As I sit here doing my homework, (well, until just now), my sweet little girl is having a pretend tea party by herself. Before she begins, she says this prayer..
"Dear God...Thank you for my brother. Thank you for my life. Thank you for my cranberry sauce and my soup. Thank you for our food and thank you for the cans. Amen!"
Such a cutie pie...
<3
Friday, February 26, 2010
My Floody Valentine
Who needs chocolates and hearts?? This year, for Valentines, I got a FLOODED bathroom!! I have to share because it was humerus now that I look back on it! At the time, though...not so much!
I had been having issues for a while with the front bathroom toilet. Actually..issue..after issues...after issue.. It was bordering on ridiculous! We even went so far as to call out a rotor rooter (aka plumber) to try to get any blocks out of the sewer and thought it was fixed. I had found out that water had collected under the flooring because the toilet that had been installed (will not name names of the installer) was not the correct type of toilet and it was not seated properly. Ugh! This house is a thorn in my side to say the least!
ANYWAYS. I thought we were going to be ok...but had noticed one night when Michael was here that it was not flushing properly...so he turned the water off to keep it from overflowing. (He forgot to tell me). The next day, the kids went to the bathroom and flushed and it just backed up over the entire floor. Understand now, that my kids can be a bit..let's say...over-reactive. They were giggling and running around saying that the bathroom was flooding and I was in the middle of doing something (probably like "save the world" important) and told them I'd be there in a second. Suddenly, I heard them say.."It's going to Mommy's room!!" and I RUSHED in. There was probably 2 inches of water through the entire bathroom and running out into the hallway. What did I do? What else...held my breath and jumped in to stop it. I had HAD it with the toilet not working right and decided to take matters into my own hands. Not to mention...I needed a drain in the room somehow...so....let's just MOVE the toilet..right? LOL! I unbolted it and went in to unhook the water and remembered to turn it off before removing it. (note to EARLIER...Mike already did this) I was unscrewing the water and accidentally bumped something in the tank when a GUSH of water flew into the air....it was like I struck oil in there!!! I was COVERED in freezing cold water and SCREAMED! The kids came running in and here I am..dripping...(by the way..figured out to turn off the water for real by this time). All I could do was laugh. I managed to put that toilet on a towel and drag it out to the backyard and get it unplugged ALL BY MYSELF! My proudest...and nastiest...moment!
After all of that, I decided the time was NOW. I went on to rip out all of the flooring that day and cover up the toilet hole so that the sewer gasses wouldn't kill us. :P Now, I have brand new tile floors, a new toilet...and am finishing up the paint today. It was a LOT of trouble all started by "My Floody Valentine"...but it's a great gift in the end. I guess what I got for V-day was a bathroom remodel!!!!
Happy V-Day to me!
I had been having issues for a while with the front bathroom toilet. Actually..issue..after issues...after issue.. It was bordering on ridiculous! We even went so far as to call out a rotor rooter (aka plumber) to try to get any blocks out of the sewer and thought it was fixed. I had found out that water had collected under the flooring because the toilet that had been installed (will not name names of the installer) was not the correct type of toilet and it was not seated properly. Ugh! This house is a thorn in my side to say the least!
ANYWAYS. I thought we were going to be ok...but had noticed one night when Michael was here that it was not flushing properly...so he turned the water off to keep it from overflowing. (He forgot to tell me). The next day, the kids went to the bathroom and flushed and it just backed up over the entire floor. Understand now, that my kids can be a bit..let's say...over-reactive. They were giggling and running around saying that the bathroom was flooding and I was in the middle of doing something (probably like "save the world" important) and told them I'd be there in a second. Suddenly, I heard them say.."It's going to Mommy's room!!" and I RUSHED in. There was probably 2 inches of water through the entire bathroom and running out into the hallway. What did I do? What else...held my breath and jumped in to stop it. I had HAD it with the toilet not working right and decided to take matters into my own hands. Not to mention...I needed a drain in the room somehow...so....let's just MOVE the toilet..right? LOL! I unbolted it and went in to unhook the water and remembered to turn it off before removing it. (note to EARLIER...Mike already did this) I was unscrewing the water and accidentally bumped something in the tank when a GUSH of water flew into the air....it was like I struck oil in there!!! I was COVERED in freezing cold water and SCREAMED! The kids came running in and here I am..dripping...(by the way..figured out to turn off the water for real by this time). All I could do was laugh. I managed to put that toilet on a towel and drag it out to the backyard and get it unplugged ALL BY MYSELF! My proudest...and nastiest...moment!
After all of that, I decided the time was NOW. I went on to rip out all of the flooring that day and cover up the toilet hole so that the sewer gasses wouldn't kill us. :P Now, I have brand new tile floors, a new toilet...and am finishing up the paint today. It was a LOT of trouble all started by "My Floody Valentine"...but it's a great gift in the end. I guess what I got for V-day was a bathroom remodel!!!!
Happy V-Day to me!
