Where has the time gone?

So, honestly, I realized its been a while since I last blogged, but I didnt realize it had been a month!!! Wow.....where did the time go. Life has seemed like that a lot lately. Where did the time go? This past weeked our Varsity Boys Basketball team played in the regionals, first game, 10am, an hour and a half away! We won our first game and before I knew it the second game was over, we lost, our Senior was crying her eyes out for her last season of High School to be over and on the drive home I remember sadly thinking......I can't believe the day is over already, it seemed like I had just gotten up.

Spring Break is just around the corner for us. Every year we take an extended vacation leaving two days early and taking a 9 day trip..............because the 7 days they give us isnt enough for us! We always want more, don't we? As I think about this, I know it will be here and gone before I know it.

When we get home, it will just be 42 days then 'til graduation! Yep, Graduation! Allyson has finally decided on Butler, Pre-Med..........at least for the week. It is for sure Butler, this much we know and I gotta say, having her just an hour away is more than appealing to me!

They say time flies when you're having fun, well we must be having a ball because it really does just seem like yesterday that she was born, and now she's off to college. Don't blink because when you look next, they're grown and off on their own.

Life really does fly by without me noticing some days. What are you to busy to notice right now? Does work, home or just "life" in general have you missing the important things? Take time, smell those roses, leave early for that soccer game and for goodness sake, your house will still be there to clean when your kids are grown!

Have a great day......and remember what it entailed at the end of the day! :)

Miss Valentine

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New Colors

Yeah! Ok, so really, I'm not always gonna do the whole holiday color thing, but this was the first thing I saw when went to do a new background! Cute, huh!

It makes me think of spring, all bright and cheery.

P

Misplaced anger

Why do we hurt those who love us the most? This morning one of my girls "yelled" back at me when I called to her for something. I know that yell....it was quiet as could be around here, nothing going on and yet as all was seemingly peaceful, instead of simply replying...."what"?, she yelled. Now, I've seen it before and heard it more than I care to remember, I know she's got something else going on thats got her upset, and I'm the one whos getting the brundt of it. When I said...."Whoa.....whats going on, you don't respond to me like that, she gave the quick "nothing" which of course means "nothing you need to know about, just leave me alone!" I made sure she knew that talking to me like that was not at all acceptable and that I did indeed know something else was going on, even if she didnt care to share it with me at that point.......and if indeed she truly was just "tired" she needed to get over it and be nice!

This situation made me think about all the times I am guilty of taking things out of those I love the most. When I have a bad day, my family are the ones who get a grumpy mom and wife for the evening, even though they had nothing to do with my bad day. I can tell when Ryans having a bad time with customers or work in general and am quick to point out that we are not his sourse of discontent and should therefore not be the ones receiving the grouchiness! We are all guilty of taking our frustrations out on the wrong people and I work really hard to be cognizant of it so as not to hurt others, but it still happens.

Whats got you frustrated and downright mad right now......are you taking that out on your spouse or kids? Remember those who love us the most aren't the ones we should attack the most, they're the ones we should drop all that for and relax with, they love us!

I'm working on it.....

Formal Scrapbook

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Stomping Mad!

I am so mad right now I can feel my heart racing!!!

About 2 weeks ago a man from our electric Co-op knocked on the door to inform me that he was marking one tree to be cut down and two bushes to be trimmed back and that crews would be out sometime within the month to do the work. Quite frankly I was on the phone at the time and thought ok....one tree and a couple bushes cut back, fine.

Later in the day I got to thinking about it and went a looked at what was marked, well the tree was a large shade tree, and the bushes were just shrubbery, but this was really bugging me, they just get to tell me what their cutting and we have no say in the matter?!? Hows that work? Soooo....I have a friend who works at the Coop, I emailed her and asked who I could talk to. She of course did her duty and explained to me how cutting back our trees allowed them to provide better service to our neighbors on down the road.....blah blah blah..(no offense Nat!) but she really didn't know what could be done otherwise.

Now....I should tell you, we live on two acres, with ALOT of very mature trees, 12 in our front yard alone that I can see. They provide TONS of shade in the summer time and also are home to lots of little creatures. OK.....so of those twelve, why am I freaking out about one? Well....you take out one shade tree and up goes my air-conditioning in the summer. Not to mention....they don't replant when they cut anything down....not that I expect them to replant in the same area only to grow in the way of their power lines, however we have two acres......lots of area to replant for the environment.

