So for awhile now Mr. Man and I have been wanting to get a double stroller for the kiddos but it has never on the priority list by any means. Yesterday some friends from church came to our door with this stroller for us! I think Ari is more excited than any of us. Last night she did not want to get out of the thing. I fed her dinner in it, I put Eli in too and we played peek-a-boo, then they watched Mommy and Me in it. Almost the same thing happened today. I'll get a picture up soon. I went searching for the manual and found it retails around $660!!!
Every year our church gets products that they donate to people who need them in the community. Usually they get things like clothes, food, toiletries, etc. This year they got a ton of baby stuff. I feel so blessed that we were thought of this season.
Then I won some pretty sock yarn from The Ninja Knitter. To cool thing about this advent giveaway is the winners need to pay it forward. We're going to donate some toys, books, clothes, and food. I'd love to make some things too. So, if you have any good ideas please let me know.
On top of all this I'm training at a job that I think I'm really going to like and could open some good doors in the future.
I hope you all have a wonderful, blessed Christmas!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
"Nothing Says Love Like Leather for the Holidays"
I saw this on a marquee on the way to work the other day. I don't know what to think about it. I also don't know what to think about it being 70 degrees today. Mr. Man and I also did yard work on Saturday. IT IS DECEMBER PEOPLE!!! My family is coming here for Christmas and I think I should tell them to bring shorts. I don't think I'll ever get used to no snow at Christmas.
Some good news...
**Mr. Man is done with school until February!
**As long as the cough drop I had doesn't taint my drug test I'll have a job working as a part-time bank teller! It's Thursday/Friday only and as many Saturdays I want. I can't wait to work and see people every day.
Some sad news...
**The kiddos have been sick:( I hate when they are sick. At least they don't have to go to the doctor.
Well it's time to make a TO-DO list of everything that needs to get done before the fam gets here.
TTFN!
Some good news...
**Mr. Man is done with school until February!
**As long as the cough drop I had doesn't taint my drug test I'll have a job working as a part-time bank teller! It's Thursday/Friday only and as many Saturdays I want. I can't wait to work and see people every day.
Some sad news...
**The kiddos have been sick:( I hate when they are sick. At least they don't have to go to the doctor.
Well it's time to make a TO-DO list of everything that needs to get done before the fam gets here.
TTFN!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Sewin Like Crazy
With my sewing supplies moved downstairs I have been able to get some work done. Here are some of the diapers I have made. This weekends goal is valances for the kitchen, and maybe the dress I started for Ari months and months ago.
After these projects I need to find a super easy pattern for kids pants. Both of the kiddos are running out of pants but they don't fit in store sizes. I hope I can figure out how to altar a pattern to fit them.
Nothing else is really going on. We're getting whatever bug is going around right now. Eli is getting some teeth and is starting to scoot around on the floor. We're just waiting for the semester to end and Christmas to get here.
The Ari loves being a big sister
After these projects I need to find a super easy pattern for kids pants. Both of the kiddos are running out of pants but they don't fit in store sizes. I hope I can figure out how to altar a pattern to fit them.
Nothing else is really going on. We're getting whatever bug is going around right now. Eli is getting some teeth and is starting to scoot around on the floor. We're just waiting for the semester to end and Christmas to get here.
The Ari loves being a big sister
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Turkey Day is almost here!!!
The real countdown to turkey day has begun. We are hosting the "Stuck in Cleveland" Thanksgiving potluck this year! Sadly our house is still in semi-shambles but it will be looking great for tomorrow. Here's what's done so far...
*Turkey is thawing
*Brine for turkey is made
*2 pumpkin pies are made
*pecan pie crust is ready to go
*all other ingredients should be in the house
*I have all the recipes I need
*roasting pan is clean
*carving board is clean
*tablecloth is washed
*festive napkins are made
There's still a lot to do tomorrow but I can't wait.
I was really hoping to have one of our friends take a family picture of us with the beautiful fall leaves in the background, but sadly most of the leaves are gone. At least I am getting better at Photoshop so I'll be able to touch a photo up a bit. I'm just hope a semi decent picture will come out.
So I was a BIG IDIOT yesterday and accidentally deleted my blog. I was making some changes to it (as I'm sure you can see) and thought I deleted my test blog. Thankfully they got it back. Not that it would have been the end of the world, but I'd still like to have past entries ya know?
I don't have any pictures yet, but I've gotten a bunch of sewing projects done:) I really want to find a rolled hem plate for my serger. My friend might have it somewhere in her house, but if not I hope I can find one. I'm happy with the napkins I made, but it would be so much easier to serge them. The creative part of my brain is going a million miles a minute thinking of ideas for Christmas presents. I know I'll never get them all done, but I'm happy to be sewing again.
That's all for now. I hear Mr. Man starting to make air popped, buttered, garlic powder popcorn YUMMO!!! Have a happy turkey day everyone!!
*Turkey is thawing
*Brine for turkey is made
*2 pumpkin pies are made
*pecan pie crust is ready to go
*all other ingredients should be in the house
*I have all the recipes I need
*roasting pan is clean
*carving board is clean
*tablecloth is washed
*festive napkins are made
There's still a lot to do tomorrow but I can't wait.
I was really hoping to have one of our friends take a family picture of us with the beautiful fall leaves in the background, but sadly most of the leaves are gone. At least I am getting better at Photoshop so I'll be able to touch a photo up a bit. I'm just hope a semi decent picture will come out.
So I was a BIG IDIOT yesterday and accidentally deleted my blog. I was making some changes to it (as I'm sure you can see) and thought I deleted my test blog. Thankfully they got it back. Not that it would have been the end of the world, but I'd still like to have past entries ya know?
I don't have any pictures yet, but I've gotten a bunch of sewing projects done:) I really want to find a rolled hem plate for my serger. My friend might have it somewhere in her house, but if not I hope I can find one. I'm happy with the napkins I made, but it would be so much easier to serge them. The creative part of my brain is going a million miles a minute thinking of ideas for Christmas presents. I know I'll never get them all done, but I'm happy to be sewing again.
That's all for now. I hear Mr. Man starting to make air popped, buttered, garlic powder popcorn YUMMO!!! Have a happy turkey day everyone!!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Photo Update
While I do have a lot on my mind to say I'm too tired to write. I hate time change. Eli has been getting up at 5am. No one should be up then. Here are some photos of what the kiddos have been up to.
Ari played here for around an hour and loved every minute. Next spring/summer we will be getting the kiddos one of those table sandboxes to play with. That is my Mountain Dew to feed my addiction not the little lady's.
Ari is playing her favorite game called stack the movies and unstack the movies. She'll do this with movies, books, or anything else that will stack. Who needs toys?
I hate posting pictures of myself I decided to show the world I really do exist.
Look who is sitting up!
Dollar store hampers make great toys.
Ari played here for around an hour and loved every minute. Next spring/summer we will be getting the kiddos one of those table sandboxes to play with. That is my Mountain Dew to feed my addiction not the little lady's.
Ari is playing her favorite game called stack the movies and unstack the movies. She'll do this with movies, books, or anything else that will stack. Who needs toys?
I hate posting pictures of myself I decided to show the world I really do exist.
Look who is sitting up!
Dollar store hampers make great toys.Friday, November 09, 2007
Blog Question
I redesigned my blog here. Does anyone know how to move that design here or all of my entries there? Please let me know.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
ICE and Random Chit Chat
I got an e-mail from a friend today and instead of doing a forward which I hate I decided to put most of the e-mail here.
ICE Campaign - "In Case of Emergency"
We all carry our cell phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.
If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our cell phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) Campaign. The concept of "ICE" is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name "ICE" (In Case Of Emergency). The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always cell phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. Therefore, he thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose.
In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as "ICE."
For more than one contact name simply enter! ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc. A great idea that will make a difference! Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our cell phones today!
Sounds like a good idea to me.
We are back in the sick zone in our house. Nothing major just the sniffles and other cold symptoms. The hard part is when we all feel bad at the same time and the kids wake up at night. Mr. Man and I are tired!!! This is a major understatement to say the least. I was about ready to leave around 2 in the morning and just go somewhere for a while. Needless to say we need a vacation, and a new job situation. I would take a full time job just about anywhere right now so that Mr. Man doesn't have to work.
On a happy note the FlyLady has been helping me get our house in order. We have been able to see the kitchen table for 3 days now! Slowly but surely I'm making progress on getting things in order. Once things are in order I'll have some room to start having dates with Gunner. Between cleaning more and nursing I can fit in size 8 pants! I don't remember the last time that has happened. I wonder what would happen if I actually moved. More importantly than getting into smaller pants I need to regain some ab/back strength to help my back troubles. I just found a wonderful chiropractor and got my first adjustment in 3.5 years. I'm in some rough shape and I need to build some muscle to help what the chiropractor is doing.
I think the kids are finally sleeping so it's time to clean up the kitchen and get to sleep...maybe.
ICE Campaign - "In Case of Emergency"
We all carry our cell phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.
