I Have Not Abandoned My Blog... I Promise!

I know, I know... I promise I haven't jumped off the Earth after November 5th. I have just been super busy with school and kids and trying to get through Turkey Day. :) Then some how exams and Christmas has taken over my December! Ack! But I am here and hopefully will begin to feel more inspired sitting behind the computer. :)

I do feel a little jealous of those who are experiencing the "White Stuff" right about now. Here in Texas we have had sunny weather with highs in the upper 60's and 70's. I guess that is okay since at least the germs tend to get out of the house rather than be recirculated, but listening to "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" is a little hard to take. Besides why didn't we have snow when we were living there. :)

Pregnancy is going well... Thank goodness. We did officially find out that is it a girl and we have settled on the the name Alaina. I'm excited! :) Well, excited and nervous. I just really wish I could put the feelings that I have about this whole journey down so that people could understand. This baby is such a blessing so much more than just any baby. It's hard for so many to understand I think mostly because they don't understand the bond my Mom and I had or really know me that well. Here is a picture of my sweet baby girl a few weeks ago.

This is her face and she is laying her head to the left. You can see her little nose and her left eye and chubby little cheeks. :) The Perinatologist just adores her, but after about 30 minutes of checking everything else, she gets a little camera shy and puts her hands in front of her face. :)

We really don't have any New Year's plans this year. I am just incredibly blessed that M is home with us this year! He has been such a help the last few weeks and particularly over the last week. December 26th is usually a very hard day for me since that in the anniversary of my Mom's death. It still hits me hard. I miss her so much and still feel the biggest void left by her. I know she is a better place, but sometimes telling that to the heart is not enough.

No New Year's resolutions for me this year. I always find that I have good intentions initially, but my life changes on a dime so why make a resolution on the 1st day of the new year and expect it to stick? :) I have adopted a few things to live by lately: 1. I am NOT in control of everything. It's better if I try hard, do my best, teach my children right from wrong and to love and let go if need be and then leave the rest to God. 2. I do not have to be Wonder Woman. There are many qualified people than can do the same thing I can and I do not need to have my hand in every pot. THAT is just greedy. :) I have others but I'm not out to do a top 10 list... Not yet any way! :) That will come later... Maybe next week. Ha Ha Ha!

Hope this blog finds everyone healthy and well. I am off to finish the baby's birth announcement. I'll post a picture when I'm done. :) Take care everyone, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Friday Fragments

I am spending my Friday reading Friday Fragments. :) Please Join Mrs.4444 at Half Past Kissin' Time and share your Friday highlights.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! Yep! Today is my birthday!!! Woo Hoo!

This week has been a week of quotes from my dear sweet innocent oldest son. Here are the snippets:

B (youngest son): Dad, do you cry? I have never seen you cry.
Dad: I'm tough!
C (oldest son): No. It isn't because he is tough, B. It's because when you turn 42 your tears turn to dust.
Dad's face was baffled. Ha Ha Ha!!!

Conversation Number 2:

C: Mom do we have off for Veterinarian's Day?
Me: Do you mean Veteran's Day?
C: Hold on let me go check.
C: Yes. Yes. Veteran's Day.
Me: Yes. Do you know what a Veteran is?
C: Yes, Vets take care of our pets.

OK.. This is coming from a military family. Ha Ha Ha

I have a dilemma... Is it appropriate to have a baby shower for your third child? I was approached about this the other day and someone complained that I had not done a baby registry yet. Yes, there is a 5 year gap between this baby and my youngest son, and I am having a girl. I don't know??? Is it appropriate???

What is up with all of the Christmas commercials? We just finished Halloween and now I am looking forward to Pumpkin Pie and turkey until I turn on the TV and suddenly I feel like I missed a holiday. Even our local grocery store had a Christmas themed commercial. Really? Already???

Well it is time for me to go sort clothes.... Gotta get rid of the stuff that doesn't fit and hand down the stuff that might fit the smaller one! Everyone have a blessed weekend!!! :)

Military Spouses

I have been doing some reflection over the last week. So many of my dear friends have celebrated R&R (the 2 week break the military gives you when you are deployed to Iraq), and now are sending their loved ones back to war. I see the sadness in their eyes, but the strong stature that they show. It's sad really, and if you are a military spouse, you understand without words even being spoken what turmoil is looming within that person. R&R is the best of times and the worst of times all in a two week period!

So many people don't truly understand the military family. I can't tell you how often I have been told, " Wow! You are such a strong woman." You have NO idea! What I'd really like to do is crawl in a hole, pull the blanket over my head and hit the fast forward button on life when my husband is deployed. (Am I wrong military spouses??? Wouldn't it be nice to have the FF button?) It doesn't happen that way though... There isn't a fast forward button, and I have two (almost 3) little people that I can't let down no matter what. I'm not strong... I just don't have a say per se and I have to do what I have to do to keep my family going. My husband has a duty. He made an oath, and this is what must be done. I married into this life... I may have been naive as to what it was like, but I knew what I was getting into.

