The Curtis Circus

Perfection in His timing

2012-01-11T06:14:00.001-06:00

I have spent many an hour wondering what God has in store for my life. I've worried that my greatest desires would always be just beyond my reach. I remember the anxiety and pain that I felt when Randall and I were first married. I struggled with wanting to have children and every month realizing it wasn't going to happen and then having a miscarriage once I was pregnant. I remember wondering if I was ever going to be able to hold my own child in my arms. And do you know what happened? One month later I was pregnant again and eight months later we had our amazing son Ashton only to be followed by Jenna and Shiloh and now baby #4. But in hind sight I can say that the trials we endured to have them all have only made our love and compassion that much sweeter.

For 8 years we have lived with and cared for Randall's grandfather. There were times that I seriously thought I was the one loosing my mind. But there were also just as many times that my soul smiled when beautiful things happened. Shiloh loves grandpa and spends more time with him than either of my other children do. She asks him to swing her in the backyard. The man stood there and pushed her for two hours! She loves to crawl in his lap and take a nap with him when he's snoozing in his recliner. And she loves to play catch with him and her squishy nerf balls. These moments have made me smile. And they also make me wonder if we needed to be here after all these years so that she could develop a relationship with her great-grandpa.

At Thanksgiving, we had been praying about what to do since Randall was laid off. We truly felt like moving to North Dakota was our only and best option. So, we dove in to trying to arrange all the details and get things set up on the other end so that everything would go smoothly. But, things kept falling through and when things seemed the bleakest just before Christmas, Randall received a phone call that changed everything. It was a permanent full-time job offer from a company that had previously laid him off. With the new job under his belt, I wanted to test the waters...

I knew we needed to be in our own space in order to have room for baby #4. I scoured classified, talked to people and friends and determined that rent was way out of our price range here. But, the crazy thing was if we could qualify for a loan, our mortgage would be half of what the going rate for rent is here. Seriously?!? So I started to look at the houses for sale in our area. I found about 20 that were in a price range that I thought we'd be able to carry a mortgage on. But, I also knew that banks had really reined in what and who they would qualify for a loan for awhile now. So I honestly didn't think we would qualify for anything. With butterflies in my stomach, I called the bank. Ten minutes of questions later, I was staring at my inbox at a letter from the bank saying that we pre-qualified and could take our letter to the Realtor and buy a house. I couldn't believe it. But then waves of excitement hit me and the very next day I drove around with the kids and looked at potential properties. And the day after that, we took Randall around and narrowed our search down to 6. We called our Realtor and made appointments and found a move in ready home with a really great kitchen. Today, we'll be submitting our offer. And after almost 11 years of being married and moving around and living in someone else's house, we could actually be home owners.

So, I'm beginning to understand that God's timing is perfect. This home that could be ours, we wouldn't have been able to afford when the market was better. All the growing up that I needed to do, probably wouldn't have come so easily if our experiences and our choices to follow personal revelation were any different than they were. While many of my friends and family can attest, I hated living in limbo, I have found healing in relationships I thought would always be fractured. I have found a true love of myself that I didn't think would ever come. And I have found joy in even the most painful and darkest of circumstances. Yes, my Heavenly Father has used this incubation time to mold me into a much better person than I was 11 years ago. I'm far from perfect, but with His love I think I'm getting closer.

Christmas Recap

2011-12-26T11:34:00.000-06:00

Do you remember my Christmas to-do list? Well, I thought I'd give you an update of how it all turned out.

Here's what my original to-do list and what it morphed into.

~~1 dolly made from mis-mate socks~~ did not happen- was for Shiloh, who loved more than anything her $1 set of water colors.

1 blue linus blanket from the yarn stash (almost done btw) finished and Jenna is currently using it on her bed

~~2 ruffled fabric scarves~~ for Anne and Belle became two pieces of art. A horse for Anne and a lighthouse for Belle.

~~3 fleece beanies~~ these were for Ashton, Chris, and Jason. It didn't happen. Ashton instead got a video game we found on super sale, Chris got a large bag of M&Ms and Jason got a quart of home canned jalapenos since he's not a spicy food officianado.

2 large works of art (made by yours truly) these I remarkable pulled out at the last minute finishing them Christmas Eve. One for my M-I-L and the other my my own mom. Then one for my mom will grace my home until she is moved into her new digs in South Dakota in a few weeks.

I also added another piece of artwork at the last minute to my list. Randall's step-mom, Cheryl, had been away caring for her mother and was not planning on us being able to visit them in NC. But, as it turned out, her mother quietly slipped onto the other side of the veil just before Christmas and that meant we were able to spend a few days with them just before Christmas. So, for them I made a painting of the ocean, one of Cheryl's favorite places to be.

And all of this without pictures. I need to be better about that. But, I think what warmed my heart this year was the comment Jenna made after what few presents we pulled together for them were all opened Christmas morning. She said, "Oh , mom! This was the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!!!". I couldn't say it any better myself.

2011-12-13T11:13:00.001-06:00

To say that these last six weeks have been an emotional roller coaster is an understatement. But, what's more extreme than a roller coaster? A hurricane? A tsunami? I feel myself slipping into the deep end some days. I can't see how there could be a miracle coming out of all this. And feel like questioning what God's plan for me and my family is. We're standing at a crossroad, or maybe it's more like a fork. We have two very possible plans for the future. Job and house here, job and house there and everything hinges on being patient and waiting for someone else to make up their mind before we can follow through and put things into action. You see, we had decided to move to North Dakota. Randall can make double the pay he was making here and we could finally afford the house that we need for our family. And almost as soon as we decided that moving would be our best and only option, a job opportunity here popped up. And the pay is the similar to what he'd make there. So, he applied. It seems like he's a shoe in for it, but we have to wait for the man hiring to go through the applications and choose his candidates. Which could take a while as the job won't even start until January, so it's not it the urgent pile. So, we've mapped out on paper, what we'd do if we stay here and what we'd do should we be going elsewhere. And now, were just twiddling our thumbs waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop.

Now, my hubs can attest to this, waiting for anything is not my forte. I hate waiting for even water to boil. So, my emotions run the gambit from day to day. I dream about "life A" and I dream about "life B" and I wonder what the Lord has instore for us. Either way, we'll be moving so I've been packing and praying and hoping that my body won't give out and land me on bed rest for weeks on end with this pregnancy. Yesterday I packed five boxes, did 3 loads of laundry and took out the trash and by lunch time I had searing pain in my belly and was down for the rest of the day. So, today is cleaning grandpa's bathroom and doing his laundry and I've enlisted 3 strong children to help with the work...See, I'm learning...I have to give it to them, they buckle down and get to work when it's time; which might be the only way I'm going to make it this time.

Through out the day, I've been praying for peace to enter my heart. Praying for the stress to melt away and what keeps echoing in my head is the quote "Come what may, and Love it!" So, right now I'm choosing to find joy in the moment. I can't control the future, no matter how much I wish that I could.

Christmas just got an extra dose of Christ

2011-12-05T05:51:00.001-06:00

I'm sure you probably figured that Christmas this year for our growing family is going to be much different than ever before. We've never had oodles of money so our tree has never been gorged with presents, but we've always managed to buy a few less expensive items on the kids Christmas lists just in time to surprise then Christmas morning. But, this year, the number on the bank account summary just dwindles with no income in sight. It's left me grasping for other options for Christmas this year. Buying anything from the store would put us in a bind and prices no matter how "new" and "low" they are, really add up. We typically spend about $50 a kid and about $80 on ourselves, including stocking stuffers. But, as sad as it is to say, we don't have $310 to spend on gifts and that's just with us, that 's not all the extended family here, too.

So, all this to say, I'm initiating an old fashioned Christmas. A "Christ"mas if you will. Nothing can be store bought. Just giving at it's most natural and simplest form. It all has to be hand made from items around the house and in the garage. I think my fabric stash and yarn stash are going to get hit pretty hard this year, but what's a years supply of craft items worth if you can't dig into them every once in a while!

Here's what my to-do list looks like this year.
1 dolly made from mis-mate socks
1 blue linus blanket from the yarn stash (almost done btw)
2 ruffled fabric scarves
3 fleece beanies
2 large works of art (made by yours truly)

I'm sure that when I tell the kids all this today, my list will grow exponentially with all the projects I'll be ask to "help" with, too. But, I'm excited. It's a challenge that I think might just wake up my creative juices. They've been hibernating while i whined about Christmas being here already.

Sisterhood

2011-11-19T07:18:00.001-06:00

Ya know, when life throws you for a loop, my most common reaction is to hold it in and go it alone. I don't want to impose on others or listen to the potential whispers in the halls at church or have that common southern phrase be used in reference to me. You know it..."Bless her heart, she's to poor to remove that toilet paper from her shoe, she might need it later."

So, I was at our ward Relief Society meeting on Thursday and all my emotions, fears and prayers just bubbled to the top and in an epic emotional spewfest I told anyone who would listen how I was struggling. I couldn't help it. Call it hormones or call it the spirit moving me to share, but it happened. And do you know what happened? They put their arms around me and blessed me so abundantly. A dear friend of mine took me home with her that night and gave me six bags full of groceries, plus an extra turkey she had bought on sale. I ran out of Vitamin B to keep my nausea at bay and another sister brought me two bottles, which by the way is enough to last my whole pregnancy and then some! But, apart from the physical needs they rallied around and shared with me their stories of times when they had gone through similar things and then testified that there is a way out, God never leaves us comfortless and will always provide a way for things to happen. He never allows his children to be tried more than they can bear.

And now as I sit here reliving those feelings of friendship and sisterhood, I can't help but remember the scriptures from the book of James in the bible when he speaks of pure religion and what it really means to be a disciple of Christ. I think that any time I read those verses, the memory of that relief society meeting and the faces of those sisters who put their arms around me will be forever ingrained in my memory.

Ties that bind

2011-11-16T14:58:00.001-06:00

I made three loaves of bread today. It's become my ritual. 2-3 times a week I make another batch to get us through a few more days. But, our flour reserve is running low and i'm unsure how much more I can make. But, today I have three loaves.

It's something I'm actually enjoying. As I pour the flour in the bowl, I'm always transported to my childhood. Growing up, we didn't have much, but I remember my mom always making bread and I remember getting a warm slice and buttering it and putting some jam on it. It was always a treat. As I kneed the dough, I think of all the women who have come before me in my family who had to make bread for their kids when there weren't stores. Whenever Grandpa Bud sees me pull out those loaves of bread he says, "Looks like you've been busy. I don't know how you get it all done, everything you do. Ya know, my mom always made bread when I was growing up. We used to hang around the kitchen and wait for the bread to come out of the oven. The lucky ones got the end of the loaf. It was a bigger piece of bread you know. My mamma was a small woman but she was hard as nails..."(every time, never fails) It usually grates on my nerves hearing the same stories over and over, but today I just smiled. I could see her in her kitchen with her wood burning stove, her apron safety pined to her shirt and flour in her mussed hair. Her time worn hands doing what they've always known to do to keep her family well fed.

I feel like my life has come full circle. Eight years ago we moved here to help out after Norma passed away. We felt so strongly that this is where the Lord wanted and needed us in his vineyard. I remember trying to convince grandpa that he really didn't need to wash and reuse every piece of foil and every plastic bag, there wasn't any shortage. But, today I found myself washing and reusing 3 plastic ziplock bags to put the bread in the freezer. I used to think he was crazy for doing stuff like that, but now I can see the wisdom in the old adage Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do or do without.

2011-11-15T11:05:00.001-06:00

Well, baby #4 has finally relieved me of the constant nausea. I think it helps that I started taking my prenatal vitamins at night along with an extra dose of vitamin B. But, although physically I'm feeling better, my heart aches and I worry for the future. Randall was laid off for the second time in two months at the beginning of November. I love spending time with him, but I wish we could at least find answers to all the prayers. Actually, I have a confession. Today was the first time since Randall's layoff that I actually got on my knees and prayed. I told Randall that I felt bitter, but I think it's more like I felt like "what's the point?". I pray and he gets laid off, I pray and money stops, I pray and we eat beans and rice and even butter and milk are out of our price range. So, I felt like it didn't do any good; like my words were falling on deaf ears. So I stopped; no prayers, no worship, nothing. Well, I say nothing, but I did participate in family scripture study and I helped my children say their prayers, but there wasn't anything personal going up to heaven from me.

But, this morning, I woke up to a quite house. The first glow of day shining through my bedroom window and my first thought was we need a miracle. And then I thought maybe all this has happened (baby #4, almost no food, no money....) in order for Him to prove to our family the He is a god of miracles. That He is still there and does hear, but that maybe the answer is He is preparing us as a vehicle to perform miracles in the lives of my children and anyone that we may come in contact with over the next few years and throughout our lives.

