this morning, noon, and night. Sweetened with a little honey and some Splenda, it is fabulous hot, warm, or cold. And it's supposedly better for you than coffee. Who knew?

School is out.

Today has been a wonderful day. I started with TWO cups of coffee from my new Keurig. (By the way, I am so in love with that machine already.) Then I had lunch with Randi and had some good laughs with her. We actually caught up a lot in one hour. It was good to see her talkative and smiling after everything her family is still dealing with. And I know her family still covets your prayers. But on top of the rest of my day, it has been SO beautiful outside. Not too warm and not too cold, just the right amount of breeze and pretty white clouds to look at. Nothing like the appreciation for a little Vitamin D.

Well, Spring Break is here already! I can't believe it's the middle of March. For this upcoming week I have absolutely nothing planned. Nothing. I wish I could say I was doing something fun and fabulous, but not only do you have to have money, but your husband also has to have vacation time from work. And we have neither. Due to my husband's profession we will forever be stuck at home every Spring Break. (Boo, hiss)

I think the most fun we will have this coming week is playing outside as long as the weather permits. And I also plan on taking Brennan to the art studio where he takes lessons for a couple of hours one day so he can get creative and get out of my hair (I didn't say that!)

I had intentions of getting Brennan's teachers a little happy before Spring Break- something like a "relaxation kit"- but time got away from me, and it suddenly slipped up on me. So much for my plan. I had good intentions.

For those of you lucky to escape and have some family time or friend time, hope you have a blast. Be safe and make lots of memories. Enjoy the spring weather, too. After complaining of how cold and dreary it's been, we'll all be complaining soon about how hot and dry it is. Enjoy. I'm about to enjoy myself a spot of Earl Grey tea thanks to my Keurig! (Chad might have created a monster....)

My husband's surprise..... (for me)

So, this is what my husband brought home for me today as a surprise. A "just because" surprise. I am so super excited about it. Not only did he surprise me with one, but he also actually got me the red one that I had had my eye on. So I guess this goes to prove he really does pay attention to the words that come out of my mouth from time to time. I can't wait to try it out in the morning.

Brennan's Vase....

This was Brennan's very first art project in his new art class when he started 3 weeks ago. A vase. He made it all by himself, shaped it, stenciled it, and painted it.

He is so proud.

And so is his mother. I now have an original piece of art that I will treasure always.

And it has a special place in our home.

Spiritual gifts.....

Well, I have definitely been on quite a roll with my blogging lately. I guess it's because I've had so much on my mind lately, and to blog is my equivalent to my form of therapy. To "get it all out".

I will first start off by telling you about a conversation I had with Brennan this morning. (Keep in mind that if you live in Jackson, you woke up to a monsoon this morning.)

Brennan: I am going to play outside today when I get home from school.

Me: Um, I don't think so. It is supposed to storm all day and it's not safe to play outside when it is thundering and lightening. The lightening is dangerous.

Brennan: That's okay, Mama. All I have to do is call on God and tell him to keep me safe. He knows how to take care of me when I call Him.

He says the darndest things. And it's quite funny how things work out sometimes, because Chad has been doing a daily devotion with Brennan every night at bedtime and it started out talking about Genesis 1:1. Well, the next Sunday, that is exactly what they were learning. Then last night, they talked about Noah and the ark, and today it has "come a flood" and I assume that is where Brennan decided all he had to do is call on God to help and God would keep him safe in the rain. Of course Chad and I had to tell him this morning that God also gave us a brain and He expects us to use it.

Second topic of this blog: Spiritual gifts. This is something I have been struggling with A LOT in the past year or so of my life. Especially in the recent months and weeks of this year and toward the end of last year. I know without a doubt what my spiritual gift is. I actually have more than one. These are things I've always had my entire life, but I haven't really acknowledged them and put them into use until recently. My gifts are mercy/compassion/empathy and giving/serving.

I've also had to acknowledge that my gift of mercy/compassion/empathy is a real thorn in my side sometimes. I literally ache and hurt and sink into a fit of grief when I know people around me are hurting. I don't even have to always know the person or people on a deep level. Sometimes I feel like it hinders my ability to focus on what I can do for the people hurting because I'm so lost in my own grief over what the person is going through. I don't know if that could be God's way of telling me I need to put that gift into use by simply putting all that emotion into prayer for whoever is heavy on my heart at that moment. When a person or situation is heavy on my heart and mind I literally lose sleep and even have nightmares about all kinds of crazy things. I don't sleep well anyway, and when I'm hurting for someone else, it makes it that much worse.

