To not eat my vegetables...

Just when I think my strong-willed child couldn't get any more strong-willed.... As we were eating dinner tonight, we insisted Brennan try a bite of his vegetables. Tonight they just happened to be string beans. Brennan is just like his dad when it comes to eating the healthy, good-for-you food--he doesn't. But, since he is only five, we try to force good eating habits when we have something healthy to choose from. So every time we have a vegetable, no matter what it is, we make him take one or two bites before he's allowed to eat anything else or get up from the table. He kept being persistent about the fact that he didn't like the "green things" on his plate. We kept insisting he take a bite before he could have anything else. I got up from the table for a brief moment to take care of something, and as I came back, I heard Chad raising his voice VERY sternly at Brennan. Before I completely entered the kitchen I knew Brennan had done something VERY wrong for Chad to be raising his voice. Well, what my child had done was this: He decided he would prove a point about eating the beans, so after he took a bite he made himself throw up. All over the floor. Then he so adamantly proved his point by saying, "See, I told y'all I didn't like those jelly beans." This is on top of the already in progress chaos in my house when I get home from work.

Just another update...

So, a couple of weeks ago I got myself a new Blackberry. I had given up my other Blackberry to try out the new LG Vue phone. I had it for a couple of weeks and hated it the entire time. I took it back and purchased a shiny red Blackberry Curve. Or, as my husband and others call it, a Crackberry. There is a reason they call it that. It's addictive. I have internet access on it for the first month in order to get the Blackberry for the price it was advertised. (You know, you always have to remember to read the fine print.) Of course, in just a couple of more weeks I will no longer have internet on my phone because I refuse to pay thirty extra dollars a month on my phone bill. However, it really will be like taking crack away from an addict. Since I have my phone with me constantly I can check my emails, Facebook, AND text messages all simultaneously without having to log into my computer at home. No matter where I am, I can see what's going on out in the world. The only reason I have a Blackberry is because I text a lot (I HATE talking on the phone) and I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the calendar feature on it. So, I might go into withdrawals in the next few weeks when we cancel our media net on my phone. Do they have rehab for Blackberry addicts?

Also, another update. I am finally through nursing. I didn't realize how hard it would be emotionally. I am deeply saddened about this, and I'm beginning to have second thoughts. Even though it's too late. I don't know if it's because I realize how much and how fast he has grown, or if it's because he favors me over anyone else in the room-- especially when he's hungry. Sometimes he has a look of disappointment when I take him and give him a bottle. Of course, that's probably just my imagination. The doctor told me by his age he's received all the benefits of breastmilk by now, so it is okay TO LET GO. Why do children have to grow up so fast?

Easter 2009

I'm not even going to bother with trying to label all these pictures. It was Easter or sometime close to Easter. You get the general idea.

Innocence of a five year old...

So we've really been trying to instill our values and religion in Brennan. Of course, explaining Christmas to a four/five year old is a lot easier than explaining the meaning of Easter. Christmas=birthday. Easter=death/resurrection/eternal life. Here are a couple of conversations we've had the past couple of days:

As I was trying to explain that Easter was not about the Easter bunny, but something far greater, we had just had an Easter egg hunt and Easter party at our church. So I said to Brennan: Easter is so much more than the Easter Bunny. Do you know what Easter means?
Brennan said: Yes, it means we have an Easter egg party for Jesus.

Later that day I TRIED to explain to him how Jesus died on the cross for our sins. So I said: Every time we do something bad, Jesus died for that. So you always need to try and be good and make God happy and proud.

A little while later he was being really quiet and still and I commented on how good he was being and how proud that made me. So he said: So does that mean Jesus isn't dying right now?

Tonight we were saying our bedtime prayers as always. Brennan was being really rambunctious and I told him it was time to be respectful to God and that if it weren't for God he would have nothing. So therefore we should give our thanks and be respectful when talking to God. We then started a conversation about how God is our friend and we can talk to Him as if He is our friend. Somehow that turned into a conversation about Heaven and where God is. After a few minutes I left the room and as I was returning to his bedroom I stopped and listened to his conversation with Chad. It went like this:

Brennan: How do I get to Heaven to see God?