So a little while ago I hear chainsaws humming outside. I go out to find their not cutting out one tree....they've already cut two down and have'nt even gotten to the original one that was marked for cutting!!!! Are you kidding me? And as for "trimming" two bushes....whatever.....they've "trimmed" half of another tree away, and are cutting things that have not been marked. Now....as I read on the websight.....they contract the tree trimming out. Well all they do is mark a "dot" "dash" or "x" on things that need work. Well my question is......how do they know what to trim? They are "trimming" things that are not only no where near the power lines, but things that aren't in danger of taking out the power lines should they fall!!!! I am so mad I could spit....(lady like I know!)And to make it all worse, the workers don't speak english....or are smart enought to pretend not to because I'm sure they're scared of the crazy lady mad in her yard!!! So I can't even question why things are getting cut that I don't feel should be! As I type I am watching a man looking up our HUGE pine tree....you know, one of those OLD OLD pines that isn't exactly tall enough to be the Rockefeller tree.....but at least 2nd runner up, it's marked to be "cut back" I have a feeling they are going to totally ruin this tree and its one of our major shades in the front area!!! Who knew you could get so worked up over trees!!! The more I type the madder I'm getting!!!

I know logically while I am concerned about the trees and our shade and environment....I'm more ticked that they can just "tell" me they are doing this. They didn't pay for this property, its not theirs to do with as they please.....and quite frankly they put their utility poles on my land rent free while charging me for my power! Don't worry, I know I sound ridiculously irrational right now, but I really do know the logic in all of this. And god love the man I'm watching work WAY HIGH up in my trees, because God forgive me but I'm thinking evil thoughts about him falling! Terrible I know.....and he's meerly the messanger, but he's all I got right now!!!

Not really sure how I'm gonna get over this one, but just know if you're headed towards Darlington on 47N, as you get to Overcoat Rd, your gonna have an even clearer view strait into our living room at night.....I should warn you ahead of time.....we are "COMFORTABLE" in our own home.....don't complain to me if the new view "hurts" your eyes!!! lol

What a weekend!

I know its been to long since I bloggd, but with Allyson recuperating from surgery and the other girls busy with any number of activities, there really hasn't been time. Ally is still home today and hoping for to try a half day tomorrow. We'd really hope for her to go back last Friday since she really wanted to go to the bball game, but no such luck. We did get permission from the principle for us to take her to the game and for her to sit with us and not the team, but she quickly realized it was all to much for her....she spent the weekend recuping from that one trip!

Saturday night Ryan took me to my favorite place for dinner for Valentines Day. We went to Sullivans and had an AWESOME dinner. Now yes, I realize Valentines is THIS weekend, not last, however Ryan leaves Wednesday for his annual Presidents Day golf weekend with 15 of his closest buddies....SOOOO, I'm always a golf widow for Valentines Day. Most of you know though, I LOVE to golf, so I'd totally leave him for a trip like this! lol, its a win win! It was definitely worth it, Ryan surprised me with Diamond earrings that night!!!! I'm not kidding, TOTALLY surprised me, I had no idea. What a sweet guy, he spoils me totally, and i LOVE it! God has truly blessed me.

Sunday Ryan gave his testimony at church and that was very moving for me to hear. Obviously I knew the story he was sharing....we lived it, but I really could never has imagined he would share it, Pastor Terry has an amazing ability to get people to do things you'd never think they'd do!!! lol ON a funny note, he did make some pretty funny faces and while he certainly go crowd laughter, Allysa said "oh geez" and turned the other way!!!

Allysa had lessons yesterday afternoon with her pageant coach and we talked about some upcoming opportunities for her......could be exciting news, stay tuned!

Flock last night I got to hold little baby Henry all night and LOVED every minute of it! We have two fairly new babies in our flock with another due in April....it really is a little slice of heaven on earth! I love it!

So....thats our craziness in a nutshell. I love weekends that are fun and exciting. Hope yours was good too!