My gift of serving and giving has not proved to be a challenge for me yet. My only challenge so far, is that I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want to go to Nicaragua again this year, but I don't have the financial resources to be able to go. I have finally accepted in my head (not really in my heart) that if God wants me there this year, He will provide a way. I have faith it will happen if it's meant to be.

But, my most challenging spiritual gift of mercy/compassion/empathy is something that I am really struggling with almost on a daily basis lately. And I know that's because a lot of people around me are hurting with all sorts of different afflictions. But, the older I get the more I am aware of my mercy and compassion and the harder it gets to deal with. So, I guess I'm expected to use all of my bottled up emotion in prayer????? That is a very good question.

Never say never....

The hardest job in the world is being a parent. There are so many things I said I would NEVER, EVER do as a parent. And I worked in a daycare for several years and the stories I could tell you..... Now I feel as though I have turned into the parents I once talked about.....

Just a few things I have learned:

#1. Never talk about someone else's child. For example: Never talk about that child in the middle of Wal-Mart throwing their self on the floor screaming bloody murder because they really wanted that overpriced and undeserved toy and you are the meanest Mama in the whole wide world and you're a meany, meany, MEANY!!!! Yeah, you know what child I'm talking about. We've all seen one or 2 in stores across America. Don't talk about them. In 5 years, that might be YOUR child.

#2. Don't ever say you will not use a pacifier to quiet your child. About 30 seconds away from losing your sanity and after 5 or 6 sleepless nights and taking it out on your spouse, you will learn that the pacifier is the most magical of all creations.

#3. Never say your children will be well behaved and always use their manners in public places at all times. I constantly drill manners and accepted behavior into my children 24 hours a day. My oldest is 5 years old and still thinks it's hilarious to burp in a restaurant and to announce other bodily functions for the whole world to hear while eating supper in the church's fellowship hall on Wednesday nights.

#4. I've learned to pick my battles. Sometimes it's easier to just walk away from a situation than to declare war over something simple like picking up blocks. However, it is necessary to declare war when your child wants to sit at the dinner table in nothing but his underwear or when your child tells you he's heard enough from you and you've "wasted his time". (Oh yes. That was a new one my child pulled on me last night.)

#5. Never say too much television is bad for your child. Now I agree, it's good to be active and play outside, but for those of you who have lived in our corner of America for the past 6 months, you know how wet and/or cold it's been. So, when you are tired of cleaning up play-doh crumbs, and you're really tired of reading the same 5 books over and over, sometimes television is a very beautiful thing.

#6. If you have more than one child, never expect them to behave the same. Period. Therefore, things you've become accustomed to with your first child, totally makes the second child a whole new challenge. Brennan is a softy with a tender heart, and even though Ethan refuses to talk, he loves to beat up his big brother. Brennan talks relentlessly and loudly, sometimes it gets to the point of being obnoxious (again, never say you would NEVER consider your child's behavior obnoxious) and Ethan just grins at everyone and finds something in another room to get into, daring you to come find him.

#7. Never say that you won't ever spoil your children. Both of my kids are spoiled rotten, and I almost think Ethan is worse than Brennan. However, I think a lot of that is due to personality and the fact that I stay home almost all week with Ethan and MiMi keeps him 2 days during the week. He has a lot of one on one time. With Brennan, I worked full time and even though MiMi kept him, she also kept other children. Therefore he's always been good at entertaining himself. Ethan DEMANDS full time attention and does not like being left with people he's not around a lot.

I mean, let me be honest here. This is a very short list. I could continue with my list, but I've got other things to do. (Like give my 18 month old the attention he is currently demanding.) This is just a warning to any parent-to-be out there. I wouldn't trade my children for anything in this world, but sometimes I wonder how parents with 3, 4, or more children survive. Personalities are always so different and each child is at different stages and so on and so on. Parenting is one tough job for sure. But, I feel blessed to be a Mommy and maybe one day my van will be full of kids. (Oh, wait, I just had a brief lapse of sanity.....)

Car for sale....

Car for sale: 1998 Plymouth Neon.

I love this car. Obviously the above picture is not the car that I have for sale (since I live nowhere near the ocean) but mine actually looks better than the one in the picture. I just don't have any recent pictures to post.