If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our cell phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) Campaign. The concept of "ICE" is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name "ICE" (In Case Of Emergency). The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always cell phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. Therefore, he thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose.
In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as "ICE."
For more than one contact name simply enter! ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc. A great idea that will make a difference! Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our cell phones today!
Sounds like a good idea to me.
We are back in the sick zone in our house. Nothing major just the sniffles and other cold symptoms. The hard part is when we all feel bad at the same time and the kids wake up at night. Mr. Man and I are tired!!! This is a major understatement to say the least. I was about ready to leave around 2 in the morning and just go somewhere for a while. Needless to say we need a vacation, and a new job situation. I would take a full time job just about anywhere right now so that Mr. Man doesn't have to work.
On a happy note the FlyLady has been helping me get our house in order. We have been able to see the kitchen table for 3 days now! Slowly but surely I'm making progress on getting things in order. Once things are in order I'll have some room to start having dates with Gunner. Between cleaning more and nursing I can fit in size 8 pants! I don't remember the last time that has happened. I wonder what would happen if I actually moved. More importantly than getting into smaller pants I need to regain some ab/back strength to help my back troubles. I just found a wonderful chiropractor and got my first adjustment in 3.5 years. I'm in some rough shape and I need to build some muscle to help what the chiropractor is doing.
I think the kids are finally sleeping so it's time to clean up the kitchen and get to sleep...maybe.
Friday, October 26, 2007
For all moms
Take a look this is hilarious! If you can't watch it here just click on the video and it will take you to youtube where it comes in better.
You can read the words here. Have a wonderful weekend y'all!
You can read the words here. Have a wonderful weekend y'all!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Yeah it's been a while
For some reason I've gotten out of the blogging groove. Maybe it's because there is nothing to write about. Life has been on the dull side lately. It seems all we have to talk about is work, diapers and poop. How can you find things to talk about when life is dull?
Anyhoo...Yesterday was Ari's 2nd birthday!! I can't believe the little lady is 2 already. Sadly we didn't do much since Mr. Man got stuck working :( Ari got a singing Little Mermaid card from my parents and I am ready to throw it out the window. I know they are just getting revenge. She got some other stuff too, but this was her favorite thing. I took the kiddos to have dinner at Outback so Ari could kind-of have dinner with daddy. We will be having a little party for her soon I hope.
Eli is 6 months today! He is rolling over now and is still cute as can be.
I am so excited because we will be hosting the annual Thanksgiving potluck at our house this year!! This means getting the house in order by then which is good because then it will be ready for when my parents and sister come for Christmas. Goal #1 is to find our kitchen table again. I want to start decorating too. I love fall, but in the south it is not the same. Somehow I need to bring fall into our house without being tacky. I really want to make some placemats and napkins for Fall and Christmas. The only problem with this is I need to relocate my sewing stuff to the basement because I can't sew in Eli's room, and he's not ready to move into Ari's room yet. Oh the trivial problems.
Along with getting the house pretty we need to start working on getting Ari out of diapers. Any tips for potty training/learning? I think the first thing I'd like to do is stop using any form of stay-dry liners unless she is sleeping. I don't think we will be doing any serious work on this until the semester is over, but we need to start thinking.
Here's a random sauce recipe I came up with the other day. I took a few different ideas from Betty and here's what I got...
1 c milk (You can use low fat but if you like sauce really creamy use less milk and throw in some heavy cream or half and half to make it equal a cup)
2 T butter
2 T flour
1-2 cloves garlic minced/chopped (I used the stuff in a jar 1/2 tsp)
salt
pepper
cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy)
Parmesan cheese (about a palmfull-Rachel Ray style)
Melt butter in a sauce pot with garlic on med/high heat. Let the butter start to bubble and add flour. Cook for a minute or so to get rid of the flour taste. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Slowly add milk stirring as you go. Bring to a simmer. Turn heat to low and add Parmesan cheese.
This sauce is thick but if you want it thinner use 1 T butter and flour instead of 2 or just thin out the sauce with some pasta water. I put this sauce on tortellini but you could use it on any pasta. Throw in some chicken and/or veggies and you've got a quick meal.
One victory for the domestically challenged!
Anyhoo...Yesterday was Ari's 2nd birthday!! I can't believe the little lady is 2 already. Sadly we didn't do much since Mr. Man got stuck working :( Ari got a singing Little Mermaid card from my parents and I am ready to throw it out the window. I know they are just getting revenge. She got some other stuff too, but this was her favorite thing. I took the kiddos to have dinner at Outback so Ari could kind-of have dinner with daddy. We will be having a little party for her soon I hope.
Eli is 6 months today! He is rolling over now and is still cute as can be.
I am so excited because we will be hosting the annual Thanksgiving potluck at our house this year!! This means getting the house in order by then which is good because then it will be ready for when my parents and sister come for Christmas. Goal #1 is to find our kitchen table again. I want to start decorating too. I love fall, but in the south it is not the same. Somehow I need to bring fall into our house without being tacky. I really want to make some placemats and napkins for Fall and Christmas. The only problem with this is I need to relocate my sewing stuff to the basement because I can't sew in Eli's room, and he's not ready to move into Ari's room yet. Oh the trivial problems.
Along with getting the house pretty we need to start working on getting Ari out of diapers. Any tips for potty training/learning? I think the first thing I'd like to do is stop using any form of stay-dry liners unless she is sleeping. I don't think we will be doing any serious work on this until the semester is over, but we need to start thinking.
Here's a random sauce recipe I came up with the other day. I took a few different ideas from Betty and here's what I got...
1 c milk (You can use low fat but if you like sauce really creamy use less milk and throw in some heavy cream or half and half to make it equal a cup)
2 T butter
2 T flour
1-2 cloves garlic minced/chopped (I used the stuff in a jar 1/2 tsp)
salt
pepper
cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy)
Parmesan cheese (about a palmfull-Rachel Ray style)
Melt butter in a sauce pot with garlic on med/high heat. Let the butter start to bubble and add flour. Cook for a minute or so to get rid of the flour taste. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Slowly add milk stirring as you go. Bring to a simmer. Turn heat to low and add Parmesan cheese.
This sauce is thick but if you want it thinner use 1 T butter and flour instead of 2 or just thin out the sauce with some pasta water. I put this sauce on tortellini but you could use it on any pasta. Throw in some chicken and/or veggies and you've got a quick meal.
One victory for the domestically challenged!
Monday, October 08, 2007
Friday, October 05, 2007
You HAVE to Watch This
I was getting some Photoshop training today and when I walked in this video was playing. Please check it out! It was a drama done during a Lifehouse concert and it is AMAZING!
That's it for now.
Here are the lyrics to the song...in case you wanted to know.
Tile :Lifehouse - Everything
This is lyrics from www.lyrics007.com
Find Me Here
Speak To Me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
You are the light
That's leading me
To the place where I find peace again.
You are the strength, that keeps me walking.
You are the hope, that keeps me trusting.
You are the light to my soul.
You are my purpose...you're everything.
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
You calm the storms, and you give me rest.
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall.
You steal my heart, and you take my breath away.
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Cause you're all I want, You're all I need
You're everything,everything
You're all I want your all I need
You're everything, everything.
You're all I want you're all I need.
You're everything, everything
You're all I want you're all I need, you're everything, everything.
And How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
That's it for now.
Here are the lyrics to the song...in case you wanted to know.
Tile :Lifehouse - Everything
This is lyrics from www.lyrics007.com
Find Me Here
Speak To Me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
You are the light
That's leading me
To the place where I find peace again.
You are the strength, that keeps me walking.
You are the hope, that keeps me trusting.
You are the light to my soul.
You are my purpose...you're everything.
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
You calm the storms, and you give me rest.
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall.
You steal my heart, and you take my breath away.
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Cause you're all I want, You're all I need
You're everything,everything
You're all I want your all I need
You're everything, everything.
You're all I want you're all I need.
You're everything, everything
You're all I want you're all I need, you're everything, everything.
And How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Monday, September 24, 2007
My Brain
You think with your heart, not your head
Sweet and considerate, you are a giver
But you're tough enough not to let anyone take advantage of you!
What Gender Is Your Brain?
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
How to Clean Your House
Step 1: Leave something important (like your checkbook register) on kitchen table.
Step 2: Allow small child to run around the house with it.
Step 3: Keep letting kid run around with chosen item until they hide it.
Step 4: Start looking.
Step 5: Since looking didn't work start cleaning every single room they had access to.
Step 6: Now your house is clean, but you still don't have what you were looking for.
Step 7: Look in most unlikely place (in entertainment center, bottom shelf, back row of DVDs, on top of DVDs) again to find what you are looking for.
Yeah, it's been a fun few days.
Step 2: Allow small child to run around the house with it.
Step 3: Keep letting kid run around with chosen item until they hide it.
Step 4: Start looking.
Step 5: Since looking didn't work start cleaning every single room they had access to.
Step 6: Now your house is clean, but you still don't have what you were looking for.
Step 7: Look in most unlikely place (in entertainment center, bottom shelf, back row of DVDs, on top of DVDs) again to find what you are looking for.