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Long Weekend

For the past several years I have wanted another baby. My girls think I am crazy, and Ryan just keeps reminding me we are on an 7 year plan....(7 years and they're all gone....to college at least!) None of that matters to me, we are very young parents and have plenty of time left in our lives to raise more children! Well, this weekend probably brought me one step closer to realizing I probably really don't want any more sweet babies! lol

Ally's surgery went well on Friday but poor thing has had a hard recovery weekend. In all fairness, Dr. Sajeri warned us it would be a tough weekend and as a surgeon who has performed hundres of these surgeries he was right on the mark! Friday was really tough, Ally couldn't get comfortable for anything.....the anesthesia was really taking its toll on her and the pain meds can't really help that kind of pain. Grammy came over for a couple of hours to try and get her mind off the pain and then Allys best friend showed up with movies for another couple hours of comedy relief, I thank God for them both, they really helped! Probably the hardest thing on us all was that Ally's bedroom is upstairs and everything else is on the main floor of the house, I don't know if I've ever climbed those stairs so many times in one day! I got such a work out that I woke up crying in pain with muscle cramps in my calves during the middle of the night.....I've been taking muscle relaxers since! With the exception of 3am feedings, it almost was like having a new born in the house.....she needed something every 15 minutes.....or she didn't want anyone around at all! She was in extreme pain.....or sleeping like a log (thank god!) It was very humbling as a mother to have that "you can't control this" moment. I felt helpless a couple of times and wanted to cry for her. Saturday brought slight relief but still pain and frustration. Sunday marked day three....and true to form, the worst day, last night she was very teary and again a phone call from grammy got her to motivate, take a shower, wash her hair and try to feel a little closer to normal! Thank God for Grammy! Grammy was involved in an accident a couple of years ago and suffered a fractured skull and brain injury, so when she tells Ally she's gonna have to push herself and just do things she doesnt feel like she can...Grammy knows! She's been there. Ally ackknowledges that and complied!

Its frustrating when our kids are in pain and we can't do anything about it. I'm a problem solver too....so for me to not be able to fix this for her is very frustratin to me. I've just had to give it to god and know that he has a plan. I'm even more convinced of this as I consider that having just been downsized in December it is no coincidence that is was January before Ally became so sick....God knew I was going to need to be home all of January as the Dr's figured out what was wrong with her and in February for her recovery.....God is good. As tough as it's been to have to watch her hurt, it is all that much more comforting to know that God gave me what I needed to be home taking care of her during this time.

As Ally and I begin the week, hoping to get her out of her room and downstairs for a little tv time today, what trial does it seem gods put in your life that is perhaps just setting you up to take care of other things in life? While we don't always have that direct line to know what God is thinking, if we just put our faith in him, he makes himself evident in all areas of our lives.

Have a great day!

Surgery was Successful

We're home, actually have been since shortly after 11am this morning. Everything went really well and Dr. said their were significant signs of chronic inflamation with lesions, so it was definitely our best course of action. God is good.

Ally has been resting since we got home been up a couple of times for potty breaks and feeling some significant pain, I think her biggest pain came in big crocodile tears a few moments ago when she sobbed to me that she didn't want to miss the Charger game tonight! She loves her boys and hates being gone, I also think she is so ready to get back to normal life that she's just "over it" at this point. The Dr told us it will be 6-8 weeks before she can eat any dairy products, milk yogurt or cheese....which as a vegetarian is half of her diet! She has had a few bites of dry toast today and also 3-4 mini nilla wafers....sad.....but more than she's had in a LONG time!

Praying for comfort and patience for us all during the weekend...its her first time being a patient and she's not liking it one bit.

P

Surgery Today

It's 5:35ish....and we're almost ready to leave for the surgery center. Our oldest daughter, Allyson, is having her gall-bladder out this morning. It's been a rough 3 1/2 weeks of non-stop vomitting and frustration. We are grateful the Dr's were able to discover what was wrong with her so quickly, but we will be even more glad when this is all over and she is on the road to recovery!

Pray for Ally this morning, she's nervous and needs Gods calming reassurance that everything is in his hands.

Will update later as they say we will be home by lunchtime!

P

Heart Ache....