On Sunday, all the talks in church were about enduring. Not just enduring for a moment, but eternally and patiently. And yes, I got it, loud and clear. He was speaking directly to me. I cried the whole time. Maybe it's because I'm pregnant, but I think not. He touched my spirit; spoke directly to me through countless scriptures. So, this morning, in the stillness, I prayed. I prayed for this man I love, I prayed for my babies to be feed, I prayed for our direction to be made clear and I got up and went to work. I did the dishes that I hadn't managed to get to in days, I swept the kitchen, got Grandpa Bud ready for his doctors appointment, made hot chocolate for my kids from the last dregs left from last Christmas and did what I could to show my Heavenly Father that I am grateful for what He has provided for us. We still have a roof over our heads, central heat and air, beds for everyone with blankets to spare, dishes, soap, HOT water, flushing toilets, telephones, fridgerator, car, books to read, clothes, toys, some food storage- beans, wheat, tomatoes and green beans, and most importantly we have each other.

Dear 2yr old Potty Training Genius,

2011-06-27T23:16:00.000-05:00

You sure had me snowed! I had thought that because you so vehemently despise diapers that you would be different than your brother and sister. I thought that the poopy messes of the past would not revisit our home. But, this evening when I saw you fussing over the poop smeared on your arms, hands, belly, legs and somehow between your toes, I knew I was living in a beautiful dream land with unicorns and ponies. And that you had, at that moment, every intention of giving me a rude awakening. I am totally mystified as to how you managed you drip poop from my bedroom to the living room and still have it all over you. But, at least you did not smear it on me, my bed, the walls or either of your siblings, so maybe you are the genius still.

With Love,
Your Pooper Scooper aka Mom

In the Aftermath

2011-06-17T09:01:00.000-05:00

My life has gone from total chaos, raining cats and dogs really, to a dull spitting pitter patter. Since April, I planned and coordinated all the food for our entire stake for girl's camp. I helped our little group of 7 girls get all geared up and ready to spend a week away from home. All in the middle of birthdays, chores, work, and homeschool, ya know...the everyday stuff that has to be done to survive.

But, now with all cupcakes bakes, frosted and eaten. All salads chopped, tossed and consumed. All decorations put up, adored, and taken down. Glitter shaken from my clothes after my rock star reception of appreciation at Girls Camp. I took a week to re-cooperate and now...Now it's time for re-evaluation, reinvention and new beginnings. After much prodding from a friend, and most anyone I gift anything to, I am embarking on a new project...

I'll give you all the details in the coming days and weeks, but for now, just know that it's totally awesome.

It's a Birthday Extravaganza!

2011-04-01T19:57:00.000-05:00

In the spirit of playing catch up...still, I needed to post a few more birthday details from the last month.
First was Shiloh's birthday. She turned 2, but since we were going out of town and I had to do the food for Pre-Camp, we played it low key this year and just did a family party with some simple cupcakes in her favorite flavor, strawberry. And since Ashton doesn't like very many fruity flavors, I made chocolate ones for him.

Next was mine, and since I turned 29 this year and I really wanted to celebrate, I decided to go all out and make myself an awesome cake and decorate my kitchen table too! (It's still decorated!) Here's so of the great photos that my sister took:

I did make the roses in this photo too. And if you want to make them too, go here. And if you're digging the roses on my cake as much as I am, then go here.

Wenesday was Randall's birthday and once again church called. Luckily, as always, he's easy to please. All he wanted was brownies. And for dinner it was pot pie. I can't tell you how much I love that man for all that he is, all that he wants to be, and for loving me in spite of me. If you know me you would know that I can be intense and moody more often than not. And sometimes I'm surprised he's still there when I wake up in the morning.

Playing catch up...

2011-03-31T14:08:00.000-05:00

I feel like I've been a day late and a dollar short for a while now, but especially for the last few months. I have just spent some time reorganizing my files and uploading pictures from my camera and then organizing those. So, I should be posting more in the coming days of what life has been like around here, some new projects I'm working on, and projects I've finished along with a few dashes of inspiration.

So, in an effort to get started with all this, I'm going to start with the beginning of this years birthday season. My son turned 8 this year and wanted to be baptized as much as we wanted him to be, too. Here's a picture of him all dressed in white...

And for his birthday this year we all got terribly sick! It was awful! But somehow, I managed to make him a cake. It wasn't as fantastic as I'm sure he had imagined, but I think it turned out okay. What do you think?

The transformer face was done in royal icing. I think he turned out okay for my first attempt at royal frosting images. I should have probably done him a full week ahead. I gave him two days to dry and he was still pretty pliable. If you'd like some more information on how I created this image, click here. Marian does amazing work and I would love to create sweets as wonderful as she does!

I hope your days are as inspired as mine have been!

Super Hero Training

2011-02-04T09:59:00.008-06:00

Wednesday night was our New Beginnings Program. (Every year with the youth we kick off the new year by introducing the theme and also welcome the girls who has turned 12 or will turn 12 in the coming year and then also talk about all the cool things coming up in the coming months.) This years theme was the 13th Article of Faith. I was inspired by all the qualities that are listed and that we aspiring to be in our lives. They reminded me of super qualities. Character traits that our heroes have. So, this became our theme for the evening.

As we were putting together the details for the evening, I really wanted to combine the Young Women values with the qualities from the Article of Faith. And as I did some digging, I found this booklet about scripture super heroes. And it gave me a jumping off point for what I created for my girls. I made my own booklet with scripture heroines that exemplified each of the eight values and the qualities from the theme.

For the program this year, we talked about the women of the scriptures and each of us as leaders took a few values to talk about. For instance, I talked about Good Works: Tabitha, Virtue: Mary the mother of Jesus, and then the ultimate super hero, Jesus Christ. Then one of our girls, Tiffinique (I love her name btw.) sang Hero by Mariah Carey. It was awesome! Then, one of the bishopric members, Dave Chance, said a few words and we closed and had refreshments.

For decorations, I made buntings that said We Believe for the area behind where we spoke and then above the food table. I had shields that I printed off that had each value and color on them. We hung those from the ceiling around the room. I made a cake with a super girl busting out of the top of it. And, for the girls, we made booklets for each of them and put them in clear gift bags with a card that had the theme on it, a bracelet that had the words we believe on it and a box that we made and put a shield shaped cookie in. Check out the pics...

Operation Organize: Jewelry Hanger

2011-01-23T14:42:00.005-06:00

I think Ashton is a better photographer than I am, but here's a quick shot at my new jewelry organizer on my bedroom wall looking so amazing that I can't take my eyes of it.

Here's a close up from the side:

For this project, I recycled everything from around the house. The frame is an old armoure door where the panels got busted out. The first thing I did is paint it with some black spray paint which I had on hand. I found the wire in the woods behind my house and scrubbed it with a wire brush and painted it too. I then cut the wire down to fit in the panels and used a staple gun to attach it to the frame. After that I added some fabric I had in my piles and stapled that in too. Then i had these coat hooks from a projected that I no longer needed and I screwed those to the frame at the corners and in the middle. Then to add a little fun I made some fabric roses and hot glued them to the frame in two opposite corners. Then I hung it up and filled it with all my jewelry that was tangled all together on my counter in a box in the bathroom.

I used the hooks for necklaces, I hung my earrings on the wire panel on the left and on the right I put my pins, bracelets and rings. Here's a few more close ups of what the wire panels look like:

The bracelets that don't unhook, I tied to the wire with ribbon I had left over from the cake I did for Nicole. And any earrings that didn't hook on to the wire, I added to a ribbon that I just pushed the stud trough and then put the backs on. ( it's the pink bow hanging in the first few pictures...)

At first I just had all my rings jammed on to one of the coat hooks, but I was afraid that they would all fall off, so, in the end I did spring for some s-hooks that I could hook on to the wire and then add my rings to them. To get enough I had to buy 3 packages of hooks and at $.99 each, I think $3 is a still for my new organizer turned art piece. What do you think?

Cake

2011-01-23T14:26:00.005-06:00

In 2010, I started the "learning to make a fantastic cake" process. So, I used my girls at church as guinea pigs and did a cake that used a new technique for all of their birthdays. Through out the year I've made 6. So, earlier this month I made another testing out my skills and this it what I took to church for Nicole (which happens to be the name that I chose in French class).

Something New...

2011-01-23T14:07:00.004-06:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of myself now. And guess what? Ashton took it! I can see a future filled with beauty that his talents create. Now, I did add a little Photoshop action to it, but he did a good job for me. By the way, this is my new favorite hairstyle. It takes me a long time to do it but I think it's so worth it. The more I do it though, I think I'll get quicker at it. But really, this post isn't totally about my hair, or my son the budding photographer. It's really about my need to show off my awesome new scarf. It's really a lace shawl that I turned so the point was in front and wrapped the ends back around the front then added a broach and wa-la! I love it.

It's this pattern, Haruni, made by a generous knitter, Emily Ross done in some of my favorite North Carolina Alpaca yarn that I usually get a skein of when I go to visit family. I love, love, l-o-v-e it!

Under My Umbrella...

2010-10-28T23:23:00.013-05:00

...I have cupcake! Okay. Ever since I did a beach themed birthday party at church of one of my girls, I have been meaning to post about this super cute and fun cupcake decor.

Here's what they looked like on the cupcakes:

So, here we go!

You need:

2" circle paper punch
Cardstock or scrapbook paper
White Glue
Toothpick
Glue gun and glue sticks

First thing...plug in your glue gun. This will make your life easier. Then punch out several circles. Then cut each circle on the radius (1/2 way across the circle). Next add a little white glue to the edge of cut and merge the two sides together to make the umbrella tops. Allow to dry. Then add a dab of hot glue to the under side and attach toothpick. Let cool and your ready to have fabulous cupcakes.

Now, you should know that you can use these for so many things. I used the same technique and bamboo skewers to make jumbo umbrellas for a center piece. But, you could use stir sticks instead of the toothpicks and you've got instant fabulousness for drinks, too!

I love taking simple things and making them into something special...

Infinite Hope

2010-10-25T16:40:00.002-05:00

This weekend I spent two days with some amazing women. I went to a women's conference, called Time Out For Women, in Atlanta. The theme for the event was infinite hope. It didn't actually occur to me until I was there, but this is exactly what I had been studying and focusing on in my own personal study. Many of the speakers pointed out that it's your thoughts that become your attitude and your attitude becomes your character and in turn it creates your reality.

We were encouraged to write down ALL of our hopes and dreams, no matter how big they are and then believe that God wants you to have all things that will provide you with Joy, Peace and Love. So, I've decided to do just that. I wrote my list. I read it every day. I say it over and over in my mind and I believe and trust that God truly wants me to be a joyful personal full of hope. Something else that I've started doing with this is getting rid of negativity. Any time my emotions are letting me know that my thoughts are dwelling on negative things, ie: I feel stressed, mad, sad, sick..., I just stop what I'm thinking, take a deep breath and begin to think about things that bring me joy and gratitude. I've also learned that being outside helps me to release the negative and grab the positive. Singing and dancing also help me, too.

One of the many highlights of the event was Michael McLean. He's a singer/ song writer who performed on Friday night. He has a new website called Mission To Be Happy, where he writes about finding happiness in his life. It's interesting. At Time Out, he spoke about trying to overcome depression for 30 years and the answers to prayer that he received and how he looks for the little joys in life to hold to and celebrate each day. I was interesting to see him there. I was able to see him perform about three years ago. And comparing his demeanor and enthusiasm was neat to see the change.

But all in all I had fun and I'm working on my own mission to be happy and having infinite hope.

Life and all that is....

2010-10-19T10:26:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it's been almost two months since I posted here last! It goes with out saying that I've been busy! But, that just means I have lots to share with you! I'll be posting more as the week goes along. So, here's a few photos to keep you happy.

Shiloh was helping me to do some laundry.

DIY Knock Off Jewelry

2010-08-28T05:04:00.004-05:00

Okay, so about a month (maybe two) ago, I was thumbing through a Rachael Ray magazine. She has a few pages in there with pictures of her faves. I love looking at them and getting inspiration for my own wardrobe and life, however, I can rarely afford them and/or the prices shock me and I think I could make that myself!
So, like I said, i was thumbing through and I came across this cute necklace called The Trinity. But it's $128 for three pearls on a leather strap and I think to myself: I could absolutely make that myself!!! And I go to the website listed in the magazine. Allison Craft Designs

I found out that she actually has a lot of her stuff in shops on the beach about 30 minutes from here. So, just looking at these beautiful pieces made me want my own, but not at those prices! Are you kidding me? So, that's what I did. I made my own. I didn't even go to the store for this one. I had everything on hand. (Yes, I'm a craft hoarder.) I didn't use leather because it comes in short supply here locally. I used hemp instead. What do you think?

These are just the photos of a few of the creations that were spawned from viewing her website. The necklace isn't for sale on line, but it is in the slide-show at the top of the page. I made the trinity and the strands, but I haven't taken any photos of them yet. I think I'm going to make some more in different colors. I had a ton of these green bead leftover from a previous project and so I picked them for my experiment. Really all this jewelry boils down to is knots, leather or in this case hemp, and beads or pearls...