So often I have wished that my husband had the 9 to 5 job where he was home every night... home for dinner with the family... home to have breakfast with the kids and I in the morning. I get that sometimes, but often dinner takes a backseat to a long meeting or a range or some other "fun" activity and PT is too early for me ( ha ha ha). I'm not complaining... When my husband isn't overseas, I do see him at night and on most weekends he is home to watch my kids in their sporting events. But there is a vicious cycle... While I enjoy my husband being at home another wife wants to hit the FF button so her husband is home too.

Over the last week, I have sat silently praying. Praying for my sisters.... The ones that are waiting now... Wanting to crawl in the hole and reliving the memories in their minds. They aren't always strong... Perhaps a hand squeeze or a quick hug is what they need to pick them up. It lets them know they aren't "Super Women," but that you are thinking of them. :)

Preparing for Halloween

Halloween is M and I's favorite time of the year! I don't see it as pagan (I'm okay with those that do though), but I see it as a time when it is socially acceptable for me or my kids to dress up as our favorite heroes, characters, etc. We dress out yard up and most importantly... Have fun carving pumpkins!

As I was sitting on the ground with M carving, this picture came to mind:

You can't see it, but that is my Dad cutting the top off my pumpkin. ( I wasn't allowed a knife until I was 15, if you can believe it. I think It may have just been Dad's tradition to cut the top off for me, I don't know. I never argued).

Tonight, this was the scene:

That is M cutting and scooping the pumpkin. :) C is helping by drawing the face on the little pumpkin.

Here are a few more pictures from tonight:

And in the end... This has to be my favorite picture EVER!

Life is good when Dad helps out and spend quality time with us! Thank you God for our family and for the many blessings and holidays that pull us together!

Life is good!

Friday Fragments

Well hello again!!! I was just sitting here thinking that someone better tell this blogger that she should put more in her blog other than fragments from the week. Ha Ha Ha....

I am joining Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissin' Time in Friday Fragments. I will try to make time for a more interesting blog because trust me.... I have blogs brewing in my head DAILY. It's just trying to find time on the computer these days... Sigh. Stay tuned!! :)


* Well, I did it!! I actually am considering (pending school board approval) and RIDE FOR THE KIDS event for our school to help raise money for several projects in the mix. So what is a "ride?" It is a motorcycle ride of course!!! I have never planned one, attended one (until last weekend), or ridden in one, but I was asked to man it and plan it so here I am!!! Thank goodness we have a SUPER AWESOME American Legion Riders Association in our community that is willing to help me!!! Thank you AA Post 573, you guys are AMAZING!!!

* Still trying to make my way through Anatomy 2. I love... love... love the class, but it is very hard to read the teacher, and my testing has gone out the window these days. I blame it on pregnancy brain, can that really be true though??? I have to admit I put in over 4 hours of homework for each class period and that alone is exhausting. And I am taking an extreme dislike to Concept Mapping! BLECK!

* On a lighter note.... We have been talking the talk of Halloween costumes. :) I keep telling my husband I am going as a pumpkin this year. How cute right?? But all the costumes out there to buy are just not made for pregnant women and I am just not a gifted seamstress like my Mom was. :( Perhaps one day I will take a class and make all of my daughter's costumes?? We shall see... Anyway... This was the conversation in the costume aisle:

C: Look Dad they have costumes for you.
B: Yeah Dad! Look you can be Sesame Street characters.

M looked at each costume, but I knew deep down that he was NEVER going to buy into any of those costumes... Until...

B: Hey! Look! They have Teletubbies too!
C: Dad, you should be Tinkie Winkie!!!!

Please don't be like me and burst in to hysterical laughter!!! Pregnant women should be aware that such outbursts may result in even more hysterical laughter (at yourself), which will indeed result in the people in the store looking at you and your family as entirely nuts!!!

M will NOT be Tinkie Winkie this year!

This week marks the end of the 9 weeks for the boys in school. This means our PTO celebrates the hard work our teachers put in by giving them homemade baked goods (and I do mean GOOD. I checked them out this morning as they were delivered feeling a bit guilty that I just made homemade baked goods for my boys' teachers this year) Anyway... I wanted to share a recipe with you all because man o man were these little muffins GOOD!!!

Pumpkin Butterscotch Muffins  








These little treasurers are a keeper in my book! You can also substitute chocolate chips for those who aren't really a fan of butterscotch!