I received a 1998 Plymouth Neon for high school graduation. My husband and I both drove it until this past August when we inherited a MUCH needed minivan. If you know my husband AT ALL, you know how O.C.D. he is when it comes to cars and taking care of them. The Neon has never been wrecked, the oil has ALWAYS been changed on a regular basis, tires are in great condition (and I believe they are fairly new) and it runs excellent. The car overall is in great condition and has been kept in a garage when not in use for the past 10 years. It is white, with matching white wheel covers. Cute car and fun to drive. I will seriously miss this car when we finally part ways. My brother was going to take it back to North Carolina with him where he is currently living on base with the Marines, but he will be on a ship for the rest of the year starting this summer.

I will post pictures of it when I finally get off my lazy bottom and take some. The only thing currently wrong with it, is that it needs a newly charged battery, but we are on it!!! (You should have seen my husband, my 5 year old, and me trying to push it out of it's current resting place this evening!)

Anyway, it would make a great car for a high-schooler's first car or even a great college car. Let me know on Facebook or email if you are interested or know anyone who might be.

The Amish bread....

So, the Amish bread turned out fabulous... and what do you know, I found 3 friends to share it with. I baked mine on Saturday and I promise you, we could live off of this forever and ever. It is SO yummy. I am on my second batch so therefore will be having 3 more bags of dough to share. A coworker has already laid claim to one, so if there are 2 more who want dibs, be my guest. It is fantastic and easy. I made the original recipe this time, but want to do the strawberry and/or chocolate this time around.

My art lesson......

Bravery is the definition of a wife and mother who has not taken a brush to paper (much less canvas) since elementary school and signing up for a Monet Water Lily art class. Fortunately for me there was only one other student in this particular class. However, she happened to be a very talented senior in high school. The paintings were not supposed to be exact replicas of Monet's original paintings of water lilies, but something we came up with in our heads. Well, this is somewhat what I had in my head. Just keep in mind I have never, ever had art lessons and never, ever painted on canvas. And I should also mention that it was supposed to be abstract like that, or as the art professionals call it: "Impressionism".

But, all that matters is that I had fun and now have an original piece of artwork to hang in a closet somewhere.

P.S. I took this lesson from the same place Brennan takes his art lessons. I have been really impressed with the program and the teacher is very talented and teaches well. If you have children or you yourself are even remotely interested in art, this is the place to go.

Dr. Suess....

So all across America, in schools everywhere, including a school near you....it has been Dr. Suess week. Lots of rhyming and lots of words to live by young or old.

I volunteered to read to Brennan's class today. I read "And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street".

And I was even a good sport and wore a "Cat in the Hat" hat. The things we do for our children.....

Something funny for a change...

So, Brennan got sent home with a note today. Not only did he get sent home with a note, but his teacher uses the color system. If their name stays on green, they get a green smiley face at the end of every day. From green it goes to yellow, red, and finally blue. Blue is the worst. Fortunately for Brennan, he has only gotten in trouble a handful of times this year and has had his name put on yellow 3 times. He has never gone to red or blue.

So this was the wrath of his mother. He had to write 15 times: I will obey my teacher and follow the rules.

He hated it. And couldn't go outside and play until he finished his sentences.

So, things have been so sad and my recent posts have been really deep and heartbreaking, so I figured it was time for a little humor. Brennan survived his punishment and lived to tell about it. Although he is so much like me when he does wrong. Growing up I rarely EVER got into trouble. I remember getting my name on the board in kindergarten once and I thought my world was going to crash and burn. I did not like getting into trouble period. Brennan is the same way. I knew immediately when he got in the van after school today that he had gotten into trouble. And just think..... I have another boy behind him..... I think I might start praying for the teachers that my kids will have in the future......

High School buddies...

Randi and Mandy

From the left: Randi, Monica, Bonnie, and myself at our 10 year high school reunion.

I really wish I had a scanner so that I could scan this really awesome picture of my 3 best friends and me from our senior year of high school with our class of '99 jerseys on. The picture was taken at a pep rally one Friday morning. Just a moment in time caught on film and now it's one of my most treasured pictures. I hated high school. I was definitely one of those who lived for the day I graduated. There was one thing I loved about school though, and that was my friends. From 9th grade on I had a special bond with this most wonderful girl named Randi.