Last night I could not figure out what Lizzie was doing, but it sounded like a heard of cattle running through the house! As I was getting up to see what was wrong (it honestly sounded like someone has fallen down the entire stair set rolling from top to bottom!) Lizzie came rushing into the kitchen in a furry, grabbing a baggie and the rice and talking in such a blur it took me a minute to realize the was in tears sobbing that she had accidentally washed her ipod. I quickly scolded her and reminded her that this is the reason I am constantly reminding her to put her things where they belong. Lizzie has seen the cell phone trick of putting them in rice if they've been in water to try and dry them out....as she's getting this all together Ryan finds out she has already tried to turn her ipod on and begins yelling at her that she should know better, you can't try to turn it on....etc. She's now sobbing at loud crocodile tear level and really pretty devastated at this point. She rushes off to her room in a sad huff.

Lizzie is a very bright child.....to smart for her own good most days. Unfortunately since she's so smart, we tend to forget she really is only 11. My heart was quickly being convicted for yelling at her, yes, she does do her own laundry (all my girls do!) still....she is only 11, accidents do happen! I said to Ryan, frustrated that he had yelled at her also, should she REALLY know not to turn her IPOD on.....she is only 11!!! We are both guilty of thinking she is older than she really is because as the "baby" she constantly is trying to keep up with her older sisters....she is an awesome cook (yep...at only 11!) she does her own laundry, she's an excellent student, an awesome soccer player and she has a heart of gold. And yet her heart is broken that she may have ruined her own prized IPOD.

Lizzie just got her IPOD for Christmas. She LOVES it. She takes it everywhere with her and loves to add new songs to it. She just forgets to put it up, take it out of her sweatshirt pocket, last week she left it at school in the gym! It's not even that she's not appreciative of her things, she is....as a matter of fact, she's probably the most thankful child we have....not that the other two aren't thankful, Lizzie just really shows her appreciation to to others.

Now I'm torn....the Ipod is still sitting in rice, Lizzie was so heartbroken last night she sobbed for what seemed like hours. Her sisters each went and talked with her and were themselves sad when they saw how sad she truly was! She even asked me to come sing lullabies to her as she tried to get to sleep!.....and I DID!!!

The mom in me wants to just rush right out to walmart, buy her a new one and load all her music while she's at school! I know that's not the answer. I know this is a hard lesson that has to be learned in life. I know that this is one of those "this is why I tell you to put your things up" lessons in life. Man those stink. As moms we want to protect our children from moments like these in life.....and I tried. Unfortunately this is what happens when you don't listen to what your parents are trying to tell you.

What is someone trying to save you from right now and you feel as though your immune to the lesson? Our heavenly father tries daily to remind us to make him the ultimate teacher in our lives and yet much like Lizzie thinks I'm just mom nagging....so do we forget to listen to our heavenly father. Lizzie has learned a very hard lesson. I'm still praying the Ipod will work when she tries to turn it on tonight.

Life is Good

Ryan and I are looking at new Washers. Fun huh? We are the unfortunate owners of the Sears Kenmore Elite Calypso washer and dryer. There have been so many problems with this set that there was a class action suit against Sears that for some reason (I really can't remember) we decided not to get signed on for at the time....we're certainly wishing we had now...we've had the washer worked on so many times its not worth the price having it fixed again and had we joined this action, we'd have had it replaced with a new set for free.....what were we thinking??? At any rate, as we shopped online last night, I told Ryan I wanted an LG....now honestly, I really don't know anything about this brand and it looks just like the other sets....but their logo...LG, really stands for Life is Good. I want everything in my house to have the LG logo on it....so that no matter what we look at we are constantly reminded, LIFE IS GOOD!

I've had sick kiddos for three weeks now and by the end of last week it was really starting to get old! Colds, the flu, vomiting, sore throats, non working gall bladder, pulled muscle and crutches from cheer injury....I was sick of it! I finally sent my sore throats to school and told my crutches girlie that Friday was her last night on them...she was either walking or sitting on Saturday, but I was sick of looking at those crutches! And then......as I watched an episode of John and Kate +8....they were at St. Judes, I was quickly reminded how truly LIFE IS GOOD. My girls have been "sick"...but they haven't been fighting for their lives. They haven't had IV's with chemicals running through their veins to keep the cancer at bay....they don't have big machines with tubes breathing for them, while on crutches, they will certainly walk again and not have to relearn how to. LIFE IS GOOD.