Yeah, it's been a fun few days.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Beautiful Day!
I think that fall may actually be coming to the Tennessee Valley! Today was beautiful. I was able to open the windows and let the breeze in. Ari got to play on the deck for awhile while Mr. Man was grilling and she was SO excited to be outside again. Fall in TN is not like fall in MI but I'm excited for it all the same.
Today was also one of the first Saturdays in a long time I have been able to say home all day. I didn't get as much done as I hoped, but it was a good start. As long as I can get the kitchen clean and laundry mostly done tonight I"ll be happy. I need to get more clean before I can start sewing again.
Some good news on the home front is that the ants are gone!!! I don't know if it was the grits or the ant traps that killed them, but I don't care they are gone!
Today was also one of the first Saturdays in a long time I have been able to say home all day. I didn't get as much done as I hoped, but it was a good start. As long as I can get the kitchen clean and laundry mostly done tonight I"ll be happy. I need to get more clean before I can start sewing again.
Some good news on the home front is that the ants are gone!!! I don't know if it was the grits or the ant traps that killed them, but I don't care they are gone!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Do Something Now
Mr. Man and I are starting to get involved with the College/Young Adult ministry at our church. There is finally a group where we feel like we fit into. Granted I feel so old and I very well may be the oldest person there (I'm going on 26), but Mr. Man says having the kids adds at least 5 years.
Anyway, last night was the first concert THIRST sponsored. The Peasall Sisters sang and were great. If you like bluegrass check them out. The goal of the concert was to raise money for the Blood:Water Mission to build a well in Africa. If you go to the website it explains the organization and how it came about. $1 can provide water for a person in Africa for a whole year!
One of the other leaders was moved during the planning process and said something like this:
It is so hard for us so separate from where we are here and now in America to imagine what it is like for people in Africa. It is sometimes hard to see past the idea of seeing Africa as just a continent over there or the people as just statistics. If you knew that one of your children, nieces/nephews, cousins, friends, or anyone you know didn't have water wouldn't you do everything you could to get them some? These people are our brothers and sisters too. God says that if you give someone a glass of water it is like you are giving it to Me.
I was moved. It always breaks my heart to know that there are people all over the world who don't have the basic things I take for granted every day. We are so blessed to be able to turn on the tap and have water whenever we need it, and yet then complain because it doesn't taste right or there's too much chlorine in it. It is so hard to break away from our cultural mindset to realize how good we have it even when it seems like we don't have anything.
How can you change how you see the world and then change how you live? How can you change your mind to be thankful for every little thing that you have? I know God has to be in it, but what can we do on a daily basis to be thankful for cold/hot water on demand, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators/freezers, pantries full of food (even if we don't want what is in there to eat), a bed that's not on the ground, real floors, central heat and air, you get the picture.
Just something to think about.
Anyway, last night was the first concert THIRST sponsored. The Peasall Sisters sang and were great. If you like bluegrass check them out. The goal of the concert was to raise money for the Blood:Water Mission to build a well in Africa. If you go to the website it explains the organization and how it came about. $1 can provide water for a person in Africa for a whole year!
One of the other leaders was moved during the planning process and said something like this:
It is so hard for us so separate from where we are here and now in America to imagine what it is like for people in Africa. It is sometimes hard to see past the idea of seeing Africa as just a continent over there or the people as just statistics. If you knew that one of your children, nieces/nephews, cousins, friends, or anyone you know didn't have water wouldn't you do everything you could to get them some? These people are our brothers and sisters too. God says that if you give someone a glass of water it is like you are giving it to Me.
I was moved. It always breaks my heart to know that there are people all over the world who don't have the basic things I take for granted every day. We are so blessed to be able to turn on the tap and have water whenever we need it, and yet then complain because it doesn't taste right or there's too much chlorine in it. It is so hard to break away from our cultural mindset to realize how good we have it even when it seems like we don't have anything.
How can you change how you see the world and then change how you live? How can you change your mind to be thankful for every little thing that you have? I know God has to be in it, but what can we do on a daily basis to be thankful for cold/hot water on demand, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators/freezers, pantries full of food (even if we don't want what is in there to eat), a bed that's not on the ground, real floors, central heat and air, you get the picture.
Just something to think about.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Random Thoughts of the Morning
So one of the major things on my mind these days is what to do with my hair. It is driving me crazy and I think something drastic might happen. I would love to cut it super short and dye it, but I know that I would look horrible. So my next thought is to get a body wave to help it out. My hair is straight as can be and I don't have time to mess with it in the mornings because I cannot get myself out of bed early enough. I'm also scared to do anything since my last disaster haircut where I had way too short bangs. What is a girl to do?
I'm also trying to sell off some stuff to make money to buy more stuff. I have some shoes, jewelry, and bras. Where is a good place to do this? Can us sell used bras? Would anyone buy a used bra? I've been looking at some of those sell your gold here websites and I don't know if it's a good idea or not. I see no point to keep some old stuff sitting in my jewelry box when I will never wear it.
The ants in our house MUST DIE!! How do you get rid of the little black sugar ants? I really don't want to call someone in to take care of them, but it may come to that.
If you ever have the chance to go through a Beth Moore Bible study do it! I have gone through the first week of one at church and it is great. I just hope I can keep up with my daily homework. I am so bad at doing devotions and Bible reading. Maybe this study will help.
I'm still feeling great after Friday's prayer time...PRAISE GOD!!!
I was finally able to get some diapers posted for sale. I hope they sell so we can buy a diaper sprayer.
I'm also trying to sell off some stuff to make money to buy more stuff. I have some shoes, jewelry, and bras. Where is a good place to do this? Can us sell used bras? Would anyone buy a used bra? I've been looking at some of those sell your gold here websites and I don't know if it's a good idea or not. I see no point to keep some old stuff sitting in my jewelry box when I will never wear it.
The ants in our house MUST DIE!! How do you get rid of the little black sugar ants? I really don't want to call someone in to take care of them, but it may come to that.
If you ever have the chance to go through a Beth Moore Bible study do it! I have gone through the first week of one at church and it is great. I just hope I can keep up with my daily homework. I am so bad at doing devotions and Bible reading. Maybe this study will help.
I'm still feeling great after Friday's prayer time...PRAISE GOD!!!
I was finally able to get some diapers posted for sale. I hope they sell so we can buy a diaper sprayer.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Pictures of the Kiddos
Overall things are going well for us. Mr. Man is sick of his job and we are just praying that the grant money goes through at work and I can go full time soon. The only new thing is we have a minor ant infestation by our kitchen sink that needs to go away NOW!! I've tried some natural remedies and these ants don't care. Now there are 4 traps around the sink. One way or another they will die.
For those of you wondering why Fred Savage was in the previous post I thought found it funny that they said I looked like him. There were some other men in the mix too, but let's not go there.
Anyhoo, enjoy the kiddos.
Making a fashion statement wearing my shoes and a hair tie on her arm...Have you seen Bruce Almighty?
He looks so happy here.
A great find on Craig's List. Sadly his legs are too big to really fit in his chair. Ari loves it though.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Losing My Mind
Has anyone ever been on and then stopped taking Zoloft before? I'm starting to come off of my meds and I feel like I'm going crazy. Does this stop? How do you cope with this? HELP PLEASE!!!
UPDATE
At work today they were having a spirit-filled Pastor/Rabbi speak in the building I work in and he asked if anyone needed prayer for physical healing. I came out of my office and he prayed for me and I feel normal again!! PRAISE GOD!!! I still have a bit of a headache, but I feel free from all of the icky stuff that I've been feeling. He also prayed and said something about other children and that it will be easier...uhh what does that mean?!?! I've been paranoid that I'm pregnant despite the IUD I'd just like to know for sure. I've come to realize that when God wants something to happen it will. Birth control will not stop God if we are supposed to have more kids. Please pray that God continues to heal my body and mind from coming off of meds.
Isn't God great?!?!
UPDATE
At work today they were having a spirit-filled Pastor/Rabbi speak in the building I work in and he asked if anyone needed prayer for physical healing. I came out of my office and he prayed for me and I feel normal again!! PRAISE GOD!!! I still have a bit of a headache, but I feel free from all of the icky stuff that I've been feeling. He also prayed and said something about other children and that it will be easier...uhh what does that mean?!?! I've been paranoid that I'm pregnant despite the IUD I'd just like to know for sure. I've come to realize that when God wants something to happen it will. Birth control will not stop God if we are supposed to have more kids. Please pray that God continues to heal my body and mind from coming off of meds.
Isn't God great?!?!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Yay For Cable Internet!!
I am currently writing from my laptop, on my favorite chair, watching TLC waiting for Mr. Man to come home with chocolate cake from Outback!!! I am turning into a mindless slug and for now it feels great.
The fam is almost fully recovered from the icky virus going around Cleveland. Eli is still stuffy and the rest of us are coughing. I just hope this doesn't go around again. We have another kiddo in our house this week and he has a stuffy nose. I hope it's just allergies, but we'll see.