Rain Check!

2010-08-19T19:53:00.006-05:00

It's been raining a lot all summer. It rains everyday for a little while at least. So, today after the lightning and thunder there was a steady drizzle. It reminded me of when I was a kid in Kentucky. My parents would let us run through the rain in our swim suits. I have fond memories of doing that so when Jenna asked me if she could run in the rain today, I said yes. And since Jenna was out there you know Shiloh just had to be there too! But Shiloh was the only one who stuck around long enough for her close up!

Favorite things

2010-08-19T19:25:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite things is to watch my kids explore their environment. I love seeing the excitement in their eyes and the smiles on their faces as they discover something that I see as ordinary for the first time. Or when they understand something that I've known for years. each day bring a little bit of magic. Today Shiloh said, "Side! Mama!" Which always means that she wants to go outside. So, I took her out on the front porch where she saw one of her favorite things. Mr. Fluffybottoms. She LOVES Ashton's cat. And my favorite thing is to watch her with the cat. And take endless photos of the whole ordeal, of course!

Brownie Points

2010-08-16T15:24:00.006-05:00

So, today has been a very successful day! I went shopping and got a weeks worth of groceries and got a good deal on hamburger meat. Came home and put up everything--including making the ground beef into 33 patties! So, I was feeling like I earned super brownie points today. While I was in the kitchen, I asked Ashton to take some cream cheese down to Debbie's house. It was taking him awhile and just as I was going to check out the door, he came back. He looked absolutely beat. (I can't blame him...I can't stand the heat, especially while running) So, he comes in and says, "Hey mom, I ran around Grammy's house and I tried all the windows and doors and nobody is home and I couldn't reach the spare key, so I just left it sitting on her porch." To which I say, "Ashton your so awesome for doing that for me, but we can't leave it out there in the heat, could you go back and get it?" So, he jumps up and runs down there and brings it back to me. He flops in the chair like he was just worn slap out. Then sits up and says, "So, what do I get for it?" "You get brownie points!"
So, then he wanted to know what brownie points were and I explained it to him and then followed a battery of questions in which he wanted to know what he could trade his brownie points for. Today, I let him trade them for a handful of toffee bits. But, then of course it was how many he had and then how could Jenna earn brownie points. (At that point I got her to do a load of laundry....) But, the whole thing got me thinking... I could really use this to teach them responsibility and initiative. So, I made another chart for the fridge:

On each of theirs, I put their name on it in the center and I made it transparent, but this one I just left blank so you could personalize it for your young-uns. And I'm going to put them in sheet protectors. I was thinking that I could track each of their points for the day and the week. Then, they could be turned in for something personal, ie: time with mom/dad, special reading time, and extra board game...

P.S.- You can download this one, too!

Family Food

2010-08-15T19:39:00.004-05:00

Okay, so I've been really lame in the "staying on a food budget" category for awhile now. But in an effort to change my ways and have more money than month, I put together a weekly menu board for my fridge. See? I think it's prettiness will increase the likelihood that I'll actually use it...

So, I just printed it and I'm going to slip it into a sheet protector and then tape it on the fridge and then it will be easy to write on with dry erase markers. I'll fill in what I'm going to cook this week and then next week it will be easy to change (because I need change and variety in my life...). I'm also hoping that it will ease the "What's for dinner mom?(honey?)" question every night, too.

P.S.- You're free to download and use it, too! Happy cooking!

That's intrinsting...

2010-08-12T14:29:00.003-05:00

Ashton has this quirk. He likes to ask me questions, but then frequently will answer them before I get the chance to do it. Today, I was in the kitchen and feeling kinda sluggish when he started pummeling me with all kinds of questions. He asked me about what I was making and my mouth opened and all that came out was a mumbled grunt. He then answered his own question using his classic, "you mean..." and then he says, "Mom, I just took the words out of your lips!" (BTW: intrinsting is how he pronounces interesting) I love that boy! He can always brighten my day which I totally needed.

Jenna is 4 years older than Shiloh. So, I had completely gotten out of the habit of living with a toddler and I think Shiloh knows it! Today, she climbed on the dinning table, where Ashton was painting glow-in-the-dark fangs on his latest sock creature. She grabbed the little fella and stuffs him face first in her mouth, freshly painted fangs and all. She spit him out and threw him down and bawls and spits and coughs and chokes. I run. I get her cleaned up and give her some love and send her on her way. I turn my attention to the sock creature. While I perform surgery to repair the fangs....SHILOH runs into the living room and standing on tip toes, reaches up and gets the acrylic paint that I had just poured out to paint my latest art piece. Grabs the brush dips it in the cobalt blue paint and begins painting the front of the fireplace! ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!!?

I'm glad Randall came home a few minutes ago. I need some sort of distraction...some adult conversation.

OMG!

2010-08-02T07:46:00.003-05:00

I've got my fingers crossed! I'm hoping that I'm the lucky new owner of this fabulous new machine! I can do everything and it's been on my list of things I want really badly for awhile now. It's called a Silhouette and it's awesome! Anyway, if you want to enter this fabulous giveaway, just visit Sugardoodle and get on the bandwagon of followers!

Ponder It

2010-07-29T05:04:00.003-05:00

If money and time were no object, what would you do? Would you be an eternal tourist? Would you buy an island and move there? Would you take your kids to every single amusement park on the face of the planet? Would you pick a topic and study everything that you could possibly ever find on the subject? Would you give back in some way? I'm writing my goals and dreams for the future. I writing down what makes me happy and what I love to do. Did you know that I love music and dance? I didn't realize it about myself until the last few days... I was thinking about what I really enjoyed doing. I love to dance, although it's painful to watch me do it. So, it's now one of my goals to learn to dance and dance my way to a healthier me.

So, I want to challenge you to take some time today or tomorrow or sometime this week and ask yourself some questions. What is it that you truly love? What dreams do you have for the future? I'm starting to realize that so often I'm on auto pilot mode. And sometimes it's even just a fake-it-til-u-make-it situation. But now, I want to be more alive. I want to act in my environment and not be acted upon...

Tee Shirt Refashion

2010-07-24T12:42:00.005-05:00

I've finished all the shirts that I got from the put-n-take for Shiloh. But, my daughter has turned into an elusive nudist and I could only photograph 1 of the dresses on her. She's at that stage when she fully believes that running naked is the only way to go. I can't say that I blame her, if I could I'd be doing the same thing... The other day she pooped in her diaper and took it off sat on the floor and started playing in it and Randall caught her just before she got to lick it off her hands. AUGHHH! Any who, here she is in her new purple dress.
I'm totally digging the flower. It completely makes is sing for me! It's hard to get a non blurry picture of this child! I think I need to fiddle with the settings on my camera. I thought the picture of Ash and Shi was so cute I couldn't resist taking like fifty! Shiloh hero-worships Ashton (Ahhh in Shiloh speak) and Jenna (Ya-ya in Shiloh speak).

Just Call Me Frisco...

2010-07-20T07:21:00.003-05:00

So, last night we decided to do a service project for FHE. We drove over to a friends house, had dinner and a lesson then all drove over and around completing our service. On the way, Randy was driving and paused at a stoplight and then pulled out in front of a cop. And yes, on the way to do a church service project, we got pulled over. The cop lectured us all about the imprtance of complete stops, checked Randy's license and then let us go without the $250 ticket for rolling through a stop in the state of Florida all because we mentioned church. See, you do get blessings when you're on the Lord's errand! And I'll always remember to come to a COMPLETE stop at lights and signs.

Too cool!

2010-07-14T11:40:00.008-05:00

Every time that I've had a baby I've always held them I few minutes after birth and I am always amazed at how I could have created such an amazing little person. I'm literally speechless. Well, today I felt that feeling all over again when I finished another birthday cake for some of my Young Women. I put the finishing touches on it and every time I look at I think, "Wow! I can't believe I made that! It looks so completely cool!"
I saw this cake a little while ago and I thought, man that's awesome. I wish I had the talent to create that. I've been thinking about it ever since. I couldn't get it out of my mind. So, I decided to do a music/rock theme for two girls in yw that have birthdays a week apart. And this cake became my inspiration for my color scheme. I thought I would attempt the cake, but before I did, I read this whole series on making fabulous cakes. I used her recipe for fondant since every other time I used my recipe for butter cream fondant it was crap. And can I just say that I love the way it turned out; way easier to work with! So, after all that I jumped in. Monday I baked and froze the cakes and made the fondant. Tuesday I cut, filled, stacked and frosted the cakes. Today I put on the fondant and decorated the whole thing. Check it out! Jusst ignore the sink full of dishes that are about to spill on the floor in the background. Right after the photo shoot, I cleaned them all...

Redress

2010-07-11T23:05:00.003-05:00

There have been tons of posts lately of t-shirt remixes. Well, I was inspired by a recent put-n-take at church where I received several tween t-shirts, which Jenna would never wear, but Shiloh would be ages before fitting. And I had an Ah-ha moment and thought, ya know, Shi really could use some more dresses for church this summer. And then the cutest things were created. I've done two so far and I have two more to remix. But, so far I could only get one pic of her wearing any of them. What do you think?

Cow Apperication Day

2010-07-11T22:47:00.003-05:00

Okay, I'm dong a little back blogging. July 9 is always Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-Fil-A. That happened to be Friday. Every July 9, if you visit a Chick-Fil-A dressed as a cow, then you get a free meal, whatever you want, free. I love it! So, we dressed as cows. Can you believe it? Yes, I'm starting to really enjoy the whole embarrass your kids aspect of parenthood... And I love that our new business affords us the luxury of doing this in a Friday afternoon with our kids.

After this we went to the movies, sans cows, and saw Despicable Me in 3D. Which was really cute! All in all, life is a blast and I'm looking forward to more embarrassing photos like this in the future!

Oh! Nature! Get it off me!

2010-07-03T19:00:00.002-05:00

Okay. I just spent 4 days camping in the woods with a bunch of teenage girls. Not one, not ONE, bug bite, sting or crawling thing did I encounter while I was there. And the bugs were thinck as thieves, too! Many other people came out looking like they had chicken pox they had so many bites. But me? Not one! But today, home, rested, cleaned and repacked to start another trip, I must have had a giant target attatched to me! I got what we can only assume to be a scorpion sting. While I was loading the van with our bags, I felt the most intense searing pain in my foot. My whole foot is swollen now and the pain is still crazy. Now, I've got to come up with a creative shoe source for church tomorrow. Grannie slippers anyone? Maybe I can use this tutorial and create something fabulous in the face of this sour lemon...

The baby's coming!

2010-06-25T18:28:00.008-05:00

No! Not another one for me! A friend of mine is due August 15 and a couple ladies at church have gotten together and planned a surprise shower for her! I'm super excited about it. She's having a boy and were doing the whole thing in Dinosaur themed decor. All that to say, I've been busy. I've made 8 bibs and I'm working on 9 onesies. My favorite part of what I'm doing are my appliques. See, check it out:

I made these 4 with the dinos on them and I made 4 more from a button up shirt I go on sale for $0.50. I like them all! I just love the way that they all turned out.

Beach Party

2010-06-24T21:07:00.006-05:00

Last night I put together a party for one of my girls. She told her mom that she wanted a beach themed party and so, that's what I did for her. I forgot my camera and I had to use my phone to take some pictures of the decor. I made some pom poms, like these, that I hung from the ceiling. I used this cupcake template to create the cupcake liners. And then I made the umbrellas that I was inspired to make after seeing this fabulous spread. The center piece uses mini pom poms and larger umbrellas.

Dance Baby Dance!!!

2010-06-22T17:12:00.004-05:00

Anyone who knows Shiloh, or has spent any time with her, knows that she has a soul that is born from music. We recently were at a church activity where she ran out to the center of the room and just kept dancing to the music and didn't care that she was competing for floor space among many an adult. For weeks since then, we have heard multiple times that she was the life of the party. We have a wii. And for our wii, we have the game Just Dance. Which has become insanely fun in recent months as Shi has become more and more active. It's amazing to see a 15 month old have rhythm and timing with all her moves. And I mean moves. The others never had moves beyond a hip wiggle. But Shi really gets into it and every inch of her body moves to the music. Don't believe me? Just watch this... I was only able to get a few seconds before my camera was full and died, but it's enough....

Boy Scouts

2010-06-22T17:03:00.004-05:00

Did you know that in high school I was an honorary Boy Scout? I bet you didn't... Any way, I was asked to help the scouts with their bake sale fundraiser since our girls fundraiser went so well. I ended up having to work the day they put it all to together, so all I could do was the posters and candied popcorn balls. I made caramel corn too, but it didn't set up well. I don't think I cooked it long enough. So, the kids ate it.