Cait-Cait Snappas!
Anyone with a 3 year old, (and a feisty one at that!) knows that while in stores, they sort of like to try to run away. I do not really know why...but they do! I have tried all sorts of ways to deal with Cait about this and for some reason, while standing in line at Target, I told her to stay close because there might be a "Cait Cait napper" hiding nearby! Naturally, she was curious... and actually responded! She held my hand the entire way to the car and on the way to the house, was asking all kinds of questions about the "Cait Cait snappa.' See...my daughter tends to leave the "r"s off of the ends of words. She sounds like she's definitely from the south!! She also misunderstood the napper part. It was so cute we just went with it. I told her that they could be any color, shape, or size and we never know when they are hiding and the only way that she could be sure to be safe is to stay with Mommy (or whatever adult she was with at the time.) She also knows that they won't get her at home..so she isn't super freaked out! At first, I wondered if I made a mistake...but now, 3 weeks later..she STILL is looking out for the "snappas." She even warns her brother and sister about them when we go out now. Did I make her paranoid? Maybe.. But for now...it's WORKING! HA!
Friday, February 5, 2010
365 Days
One year ago yesterday, my life and the lives of my 3 children changed forever...as well as many other people in my life. In the last year, I've learned...
Never give up, even in hard times, even when you experience the unbelievable. God loves you and, in the words of Hermie the Worm...."He's not done with you yet."
I start this next year with joy and hopefulness in my heart and so thankful for my friends and family who have supported me! I love you all SO much!!! More than you know!
- People can be wonderful and loving, accepting and kind, and also how many people you love can hurt you deeper than you ever imagined.
- I have learned how to be kinder human being, a more understanding and open person who really listens before judging.
- Family really is all you can truly depend on!
- People can come through for you when you did not think it was possible.
- Everyone has a story, and many times, that story is much more complicated than they can explain to you many times...and really..they shouldn't HAVE to.
- God loves me! More than I ever imagined!
- Horribly bad things can lead to much better, more fulfilling things!
- Hard work pays off!
- Children ARE resilient....but YOUR ATTITUDE means EVERYTHING in HOW they are resilient!
- I can do ANYTHING through Christ who strengthens me!!
- I am a strong, wonderfully made person...and God truly lives within me! He helps me make the tough decisions, even when those decisions are not understood by those around me.
- People who you felt were your "friends" aren't always the ones who end up being the best friends you had!
- If you're willing to work for something and put yourself out there, you can experience some of the best things in your life.
Never give up, even in hard times, even when you experience the unbelievable. God loves you and, in the words of Hermie the Worm...."He's not done with you yet."
I start this next year with joy and hopefulness in my heart and so thankful for my friends and family who have supported me! I love you all SO much!!! More than you know!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Making moments count
You know you're getting old when you start reading books about having a happy, organized home!
No..seriously...lately it has finally sunken in that I am responsible for EVERY SINGLE THING that goes on in my household. I am responsible for my children's health and wellbeing, providing a safe and nice home that they can be proud of, their moral values and belief system, their happiness, providing for them...you name it! That's a LOT for one person! While I have support and help from my family, it really all falls on me!! That being said..I have a LOT of growing to do!!!
I bought a book on a whim the other day trying to find a little bit of help in getting myself on a better track to get it all done and make my life a little bit easier. I want to be a mother that my children can laugh with, cry to, and count on in every way...not a grouchy, emotional mess who is unapproachable. Most of the time..I AM that mom..the good one..not the "bad" one. Sometimes...sadly enough..I get overwhelmed and am the 2nd Mom. I know. We all are at times..right? BUT....that's really not ok...because it is not their fault! I'm learning that every moment counts in my day and in my life...and now..since I'm taking care of things...I can't afford to let a moment pass me by!
I'm not sure what God had in mind allowing me to go through this, but I can feel one thing changing in my life....and that is ME. I know every single day I am getting closer to being the person that He wants me to be. The journey will be long and not always easy, but I can always be proud of the fact that I have not one time woken up and not at least TRIED for my family.
In case you didn't know...I'm a BLESSED woman. I have three of the most wonderful little children I have ever met!!! They're worth every bit of anything I could go through!
All that being said..I have 2 quotes for today...from 2 great books..
1. "Living in the present has everything to do with living one day at a time - being prepared for the day's responsibilities, using the minutes of the day wisely, and being alert for and enjoying each day's blessings." THE BUSY MOM'S GUIDE TO A HAPPY, ORGANIZED HOME
2. "23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24 THE BIBLE
No..seriously...lately it has finally sunken in that I am responsible for EVERY SINGLE THING that goes on in my household. I am responsible for my children's health and wellbeing, providing a safe and nice home that they can be proud of, their moral values and belief system, their happiness, providing for them...you name it! That's a LOT for one person! While I have support and help from my family, it really all falls on me!! That being said..I have a LOT of growing to do!!!