Little Man is a huge fan of his rice cereal! Sadly I think he may not be nursing much longer:( He keeps having such trouble when he tries. In some ways I don't mind. I just hope I can find a good pumping schedule with work so that I can keep my milk supply up.
Will there ever be a time when I have something to talk about other than diapers, poop, breast milk, and other baby/body functions? Someday...someday.
The fam is almost fully recovered from the icky virus going around Cleveland. Eli is still stuffy and the rest of us are coughing. I just hope this doesn't go around again. We have another kiddo in our house this week and he has a stuffy nose. I hope it's just allergies, but we'll see.
Little Man is a huge fan of his rice cereal! Sadly I think he may not be nursing much longer:( He keeps having such trouble when he tries. In some ways I don't mind. I just hope I can find a good pumping schedule with work so that I can keep my milk supply up.
Will there ever be a time when I have something to talk about other than diapers, poop, breast milk, and other baby/body functions? Someday...someday.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Sugar Mama?
We are praying for some good news at our house. Yesterday at work we found out that the grant money we applied for could be available to us within 72 hours!!! It's a good chunk of change for the ministry to work with. But with more money comes more work. Please pray with us that I can begin to work full-time and be paid enough so that Mr. Man can quit his job, or at least go down to 2 shifts a week.
With how things have been the past few years it would be such a blessing for this to happen. I'll be giving updates on how things are going.
Other news:
Eli is now 4 months old and as cute as can be. He is a huge baby at 19 pounds 4 ounces, and 26 inches long!!! Ari wasn't 19 pounds until she was 6 months old. He had his first taste of rice cereal yesterday too.
We are dying from the heat here in TN. I felt a cool breeze yesterday for the 1st time in weeks and it was wonderful. Very short lived, but wonderful. I can't wait for fall, sweaters, and needing to turn on the heat instead of AC. Right now I would go for some snow too.
Next week we will have basic cable and cable Internet in our house!! Charter had a deal and we took it. I can't wait for fast Internet again especially since there is a ton of stuff I want to sell in our house to make some extra $$ for things we need.
Mr. Man went on a super-cleaning spree yesterday and the house is starting to look nice again. Now it's my turn to clean up all of my junk.
If anyone knows of a good place to get small chalkboards let me know.
That's all for now. Time to do some work.
With how things have been the past few years it would be such a blessing for this to happen. I'll be giving updates on how things are going.
Other news:
Eli is now 4 months old and as cute as can be. He is a huge baby at 19 pounds 4 ounces, and 26 inches long!!! Ari wasn't 19 pounds until she was 6 months old. He had his first taste of rice cereal yesterday too.
We are dying from the heat here in TN. I felt a cool breeze yesterday for the 1st time in weeks and it was wonderful. Very short lived, but wonderful. I can't wait for fall, sweaters, and needing to turn on the heat instead of AC. Right now I would go for some snow too.
Next week we will have basic cable and cable Internet in our house!! Charter had a deal and we took it. I can't wait for fast Internet again especially since there is a ton of stuff I want to sell in our house to make some extra $$ for things we need.
Mr. Man went on a super-cleaning spree yesterday and the house is starting to look nice again. Now it's my turn to clean up all of my junk.
If anyone knows of a good place to get small chalkboards let me know.
That's all for now. Time to do some work.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Have You Polished Your Sink Today?
Thanks to my friend Jenn I have found the most AMAZING website known to man! Ok, well maybe it's not the #1 site out there, but it is one of the best for my life right now. Flylady is a site that helps scatterbrained people like me get a handle on cleaning and organizing their house. The first step is to clean and polish the kitchen sink and keep it clean. Then there are baby steps to help you keep going.
I needed this so badly. Now I have someone telling me what area to work every day/week. After awhile I will be able to make my own schedule once I get the house in order. It's easier having someone else give me the baby step to work on rather than looking at the whole mess.
Anyhoo, that's it for now. Gotta get work done so I can get home.
I needed this so badly. Now I have someone telling me what area to work every day/week. After awhile I will be able to make my own schedule once I get the house in order. It's easier having someone else give me the baby step to work on rather than looking at the whole mess.
Anyhoo, that's it for now. Gotta get work done so I can get home.
Friday, August 17, 2007
What Brings You Joy?
The main reason for this post is to enter a contest to win a filing/organizational system, but at the same time I think it will turn into good personal reflection time. The contest is being hosted by Kerflop. A wonderful blog that I love, and she is also the brains behind Very Baby cloth diapers. One of these days I will show what I've been working on with the new sewing machine. Anyway onto my point as best as my brain will allow.
What brings me joy? I have been asking myself that very question for a while now. For those of you who know me you know how crazy life has been for a while now. For those of you who don't here's a short background of me.
I'm a 25-year-old wife and mom to 2 wonderful kids. Ari is 21 1/2 months and Eli is 3 1/2 months. I work part-time for a local ministry, Mr. Man goes to school full time and works just about full time. To make life even crazier we just bought our first house! Needless to say life is crazy.
Now back to joy. After Eli was born I started to have postpartum depression. I had some with Ari but it wasn't any worse that what I've dealt with since high school so for her I didn't need to do anything. Not this time. I was getting to the point of not being able to function so I'm now on a very low dose of Zoloft and it has made a world of difference. I am slowly starting to feel like a real person again.
Though the Zoloft helps, I am still in a funk. Part of it has to do with the disaster that is our house. Granted some of the disorganization is from moving, but let's just be real and the majority of it is because of me. I am not good at cleaning. I am not good at organizing. I like having things clean and organized but I cannot get my brain to begin the process.
I tend to look at the whole picture instead of breaking things up. I see the whole house in shambles and get so overwhelmed that I can't get anything done. My thought process is, "If I can't clean the whole thing how/why should I start?" Not logical I know, but that's my mind. I am also very good at starting a million projects at once and never getting any of them done. All of this drives my semi-OCD husband crazy.
So, what brings me joy? Spending quality time with my husband, spending quality time with the kids, spending time with God, doing craft projects, spending time with friends, sleep, exercise, baking, blogging, reading, journaling, watching the sunset, spending time outside, and I know the list can go on. Sadly hardly any of these things happen in my life. Many of them do to some degree but not to a point where I would like. Part of the reason is life circumstances, but another is that everything here is a mess and it takes 3 times longer to get things done because nothing has a home and things don't stay organized.
I would love to get this house, my work office, the cars, and anywhere else I am regularly neat and organized. I'm slowly learning more about how to get this done and any tool that is proven to work I would be happy to try.
This is how I "organize". Please help!!
What brings me joy? I have been asking myself that very question for a while now. For those of you who know me you know how crazy life has been for a while now. For those of you who don't here's a short background of me.
I'm a 25-year-old wife and mom to 2 wonderful kids. Ari is 21 1/2 months and Eli is 3 1/2 months. I work part-time for a local ministry, Mr. Man goes to school full time and works just about full time. To make life even crazier we just bought our first house! Needless to say life is crazy.
Now back to joy. After Eli was born I started to have postpartum depression. I had some with Ari but it wasn't any worse that what I've dealt with since high school so for her I didn't need to do anything. Not this time. I was getting to the point of not being able to function so I'm now on a very low dose of Zoloft and it has made a world of difference. I am slowly starting to feel like a real person again.
Though the Zoloft helps, I am still in a funk. Part of it has to do with the disaster that is our house. Granted some of the disorganization is from moving, but let's just be real and the majority of it is because of me. I am not good at cleaning. I am not good at organizing. I like having things clean and organized but I cannot get my brain to begin the process.
I tend to look at the whole picture instead of breaking things up. I see the whole house in shambles and get so overwhelmed that I can't get anything done. My thought process is, "If I can't clean the whole thing how/why should I start?" Not logical I know, but that's my mind. I am also very good at starting a million projects at once and never getting any of them done. All of this drives my semi-OCD husband crazy.
So, what brings me joy? Spending quality time with my husband, spending quality time with the kids, spending time with God, doing craft projects, spending time with friends, sleep, exercise, baking, blogging, reading, journaling, watching the sunset, spending time outside, and I know the list can go on. Sadly hardly any of these things happen in my life. Many of them do to some degree but not to a point where I would like. Part of the reason is life circumstances, but another is that everything here is a mess and it takes 3 times longer to get things done because nothing has a home and things don't stay organized.
I would love to get this house, my work office, the cars, and anywhere else I am regularly neat and organized. I'm slowly learning more about how to get this done and any tool that is proven to work I would be happy to try.
This is how I "organize". Please help!!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Our House
Here are some updated pictures of the house. More to come.
There's really not much to talk about today, so it's just the pictures.
There's really not much to talk about today, so it's just the pictures.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Looking for Opinions
One ministry area that my job focuses on is education. We have slowly been developing our Master's Institute of Ministry and are brainstorming how we can expand. We have almost finished putting together our first lesson series and are looking for more ideas. One of my ideas was to put together a series for women. This idea came from my Wednesday class at church. Last week's lesson was "A Woman and Her Emotions."