Springs

2010-06-16T12:16:00.004-05:00

We took the kids to Ponce De Leon Springs yesterday. It was really fun. We meet some friends there and spent the afternoon, rain storm and all at the springs. Toward the end of the day, some of the kids there had found some crayfish and Ashton was beyond excited to tell me all about it. He said, "Mom, they have Crawtatters! They have Crawtatters! There's three big ones and a bunch of little ones! You need to see them! I'll even hold Shiloh so you can go see them! You've just got to see these crawtatters!" It made me laugh so hard! And it made me remember that when Ashton was about 1.5 years old, Randall was eating Craw-Tatters (they are spicy potatoe chips). Not thinking, he just handed one to Ash and he shoved it in his mouth and screamed for the longest time about it. I love my family.....

Air

2010-06-12T11:15:00.004-05:00

Okay, so in order to save gig space and overage charges with our air card, I'm at the library checking my email and downloading somethings. The upside, this is nice for my budget. The downside, the library is closed so I'm sitting here in the car with the kids because it is waaay to HOT outside to sit out there. So, I've got the ac blasting and Jenna says:

"Mom, how cool is that the air smells like airplane air!" It's been at least a couple years since she's ridden on a plane. I can't believe she remembers that!?! Crazy.

In the kitchen...

2010-06-10T16:36:00.002-05:00

Jenna: "What's for dinner?"

Me (shoving brownie in my mouth): "Broccoli Caffowo"

Jenna: "What?!? Broccoli Cat fart?"

Me (trying not to choke while laughing and swallowing): "No! Broccoli Cassarole!"

Jenna: "Oh. So, leftovers?"

Oi! I live with a tiny comedienne!

Bubbles!

2010-06-10T13:44:00.003-05:00

This is what Jenna and Shiloh were doing on the front porch this morning and my hubby was sweet enough to tape it for me!

Spa Night!

2010-06-10T13:42:00.001-05:00

For our Young Women’s activity last night we had a Spa Night. It was super fun! We invited the Relief Society sisters for manicures and pedicures and goodies. (As a way to transition the Young Women to Relief Society, we have joined forces and are planning joint activities with the Relief Society once a quarter. Last night was the first.) It was so fun!

We had a station set up for pedicures...

And we had a station set up for manicures...

We had amazing food (scratch brownies, fried pickles and mushrooms, tuna salad, artichoke and crab dip with crustinies, cucumber sandwiches, and raspberry punch)

And we even had a make and take table where everyone could take home some Mexican Chocolate Body Scrub and Coconut Vanilla Brown Sugar Body Buff.

I had fun decorating and the best part was that it cost me only $4 for the whole room! I was inspired by this tutorial to make all the white tissue paper flowers. And then I used this tutorial and some paper bags we had in the closet to create the brown flowers. My 2 in. punch isn’t scalloped, but I think it still turned out super cute! I added an extra circle that I punched out to create the leaves by just twisting the center of the circle. For the chairs, I raided our Relief Society closet and got 6 table cloths, draped them over the chairs and tied raffia and tulle in a knot around the chairs. The food table center piece is filled with sea shells that my kids have collected when we go to the beach. The cost was less than $25 for the whole night!

Girl's Camp- Project Secret Sister

2010-06-10T13:16:00.001-05:00

Last Wednesday, at young women's, we made all the secret sister gifts for the girls for the whole week of camp and it was super fun! Thanks to all my virtual friends, it was easy to put together these ideas and to pull it off in one night. (BTW: Secret Sisters are something fun that creates unity and a bit of happiness in life and especially during camp. Each girl gets assigned another girl at camp. You know who you have, but not who has you. Then each day you give your sister a gift in secret. At the end of the week you find out you had you and you share who you had.)

At camp, we will be there from Tuesday to Friday and we have 5 girls going. In years past it has always been that the girls came up with their own, but this year we have a whole bunch of brand new beehives coming and they wanted to do it all together.

So this is what we decided to create:

Journals and pens: For the journals, I chose 4 images of animals (owl, flamingo, giraffe, and bear). Using Photoshop, I changed the images to black and white and then increased the contrast and brightness until it was just the black outline of the image and save them and printed them on colored card stock so that I could get 2 journals out of 1 sheet of letter sized paper. I cut them apart and fold them in half. for the paper on the inside, I did the same thing and used a hole punch to punch two holes in the top of the cover and pages and tide them with a ribbon. The girls did the punching and the tying and then stamped whatever words they wanted on the front. For the pens, we unscrewed the end and took it apart and cut a small piece of scrapbook paper, rolled it and put it in the pen tube, put it all back together and those were done.

Bracelets: For the bracelets, we used memory wire, which you can get at the bead section at any craft store or at wal-mart. Just curl one end of a piece (I cut the wire to get 3 out of 1 pkg.) of wire and string on your beads and curl the other end. And your done!

Flower Hair-bows: Flower hair pieces are hugely popular right now and I love them! We made ours by following this tutorial and sewed the flower to a hair band--I found hair bands at the Dollar Tree for 29/$1, plus they had all the flowers, too! Which makes this super cheap! Instead of hot gluing, we sewed the beads on to the petals.

Coconut Vanilla Brown Sugar Body Scrub: I have this book and I have used it many times. It has the recipe that I used for this. If you love cookie batter, you'll love the smell of this stuff! I made a double batch and put a couple tablespoons in baby food jars that I had been saving for this. I then made my own labels for them and we hade the girls use packing tape to put the labels on and make them sort of water proof. For the lid we punched out a 2in circle of matching scrapbook paper and hot glued it to the top then wrapped the edge with some ribbon and put a dot a glue at the back. I think they turned out super cute!

And now the girls have gifts for their secret sisters for another year! YEAH!

oh. wow.

2010-06-08T18:56:00.000-05:00

Well, i was wrong. Jenna actually had a yeast infection that got infected. At least that's how it was explained to me at the doctor's office today. So hopefully in ten days it will all be cleared up. And by the way, I found this cool site for creating your own menu. I'm sure that there are others online elsewhere, but I found this one and thought it was so fun and neat. It helps that i have watched Food Nanny many times before and i love her. She's super cute. Any way, i'm using this to organize myself a little bit better.

The Joys....

2010-06-08T08:57:00.000-05:00

The joy of living in the woods is that the kids have 40 acres to traipse all over. The downside of living in the woods is that the kids have 40 acres to traipse all over. Jenna has some bizarre rash all over in a very private area. I'm convinced that it's poison ivy, but I'm taking her to the doctor to make sure. Poor things been scratching like a demon for 2 days even with calamine lotion so thick she's turned pink. Ahh, Ce la vive!

It's a Good Day after all!

2010-06-07T17:44:00.001-05:00

Today Randall and I went around shopping for the best deals on business attire. And boy did we luck out! For $11.50 Randall found 2, not 1 but 2, suits. For about $60 I found 1 suit, 6 shirts, 2 blazers, a pair of slacks and a skirt. So, I didn't luck out as much as Randall, but I did pretty good!

Before we went shopping I cut every ones hair. I started out with all intention of just trimming Jenna's hair. She and I go back and forth about it. She wants a boy cut and I want her to look girly. The last 2 years I've won because I've pulled the "I'm the momma and I say so" card. But recently, Randall got me thinking about the way I was when I was younger. I remember having long hair when I was about 7 maybe 8. I begged my mom forever about cutting my own hair. And then, she caved in and let me cut it to my shoulders. And to be honest, it's been that length or shorter ever since. Barring the once or twice it got down to mid chest level with I was in the throughs of pregnancy. I thought about when I was in high school and I cut it so short. I was really only about an inch and a half long. I have proof, too! All my senior pictures were taken when I had that do! So, today, when she asked my if I'd give her a boy cut, I through caution to the wind and cut it all off. And now, she's completely my daughter. And the best part is that she's now wearing girly clothes! Maybe I should have done it a long time ago!

Hummmmm.....

2010-06-04T09:13:00.000-05:00

I have to say, I wish I understood HTML code better. My eyes have become bleary. And I have not much to show for it. What seems like it will work is not working...I just want the cutest blog on the block Megan style!

Shiny and New

2010-06-03T11:53:00.002-05:00

Yeah! I finally got around to updating our title! What do you think? Of course, now that we have a camera again, I'll be able to update photos here regularly! Life is goood.....

Life and all that stuff...

2010-06-01T21:47:00.002-05:00

I can't describe it. Lately I've seen how truly blessed I am and I can't describe how cool it is. As you know Randall and I decided to put all our eggs in one basket and start our own business. I have to tell you that I felt great when we first started, but now, I'm over the moon! The top leaders of our company say,"ACN is a self-improvement course with a compensation plan." And I for one have to second that! I have grown so much as a person since we started this business. We have made it our daily goal to follow the wise words of Darin Hardy, editor of Success Magazine, and be constantly focused on positive things. We've also turned our van into a rolling university. Every time we are in there, we are listening to presentations from some of the greatest minds of success. Because I'm always listening to positive things, I find myself thinking and saying positive things.

Through a series of unforeseen events and circumstances beyond our control, Randall is now home full-time. While at first it was a bit scary with him being unemployed and all, now I can't remember what it was like to not have him around. Now, we get to work full-time on our fortune and making our dreams into reality. I just can not believe how truly fortunate we are! God has blessed our family in huge, huge ways.

As a side note, I've got a tons of great ideas and fun things to share with you over the coming months also. Tomorrow night at Young Women's we'll be working on our secret sister gifts for Girl's Camp. Don't worry, I'll do a through post with pics and links on Thursday. I'm also putting together a baby shower for a friend of mine. She's having a boy in August. His name is Liam. And thanks to my handy sewing machine, he's going to be super studdly in some awesomely cute things I making for him. Again, all will be revealed in due time. Plus, I've recently been on an organizing rampage. I've gone through all my yarn and donated 3 large storage bags full of yarn. And I'm creating a wonderful space for me to actually feel inspired to create beautiful things; to include shelves, hooks, and a spiffed up sewing table. And last but certainly not least, a new blog design. I have much in the works grasshopper...we shall have much to learn...

Summer time...

2010-06-01T17:39:00.009-05:00

Every Tuesday, the most wonderful lady does an awesome job doing the story time at the library in Freeport. After that we get together with our Homeschool group and go to the park with the kids for lunch and play. The kids have loved every minute of it. But, today was the last day of story time for the summer. My kids are definitely going to miss it. But, we have other things going on this summer. And we're still going to be getting together with our homeschooling buddies. Thanks Missy for a great time!

On the home front, I finally got a camera. It still can't touch the awesomeness of the previous one, but it takes pictures and they're decent and it's easy to use. I spent the day using it, getting to know all the features and how to get the thing to take pictures continuously. (which it doesn't actually do, by the way...) Any way here are some pictures from our day at the library and the park.

I used the photo ShaZAM technique I found here to make them look better than straight from the camera. What do you think?

thursday

2010-05-21T10:55:00.003-05:00

A conversation heard yesterday:

Grandpa: What day of the week is it?

Me: Thursday

Grandpa: Say again?

Me: T-H-U-R-SDAY

Grandpa: Oh okay. That's what I thought, Thursday.

Shiloh: tursday!

She's becoming a parrot! And she's into everything. She climbs even! I was at wal-mart last night and i forgot my wallet at home. Randall ran home and got it, even though he was pretty steamed that i forgot it. I stayed there with the kids in the arcade area. There is a rocket ship that the kids can ride and shi loves it! I took pictures with my phone. Good news though i found a sweet deal on a digital camera, so i'll have it here on tuesday! Maybe the third times the charm!

It’s like a honeymoon only they call it dating…

2010-03-26T11:20:00.002-05:00

Okay, so Randall and I have made it a goal of ours to make sure to spend extra time with the kids. Once Shiloh came into our lives, we quickly realized it was necessary to help them adjust to our growing family. So, once or twice a month, we have a day that is a daddy daughter day and mother son day. Yesterday was that day. We used to treat the kids to Sonic or McDonald’s but, let face it. It can get expensive and it’s totally unhealthy. SO, today Ashton and I planned to have a pick nick at the park and Randall and Jenna planned to go bike riding. I packed a lunch for us and we headed in town to the “big park by the church“. Well, poop, it started raining. We decided to park in the parking lot and eat our pick nick in the car. It’s always a barrel of fun to listen to Ashton talk about whatever comes to mind. Today was really fun!

Okay, we’re eating and he says, ‘Mom, I know what usually happens when boys and girls go on pick nicks.’ ‘Oh, yeah?’ I say. ‘Yeah. Usually they sit and the boy says, I love you. Then the girl says, I love you, too. And then as the sun sets, they kiss. It’s like they are on their honeymoon, only they call it dating. Dating is just the same as a honeymoon, but a date is short and the honeymoon lasts a long time.’

It’s so cute and innocent and funny to listen to what he thinks about love. By the way, he calls our outings our date night.

But, our conversation doesn’t end there. He told me all the memories he had of playing on all the equipment with different people. He has so many memories and it takes him quite a while to tell me all of them and then he says, “And that’s my life so far. Well, ya know when I was four.”