Most people know I stress about schedules....I'm not really a spur of the moment kind of person. I'm sure that comes from years of traveling for work and having a family. While I can certainly leave in a pretty quick fashion, I still have to "plan" for things, like "who has what and when this week", what is Ryans work schedule....you know, logistics, who can get who where and when, will someone be able to pick everyone up type of things. We'll as I'm planning our day Saturday and trying to figure out a schedule for one of our daughters who isn't going to be with us....a friend is experiencing a tragedy in her family. WOW....in the midst of all she has going on, she's also worrying about my daughter and making sure she's not left alone when she could have had plans....I was sad that at this tough tough moment for her, she felt like she needed to worry about our daughter as well. Knowing what she was suddenly faced with, my schedule was nothing...I hit my knees praying for her and thanked god for the reminder "LIFE IS GOOD". Nothing I was worrying about at that moment could begin to compare.

As we sat in our flock group last night (small group at church) and I listened to the prayer requests, including our own for Allyson as we have a consult for her gall bladder surgery, I was still quietly and humbly reminded..."LIFE IS GOOD". Allyson will certainly recover, but I listened to things like our friends facing Alzheimer's progression with their mother, family strife of another, extreme sickness of a friend who has a brand new baby at home, long term recovery of a mom who is still in a drug induced coma, I humbly thanked god that our "LIFE IS GOOD"

Several weeks ago during church, Pastor Terry related a story of two friends, one of whom replied to any and all situations, "this is good". It was a great story. Our family has since adopted this saying and honestly have just realized that most things are truly out of our control and while we may not know why at the time, instead of stressing, we might as well adopt the attitude..."this is good". It really does help to keep my stress level down and even more importantly, it reminds me to just give it all to God and give all the glory to him.

It's Monday, do you already have a laundry list going for the week? Is the stress already mounting as you are faced with another week? It might be a little easier to face if you can simply remember, LIFE IS GOOD....and when it gets to be to much, just give it all to god.

Life is good.

Girlie blog!

Ok....so the blog page went kind of girlie today! I try to keep it neutral for Ryans sake...he is surrounded by girls, we joke he lives in a sorority house! (we even have a girl dog!) However, I stumbled across a blog background page and couldn't help myself. My family knows I decorate for EVERY holiday! There are hearts everywhere in this house right now....and I love it! Soooo....we'll try the girlie thing til V-day is over, the colors are kinda bright so we'll see how long I last, but it is fun! Simple pleasures in life! :P

Hope your day is simple and full of pleasure.

Control Freak.......

I guess it could be said I'm kind of a control freak. Wow....that sounds harsh when said out loud (or in print!). But if I'm being honest....I do like being in control. Again....I've worked in management for a long time and also been a consultant....control!

Sooooo.....the last two weeks god has set out to remind me.....I AM NOT IN CONTROL! He is, and everything happens in his time, his way and I have to just sit back and wait for his answers.

Two weeks ago yesterday, Allyson (our oldest) started throwing up anything and everything she tries to consume. Today is day 15....and I'm feeling completely helpless as a mom. Ally missed 5 days of school, went back for one day and then got lucky that we had two snow days she was able to sleep and try to recoup. She literally can only eat dry toast at this point. She was able to eat white rice for a few days and then it started making her nauseous again too! We went to the Dr on day 3 and tried a reflux drug and anti nausea med. We have had an ultra sound of her gall bladder, another round of meds...and one more day of school....yep today made day 3 in the last 11 she's been to school! Luckily two snow days help also! So yesterday finally we had our last test....nuclear medicine test, took two hours and an IV (which she hates!) and first thing this morning the nurse called me with the GOOD (bad) news!!! Allysons ejection fractions from her gall bladder is only functioning at 4%!!!! OK....so what I just said was....when you eat a fatty meal, your gall bladder "squeezes" out bile to break down all the fatty foods you've just eaten, it's processed and moved on through the stomach....when its not "squeezing" your body gets sick from the fat and either gets rid of it (throw up!) or you just remain nauseous...yuck! Now....as Ryan and Alizabeth asked...why does it work if you remove it. WELL....as long as the gall bladder is in the body...the body tries to make it work and do its job....as soon as they remove it, the body realizes and starts over compensating for the loss and learns to break down fatty foods without it! I was in tears, so excited, thanking God that the answer to this all was surgery for my baby. Sounds crazy I know....but my biggest fear was this test would show nothing and we would be back to square one.