So here's what I'm looking for:
*Read the explanation of the lesson series idea
*Read the questions
*Comment on your ideas
I would really appreciate any feedback you can give on this one. Feel free to link this site to your friends.
Series Explanation
The format will be a 5-7 week lesson plan with a different topic being covered each week. One person will be asked to write a chapter on a particular topic to even out the workload. We will create a leaders guide, student worksheets, DVD, and possibly a supplemental book.
It will be geared toward women from ages 18+ and taught for lay people with practical life applications. It could be used as a Sunday/Wednesday class at church, or used as a 2 day conference.
The focus will be about a woman's faith, but not necessarily just prayer, devotions, etc. Topics could include health, nutrition, parenting, life stages, marriage, the single life, the ideas are completely open.
Questions
1. What topics would you be interested in learning about regarding women and faith?
2. What what would be the #1 thing you would not like to see?
Please take some time to think and pray about this. No rush, just let me know what you think.
Thanks in advance!!
So here's what I'm looking for:
*Read the explanation of the lesson series idea
*Read the questions
*Comment on your ideas
I would really appreciate any feedback you can give on this one. Feel free to link this site to your friends.
Series Explanation
The format will be a 5-7 week lesson plan with a different topic being covered each week. One person will be asked to write a chapter on a particular topic to even out the workload. We will create a leaders guide, student worksheets, DVD, and possibly a supplemental book.
It will be geared toward women from ages 18+ and taught for lay people with practical life applications. It could be used as a Sunday/Wednesday class at church, or used as a 2 day conference.
The focus will be about a woman's faith, but not necessarily just prayer, devotions, etc. Topics could include health, nutrition, parenting, life stages, marriage, the single life, the ideas are completely open.
Questions
1. What topics would you be interested in learning about regarding women and faith?
2. What what would be the #1 thing you would not like to see?
Please take some time to think and pray about this. No rush, just let me know what you think.
Thanks in advance!!
2 Wonderful Books
Here are two books that I have been reading through in my "spare time" a.k.a. bathroom time.
Now if I can just apply what I'm reading life will be good. I'll try and post some of the good tips soon.
By the way...do any of you Clevelanders know where/if you can recycle in this town? Let me know.
Now if I can just apply what I'm reading life will be good. I'll try and post some of the good tips soon.
By the way...do any of you Clevelanders know where/if you can recycle in this town? Let me know.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Pictures
Trying to put Ari's hair in pig tails...not working yet.
It was like 90+ degrees this day and she had to wear these shoes. I can't wait until she starts to dress herself.
3 Months old...Don't you just want to pinch those cheeks?
Yup, I'm Still Alive
It has been way too long since I've written anything. The main reason is because we have dial-up now and it takes way too much effort to get online at home. Second I've actually had things to do at work so I have not been able to write.
Overall things are going well at our house. Ari is getting more teeth and has had a hard time sleeping and is going through a picky eating phase again. Eli is smiling, laughing, and still growing like a weed. We are slowly getting more and more settled into our house which is nice.
Thanks to a tip from a friend at church I have found 2 amazing new stores in town. One is A1 Closeouts and the other is Tennessee liquidators or something like that. Anyway, when they have them you can get diapers for super-cheap. We mainly use cloth, as you know by now, but there are times when we need the regular ones. I got a pack of 13 count Pampers baby dry for $2.99!! You can also get toilet paper for a good deal too. The best find was Avent nursing pads for $1.99. That was my favorite find yet.
I have also become a huge fan of the dollar store. Now you need to find the right dollar store because they are not created equal. I got some great laundry hampers for the kids rooms, a Little Mermaid place mat for the little lady, some storage baskets, and calculators. If you need small storage/organization containers find a good dollar store. I got 2 baskets for $1!! Even Walmart can't beat that price.
One new thing in our house is my wonderful new sewing machine from my daddy! I e-mailed my mom to ask if they could ship one that's sitting in a closet to me and we would cover the cost and the next thing I know my dad is saying he'll just buy me a new one. How could I say no? So I asked and looked around and got a Kennmore from Sears. I LOVE IT!! I've been making diapers like crazy and thankfully getting better with each one. I'll get some pictures up this week. Also in diaper news the kids are wearing the same size cloth diapers. Crazy I know, but it makes sewing a lot easier only having to use one pattern size. (By the way, Karen...your soaker is done!! It will be lanolized tonight and in the mail once it is dry)
I think that's it for now. But there might be more later today, who knows.
Overall things are going well at our house. Ari is getting more teeth and has had a hard time sleeping and is going through a picky eating phase again. Eli is smiling, laughing, and still growing like a weed. We are slowly getting more and more settled into our house which is nice.
Thanks to a tip from a friend at church I have found 2 amazing new stores in town. One is A1 Closeouts and the other is Tennessee liquidators or something like that. Anyway, when they have them you can get diapers for super-cheap. We mainly use cloth, as you know by now, but there are times when we need the regular ones. I got a pack of 13 count Pampers baby dry for $2.99!! You can also get toilet paper for a good deal too. The best find was Avent nursing pads for $1.99. That was my favorite find yet.
I have also become a huge fan of the dollar store. Now you need to find the right dollar store because they are not created equal. I got some great laundry hampers for the kids rooms, a Little Mermaid place mat for the little lady, some storage baskets, and calculators. If you need small storage/organization containers find a good dollar store. I got 2 baskets for $1!! Even Walmart can't beat that price.
One new thing in our house is my wonderful new sewing machine from my daddy! I e-mailed my mom to ask if they could ship one that's sitting in a closet to me and we would cover the cost and the next thing I know my dad is saying he'll just buy me a new one. How could I say no? So I asked and looked around and got a Kennmore from Sears. I LOVE IT!! I've been making diapers like crazy and thankfully getting better with each one. I'll get some pictures up this week. Also in diaper news the kids are wearing the same size cloth diapers. Crazy I know, but it makes sewing a lot easier only having to use one pattern size. (By the way, Karen...your soaker is done!! It will be lanolized tonight and in the mail once it is dry)
I think that's it for now. But there might be more later today, who knows.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Alphabet Soup-The Letter B
I found out about alphabet soup from Karen feel free to play along. Go here to join in the fun.
Things I love that start with B...
1. My Baby Boy Eli. He's been recently nicknamed Pudgetastic due to his wonderful chubby nature. He is also just starting to smile which is wonderful.
2. The Bible. Though my lack of reading and studying it is quite evident I still love God's Word and one of these days I will be disciplined enough to read the Word more.
3. Baths. I love a good bath. Sadly they are few and far between, but I savor the ones I get.
4. Bowling. I haven't been for a long time, but bowling is always fun.
5. Bike rides. See comment for bowling.
6. Bagels!!! I wish there was a Big Apple Bagels store in our area. Oh how I miss good bagels.
7. Brother Bear 1 & 2. These wonderful Disney movies allow me to get things done during the day and they don't completely annoy me which is a plus.
Well that's all for today. I will get an update post up soon-ish.
Things I love that start with B...
1. My Baby Boy Eli. He's been recently nicknamed Pudgetastic due to his wonderful chubby nature. He is also just starting to smile which is wonderful.
2. The Bible. Though my lack of reading and studying it is quite evident I still love God's Word and one of these days I will be disciplined enough to read the Word more.
3. Baths. I love a good bath. Sadly they are few and far between, but I savor the ones I get.
4. Bowling. I haven't been for a long time, but bowling is always fun.
5. Bike rides. See comment for bowling.
6. Bagels!!! I wish there was a Big Apple Bagels store in our area. Oh how I miss good bagels.
7. Brother Bear 1 & 2. These wonderful Disney movies allow me to get things done during the day and they don't completely annoy me which is a plus.
Well that's all for today. I will get an update post up soon-ish.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
15 pounds 11 ounces
Eli went for his 2 month check-up today and we found out he is 15 pounds 11 ounces and 25 inches long!!! This means he has gained 9 pounds and grown close to 6 inches in 1 month. No wonder this kid sleeps all the time, and his diapers hardly fit. The poor kid had his first round of shots today too. 2 in each leg. It kills me when the kids have to get shots.
On the home front we are slowly moving in. I hope to get a lot done tomorrow since I don't have to go into work at all. One of these days we will be mostly organized.
I'll get some new pictures up soon I hope. Sadly we don't have DSL anymore and are back to dial-up so any picture adding will have to be done when I'm in the office so I don't spend the whole night in the office waiting for pictures to upload.
Since I have tomorrow to clean it's time to relax and do some more knitting. Have a great 4th everyone!
On the home front we are slowly moving in. I hope to get a lot done tomorrow since I don't have to go into work at all. One of these days we will be mostly organized.
I'll get some new pictures up soon I hope. Sadly we don't have DSL anymore and are back to dial-up so any picture adding will have to be done when I'm in the office so I don't spend the whole night in the office waiting for pictures to upload.
Since I have tomorrow to clean it's time to relax and do some more knitting. Have a great 4th everyone!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
New Photos
No real news to update. Here are a few more pictures of the house.
Kids Room Before
Kids Room After-This was done by Mr. Man. You can't really tell in this picture but it's a light green.