Ashton is a talker and he’s always got a story for every occasion. It makes life so fun to see these beautiful babies growing up and learning so many things. I feel so blessed!

Crazy!...I know.

2010-01-28T08:49:00.002-06:00

Okay, so yesterday was just a nutty day. I went clothes shopping. I usually can find really good deals and things that look totally awesome on me...but yesterday...not so much! I did find a $3 blouse for my business side of life, so that was good. I did not however find nice slacks or jacket for business which is the truly really reason I went in 4 separate stores in search of them. So, feeling a bit defeated, I took Jenna to Burger King and got drive through. Headed to Wal-Mart and parked in the parking lot to eat away my bummer day. Finished eating, got out of the van, locked the van, shut the door and double checked my purse for keys...triple checked for keys....quadruple checked for keys...NO KEYS. Looked back at car...keys dangling in the ignition......Augh! (that's me completely disgusted with myself). I must mention at this point that it's been about 2 years since I've done that so, I guess it was time. Luckily I did have my phone and wallet in my purse on my shoulder. I called Randall and we then arranged for our neighbors to watch the kids (I had all the car seats) so that Randall could come rescue me in the pick up truck...oh but wait, I had both spare keys to the truck with me! As it happened Debbie had an extra and he was able to come and save me after an hour of bumming around Wal-Mart after I checked out.

All that to say, I had the worst desire to create something that I know would be good and that I had complete control over once I got home. So, I made cupcakes (I know, right?). I make 24 and to date every single one are gone. Not by me thank goodness! I don't think my thighs could handle any more fat.... I took them to church where the youth often become my giunepigs for my creations. I had one left when I got home and Bud rushed in to devour it this morning. So, do you want to know what kind I made? I was intirely my own invention. Although i received inspiration from my newest book, 'Jam it, Pickle it, Cure it'. I made what will forever be known as:

Carmel Butter Pecan Cupcakes with a Salted Carmel Cream Cheese Frosting

Long name, right? Maybe I should name it CBPCSCCCF? (Wow. Flashbacks to Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) It was really fun to put these together and I think I'll definitely be added these to the repertoire.

I'm a TOM BOY!

2010-01-28T08:34:00.002-06:00

For awhile now Jenna has insisted that she was much more boyish than girlish. There was never a point were she has deviated from that position either. In fact, she got for Christmas from Santa a pink bike with flowers on it and in her own words she said, "I really wanted a boy bike with flames. Doesn't Santa know I'm a TOM BOY?!? I guess next year I'll have to write that in my note, too..."

I must admit, having a girl that would rather be a boy is somewhat disconcerting. I had all these hopes of doing all sorts of little girl things with Jenna when she was born. Ya know, dollies and dress up and doing fun things with her hair. All that is a big fat no on the Jenna meter. But, this week there have been glimpes of hope in all this masculinity. Tuesday she decidided that we're going to plant a butterfly garden so see can look at all the pretty butterflies. She had me read Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly, which is completely girly. Ashton wouldn't even look at the pages...And last but not least, she made beads with me in the kitchen using some instructions we found on Martha Stewart's website. Granted her's were acid green, but at least she made them and had fun doing it to boot! This weekend we're going to make Valentines to hand out to all their friends and family plus mail a few. I may just be rubbing off on her what do you think?

Smile!

2010-01-19T08:34:00.005-06:00

Shiloh has a new thing that she does. Whenever you say smile, she does this:

She's super cute about it. And I think it's totally funny that she does it on command! She also loves to laugh when anyone else does, too! She's a source of a lot of laughter and happiness in our home...

I finished the invitations for New Beginnings. I mentioned before that we are holding ours on Valentines with the theme Fearless Heart. I'm super excited about and I took a picture of the invites. The photo I created in Photoshop and then I pasted it on scrapbook paper. On the back I added the info for the night. Here's what it looks like:

The word art over the silhouette says, "Fearless Heart: Be Strong and of a Good Courage"

I just love it and I'm going to frame mine and put it on my fridge so I can see it everyday.

Be Strong

2010-01-15T19:05:00.003-06:00

About 4 or 5 months ago, I got a phone call from my m-i-l (Randall's step-mom). She told me that she was reading her scriptures and that she was lead to share with me some scriptures that would help our family in the coming months. One of those scriptures was Joshua 1:9 which states: "Be strong and of a good courage, for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest." Shortly afterward, I found out that this was the theme for the youth of the church during 2010. I love it! It has really struck accord with me and I'm uber excited about it and including it in all our activities this year.
Next week I'm in charge of our combined activity and as part of it I made these chocolate boxes for handouts. I made both the box and the wrappers in Photoshop. It was a fun project. When all 20 boxes are stacked up, they look this building blocks, which is part of what I'm going to talk about with them. I think I'm going to start with a clip from A Brand New Year that introduces the theme: Be Strong and of a Good Courage. Then we're going to play a game to help illutrate the point that as we are strong and courageous we are building the kingdom of God. So, yeah...I'm super excited about all of it.

I've got it in the bag!

2009-12-05T22:02:00.002-06:00

After two years of research, scanning, and writing, it's finally done. I've finished and published Bud's life stories book. For six and a half years I've listened to his stories about his life and I've collected them and transcribed them. I went through boxes of old photographs and scanned them in. I matched to stories to the photos and complied them into what will be wrapped and put under the tree for Bud's Christmas present this year. I'm anxious to see how he responds to the book. I'm sure there will be tears. He has for years said that someone should write a book about his life. And now his dream has been realized. The past few years his memory has gone down hill fast and I wonder if when he reads it he will be shocked by the stories or think that I got it all wrong. And then I wonder if I can just show him the book every day to remind him that I know all the stories already when he gets on one of his rants about life...

Here's a preview: But, it doesn't do it justice. To see it in person in my hands it's so much more... It's also interesting to note, that Debbie said that she hadn't see most of the photos from when he was young. My parents have so few that I've seen them all...

Lost, lost, lost....

2009-12-03T09:04:00.002-06:00

Okay. If I were a digital camera where would I be?

I lost it! I can't find it any where and with the holidays and a wedding almost here, I really need it. Say a prayer or send good thought my way, I'm sure it will turn up somewhere! Maybe when I clean out the car...

Ash is Super!

2009-11-20T06:10:00.002-06:00

I just finished a project with one of our new products! I super excited about it! It's our new swatch book. I'll be keeping this bad boy in my purse to show off whenever I can. And yes, I'm one of "those" mothers... Look!

Around the dinner table:

2009-11-02T18:15:00.005-06:00

Jenna: Mom, could you pass me some cheese pizza?

Mom: Yeah...

Jenna: Oh! Yeah, give it to the big boss!
Ashton: -beat boxing in the background-

Jenna: give it to the big boss! give it to the big boss

Mom and Dad: -tearful laughter-

I'm thinking that we should start video taping our dinner conversations. They are truly one of a kind!

On saving...

2009-11-02T15:51:00.003-06:00

From the moment I broke out on my own I have had a driving desire to save and be thrifty. And with our latest financial adjustments, it has only caused me to be this way in every aspect of my life. Case in point: When I was in college, I got my clothes for $0.25 each at the annual Women's Association yard sale on campus. Oh, and then the other day, we had used our coupons and gone out to eat while we were out in Destin. Randall didn't finish his lemonade, so I saved it. (but I forgot it in the car) The following day when we were out, Randall wanted to get a drink and I handed him the lemonade, not even thinking about it...He drank it and spat it everywhere and gave me a horrified look. So, see...the drive to be thrifty is becoming overwhelming!

So, I found this website...it helps me to feel like the thrifty goddess that I am. You see, it's the latest thing. It's called The Grocery Gam e. The first time I played along, I saved $42.00. This week I saved.......$124.44! Yeah me! Now I've got a freezer and pantry full of food and I'm getting my food storage beefed up...Who knows, maybe next week I'll save even more...

Oh, Wow!

2009-10-20T16:14:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it has been two weeks now since we got home! I feel like I've done enough to have been home for ages more. I cleaned the massive toy explosion in the kids room, again. I cleaned my room, again. I folded all the laundry and put it all away, only to start over, again, today. And I'm beginning to understand the frustration that my mom would have when my room wasn't clean as a kid...

On Sunday, Ashton got his new kitty. He's black and white and named Mr. Fluffybottoms. Ashton named him after some featured kitties on this site that Randall loves. And for the kids it was love at first sight! Something about funny animal pictures has them in stitches! And, when Randall read them the little quips, they memorized them for instant retrieval later. Now there's not a day that goes by that a situation provides the perfect opportunity for them slip one into the conversation. Jenna is really good at choosing the right words for any moment...

And the biggest news of all...BECCA IS GETTING MARRIED!!! I'm really excited about it! While I was on vacation, I got to meet my new brother-in -law-to be. He's a great guy and is the perfect complement to my sister. It's going to be so cool to have Jamie as part of our family. It will make for loads of fun in the coming years! My brother and his wife life quite a ways away from us so, we just haven't had time to get very close and they have much different interests than we do. So, all that to say, I'm happy for them both and happy for me, because I have a new "brother" to hang out with now...

As her wedding present from us, I'm doing the food, with the help of Mom. There are some days that I start thinking that I must be crazy. I've got tons to do over the next 8 weeks that I just don't know how things are going to get done. Nov. 4 is our Young Women in Excellence night, then I'm teaching a beading class at our Relief Society retreat Nov. 6 and 7. Then the 13th is our Fall Festival at the community center, and silly me, I signed up to be the committee head last year when plans for the event fell through. Then Dec. 10 is the wedding and the 18th is the reception. And, some where in the middle of all that, I've got 3 Halloween parties, teaching lessons in YW on Sundays, YW wed. night activities, Stake YW activities, and Christmas and Thanksgiving to plan and prepare for...If I make it to the New Year, I'll call myself a superhero! I'm beginning to believe that's what mothers are, you know...Superheroes...

Now, I've got to go put on my spandex jumpsuit and cape. Up Up and Away!

Scripture of the Day: Genesis 2:18

2009-10-03T15:27:00.002-05:00

"And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone;..."

Ah, such true words. Being here with only Grandpa is very lonely. But there are some nice things about being by myself. I can get the house cleaned up for one. Also, I have time to do things like post on this here so-phisticated blog do-hickey. Also, please note my newly updated profile which is now full of deeply personal information like my dislike of pajamas. (My wife has enough pajamas to fill a U-Stor-It, so she more than makes up for my lack.)

Also, I can look for jobs, not that this takes very long. And I can do my computer artwork, which is becoming a big hobby for me. Meg gets back on Wednesday! Yeah!

Daddy, guess what we did today...

2009-10-01T19:11:00.003-05:00

The zoo was fun, but the kids were done looking at everything in about 20 minutes. (It was tiny, maybe 20 exhibits.) Some of the highlights were the Lemurs, White Bengal Tigers, and the Kodiak bear. But I think the cutest was the baby zebra. All in all, I think it was a bit over priced for what it was.

In less than a week our time on vacation will be done and we'll be home again with you! Tomorrow, we'll be going on the The Great Pumpkin Patch Express. It's a train ride trough the mountains and at the end we get to meet Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy! We'll post another video again tomorrow all about the train ride!

I am a G-I-R-L...

2009-09-18T13:40:00.004-05:00

It seems that no matter how much pink and flowers Shiloh has on, 9 out of 10 people call her a boy. So, in an effort to reinforce that she is a girl, I have decided to create some hair bows for her. It seems I've always got ribbon lying around the house anyway...So today I made a couple to up the cuteness factor. One in browns and pinks and the other in white and pink. I can't believe how completely easy these were and how totally girly Shiloh looks, bald head and all...

Death...

2009-09-14T07:26:00.003-05:00

Oh...Yesterday was a bit crazy. Randall had to work until 3am on Sunday morning and then after only 4 hours of sleep had to go and speak at church. So, we loaded everyone up and were about to pull out of the drive way when I looked over at the pig pen (Lewis has baby pigs and several chickens now) and I noticed that Ranger is in the pen. Not outside patrolling it, but trapped inside it. So, we drove over to investigate. I made Randall get out to see what was going on. Ranger got in the pen and killed both of the pigs. Well, this cemented his death sentence. We couldn't really do much dressed for church and all so we left him in there and took off. On the way, Randall called to tell Lewis and was told that he was going to shoot him and after church he'd have to go and bury all three.

So, given Ashton's previous record, we weren't telling him. But then once Chris and Belle got to church, everyone in the whole church knew. When it came time to sit down for sacrament, Ashton wasn't around and Chris piped up that he was balling in the gym. Chris told him all the gory details. Ashton was so upset that it took most of an hour to get him to even look and Lewis or Debbie. But, he eventually sat on Debbie's lap. But, even after church he told Lewis that he wasn't going to forgive him unless he got him a cat...

One of our neighbors has kittens that were just born not too long ago and so, Lewis is going to take him over there and let him pick out one that he can have when they're old enough to be away from their mom.