So let me give you a brief history of Randi and me: Randi and I met in 9th grade--the first day--in the auditorium at Byram High School in study hall. I even remember what she had on! We clicked from the moment we first started talking. From that point on, we became inseparable. We were "attached at the hip" as some might say. We even had some random folks from time to time ask if we were twin sisters on more than one occasion.

Our junior year, Randi got a fabulous new shiny car for Christmas. She had "Ran Ran" put on her tag. The following year, I got a new car for graduation. So I had "Man Man" put on my tag. Her senior jersey said "Ran-Maree" and my senior jersey said "Man-Marie" because our middle names were both Marie/Maree and we called each other the before mentioned names. Randi and Mandy, the 2 inseparable amigos.

Our senior year we also formed a special bond with 2 other great girls who we had grown up with all these years, but for some reason I can't quite recall right off, all 4 of us became best friends. One of us was always hanging out with another of us in our group. We even had someone nickname our little 4 girl group, "The Clique". Now, don't get the wrong impression, we weren't stuck-up cheerleaders (and I'm not saying if you were a cheerleader, you were stuck-up) or some weird little group that had some secret language, but we just all had a special bond. We even all 4 took our A.C.T. together, we all applied for college together, and we had even all signed up to live in the dorms together at Hinds. Well, as the story goes, myself and one other other girl in our group, Monica, decided not to live on campus the summer before we started. Her and I went to orientation together and HATED it the few hours we were there. So, we decided to break the news to the other 2 and let's just say things weren't the same after that. It's sad that something like that damaged our friendships, but it did. Randi and Bonnie were in my wedding, and Randi, Bonnie, and myself were in Monica's wedding. We all eventually parted ways for the most part.

I say all that so that I can say this: Randi lost her brother this past weekend. It didn't take long before word spread and the 4 of us shared thoughts and prayers and grief. We share a bond that no one else can ever understand. Randi and I were so close we could finish each others sentences at one time, and now 10 years later our friendship has been renewed. We had just recently in the past year been talking and hanging out and becoming close again. I think the tragedy of Matthew's death will be the glue that the 4 of us need for each other. When I hugged Randi, we had that bond again. She opened up to me. We were all together again and I feel confident that as Randi and her family travel the long road ahead, "The Clique" will be there--even after 10 years-- to help pick up the pieces for her. Life is short and I have the regret that we wasted 10 years of our lives because we had a little spat. But, when we are all around each other, it's as though no time has passed. We still laugh and roll our eyes at each other, and give hugs when they are needed. I've never hugged and held tight to a friend as much as I have the past 2 days. I couldn't wait to get my hands on her and love on her when she needed it the most. Monica's husband, who is a minister, did Matthew's funeral today. Sitting there beside Monica with her husband speaking beautiful words about an old friend, I've never been so proud of the 3 of my friends and what we all mean to each other.

All these times you casually mention "maybe we should get together soon" -- "yes, let's do that"... WELL, DO IT!!! It doesn't take much more effort to pick a time and a day and plan a lunch date or a dinner date with long, lost friends. Life is short. Hug your friends when they need it. Wipe away tears or let them cry on your shoulder. Call up that college buddy you haven't seen or talked to in years, even if it's just to say "Hello". I know with Facebook and other technology people are able to find old friends and family members, but nothing is as personal as face to face talk and nothing is as comforting as a hug from someone you once stayed up all night laughing with because you were giddy high school girls. I don't like to hug...I'm not a touchy-feely kind of gal, but hugs from a friend when they need it the most are priceless.

Unanswered prayers....

Okay, so for those of you who follow my blog or read it when I post a new entry, well you know I like to share my thoughts.... I just want to share one thing that REALLY and TRULY upsets me.... I absolutely cannot stand it when someone says they are glad for unanswered prayers. Why does that upset me? Because there is no such thing as prayers that go unanswered. Period.

God ALWAYS answers prayers. (Believe me, not only does the Bible tell me so, but I also know from personal experience!) The problem with God always answering prayer is this: He may not answer it the way we think He should or needs to. Prayer gets answered in one of three ways:

#1. No.

#2. Yes.

#3. Not yet.

And even when prayers are answered with a yes or no response, it may the OPPOSITE answer we were praying for. OR it could be a "be careful what you 'wish' for because you just may get it" answer. God knows exactly what He's doing. He made the stars, the sun, the moon, the Earth and the millions and millions of creatures inhabiting Earth. I kinda think the Man Upstairs knows a thing or two about how to run things......