Chad: Well, that's up to God.

Brennan: Does Jesus have a car that I can ride in? He'll come get me and take me to Heaven in his car?

I then walked in the room.

Me: We don't know when we'll see God but it's up to Him how we get there and when and there will be so much more than what's here on Earth.

Brennan: What's in Heaven?

Me: Lots of things. God will even have a house built just for you.

Brennan: Will it have stairs?

Me: Probably. If you want it to.

Brennan: (With a giant grin on his face) I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE GOD!!!!

After several minutes of tucking him in and leaving his room he calls me back in there to ask me more questions about Heaven and God. Again his expression was priceless as he grinned from ear to ear and said "Mama, I can't wait to get to Heaven and see God! And I'm going to have an envelope of questions so I can ask Him when I get there."

I love it!

He also listens to K-Love per his request as he falls asleep each night and he wakes up singing praise songs. It's awesome.

Because I finally get to sit down and have absolutely nothing better to do!!!!!

Do you have any dirty pictures on your cellphone?
NO!

What did you do today?
Got up, made up bed, played w/children, took Ethan for his check-up, went shopping for Easter outfits, ate lunch w/Bren and Ethan at the mall, cleaned up the kitchen, and a few other things....




Are your toe nails painted pink?
Well, actually they were until about 10 minutes ago. Now they are bright fluorescent orange because I bought some nail polish that was on sale at the mall today.



What were your first thoughts this morning?
So much to do....




Are you a jealous person?
Depends on the situation. I'm working on it, though.




Where is your biological mother right now?
Don't know. She wouldn't answer when I called her a little while ago.


Who was the last person you watched a movie with?
Chad.

Day been rough?
No. I am blessed with two beautiful, healthy boys, and while they do stress me out at times I am very fortunate to be able to spend my days with them.



What was the last thing you did before you went to bed last night?
Turned off the tv, unplugged the lights off the ficus tree, and told Chad goodnight. Oh, and let's not forget about brushing my teeth.

Do you think you and your best friend will still be friends in 10 years?
Always.


Did you enjoy your day yesterday?
For the most part. If you consider cleaning the house enjoyable.




Did the last person you kissed have a tattoo?
No. My children are far too young.




What color is the shirt you are wearing?
White.




Do you like your music loud or at a reasonable level?
If I am by myself in the car I turn it up loud. If I'm with others, I try not to turn it up too loud.



Who was the last person to call you?
Chad. Actually Gatti Town Pizza called and left a voicemail on my phone a few minutes ago. And NO I'm not having Bren's birthday party there again... I HATE that place.



This time last year can you remember who you liked?
Uh, I hope so.



Are you friends with someone who lies about the stupidest stuff ever?
I would think not.


Ever stolen money from a friend?
What kind of friend would I be if I stole?



Is your current hair color mostly your natural hair color?
Yes, just colored the same as my natural color to cover up my gray. Although in a few weeks I have an appointment to have my hair highlighted.



Do you wish you could tell someone something big, but cant?
Always. I don't like keeping secrets. But as of now, I know NOTHING.



Have you ever liked someone way older than you?
Yes.



What were you doing at 1 AM this morning?
I think sleeping.

With out naming any names, say something youd like to say to somebody -
You always get what you deserve in the end. One way or another.


Connection between you and the last person who messaged you?
Husband.



Do you think you will be married in 10 years?
Yes.



Has anyone ever spelt your name wrong?
Well, spelt is spelled wrong in the question for starters. And yes, people used to misspell my maiden name all the time.




Kissed someone under a misltoe?
Probably, but I don't remember off the top of my head.



Who do you call when youre having a bad day?
My mom or Chad.



Do you have someone of the opposite sex you can tell everything to?
Chad.



Does your phone ring in the middle of the night often?
No.



Have you ever seen the last person you texted naked?
Yes.



Have you ever slept on the floor with someone you liked?
Yes.