And the pet saga continues...

Mischeif managed.

2009-09-08T15:04:00.001-05:00

Oi! Wednesday was a ton of work, but in the end, the girls loved it and so did the parents. We had an appreciation dinner. It was cute and fun. Here's some pictures of the decor. For the center pieces, we made delicate paper flowers from tissue paper. We put them in vases and then surrounded them with seashells the kids collected. Judy, my councilor, helped us get bibs for everyone at Red Lobster. For the "chargers" we cut 12" pieces of wrapping paper.

Since the theme was appreciation, we didn't give anyone utensils to get their spaghetti dinner with; so that they would appreciate the fork when they ate their dessert. Then we commented on how we appreciated the tines of our forks as much as we appreciate those around us and all their talents. When we gave them the forks we also gave the parents poems about appreciating our moms and dads. We also gave the dads a Mr. Goodbar and for the moms we made rosette corsages from ribbon. Then, to top the night of as a YW presidency we wrote letters of appreciation to each of the girls and gave those to them. The girls loved it. The parents loved it. And we're all one more step closer to accomplishing our Personal Progress goals. (This event passed off Individual Worth #3)

Speaking of Personal Progress....I started a queen sized afgan for my bed. It's going to be my Divine Nature Value Project. And I'm using it as my 1000 yd Stashbuster challenge. Here's my starting picture.

Wow!

2009-09-01T06:36:00.007-05:00

I can't believe that it's been a month since I posted any updates here! It's been a whirlwind month with life running away at full speed. The first weekend we went up to Thomasville, GA and celebrated the life of a man who was noted as one of the best Father-in-laws by my m-i-l. Randy Jones was one of Randall grandparents, who after a valiant effort at making a life after a stroke, finally found rest at the end of a full and eventful life. I think I only able to spend time with him once or twice, but I remember him being a very gracious person who tried to find the best in all situations.

I came back and jumped back into to Young Women's. I got a new councilor and secretary and so I was training them with what they needed to do. I did one of the funnest lessons for the girls the other day. I was on resisting sin. I made them some Kry ptonite and read them the story of RAYAD and made little petite fours for them to eat. Here's a picture of them before I took them to church and they were devoured!

They were fun to make but very tedious. I don't know that I'll make them for anything again, but it was fun to learn how to do it and the end result was that my lesson really struck home with them and it will be something that they never forget.

Then it was time to start school. And since we home school, that meant I needed to plan and prepare to have things ready for last Monday when it was the official first day of school here. And after a week, I think we're starting to settle down into a routine and things are smoothing out. We've already planned a field trip to the mountains to ride a train and go to the zoo while we visit with Nanny and Grampy and then drive on over to spend my mom's birthday with her and see my sister and her new beau. So, it's a full schedule ahead...

On the knitting front, I have decided I need to finish my Modern Log Cabin Blanket that I started. I recently taught myself how to knit continental style and it goes pretty fast now, so I think I could potentially have it done by October. Which is good because I need to pass it off in my Personal Progress manual. It's going to be one of my value projects. I've got a little less than four inches to do on a baby blanket that Shiloh loves. so, maybe after I get the stuff finished for our parent appreciation night tomorrow night, I can bang that out and make a little baby very happy. ( she likes to chew on it)

I was going to post a video I took of Shiloh mimicking Ashton, but it's too big for my dial-up connection. So, you'll have to be satisfied with a few pictures from the past month.

Diaper Bags...

2009-07-28T16:02:00.004-05:00

I really believe that most of them are completely in adequate for me or any breastfeeding mother. Most of them look like a baby quilt. All of them have pockets for baby bottles. All of them are bulky and awkward if they are roomy enough to hold anything that you'll actually need in a day of running errands with a baby in tow. All in all, I've always been a bit disappointed in them. Especially if I am in a crowded space. I'm always worried I'm going to whack someone with it. So, all this discontent lead me on a search for the perfect bag. Something that didn't look like a diaper bag, had oodles of pockets for baby and me while still being sleek enough not to take out the whole east coast should I choose to turn around. Well, my friends, I found it. I've been hunting for 4 months now in every purse/bag department I've been near. And yesterday I found it at Cato while we were waiting for the doctor's office to reopen after lunch. It has 3 separate compartments each with it's own zippers and pockets. So, 1 for diapers and wipes in their new container (we'll talk more about this soon), 1 for a blanket, burp rags and gripe water, and then 1 for Mama- complete with cell phone and wallet pockets and a zipper for the keys. I'm loving it! I used it today to take the fam to story time at the library and then to run a few more errands around town. For once I didn't hold my breath while I picked up my bag and turned around a few times to make sure we had everything before we left. But, to top it off, I found some yummy colored purple vinyl to myself a Poopy Clutch. Take a look!

I found the vinyl at Walmart for $3.77/yd. And one yard looks like I'll be able to squeeze out 6 of these clutches. So, guess what is going to be on my baby gifting list from now on? And since it's the no-sew version it only took me about 5 minutes to make. I did make a change from the directions though. I used a large snap for the closure instead of the button she uses.

Randall thinks it's a bit unnecessary but I adore it. Go on now, you know you want to make one...

Life is good...

2009-07-24T07:29:00.006-05:00

Because I have a new camera! It came in the mail yesterday evening. So, I've been able to take pics again and right out of the gate I got a great one of Shiloh. She's getting her own look about her now. At first I totally thought she looked like Ashton, but then when she smiles she looked like Jenna. Now, she looks like Shiloh.

But on other fronts. While Randall is gone to work, I try to make the time fun for the kids. Last night we made Butter Beer. ( When you click on that link, be sure to look around, she's got three or four recipes plus links to where you can find other Harry Potter treats.) And if your a Harry Potter fan you know all the kinds of fun this entails. The kids loved it and asked for more. And who could blame them it's super tasty! Heather Bailey is sure to impress you with all her craftiness and beautiful pics. I love her blog! One day I'd love to be as crafty as her...

Here are the pics of our Butter Beer fun.

Something cool ...

2009-07-14T18:45:00.002-05:00

...to tide you over until get pics of all the sewing I'm doing. I've been cruising around this "sew" awesome blog. It's called Little Birdie Secrets and I love all of their inspiring ideas. Most of them can be done in an afternoon (or nap time ;) ). Take a look and I think you'll agree! Although, sometimes I catch myself saying, "Why didn't I think of that?" and I'm always glad that they did! Some of my favs are the nursing cover-up ( the ones that are so popular now), diaper changing pad, fairy princess wand, cool giveaways....and the list goes on and on. Just check it out, you'll be glad you did!

Randall should be taking his certification test in the next week and then we'll be one step closer to realizing our dreams...

I should have...

2009-07-10T07:46:00.004-05:00

...posted this yesterday, but I was busy playing with the baby! Any who. I've been making little booties for Shiloh and I'll share pictures of those tomorrow when I get them all done. I'm sewing several pairs and figuring out with ones fit her feet and stay on the best. I've got just two more pairs to sew, too. They've all been very easy so far, so keep your eyes out for all that info and more in a few days.

But, what I really want to post is the coolest dinner idea I've ever had, and my husband LOVED it to boot! I'm going to call it Dump Chili. And the story goes like this. It's a Wednesday night and I'm rushed as usual. I've got to get to the church in 10 minus 4 and counting, but I need to fix dinner. A girl's got to keep up her energy you know! It's raining outside and I love chili and cornbread when it's a cold and dreary day. So, I get out some cans of beans a big can of tomatoes and dump it all in a pot with some seasonings. Chili, check! Now, it's time for the cornbread. Oh boy! It would take too long to cook for me to leave on time. So, I get a fabulous idea...Cornbread dumplings. So, I whip it up and dump them in one beautiful spoonful at a time (adding just a bit more water so they'll have something to cook in). And in about 15 minutes I've got dinner made and set on the table. I ate and left for church to teach tie dye to the young women, but when I came home...

I was hailed as nothing short of a hero! Both Ashton and Randall loved the chili. Randall told me that I should make it a permanent staple at the dinner table. And from Ashton I got, "Mom, that was the BEST! I have the best mom ever!" And he told me that in the middle of watching Monster Quest with Randall, so I know it was really heartfelt and nothing that they rehearsed together to make me feel good. So, I'm feeling like a total kitchen genius now...

Something else that has me feeling like I scored big time is the new way that I have organized my life. I've tried many things that have come and gone over the years. I had a palm pilot, I used a dry erase board, I've made endless lists. All have come and all have gone. I've realized that I need to have a tangible experience with my calendar. So, I went to wal-mart and got a cheap $6 planner and I write down any important events and then fill in what needs to be done each day and then what I want to do each day and then ( here's the key for me) there's no pressure to get everything complete, barring absolute appointments. If I don't finish then it goes on the schedule for the next day. I love it! It seems simple I know, and most of you out there have probably already figured that out, but I'm loving it! I've got all my handouts done for my lesson on Sunday. Which usually waits until Saturday. I'll gather everything up at 10pm on Sat and hope that i have everything together for Church the next day. But this week I had it all done by Wed night. Which reminds me I want to post my handout here. This week our lesson is from Manaul 1 #24 Prayer and Meditation.

Progress

2009-07-04T13:18:00.006-05:00

Well, I hunkered down and finished a few things last night and this morning. I put the buttons on the friendship bracelets and I finished sewing the purses for the girls. What do you think? I love the bright colors the girls picked out for their bracelets. As for the fabric of the purses, I picked those out standing in the fabric section at wally-world.

For the bags, I found a tutorial/pattern online. They're called Japanese Knot Bags. And the pattern for the bracelets can be found on Knitty.

Chaos...

2009-07-03T09:35:00.002-05:00

...is my mantra. At least I feel like it should be since it seems that is the state of things here, continually!

Last Friday Randall hit a deer coming home from work in the wee hours of the morning. It bashed in the driver's side headlight and dented the bumper only to swing around and bash in the driver door. Randall was fine, except that I don't think I've seen him that mad in a long time! So part of this week we've spent talking to our insurance, the repair shop and blowing a ton of money driving around Bud's truck in order to have our new van back to us in it's perfect condition once again. I'm waiting now for the call to go and pick her up this morning...Pray its done before Randall goes to work today!

On the home front, I've recently fallen in love with my sewing machine...I'm making things for Jenna and Shiloh and other babies yet to be born to friends and family. My mind is about bursting with ideas for gifts and useful things for my own babies. I put my green shawl on hold because Jenna requested that I make friendship bracelets for her and her two best friends, Hannah and Lorilie. I've knitted them and all that's left to do is to put on the buttons. While I was making those, Ashton asked for one with dragons on it. And me being the ever-pleasing person that I am for my children, searched around Ravelry until I found a pattern that would work. And, now Jenna wants matching purses for her and her friends to share. I'm happy to accomidate because this is probably the last few months she'll be able to see them. They are both a year older than her and are starting kindergarten this fall, so getting together is going to be much more limited...

I've also started knitting a baby blanket for a dear friend who is going to have a little girl in just 36 days. And I'm planning and getting ready to cast on for a baby blanket for my brother who's wife having their first boy. They already have 3 girls, so I'm thinking that this little boy needs to have a boost of testosterone with a boy colored blankey. since Josh and Leslie are into celtic life and design, I'm using a celtic knot pattern for the blanket. Hopefully it will come out nice, we'll see. Maybe I'll have photos of all my progress in a few days...(I'm still going to have to borrow a camera...)

2009-06-24T08:48:00.002-05:00

Well, our camera is looking more like we need to just buy a new one. Easier said than done, of course! If it were working, I'd have pictures for you of my lovely swiffer pads that work so wonderfully. I'd also have pics of my latest project. I started a new shawl. This morning when I added my project to Ravelry, I found out that this will make the 25th project I've posted. And I think that at least half of them are unfinished...oops! Well, in my defense, I find it hard to knit wool in the middle of a Fl summer! Any way, my new project...it's almost done and it's going really fast. I started it on Monday and I just have to more pattern repeats and an edging to complete and then I'll block it and barrow a camera to take pictures of it.

Lately, Shiloh has been doing the craziest thing! She's just three months old and she will already answer simple yes or no questions by shaking or nodding her head. I'll have to take a video of it for you! It's the darnedest thing! Do you think that kids who have older siblings grasp things more quickly? Jenna was an early talker because, I think, Ashton was already talking and running around pedal to the metal when she was born. It's always amazing to watch what unfolds here each day...

What did we do before?

2009-06-18T09:08:00.002-05:00

Attetion!...Breaking News Alert!...Congrats to my cousin Krista! She won the shawl and it will be winging it's way to her very soon!...And now bake to our regularly scheduled blog...

I feel very bummed that my camera, for whatever reason, has decided to go to pot. I think that it's just time to buy a new camera. Ours is one of the first digital cameras and it has a whopping 3 mega pixels. You can get a similar model now except that it has 8 mega pixels for the same price that was paid for this one. Any way all this blather to say, I finished some more knitting yesterday and I wanted to share it with you, but alas, you'll just have to use your imagination...