At one point last night I looked at Allyson and she was near tears! Although I knew...I asked what was wrong, she gave me the most pathetic look with tears in her eyes and said "I just want to eat!" I felt hopeless. I can't do anything to take this away, make it better or even minimize it really....she has had nothing but a few pieces of toast, some white rice some plain animal crackers and a boca burger for the last 15 days! OK...yes I said boca burger. So last night I finally looked at her and said....so eat! She wanted a boca burger...which of course made me chuckle...this poor kid hasn't eaten in two weeks and the only thing she can come up with is a SOY burger!!! :P So I said....go ahead and eat it! Whats the worse thing that will happen, you get sick...oh well, everything makes you sick, you could enjoy it for just a few minutes if nothing else! So....she did have the boca burger...and 12 minutes later returned from having thrown it all up in the bathroom!!! :( She couldn't keep food down for a mere 15 minutes.)

We have an appointment next Tuesday, Jan 27 for a consult with a local surgeon. I'm mom, so of course I'm hoping by next Friday we can have this thing out....we'll see how soon they can get her in. She's not happy at all about surgery and is pretty scared actually, but so ready to eat she's happy for the outcome.

In the midst of all of this, Allysa and Alizabeth have both had colds and missed a few days of school, Ryan pulled a muscle in his neck/back and missed a day of work. AND if that's not enough, Allysa called me tonight, during warm-ups before the bball game tonight, girls who do not usually base her in cheer dropped her out of a stunt and she landed square on her hip and hurt her knee also. NO....I'm not kidding! She is now on crutches and hopping around or being carried by big papa!

Again though, I was SO thankful to God today....as crazy as it all seems and in such a different manner than most would think....he really did answer our prayers and provide a solution. GOD IS GOOD.

When I opened my bible to find scripture to add......I literally opened to the story of the Canaanite Woman. A woman was so desperate for her sick child that she risked her life, a Canaanites speaking to a Jew....longtime enemies.

Then Jesus answered, "Woman you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour. Matthew 15:28

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Trying to control these situations really did me no good, I know God has a plan, sometimes I just think I'll help him out! I laid it at the feet of the lord and he answered resoundingly.

What do you need to give to god? He answers prayers, not always in the way we think, but knowing Allyson needs to have this surgery was answered prayer.

My perfect scheduled life......HAAAHAAA!

Are you an early person or a late person? I am an early person...as a matter of fact I can't STAND being late!!! It literally gives me a panic attack, OK, probably not, but that's what if feels like to me. Honestly, I get panicked, nervous, tense and then just plain ticked off. I think its incredibly insensitive to be late to events. In my mind, if I'm late, it screams that I don't have any respect or regard for the person or organization holding the event.

I'm not even really sure where this OCD about time came from. My parent's were both timely people...the type of people who felt like they were late if they weren't at work a half an hour early every day, literally. They never really made a big deal of it, I don't even ever remember them talking about it, we were just always early or on time for everything we did.....and I like it that way!

I have a dear friend who is perpetually late for everything (and if she's reading my blog she knows who she is and that I love her eternally!) and it stresses me to no end.....that she's late! Now...honestly, why do I care if she's late? Well, a lot of times, she has one of my daughters with her so when she and the girls were 20 min late for the Jr. High Camp weekend and the bus was literally waiting on them to leave....it stressed me to anger. OK....so that was a big deal...making a load of others wait....that's a bit much. It's not usually like that. But...as I write, here I am tonight waiting on my daughter who led me to believe she'd be home by 5ish tonight after a shopping trip with this friend, it's almost 8pm. Mind you, my friend has already called me and apologized (she knows I stress about time!) and I know she never means to be late, and honestly....WE HAVE NOTHING GOING ON.....so why does this stress me out????? I have NO idea! I truly am OCD about this.