Which movie did you last see in theaters and with who?
Fireproof with Chad. And yes, it was that long ago since I've seen a movie period.

Was it a boy or a girl to text you first today?
I think it was Chad. But, I think I sent a message first.

What do you currently hear at the moment?
The theme music of "The Suite Life on Deck"

Are you a risk taker?
Definitely.



Whats something you really want right now, be honest!!
I have everything I need and want ALTHOUGH if I were to be honest I would LOOOOVE to have Chad's student loans paid off.


Have you ever woken up to someone and freaked out?
No




Have you ever kissed someone whose name started with the letter A?
Yes.



Whens the last time you did something you knew was wrong?
Can't remember. Probably today or yesterday. I mess up every day.



Do you hate the last guy/girl you had a thing with?
No. Life is too short.



Have you ever been out past curfew?
Yes. When I had one.


Latest you stayed up in the past week and why?
Midnight. Just because I wanted to lie down and relax while I was awake.



Do you cry a lot, Have you recently?
I don't cry a lot. But, I DID cry Sunday-- a little.


What was on your mind mostly today?
Nothing in particular.

Interested in anyone at the moment?
My family.


How many kids do you want to have?
Three MAYBE four. I want to adopt a little girl from China, too. That would be awesome.



Have you ever been a gymnast or a cheerleader?
No.


What are you looking forward to in the next three months?
Brennan's birthday, wedding anniversary.


Has anyone ever told you they want to spend the rest of their life with you?
Yes.


Do you think you can last in a relationship for 3 months?
I've been married for seven years and we've been to hell and back, so I would say that would be a yes!!!


Have you ever eaten raw pumpkin?
No.



How are you feeling at this exact moment in time?
Glad to relax for a few moments.



Will you be in bed within twenty minutes?
I only wish.


What are you listening to right now?
The tv show "The Suite Life on Deck"



Whats hurting you?
My lower back. I'm seriously considering a chiropractor.


Do you like to be hugged?
No.



What are you doing tomorrow?
Going to work.



Who did you sleep with last night?
Chad and Dixie our Jack Russell who thinks she owns the entire bed.


If you had the choice to go to Africa for a month or Paris for two weeks, which one would you pick?
Africa!



Do you know anyone that drinks?
Yes.


Have you accidently sent a text to the wrong person?
Yes. A few times.


When someone says we need to talk, what runs through your mind?
Do we have to?

Spring and Summer.....

It seems like it's been forever since I've really blogged about anything significant. I think we have just been so busy and preoccupied with things, that I have neglected my blog. However, some exciting things coming our way!

#1) Brennan's birthday is in one month. While I am excited about this, it also saddens me. When did he grow up? One day I'm rocking him to sleep, then next he's getting ready for kindergarten.

#2) Chad and I will celebrate 7 years of marriage one day before Bren's birthday.

#3) My high school reunion is this summer. Ten years. I cannot believe I am "that age" that I thought I would never be.

#4) There is a strong possibility I will be taking a mission trip to Nicaragua. I've already been signed up, but I can only go if I raise all the money-- since Chad and I don't have $1,500 lying around. I have always wanted to do a medical mission trip, and I was approached by someone in our church about going. So far only 2 of us from Hillcrest are going. And, because I need financial help and agreed to go, an anonymous giver agreed to donate $500 JUST to me, so I could go. I am really excited.

#5) In just a few weeks I am getting baptized. I was baptized at seven years of age, but in the past 20 years of my life my head was in it, but my heart wasn't there--nor were my deeds and actions. I made a walk down the aisle this past Sunday, NOT for rededication, but for total salvation. Events in my life that lead up to this are all part of His plan-- even the parts that were because of bad choices I made.

So, these are the latest updates in a series of events set to happen soon. Stay tuned!

Thought(s) of the Day

If you do not brush your teeth, you will have rotten teeth.

If you do not brush your teeth and you smoke, you will have rotten teeth.

If you do not brush your teeth and you smoke and/or do drugs, you will have rotten teeth.

Not rocket science people. You don't have to go to four years of dental school to know that. Seriously.