Our room with a 3rd coat of paint.
Ummm Yumm-Ari eating her dinner saying "Ummm Yumm"
Kids Room Before
Kids Room After-This was done by Mr. Man. You can't really tell in this picture but it's a light green.
Our room with a 3rd coat of paint.
Ummm Yumm-Ari eating her dinner saying "Ummm Yumm"
Monday, June 25, 2007
Umm Yum!!!
This is Ari's new favorite thing to say. We taught her what "yummy" means and now every time she eats something she likes she rubs her tummy and says "umm yum". It is the cutest thing in the world. It kinda makes up for when she's causing trouble.
Things have been super-crazy around here. The house is almost painted. One more coat in the bedroom, the bathrooms, and maybe some touch-ups in the living room and we're done. I am so happy my boss is going to South Africa tomorrow for 2 weeks so I don't have to worry too much about not working. I really don't want to go back, but sadly the bank accound demands it.
Thanks to Zoloft I am feeling wonderful!! I have been able to make dinner again, clean up the kitchen, and I just feel better. This is not to say times are always grand, but life is more manageable. I hope I don't have to be on this stuff forever, but for now I am so thankful. Once we get settled in the house I will start talking to a pro about my funk to help things out.
Now it's time to relax and get some knitting done before I need to feed Eli and get to bed. Here are some pictures of the house.
The one wall with wallpaper before.
The room after.
Our bedroom before.
Our bedroom after.
Eli-2 months old
Things have been super-crazy around here. The house is almost painted. One more coat in the bedroom, the bathrooms, and maybe some touch-ups in the living room and we're done. I am so happy my boss is going to South Africa tomorrow for 2 weeks so I don't have to worry too much about not working. I really don't want to go back, but sadly the bank accound demands it.
Thanks to Zoloft I am feeling wonderful!! I have been able to make dinner again, clean up the kitchen, and I just feel better. This is not to say times are always grand, but life is more manageable. I hope I don't have to be on this stuff forever, but for now I am so thankful. Once we get settled in the house I will start talking to a pro about my funk to help things out.
Now it's time to relax and get some knitting done before I need to feed Eli and get to bed. Here are some pictures of the house.
The one wall with wallpaper before.
The room after.
Our bedroom before.
Our bedroom after.
Eli-2 months old
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
It Was A Good Day
Today was a good day. I started things off with a trip to Home Depot to buy all of our paint and supplies for the house. Everything was way more than I thought it would be, but it will be worth it...I hope. Thankfully the lady helping me was really nice and didn't take advantage of a beginner painter.
I thought things were going to take a turn for the worse when I got to work and found out I was supposed to have planned a lunch for my boss!! His usual secretary forgot to mention that to me when we were going over my weekly things to do. Thankfully it all worked out and I got some of the extra stuff for lunch. I found out that I don't have to be there all week to tomorrow and Thursday will be major workdays at the house.
It finally rained in Cleveland!!! We have been having such a bad drought and it finally rained for more than 5 minutes today. I hope the rain stays for a while because we need it and I don't want to pay money to water our new lawn.
More good news...Eli finally has insurance!! I had a good talk with the people in Nashville who handle all of the processing. Everything was finally processed last Friday and both kids have full coverage. Sadly mine ends at the end of the month, but we knew that would happen. At least it will cover my final appointment Thursday. Sadly our assets are too high to qualify for food stamps. The good news is after moving into the house we will have drained most of our funds and should qualify. In the long run I think it will be worth getting rid of some money to not have to pay for groceries every month.
Overall I am starting to feel much better. I'm still dealing with feeling dizzy from my meds but today I kind of felt like my normal self, which hasn't happened in a while. I was also able to clean up the kitchen without dragging myself in the kitchen to do it. Dinner on the other hand is another story, but that is partly has to do with the fact that we haven't been shopping in a while. I do have something planned for tomorrow or Thursday, which is amazing.
In the world of cloth diapers things are good and bad. Good that I've been doing really well with not putting disposables on Eli, bad that most of his fitteds are creating super plumber butt. His prefolds are starting to fall apart in some places and after re-serging them they are a little too small. I'm pretty sure my diaper sewing supplies will be here tomorrow, but half of my sewing stuff is here and half is at the house. I can't wait to move to have some space to work on projects. Sewing Eli some new diapers is at the top of the list. If anyone in Cleveland is reading this and you have any old t-shirts or sweatshirts that you need to get rid of let me know because I can recycle them into diapers.
I think that's it for now. I hope day 1 of painting goes well tomorrow.
I thought things were going to take a turn for the worse when I got to work and found out I was supposed to have planned a lunch for my boss!! His usual secretary forgot to mention that to me when we were going over my weekly things to do. Thankfully it all worked out and I got some of the extra stuff for lunch. I found out that I don't have to be there all week to tomorrow and Thursday will be major workdays at the house.
It finally rained in Cleveland!!! We have been having such a bad drought and it finally rained for more than 5 minutes today. I hope the rain stays for a while because we need it and I don't want to pay money to water our new lawn.
More good news...Eli finally has insurance!! I had a good talk with the people in Nashville who handle all of the processing. Everything was finally processed last Friday and both kids have full coverage. Sadly mine ends at the end of the month, but we knew that would happen. At least it will cover my final appointment Thursday. Sadly our assets are too high to qualify for food stamps. The good news is after moving into the house we will have drained most of our funds and should qualify. In the long run I think it will be worth getting rid of some money to not have to pay for groceries every month.
Overall I am starting to feel much better. I'm still dealing with feeling dizzy from my meds but today I kind of felt like my normal self, which hasn't happened in a while. I was also able to clean up the kitchen without dragging myself in the kitchen to do it. Dinner on the other hand is another story, but that is partly has to do with the fact that we haven't been shopping in a while. I do have something planned for tomorrow or Thursday, which is amazing.
In the world of cloth diapers things are good and bad. Good that I've been doing really well with not putting disposables on Eli, bad that most of his fitteds are creating super plumber butt. His prefolds are starting to fall apart in some places and after re-serging them they are a little too small. I'm pretty sure my diaper sewing supplies will be here tomorrow, but half of my sewing stuff is here and half is at the house. I can't wait to move to have some space to work on projects. Sewing Eli some new diapers is at the top of the list. If anyone in Cleveland is reading this and you have any old t-shirts or sweatshirts that you need to get rid of let me know because I can recycle them into diapers.
I think that's it for now. I hope day 1 of painting goes well tomorrow.
Monday, June 18, 2007
What Day Is It?
I was sitting here about to start writing and couldn't remember what day it was. That's how things have been around here. Here's what's been going on since the last posting.
Thursday
Had another good day with the fam figuring stuff out for the house. Mr. Man had the day off again which was nice. Though with all the good it was still a funk-filled ugly day.
Friday
Decided I need some help coping with life so I called up the doc and started taking Zoloft. I'm happy that I made the call and I know that things will slowly start to get better with time, but until life smooths out I don't want the icky days to be around.
Saturday
More time at Home Depot and Lowes looking for stuff for the house. We are starting to spend way to much time at these places.
Sunday
Happy Father's Day to Mr. Man!!! Well sort of. He had to spend 8 hours at work. One of these days he'll get to spend a holiday with us.
I got to catch up with some friends from Hope which was wonderful!! It looks like we're going to be having some company in the semi-near future and I can't wait. I miss my friends dearly and hate that everyone lives so far away. Thankfuly there's the internet to keep us all updated.
Today
Started working at the church for my boss. There was nothing to do. I really hope the next few days are better or I'm going to go crazy.
We decided that we're going to try and do most of the house painting ourselves and get help next week if needed. Now it's time to go and get supplies. I hope it turns out well since neither of us have paited a wall in our lives. Pictures will come. Here are some of the kids though.
Thursday
Had another good day with the fam figuring stuff out for the house. Mr. Man had the day off again which was nice. Though with all the good it was still a funk-filled ugly day.
Friday
Decided I need some help coping with life so I called up the doc and started taking Zoloft. I'm happy that I made the call and I know that things will slowly start to get better with time, but until life smooths out I don't want the icky days to be around.
Saturday
More time at Home Depot and Lowes looking for stuff for the house. We are starting to spend way to much time at these places.
Sunday
Happy Father's Day to Mr. Man!!! Well sort of. He had to spend 8 hours at work. One of these days he'll get to spend a holiday with us.
I got to catch up with some friends from Hope which was wonderful!! It looks like we're going to be having some company in the semi-near future and I can't wait. I miss my friends dearly and hate that everyone lives so far away. Thankfuly there's the internet to keep us all updated.
Today
Started working at the church for my boss. There was nothing to do. I really hope the next few days are better or I'm going to go crazy.
We decided that we're going to try and do most of the house painting ourselves and get help next week if needed. Now it's time to go and get supplies. I hope it turns out well since neither of us have paited a wall in our lives. Pictures will come. Here are some of the kids though.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Holy Goodness
It has been a busy few days. Mr. Man has been moving stuff over to the house like crazy, we have been looking for new appliances, trying to decide on paint colors, and I started "working" again.