I made a reusable Swiffer pad. It's a beaut too! I use 100% cotton yarn in a purple and green variegated ombre. It has buttons to keep it on the Swiffer and when I'm done sweeping the kitchen I just toss it in the washing machine and it's good to go. I have to say, these have been a long time coming and I don't know why. It took me a whole two hours from start to finish and it was a completely useful result! And I did just buy the swiffer in order to make the pads. I had one when they were new and I hated the waste it created. But then I found this pattern and PRESTO! all it right in the world with my new favorite cleaning tool...

It's done!

2009-06-09T18:13:00.003-05:00

My husband says I have a problem. He thinks that just because I stayed up until 12am to do the final row of knitting on this shawl that I am an addict. Well, if that's the case, let me introduce myself. Hi. My name is Megan Curtis and I'm addicted to knitting...

But, I think it's a good thing. And you might too when you see this butte!

Specs:
Pattern- North Roe Shawl
Size- 68"x 26"
Yarn- Colourmart 100% Silk in Duck Egg

I had visions for better photographs to show of this shawl, but my camera pooped out and quit reading the memory stick. I went do to Debbie's and borrowed her camera to take a few snap shots to show you.

Now for the fun part. I don't often knit things for myself. This time is no different. I've decided to give this one to one of you. So, from now until next tuesday (6/16/09) just place a comment here and you'll get entered. One comment per person please. When you comment, I'll add your name to the pot and then draw one out and who ever it is gets this lovely peice sent to them!

Go ahead, you know you want it!

Shiloh

2009-06-08T06:48:00.003-05:00

Shiloh spends a good bit of time each day talking to us. It won't be long before we'll be able to understand everything she's saying. I can't believe that she'll be three months old on Thursday!

By the way...

2009-06-07T22:21:00.002-05:00

This is Randall's new uniform...

Relief

2009-06-07T21:59:00.002-05:00

I've mentioned before that I was searching for ways to deal with and overcome my postpartum depression. Well, I've finally found relief...

I have tried to do all the things that helped when I had it with Jenna. I went outside in the sun, I created things (baking and knitting), and I dreamed. All of them helped a little, but nothing completely took it away. Through it all I did continue to ask my Heavenly Father for help and to search for the answer. I've always known that the various programs that He had established in the church were for a reason. I gained my own testimony of the divinity of my Savior, Jesus Christ when I was a young woman at girl's camp. I gained knowledge of ways to care for my own family as I served in Relief Society. But, there was always one program that I struggled with all these years. That, my friends, was visiting teaching.

When I was studying and preparing my lesson for church, I found a link to this blog. And I found an answer to my prayers. I felt inspired that I needed to really do my visit teaching. I have a list with 6 sisters on it. I called and set up appointments to visit with each of them. I studied the lesson and made a handout. I got out some homemade apple butter to give to them as well. I took the baby and in the pouring rain mind you, visited with these wonderful ladies. And the Spirit was at each home. As I left the last appointment, I could not believe the warm relief that had returned to me. I no longer feel the cold lonely darkness of depression any more. I can truly tell you that I now have a testimony of the purpose of visit teaching. While we each can help to lift another, we can also heal our own hearts.

PS- I'm nearly done with the shawl. I've got 8 more rows to go and then I'll post the pictures and the specs.

A few more tidbits...

2009-06-02T07:31:00.004-05:00

Thank you for all your lovely comments about my new hairdo. I terribly excited to get ready in the morning now. It's so easy and fast to make it super cute! Anywho... I thought I'd share some pictures of the cakes that Jenna made in her Easy Bake oven this weekend.

She's used it three times now and I think that she's starting to be happy in the kitchen with me. Ashton has always loved to cook with me, but Jenna would throw a tantrum if she thought that I wanted her help at all. Now, she really likes it. I do realize that it's really all about the food she gets to eat when she's done, more than the making it part, but it's a beginning.

Randall started a part-time job yesterday. I think it's certainly an interesting endeavor. He's doing security work again, which he hates now by the way, but it's a job that pays which is more than what we've had for the past two months. I'm going to see if I can get him to let me take a picture of him in his uniform when he goes to work tonight. If he does, I'll post it and then maybe you'll understand a little more about his reservations...

If you want to feel good...

2009-05-31T16:42:00.003-05:00

...see your hairdresser. On Friday I went in to get a new do. The girl next to Mandy (my hairdresser) kept looking at my hair and saying it looks so silky. And Mandy said, "Yep, her hair has always been that way and it feels that way, too." Then the other girl feels my hair and says, "OOhhh! That does feel silky!" Huh. I didn't know that! Really, I just have always thought of my hair as less than fabulous because it's terribly fine and difficult to style for me. So, for years I sat around thinking of my hair as ho hum and blah and I really should have been thinking of it as silk.

This is my hair before.

This is my hair now! I love it! I think Randall was so shocked when he first saw it that all he could say was, "Well, at least you didn't go as short as I thought you were." I had teased him that I was going to cut it as short as Alissa Milano's shortest do. (About 1") He was appalled that I would even think of it. Most people are so attatched to their hair that the idea of having it short makes them sick, but to me, it's just hair. It won't change your character if you cut of a few locks. So, what do you think?

2009-05-22T15:28:00.003-05:00

I'm getting really excited! This week I feel like I've actually accomplished things! On Wed. it took me all of about 15 minutes to make up the scripture totes that we'll be doing with the Young Women next week. And I think that it would be even faster for us then because we'll be able to make it into an assembly line. I used the instructions I found here. Making them from place mats really makes it real easy! Here's a picture of the examples I made:

Also, in an effort to get rid of my baby blues, I've started a lace shawl. Now, I'll be posting pictures of it real soon, too! I'm hoping to be completely finished with it in another week, two at the most. Then I think we'll do a drawing for it....

Ooops!

2009-05-12T16:15:00.003-05:00

How did I forget??!!? I woke up this morning and did my normal morning cleaning tour of the house and breakfast for the kids. But, I didn't think about what day it was. The last two months seem to be one never-ending moment and I get lost when I look at a calendar. So, a couple of hours into the day and Randall had to come and remind me about our Anniversary. He asked me if I remember what today was and for the life of me all I could remember is the it's Tuesday so it's pre-school reading day at the library! I gues that's the price you pay when you have 3 kids wanting your attention.

But on May 12, 2001 I was married to the most wonderful man. Our whirlwind courtship was amazing for me and shocking for everyone else around me. The night that Randall asked me to marry him, was a mere 4 days after our first date. And it was completely unexpected. On our second date, when we got into the car he said, "I really like you, but since my parents are divorced, I want to make sure I do this right the first time and so, it will likely be awhile before we get too serious. Something like a year might be good..." Okay, I was down with that; I really liked him. But, after spending a Sunday evening at the nursing home visiting with an elderly man, I had promised I'd come back to visit, there was something special in the air. I could see he looked at me a little differently. He says that's the moment he truly fell in love with me. (Who knew Good Works could be so rewarding? And I thought it was just a Young Women's value!) When we got back to the school, we had our first kiss. And I just knew that this amazing man would be mine for the rest of my life. Then, he asked me to marry him and the spirit was so strong. I'll be forever grateful to my Heavenly Father for placing him in my life to be my companion and the best father to my children.

I can barely remember what life was like eight years ago, but everyone of my memories since then has him in it. I can't wait for the next 50 years! If it's filled with half of the wonder, joy, stress, and companionship as these 8 have, I'll count myself as the most blessed woman to have walked the Earth.

Tonight we're going out for dinner and then some time in the next few months, our present to each other is our first house. YES!

I love you Randy!

Just Breathe...

2009-04-28T09:13:00.002-05:00

Oh boy! This week has been an emotional roller coaster. Ashton and Jenna are staying with their Nanny and Grampy in the mountains. Which one would think that it would be wonderful to just have a wee one to take care of. And all was good until the dreaded postpartum hit me like a ton of bricks. And I have to say it felt like it came out of no where. I had it pretty bad with Ashton but it was almost non-existant with Jenna. I had hoped that it would rear it's ugly head this time either. But, I guess with the house being so quiet it enveloped me. I've tried spending time out with friends, but the problem with that is that all of my friends have kids the same age as mine...

But, the most recent craziness is that Becca was in an accident. She was lifeflighted to Pensacola late last night. She was riding an ATV in the DARK and hit a pine tree. She's stable and all the test results are clear. There was worry of a concusion with possible brain damage since she hit her face and it swelled pretty good. She also beat up her right leg and arm. She'll be so very sore when she gets home, but at least she's alive. To be quite honest, when I got the phone call and the words hit a tree and lifeflighted were used in the same sentance, my guts just about got popped out of me. But, there's something about being a mom that gives you this insane ablity to instantly jump up and get to work-sleep or no sleep. Currently, I've had 2 hrs of sleep and I'm unable to get anymore right now. We got home this morning from the hospital at 4:30 and I didn't get Shiloh back to sleep until 5 and then I woke up at 7:30 and I'm getting ready for another hour and a half drive back out to sit in the hospital til she's dicharged. she so owes me a waffle for this one...But, I love her so much I wouldn't have it any other way.

Now that's funny!

2009-04-18T18:42:00.002-05:00

Tonight for dinner i made a veggie casserole that had water chestnuts in it. Randall strongly dislikes those and tonight used orange juice to cut the taste in his mouth. Nearing the end of supper, Randall looked over at Jenna and she had a pile of them left on her plate. This is the exchange...

Randall: It looks like you inherited my dislike of water chestnuts.

Jenna: Yeah. I don't like those.

Ashton: Yeah, it must be because you had a hair in it.

So funny! Still laughing!

I feel productive...

2009-04-16T08:38:00.005-05:00

Those who really know me, know that I can't go too awfully long without two sticks and string in my hands. For me my knitting has become as vital as breathing in my life. It calms me. It releases the creative energy that gets pint up inside when I spend days listening to the silly theme songs on kids shows. God created in me this insatiable desire to create. I enjoy learning all things crafting, cooking, home decore and improvement. I guess that's why I so easily became a personal publishing consultant with Heritage Makers. All this to say that I've finished some scarves that I have been working on the last two months.

They are just some basic recipe things, but I've enjoyed the automatic intuitiveness of them with all this craziness here.

This one is made with my first yarns that I spun on my spinning wheel. The tan in alpaca and the teal blend is sheep wool.

This one is some free yarn that I received as a gift with an order that I placed. It's a rayon blend and there was enough yarn to make a very long skinny scarf.

This is a scarf made with a skein of mohair and some of the leftover alpaca that I spun. when I was knitting it the mohair was a variegated green and the tan alpaca. I must say it looked like a set of army fatigues puked up in my lap. So, when I got done I dyed it with some food coloring and kool-aid to achieve this really pretty color.
Not the best pictures, but it's what I could do on my own this morning when everyone was asleep...now back to cleaning.

Easter on Rewind

2009-04-16T07:54:00.001-05:00

On Easter we had a nice quiet day in our circus. I was able to get Jenna to wear the new Easter dress that Debbie got her for her birthday. Not only that but I got pictures as eternal proof to boot! We did all of our "Bunny" stuff on Saturday to keep Sun the sacred day that it should be. The kids had fun running all over the yard finding eggs. I didn't take pictures of that but Randall, the camera man that he is, got the whole thing on tape. It was fun to eat all the leftover chocolate that couldn't fit into the eggs. And I did it in record time too!

With out further ado, here's the photos. Shiloh didn't really want to sit with her siblings that day. She just wanted mom...

Happy Birthday Jenna!

2009-04-14T20:13:00.004-05:00

Jenna is 4 years old today. How time has just slipped away. I remember very well the day she was born and I can't believe that she's not the baby that I'm changing diapers for now. My disbelief is probably accentuated by the fact that all three of my children look so similar when their babies.

So, today is Jenna's day. She wanted her whole party to be Spider-Man themed. At first she wanted it to be all Green Goblin (Spider-Man nemesis), but then decided that he was evil and always lost so she had to have Spider-Man since he was good and always won...For her presents she asked for a Kong-Fu Panda game, a bike, roller skates, and a rubber rat. Do you know how hard it is to find a rubber rat at Easter time? It took me weeks, but I found one at the Dollar Tree in town. She got 4 (count them 1 - 2- 3- 4) Barbies today. Which she surprisingly adores each one and immediately wanted to open them when we got home. She'll probably sleep with the necklace on that came with one of them. Maybe I'm raising a girl after all! So, I forgot to take pictures at the party, but I have a firend who did. (Thanks Becky!) But, until I get those you'll have to settle for a picture or two of the cake after we finished decorating it last night.

The Truth about Cats and Dogs...