I bought a book on a whim the other day trying to find a little bit of help in getting myself on a better track to get it all done and make my life a little bit easier. I want to be a mother that my children can laugh with, cry to, and count on in every way...not a grouchy, emotional mess who is unapproachable. Most of the time..I AM that mom..the good one..not the "bad" one. Sometimes...sadly enough..I get overwhelmed and am the 2nd Mom. I know. We all are at times..right? BUT....that's really not ok...because it is not their fault! I'm learning that every moment counts in my day and in my life...and now..since I'm taking care of things...I can't afford to let a moment pass me by!
I'm not sure what God had in mind allowing me to go through this, but I can feel one thing changing in my life....and that is ME. I know every single day I am getting closer to being the person that He wants me to be. The journey will be long and not always easy, but I can always be proud of the fact that I have not one time woken up and not at least TRIED for my family.
In case you didn't know...I'm a BLESSED woman. I have three of the most wonderful little children I have ever met!!! They're worth every bit of anything I could go through!
All that being said..I have 2 quotes for today...from 2 great books..
1. "Living in the present has everything to do with living one day at a time - being prepared for the day's responsibilities, using the minutes of the day wisely, and being alert for and enjoying each day's blessings." THE BUSY MOM'S GUIDE TO A HAPPY, ORGANIZED HOME
2. "23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24 THE BIBLE
Monday, January 18, 2010
The Jeopardy Theme...
Ever feel like you're going through a time where that stinkin Jeopardy theme just is playing over and over and over and... well, you get the point...
I'm there. Come on already! I feel like this year I have been learning patience...or maybe just having my patience tested. Everything that I feel like should be happening a LOT more quickly is taking a zillion quadrillion times longer than I thought it would.
I am beginning to wonder...am I becoming very patient and understanding or am I just DONE and don't care anymore? Ever feel like that? Sometimes I feel like in life, we want a change so bad, and when it doesn't happen when we wish it would, we like to think we're just being patient, when in fact, we're giving up a little bit and not PUSHING forward to cause the good to happen in our lives!
In church yesterday, a guy said the statement "If it's meant to be, it's up to ME."
One word...OUCH!
Time for Deanna to step up and MAKE some things happen!
Pretty sure I'm not alone out here....maybe more of us should get out of our comfort zones a little bit and make some good happen!
I'm there. Come on already! I feel like this year I have been learning patience...or maybe just having my patience tested. Everything that I feel like should be happening a LOT more quickly is taking a zillion quadrillion times longer than I thought it would.
I am beginning to wonder...am I becoming very patient and understanding or am I just DONE and don't care anymore? Ever feel like that? Sometimes I feel like in life, we want a change so bad, and when it doesn't happen when we wish it would, we like to think we're just being patient, when in fact, we're giving up a little bit and not PUSHING forward to cause the good to happen in our lives!
In church yesterday, a guy said the statement "If it's meant to be, it's up to ME."
One word...OUCH!
Time for Deanna to step up and MAKE some things happen!
Pretty sure I'm not alone out here....maybe more of us should get out of our comfort zones a little bit and make some good happen!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Cooking Nights with Haleigh!
So in the last month or so, I started trying to come up with something special for Haleigh to do that her two younger siblings can't. They have NOT loved that! My Haleigh LOVES to cook. She wants to grow up and BE a cook, chef, or anything having to do with cooking...and really...for her age..she's pretty good at it! SO. I came up with cooking night for her. She already has 2 of her own recipe books (A Paula Deen and a Rachael Ray), and so every Monday, she gets to choose a recipe and we make it together.
Being the oldest has got to be hard! I can admit that! She is the helper and the one who is capable of the most, and by nature, she carries around a lot of pressure she puts on herself to be "perfect." She's such an intelligent, sweet, caring little girl...and she deserves some time and attention for herself sometimes. She seems to LOVE this idea and is so proud of herself when she finishes! And Mom is pretty proud of her too!
All of this "greatness" comes with a price though....2 other kids who think THEY need a cooking night too and a little ugliness raring out of the sweet, wonderful, oldest, when they try to invade on HER special thing! Kids can be brutal, I'm tellin ya!!!! At first, I was going to try to let them do something else cooking related on ANOTHER night. Remember...I have 3 kids...I started thinking..will I ever actually get to eat something that I want to with 3 out of 7 nights being cooked by my sweethearts? Worse than that...will I EVER get out of a kitchen in less than an hour again?!??!? So....now I have to come up with something special on other nights that the other 2 can do. Eh...I needed to do that anyways....
All this being said..last night was a success! She made some Alphabet Soup with cheesy bread dippers. A little hint for you guys out there....stick to cheeses you KNOW something about and not the weird ones Rachael Ray likes. The soup was great...the bread dippers...well...they would've been good except the hugely expensive cheese "required" to do the recipe (you know kids...) tasted like a cross between pineapple and...well...you don't wanna know!
I need to hunt down my camera's wire to get the pics up...she did awesome and is growing up fast! I'll update with the pics later today!! :)
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