I went back to work and found there's still nothing for me to do. Plus, our budget is WAY low. Thankfully I have some job security and I know my boss won't leave me high-and-dry. Nevertheless I think I'm going to start looking for other part time options. I really can't justify going to work to do nothing when there's really no funds to pay me. Plus, they would be better off having someone working there to do the little I do, and be able to do other ministry work as well. I can't do much outside of the office. They're not going to send me out to try and raise money, and me preaching is out of the question. They have survived 2 months without me and managed just fine.
I hope I can get some more insight from my boss next week when I'm filling in for his secretary at his main place of ministry.
I'm really open for anything right now. I have learned a lot, and mostly like my job, but I am STARVED for human interaction. Maybe this is a natural time for a change. Let's just pray there's a job waiting for me.
On a side note...If anyone reading this is good at interior design or painting please let me know. Currently my designer help (my mom) is in Mexico and cannot be reached. Or if you know of anyone who is good at either of these things let me know.
I went back to work and found there's still nothing for me to do. Plus, our budget is WAY low. Thankfully I have some job security and I know my boss won't leave me high-and-dry. Nevertheless I think I'm going to start looking for other part time options. I really can't justify going to work to do nothing when there's really no funds to pay me. Plus, they would be better off having someone working there to do the little I do, and be able to do other ministry work as well. I can't do much outside of the office. They're not going to send me out to try and raise money, and me preaching is out of the question. They have survived 2 months without me and managed just fine.
I hope I can get some more insight from my boss next week when I'm filling in for his secretary at his main place of ministry.
I'm really open for anything right now. I have learned a lot, and mostly like my job, but I am STARVED for human interaction. Maybe this is a natural time for a change. Let's just pray there's a job waiting for me.
On a side note...If anyone reading this is good at interior design or painting please let me know. Currently my designer help (my mom) is in Mexico and cannot be reached. Or if you know of anyone who is good at either of these things let me know.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Patience Pays Off
Some good things have happened in the past few days.
On Friday we FINALLY closed on our house!! We are now homeowners!
On Saturday I helped to "coordinate" a wedding for two friends from school. I didn't get to help as much as I had hoped due to kids and Mr. Man's work, but I was so happy to help out where I could. The wedding was beautiful despite all of the behind-the-scene ickyness.
On Sunday Eli had his baby dedication at church. A few friends were able to come and be with us. I hate that our family, well most of it, is so far away for things like this. There are pictures but I'm to lazy to go get the camera to load the pictures, sorry.
Today we went and walked through the house deciding on paint colors and what we want to do to every room. Thankfully there's not too much and I think we can get everything done before we move in at the end of the month. I'm just glad we have plenty of time to move in so we can do it slowly and then have one day to move the big stuff.
Also today I ordered all of my diaper making supplies! The AIO pattern I have been wanting is now back in stock and I was able to get it:) I'm so glad I waited until they updated their inventory to order. The next purchase will be some yarn that's on sale at Knit Picks to make some more soakers and longies. I am finding that I really like these more than PUL covers. Speaking of knitting it is time to go and do just that.
On Friday we FINALLY closed on our house!! We are now homeowners!
On Saturday I helped to "coordinate" a wedding for two friends from school. I didn't get to help as much as I had hoped due to kids and Mr. Man's work, but I was so happy to help out where I could. The wedding was beautiful despite all of the behind-the-scene ickyness.
On Sunday Eli had his baby dedication at church. A few friends were able to come and be with us. I hate that our family, well most of it, is so far away for things like this. There are pictures but I'm to lazy to go get the camera to load the pictures, sorry.
Today we went and walked through the house deciding on paint colors and what we want to do to every room. Thankfully there's not too much and I think we can get everything done before we move in at the end of the month. I'm just glad we have plenty of time to move in so we can do it slowly and then have one day to move the big stuff.
Also today I ordered all of my diaper making supplies! The AIO pattern I have been wanting is now back in stock and I was able to get it:) I'm so glad I waited until they updated their inventory to order. The next purchase will be some yarn that's on sale at Knit Picks to make some more soakers and longies. I am finding that I really like these more than PUL covers. Speaking of knitting it is time to go and do just that.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Our First House
Yes folks it's really true this time...We're getting the house!! I got the official call from the USDA today that they have our money and we're closing this week!!! We also had the home inspection today which went very well. Now it's time to get serious about paint colors, curtains, and moving dates.
Here are some pictures of our first house.
Here are some pictures of our first house.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Some Good News Today
1. I finally sold my Swaddlebees AIO diaper! It sold on Diaperswappers. I am so happy!
2. I ordered some AIO diapers from Montana's Diaper Store for a testing price so they were a good deal. I just hope they fit well and do their job. I wasn't really wanting to order more, but the kids need something until I can get all of the sewing supplies ordered, shipped here, and made.
3. I hope it's not too good to be true but I think we will be closing on the house Friday!! They won't know until tomorrow or Wednesday for sure if we have the money, but so far all looks good. It's getting inspected tomorrow, someone is working on the title, and we're getting our insurance ready. Now we just need to figure out how we're going to paint everything before we move. I hope we can get some help even if it is paid help because I really don't want to deal with moving furniture, keeping kids off the wet walls, or fumes after we move in.
Closing on the house totally makes up for needing to bring our "new" car in for repairs. The AC stopped working and you can't live without AC in Tennessee.
Other than bringing in the car it was a pretty good day. Eli slept for about 5 hours last night!! I hope this starts to become a trend. I meet with my boss tomorrow to talk about going back to work :( I just hope he's open to letting me work for a few hours every day in the early morning. I just need to work enough to help pay the bills. Please pray that we are both working at the right places, or that the right jobs come along soon. We really need a change in lifestyle and maybe things working with the house is the beginning of some more good changes to come. If not we'll manage like we always do. I hope the good news keeps coming.
2. I ordered some AIO diapers from Montana's Diaper Store for a testing price so they were a good deal. I just hope they fit well and do their job. I wasn't really wanting to order more, but the kids need something until I can get all of the sewing supplies ordered, shipped here, and made.
3. I hope it's not too good to be true but I think we will be closing on the house Friday!! They won't know until tomorrow or Wednesday for sure if we have the money, but so far all looks good. It's getting inspected tomorrow, someone is working on the title, and we're getting our insurance ready. Now we just need to figure out how we're going to paint everything before we move. I hope we can get some help even if it is paid help because I really don't want to deal with moving furniture, keeping kids off the wet walls, or fumes after we move in.
Closing on the house totally makes up for needing to bring our "new" car in for repairs. The AC stopped working and you can't live without AC in Tennessee.
Other than bringing in the car it was a pretty good day. Eli slept for about 5 hours last night!! I hope this starts to become a trend. I meet with my boss tomorrow to talk about going back to work :( I just hope he's open to letting me work for a few hours every day in the early morning. I just need to work enough to help pay the bills. Please pray that we are both working at the right places, or that the right jobs come along soon. We really need a change in lifestyle and maybe things working with the house is the beginning of some more good changes to come. If not we'll manage like we always do. I hope the good news keeps coming.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
It's the Little Things
A few "momentous" things happened today.
1. I went grocery shopping for the first time in close to 2 months. Somehow I started to forget what all is at the store. It was a good time spent with the whole family. I know, we live on the edge.
2. I wore pants that have a zipper with a belt!! I don't remember the last time that happened. Granted the capris are much larger than I would like them to be, but I'm not giving myself too hard of a time since I did just give birth 6 weeks ago. In time these will go into the bin of clothes that need to be saved.
3. I changed the filter in the fish tank!! I haven't done this for at least 5 months. As a former PetCo employee I know that it should be changed every 3-4 weeks, but the tank was clear so why bother? Things are slowly starting to get a bit funky in there, but I'm not going to do a major cleaning until we move. There's just no point.
Changing the filter meant I had to go and buy one. It was nice to be back at PetCo for a bit. The only thing I miss about working there is being around people. What I hate about my job is that I never get to see or talk to anyone on a regular basis. I'm still dreaming of my job at Starbucks or other coffee shop...God please call me there!!!
4. Ari went to bed early. I don't know if this is good or bad yet. Good for me now, but it could mean a really early morning. I just hope the extra sleep does her good. She's getting another tooth in and I know that's causing some of her troubles.
5. I didn't get to participate in this next one, but my parents left for Mexico today. I'm happy they get to have 2 weeks together in a nice place. Especially since my dad missed last summer since he was in Iraq. I just wish I was there too. I could handle spending my days in the pool swimming up to the bar for freshly made N/A fruit drinks. Though some days make me want to say bring on the real drinks!
Anyhoo, that's it for now. Time to knit:)
1. I went grocery shopping for the first time in close to 2 months. Somehow I started to forget what all is at the store. It was a good time spent with the whole family. I know, we live on the edge.
2. I wore pants that have a zipper with a belt!! I don't remember the last time that happened. Granted the capris are much larger than I would like them to be, but I'm not giving myself too hard of a time since I did just give birth 6 weeks ago. In time these will go into the bin of clothes that need to be saved.