2009-04-11T09:47:00.003-05:00

is that they are mortal enemies. Yesterday we mourned the loss of a great cat. Fluffy was the best cat we ever had and he's now gone on to the great littler box in the sky. Ashton cried, as I'm sure you knew if you've read the previous post about Fluffy. Jenna said, "it's okay Ashton, we'll just get you a new cat." The culprit was our dog Ranger. He got a bit too ruff when he was playing with the cat and he died. So, now Ashton of course wants to get rid of Ranger for killing his cat. Oi...

On the brighter side, today Shiloh is 1 month old! I can't believe it. She's getting so big. I know she'll only keep growing, but there is a part of me that can't help but say, "she'll never be this small again." A part of me is mourning the passage of time already. It's easy to do when I look at Ashton and remember when he was that small and now he's six. I feel like I'm trapped in a time warp. It's like I went to bed 21 and a brand spanking new mom and woke up 27 with half grown babies. But, having older kids is providing me with lots of great picture taking opportunities. I got the cutest ones of Jenna holding Shiloh the other night.

But if not....

2009-04-04T13:10:00.002-05:00

I subscribe to the Mercy River newsletter and a few days ago the devotional that was in it was about Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednigo. In the scriptures these young men say to Nebuchadnezzar, that they knew that God would save them from the fiery furnace, but if not, they would not worship the idols for they knew what was right and true. It is interesting to note the but if not. So often we go through life asking for things to work out a certain way. We sometimes forget that God has a greater plan. That he is omnipresent in all things. He knows what we need and when we need it.

Yesterday, Randall lost his job. We had made a plan for our family that didn't have this woven into it. It was our plan that Randall would be able to finish his schooling while still working at his current job so that we'd still have some money to live on. So, we were thrown for a loop. Now we have to regroup and figure out what to do. I'm sure that it is now time for me to prove that I will be faithful during this "but if not" moment.

Today is the begins the LDS semi-annual general conference. I love to hear the inspired words of our leaders. The holy ghost always has something for me to hear everytime. We've listen to the first session already and there were many things for both Randall and I to ponder on as we continue our journey together. But, one constant thread that I know I needed to hear was that the Lord blesses us with/through our trials, especially if we find and take opportunity to bless the lives of those around us who maybe much less fortunate than us. This is something that I learned from my parents and I have always tried to observe in my life. And now that I think about it, it's one of the very reasons Randall fell in love with me. At least that's what he says...But, I feel like maybe the Lord was reminding me of this for something else that might be in store for us. Maybe in the next coming months, we will have the opportunity to bless the life of someone here with what little we have to give and share.

I still feel VERY blessed. Heavenly Father has given me three wonderful sets of parents and multiple grand-parents who support us and love us and are examples to us. He has given us three beautiful children who we are in awe of and learn from everyday. Life is good. He blessed us to be in a financially secure situation when we had this loss occure. So, now we will sit back and see what more He will bless us with and in what ways we can be His hands here on earth.

I Am Blessed!

2009-04-02T12:05:00.003-05:00

On Sunday, we had much to celebrate. We had my parents come down from AL. and we celebrated the birth of Shiloh by blessing her at church. Then we celebrated Randall's birthday. Shiloh is the second one we've had that we were able to bless that close to Randall's birthday. When Ashton was born we had our entire family there to share our joy. Sadly, though we were missing part of them this time, but they'll be here soon for a visit.

This year, as every year, for Randall's birthday, he got to choose what was for supper and dessert. He of course asked for pizza and Boston creme cake. The cake was "yum-o" and I'll definitely be making it again! Randall is ecstatic!

I'm feeling truly blessed now. I have beautiful kids who are the loves of my life and make me constantly happy. And to top it off, I have the most wonderful man as a husband. One of my closest friends reminds me of it every time she tells her daughter that she needs to find a Randall for the both of them. I. AM. BLESSED.

It was a good day after all...

2009-03-23T12:02:00.003-05:00

Well, Saturday was my birthday. (Thanks to those of you who emailed, posted, and phoned your well wishes!) I must admit, turning 27 with out anyone around was unusual. Randall had to work 12 hour shifts all weekend, so I was worried it would be a dull, almost suckish, kind of day. But, it wasn't too bad. I got up and made my cake and in the few hours we had together before he left for the day, we had a small birthday party, just the 5 of us. Jenna colored a picture that she had Randall draw:It truly made me smile. The lamp is for my three wishes...she told me I could wish for anything I wanted:) Ashton told me I was the best mommy and that he would do anything for me the whole day. Randall actually gave me my present early. He bought me a rocker/recliner for feeding the baby. It's absolutely the most comfortable chair I've ever sat in, too! But, he did get a card just to remind me how much he loves me. I tell you, I married a real-life Romeo.

After Randall left I let the kids watch a movie while Shiloh and I took a nap. It was really nice to have such loving kids. I was Queen Mommy for a whole day; what more could I ask for? In the evening, I made some Pot Lasagna for dinner. That's something that my mom always made when I was younger. Debbie brought me a very yummy White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory and very sweet card. And then Becca came over after work and brought some nice tulips and a cute card and chocolates. It was nice to be remembered...But, I have to admit, what takes the cake is something else that happened this weekend:

1 six year old boy + 1 three year old girl =

2009-03-18T14:41:00.003-05:00

Chaos. At least it seems that way lately. Since the baby and I have been home, it seems that the kids have found a new vigor in life.

Last night, we had the missionaries over for dinner. As we were socializing after, the kids were playing quietly in the living room. How quiet they were should have gotten my mommy senses tingling, but I guess I'm really just worn out these days. Any who. They were in the living room behind the giant blue recliner with....(wait for it)....a pair of scissors.

Ashton, very pleased with himself, came over to show off his new hair do. It looked like he got in a fight with a weed eater and it won. Huge chunks were whacked off into an oblivion. Upon seeing him, my gut reaction was to get out the straight razor, cuz that's how short it was. Bald came to mind, too. Jenna also had to show off her handy work. Luckily, she didn't get as crazy, but she shed six inches in random spots all over.

Now this was not the first time this happened. Ashton did this very same thing about two years ago. But, at the time he really butchered his sister's hair and it went super short. So, after a good scolding from Dad and lots of tears from Ashton- thinking that he'd be bald, we were able to creatively fix the duo and this is what we have:

I’m sooo over it!

2009-03-14T18:20:00.001-05:00

I'm over living with a man who is losing his grip on reality! That's the only reason the man is still alive. If I have to hear about how fat I am one more time, I might not be able to hold back the surge of hormones! The man might just end up with a broken nose.

Okay, I couldn't really hit an 86 year old man, but ooooohh I hate being told that I'm fat. Mister, you have a baby and see if you don't get a tummy! What I really could use is my own house, which is one more reason why I love my hubby. He's working so hard studying for a new career, so that we can afford to work our dreams into reality. There are many times that he says he wishes that we could have started our "life" already. But, in my opinion, God has a plan for us here. We've been here helping for six years now, and in light of recent unforeseen events who knows when things will actually pan out. But, school will be done in a few short months and the Lord will place us where He needs us.

Wow. I think I'm hormonal. I'm all over the board today.

What a wonderful world....

2009-03-12T07:38:00.002-05:00

Oh, yeeaahhh! Isn't it amazing how God created our bodies? The fact that I can create and grow this perfect little person who has this incredible body that can do some pretty interesting things, has me standing in awe. How awesome is it that He chose me to give that divine gift to and then to send to me three of the most terrific children that I have ever known. It's definitely a wonderful world!

Shiloh is now one whole day old. I've learned much about her in that time.

1. She is much different than the other two, not that they are much alike either.
2. She is very laid back, much like her daddy.
3. She needs to be swaddled to enjoy life. If she's not, life isn't enjoyable for you either.
4. She is a champion eater. A gold-medalist, I'd say.
5. She's not big on hats. She'll wear them, not that she's got much choice, but she's happier with a bare head.
6. She likes to have something in her mouth always. It's kind of a pain that the hospital only has one type of pacifier and it's a bit big for her and so she doesn't like it much.

When Ashton and Jenna say her yesterday, they fell in love with their little sister. I think it's going to be interesting when we go home tomorrow, to see just how we are going to handle mommy time boundaries though. Jenna wanted to be sitting on my lap holding the baby for most of the time. I just don't think that's going to work very well when it's time to nurse the baby. The first thing she said when she saw her was the she was sooo sooofftt. And Ashton, ever the boy, held her for a little while and gave her a kiss then he was on to figuring out how everything else in the room worked.

So, night one is down and we did good. We're both alive and rested and I've got a plan for tonight to make it even better.

And now, in the center ring, Shiloh Eden Curtis!

2009-03-11T08:57:00.002-05:00

Last night, at 1:08 am, our lives were blessed by the arrival of our newborn baby girl, Shiloh Eden Curtis. We had arrived at the hospital only two hours and fifteen minutes earlier. Megan had some heavy bleeding around 9:30 so we bundled the kids off to Grammy's house and took to the road.

When Megan finally got hooked up to the machines she was already 6 cm dilated and having heavy contractions every minute. The doctor actually had to give her a shot to slow the contractions down! Did I ever mention my wife has the firmest handshake in the world when she's in labor?

Megan got an epidural but then had the baby almost immediately afterword. The anesthetic didn't work this time and only succeeded in numbing her legs not any areas that were in pain.

Our child is very beautiful now that she is all cleaned up. She is healthy and resting with mom now. She has a whole new wardrobe knitted for her by my wife and is the most stylish baby. We have been taking pictures and video of her, one of which I will post now.

Oi!

2009-03-08T15:46:00.001-05:00

"Baby, when are you going to be born?" said the mama as she rubbed her gigantic belly as it rolled and bucked under her touch. "On her birthday!" matter-of-factly stated by the independent wild three year old sitting next to her.

I tell you what, I'm completely enamored by the things that constantly come out of her mouth…

Words: Take 2

2009-03-07T20:48:00.001-06:00

"Mama,"

"Yes, Jenna,"

"I love you! You're as beautiful as a summer blossom!"

That's just what I needed to hear today. I think it's amazing how kids just seem to know just what to say to keep you going when you need it the most. After an evening of contractions that were five minutes apart, but not strong enough to keep labor progressing, I was sent home from the hospital to labor at home. I'm feeling worn out now. I continued to have contractions for awhile after I got home and some this morning, but they had stopped by this afternoon. Now they've started again, but there slow. So all this to say, I love my children. They have brought me so much joy, especially at moments when I thought I couldn't take even one more step forward. I know that I'll have even more with another little one here to share our hearts, home and love. (Shiloh, any time you're ready, we want you to come out and see us.)

To be or not to be?

2009-03-05T08:38:00.001-06:00

I went to the doctor yesterday. If anything, I'm even more pregnant than I was at my last appointment. Shiloh does not want to come out. This could be a very interesting experience over the next few weeks. I'm hoping that she'll come before too much longer as we've already got plans to bless this child on the 29^th. (Yes, I realize that's my actual due date, thank you very much.) I'd feel bad if that couldn't happen because I'm still pregnant when family has already made arrangements to be here then. I did get the "you can have the baby any time now" clearance yesterday from my doctor. But, she said that if I want her to deliver the baby, then I have to wait until after the weekend since she'll be in Atlanta on fri, sat, and sun. One of these days, maybe Shiloh will decide it really is okay to come out and meet everyone…Oi!

53!?!

2009-03-02T05:32:00.002-06:00

Today marks a lot of mile stones, in terms of pregnancy, for me. I am officially 53" from stem to stern and back again, Shiloh is about 7 lbs now, and I'm 27 days from my due date. She's my biggest and longest pregnancy yet. I hoping that she'll come this week. It's getting very difficult to move. I could hardly walk yesterday due to how low she was sitting. Oh, I forgot to tell you! The other day I actually had Braxton Hicks contractions. In the past, contractions were full blown labor but this time it's not, even though I wish it were.

My legs are beginning to show signs of my plumpiness. Big bruises from tripping over things or falling in the tub are frequently in fashion down there. I can't see things on the ground in front of me. I think that I'm walking around them when I'm walking right into them. The kids are the worst for blindsiding me! They like to be almost attached to me. Jenna is just barely tall enough that I can see her over the expanse of belly, but she likes to walk in front and quickly stop to turn a round and give me a hug, which as you might guess, poses some challenges when getting from point A to point B. Ashton is one slick cookie. He likes to cut right in front of me and nearly cause me to topple over him every time.

All topic of conversation has become all about everything that we're going to do when the baby "pops out of mommy's tummy". (They've got the belly button pagged as the point of exit.) They are especially looking forward to going to visit grandparents when the baby's out of mommy's tummy. I've resigned myself to the idea that I'm going to have to work for this one. The other two came out so easily that I enjoyed labor more than I did the pregnancy. But, with this one, I'm leary that she's going to take some pushing on my part to come out. (With the other two I pushed once and twice respectively.) But, maybe not since two weeks ago I had already started to dialate. I'm becoming awkwardly front heavy and I feel very much like a turtle that's been turned over on it's shell when ever I lie down. So, when thinking of me today, PRAY HARD that I have this baby...SOON (today would be a good day *wink*wink*).