Ryan isn't necessarily the timeliest person on earth....again, not someone who intends to be late, just doesn't really stress over getting anywhere. Church mornings used to be a big stresser for me.....they've all figured that out and after lots of rough mornings, its all worked itself out! (we go to a later service!!!) I like being early to ballgames so I get the seat I want....my friends know I'm early so they call me to save them seats! I like being at sales early to get the items I'm seeking and yes, you guessed it, I am definitely a 4am morning after thanksgiving shopper. Mind you...I'm not a morning person, but I will definitely get up to save money. If a gathering, holiday party, etc says 7 to ?, I want to be there at 5 min til 7....that's what I think is polite!

I have no idea why I am so OCD about this. When we are "late" in my eyes....nothing happens, everything ends up fine, and I calm down, but I am so frustrated by the time we do get there that it takes me a while to relax. So whats the solution? I certainly don't see my self relaxing enough to be late to places, nor do I think that is the solution. I would however like to come to the realization that things do happen and it isn't the end of the world to be later than planned. I know my girlfriend never "plans" on being late for anything...nobody does, well....except those who've convinced themselves its fashionable to be late! So why does it stress me out so? It's something I'm working on this year, praying diligently about the solution, knowing that god will provide the answer......lets just hope he's on time with it!!!! haaahaaa

So what is your stresser? Are you OCD about it like I am.....and for no real reason? Give it to god and see what his plan is for the issue.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7.

House of Laughter, house of love

It seems as though we've been on a mini break again this week. We had a two hour delay Wednesday and were out Thursday and Friday. The girls have of course LOVED the time out of school, and I always welcome the company for my day. I do tend to get nothing done when they're home though....but that's OK!
We've watched a lot of movies, some good, some disgusting!

Allysa and I went shopping for her dress for the Winter Formal on Thursday....I've attached a picture, let me just say the theme is Vegas....and as soon as she saw this dress she screamed THAT says Vegas!!!

Poor Ally was sick the whole time so that was no fun for her, but it was comforting for her to be home not technically missing anymore days of school! Both older girls had Dr's appointments this week and it was nice to not have to take them out of school to do that...although I'm definitely not a parent who requests after school appointments, we go when its available and aren't picky!

Hannah and Allysa had an adventure to BW3 on Thursday night and had some good times! They went to the movie last night to see Mall Cop....Allysa LOVED it, Hannah said it was "stupid" a word we all know makes mommy freak out! Hannah spent the night again last night and the girls were laughing until late into the night as Hannah was sure someone broke into our house....it was of course Ally coming home from Kylee's house! Note I didn't say Han and Lys did anything about the burglar....on the contrary, Hannah jumped into bed with Allysa scared and they both hid under the covers!!!! Nice security system we've got huh? We got a good laugh out of that this morning. Ally went to hang out with her Bestie Kylee for a bit and life was good.

Today was the Cougar Classic 8th Grade Boys Basketball tournament at Northridge and Allysa and Hannah both had to cheer. It was a little rough when the alarm went off at 6:32 this morning....first time we'd heard that since Tuesday! Both girls we're up looking fabulous and on time by 8:30 at school. Cougars did an awesome job and won the first game by 40ish points~! Lizzie and Papa made it for the game....Ally wasn't ready to wake up from break yet! In between games Lys had gymnastics so Hannah and I sat and watched that before we all rushed back for the championship game where the Cougars met their match....defeated ultimately by 5.

Tonight Lizzie had hoped to have a friend spend the night. It didn't work out this time, but we'll try again soon. She's baking us cupcakes as I write.....I'll be getting one of those before the night is done!

Joey came over for movies and its been laughter all night long. I love nights where we're all just home and together. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to get them out of my hair occasionally, but most days I say the more the merrier. I love my kids, I love their friends, and I love having them all here. There is never a dull moment and I know where they are and that they are safe.

We are definitely a house of laughter....we laugh at each other all the time! We are the first people to make fun of each other, but always in love. If you can't laugh at yourself....who can you laugh at??? We are also first and foremost, a house of love. The girls know if we say no....there's a reason, and mostly its because we love them. They may not be happy in the beginning....but they know ultimately they are loved.

What makes you laugh? Laughter means love in our house. What is your source of love and laughter?