3. I changed the filter in the fish tank!! I haven't done this for at least 5 months. As a former PetCo employee I know that it should be changed every 3-4 weeks, but the tank was clear so why bother? Things are slowly starting to get a bit funky in there, but I'm not going to do a major cleaning until we move. There's just no point.
Changing the filter meant I had to go and buy one. It was nice to be back at PetCo for a bit. The only thing I miss about working there is being around people. What I hate about my job is that I never get to see or talk to anyone on a regular basis. I'm still dreaming of my job at Starbucks or other coffee shop...God please call me there!!!
4. Ari went to bed early. I don't know if this is good or bad yet. Good for me now, but it could mean a really early morning. I just hope the extra sleep does her good. She's getting another tooth in and I know that's causing some of her troubles.
5. I didn't get to participate in this next one, but my parents left for Mexico today. I'm happy they get to have 2 weeks together in a nice place. Especially since my dad missed last summer since he was in Iraq. I just wish I was there too. I could handle spending my days in the pool swimming up to the bar for freshly made N/A fruit drinks. Though some days make me want to say bring on the real drinks!
Anyhoo, that's it for now. Time to knit:)
Friday, June 01, 2007
Fave Movie Quote of the Day
Mater: I once knew this girl, Doreen. Good lookin' girl. She looked like a Jaguar, only she was a truck. I used to crash into her, just so I could spoke to her.
Lightning: What are you talking about?
Mater: I dunno.
Lightning: What are you talking about?
Mater: I dunno.
Bunch-o-Stuff
I decided to give the blog an update today. A fresh look is always good. Anyhoo, onto the random stuff of the day.
Still Recovering
I've recovered from the MIL visit, now I'm just working on the postpartum funk. The other day was pretty bad. It was one of those days where you just want to quit it all and go someplace else. I didn't want to be mom, or wife, I just wanted some peace and quiet me time far, far away from Tennessee. Thankfully it passed like it always does.
Mr. Man had two days off and they were good. He gave me a lot of encouragement that was good even though in my funk-filled head it didn't get far. One of these days all of this will pass, but until then I may need some help. I go for my 6-week check-up next week and I'll see what advice they give me.
Little Man
Eli will be 6 weeks on Sunday! I can't believe it's been that long already. He's getting super chubby! He's so cute you just want to eat him up. He must be pushing 12 pounds already. I don't know how much weight he should have gained by now but I think he's put on enough. I must have super-milk or something because he doesn't eat that often. I just hope he keeps growing and starts sleeping for 5-6 hours at night. I can live better with 5-6 hours of sleep, it's not ideal, but it's better. I hope he learns to roll over soon too. He really likes to sleep on his tummy but they say that's not good these days because of SIDS. So, right now he gets tummy sleeping time when we're in the same room and can keep an eye on him just in case. Once he starts rolling over though we shouldn't have to worry about anything. I don't know that there's really a major difference in sleep positions. I'm sure in 10 years they will be telling everyone to put their kids to sleep on their tummy again.
He's starting to spend more time awake and at times is very alert. He's slowly starting to reach for some of the toys on his play mat, and finds himself in the mirror. I'm just so glad he is so mild tempered right now because I couldn't handle 2 of Ari yet.
Still Waiting
We are still waiting for our house. There have been some cut backs and I think that is holding us up on getting our money. We hope it will all happen next week but there is no guarantee. Once the money comes in the house will be ours in about a week. I'm so ready to move. I want to get some painting done, but at the same time I just want to get into a place with more space.
Not only are we waiting on the house but we are waiting for TennCare to kick in for the kids. Since the hospital was slow getting us the unofficial birth certificate and application for Eli's social security card it took us longer to get him added to the TennCare/Medicade insurance. Plus, since I applied for Food Stamps at the same time they can't just process him. He is prequalified for coverage and just can't get it yet. And all of this is taking so long because our new caseworker said we needed to wait for Mr. Man's next pay stub to process everything when this was not true. She claims they needed 2 full months of pay stubs not just 8 continuous weeks like I have done before. Had she told me this a few weeks ago I could have handed them to her right then when I was in the office and all of this would be taken care of. ANGER & FRUSTRATION!!! I know it can be a taxing job, but I really wish that these people would communicate a little better.
Diaper News
I'm slowly learning how to use my serger and I made some more wipes yesterday. I figured out how to use wooly nylon thread and it works great! I also serged all of the wipes I had turned and top stitched before.
All but my Swaddlebees diaper has sold so I have a nice chuck of change to buy fabric with. I'm patiently waiting until next week to order when they have more microfleece in stock. I just wish they had the Very Baby AIO pattern back in stock. I'm going to start out with the fitted pattern and try to patiently wait for the other.
I just hope this sewing adventure goes well. I ordered a few yards of pattern ease today to try out with the diaper patterns, and to finally work on a dress for Ari.
Mushy Brain
So, my brain has turned to mush. There is very little going on up there these days. It needs to be stimulated. Not that I really have time to read, but if you have any good book suggestions I'd love to have them! I need to find something other than kids, diapers, and poo to fill my mind. Not that there's anything wrong with the kids, but I'd like to be able to hold a semi-adult conversation that doesn't involve these things.
Pictures
Still Recovering
I've recovered from the MIL visit, now I'm just working on the postpartum funk. The other day was pretty bad. It was one of those days where you just want to quit it all and go someplace else. I didn't want to be mom, or wife, I just wanted some peace and quiet me time far, far away from Tennessee. Thankfully it passed like it always does.
Mr. Man had two days off and they were good. He gave me a lot of encouragement that was good even though in my funk-filled head it didn't get far. One of these days all of this will pass, but until then I may need some help. I go for my 6-week check-up next week and I'll see what advice they give me.
Little Man
Eli will be 6 weeks on Sunday! I can't believe it's been that long already. He's getting super chubby! He's so cute you just want to eat him up. He must be pushing 12 pounds already. I don't know how much weight he should have gained by now but I think he's put on enough. I must have super-milk or something because he doesn't eat that often. I just hope he keeps growing and starts sleeping for 5-6 hours at night. I can live better with 5-6 hours of sleep, it's not ideal, but it's better. I hope he learns to roll over soon too. He really likes to sleep on his tummy but they say that's not good these days because of SIDS. So, right now he gets tummy sleeping time when we're in the same room and can keep an eye on him just in case. Once he starts rolling over though we shouldn't have to worry about anything. I don't know that there's really a major difference in sleep positions. I'm sure in 10 years they will be telling everyone to put their kids to sleep on their tummy again.
He's starting to spend more time awake and at times is very alert. He's slowly starting to reach for some of the toys on his play mat, and finds himself in the mirror. I'm just so glad he is so mild tempered right now because I couldn't handle 2 of Ari yet.
Still Waiting
We are still waiting for our house. There have been some cut backs and I think that is holding us up on getting our money. We hope it will all happen next week but there is no guarantee. Once the money comes in the house will be ours in about a week. I'm so ready to move. I want to get some painting done, but at the same time I just want to get into a place with more space.
Not only are we waiting on the house but we are waiting for TennCare to kick in for the kids. Since the hospital was slow getting us the unofficial birth certificate and application for Eli's social security card it took us longer to get him added to the TennCare/Medicade insurance. Plus, since I applied for Food Stamps at the same time they can't just process him. He is prequalified for coverage and just can't get it yet. And all of this is taking so long because our new caseworker said we needed to wait for Mr. Man's next pay stub to process everything when this was not true. She claims they needed 2 full months of pay stubs not just 8 continuous weeks like I have done before. Had she told me this a few weeks ago I could have handed them to her right then when I was in the office and all of this would be taken care of. ANGER & FRUSTRATION!!! I know it can be a taxing job, but I really wish that these people would communicate a little better.
Diaper News
I'm slowly learning how to use my serger and I made some more wipes yesterday. I figured out how to use wooly nylon thread and it works great! I also serged all of the wipes I had turned and top stitched before.
All but my Swaddlebees diaper has sold so I have a nice chuck of change to buy fabric with. I'm patiently waiting until next week to order when they have more microfleece in stock. I just wish they had the Very Baby AIO pattern back in stock. I'm going to start out with the fitted pattern and try to patiently wait for the other.
I just hope this sewing adventure goes well. I ordered a few yards of pattern ease today to try out with the diaper patterns, and to finally work on a dress for Ari.
Mushy Brain
So, my brain has turned to mush. There is very little going on up there these days. It needs to be stimulated. Not that I really have time to read, but if you have any good book suggestions I'd love to have them! I need to find something other than kids, diapers, and poo to fill my mind. Not that there's anything wrong with the kids, but I'd like to be able to hold a semi-adult conversation that doesn't involve these things.
Pictures
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About Me
- Tara
- My name is Tara. I have a wonderful husband, beautiful 2 year old daughter and a 9 month old son. Welcome to my ramblings of my day-to-day life trying to be a better wife, mom, friend, person...you get the point.
How Old Are the Kiddos?