BABY NEWS!!! I think we have decided on a name for our dear little Miss. I am thinking Alaina (Ah lay nah). I Like the name and it fits our tradition of names. If you haven't noticed, the names of our boys begin with C and B... They are also born in months that are consecutive and this one is no different! :) I am very excited for our new arrival!!! She moves every day now and in our last ultrasound we realized she knows she has brothers and that it was going to be Halloween.... She gave us a beautiful scary face. I need to scan int he photos and share!! They were hilarious!

A lot of people have asked me about the trial here for the Fort Hood Shooter and how I feel about it. I'm not really sure on what level of anger I feel, but I certainly feel little compassion for the man! A friend in DC has the belief that I should forgive and forget as God would want me to. I have a little bit of an issue with that when I saw several families (one of which was very close to home) lose loved ones at the one place many military feel safe. And I couldn't help but think that if my husband hadn't been deployed (his office was across a field from the building where everything happened) at the time could he have been targeted too? That thought sends chills up my spine!

I'm not sure what is going to come of his trial. I sure hope they don't "dismiss" it, but I'm not sure where I stand as far as punishment yet????



Check me out!! I was quoted!!! :)


Well, that is all I have this week! I am off to test my blood sugar and then off an appointment for Little Miss. :) Everyone have a FANTASTIC weekend!!! Stay tuned for next week... We have a cub scout camping trip this weekend... Oh no worries, I am NOT attending. I think it is time for a little Daddy/ Boys time!!! Ahh... Quiet!

FRiday Fragments

Hi! Hi! Hi! I'm back!!! Joining Mrs. 4444 in Friday Fragments this week!!  If you get a moment and you want a good laugh... Stop on by cause she is sure to make you smile!!!

This week has been a rough week for my oldest son. I think being a Tween has got to be very difficult... Too young to do certain things, but expected to do more because you aren't a baby. Sigh... When did my baby grow up? I love him dearly and wish I had the magic answer to help him transition faster! Poor little man!

We found out late last week that we are indeed having a baby girl! I am so excited, yet extremely terrified! I know how to do things for little boys... What if what they say about girls being more difficult is true? Geez!! And trying to find a name... NOT easy! Sheesh! Here are the ones I like...

Lillian
Emma
Emily
Alana
Kendall
Josephine

And there are dozens more... I just can't decide! :(

I just finished counting over 9,000 Box Tops! I am thrilled about that number, but totally exhausted. If I NEVER see a little pink rectangle for a long while I will be okay! Geesh!

Texas has the biggest flipping bugs I have EVER seen! Last night I was studying for a test and realized that the cat was batting at something under the dresser and chiding. When I looked down I saw a light tan something that resembled the tail of a scorpion, so I took a DEEP breathe, called for my husband and swooped the cat into the bathroom. I then headed to find the vacuum ( I do not kill scorpions or big spiders with a shoe... That is just too messy and they might bite). When I returned,  this is what my husband was holding:

That is a Lubber Grasshopper and it is about 3 inches long. Did I mention it hops and gives me the heebie Jeeves??? After chasing me, a poor tired pregnant women around with it... It leaped off my husband's hand and at me. Did you know that this pregnant woman can indeed fit into the refigerator?? Yes she can!!! Bleck!

Happy Friday my friends!!! I hope you have an awesome weekend!! I am off to do a little antiquing with my DH tomorrow!!! It will be so nice to have just our time together!!! Life is good! :)

An Inspiring E-mail... I Don't Get Those Often!

OK, let me give you a little background information here... I am a Den leader for my oldest son's cubscout den. I have about 5 active boys, and I LOVE my parents as they are WAY more active than some of my parents from a previous PACK we belonged to. They are easy going, and I really appreciate how they let me "roll" sometimes if we are not on a rigid schedule.

I have been recruiting a volunteer for our Annual Blue and Gold Event. What is a Blue and Gold Event? It is a celebration of the Boy Scout Birthday. We try to do it big because many of our boys are ready to pin on their Rank for the year. It is a HUGE deal. Unfortunately, I have had no volunteers. :( Being pregnant, accepting a position as a parent volunteer for a big school committee, doing my normal Box Tops campaign for PTO, helping PTO with other stuff, going to school, scouts, helping my husband's unit's FRG, and trying to just find time to sit down an monitor my glucose is a lot on my plate...  I feel overwhelmed!!! Loving everything, and hating to give up any of it, but feeling like a juggling act is how I have felt for several weeks now!

So I did see the reminder about this meeting we were supposed to have this week. I tried once again to solicit one of my parents to go and had no success. I did send an e-mail to the organizer and told her that I had a FRG event that I needed to attend (I had already missed one of those and got a nasty lecture from my DH) and that I would not be able to attend the Blue and Gold meeting on behalf of our Den. The organizer seemed to understand at least I e-mailed to say I wouldn't be there and that I doubted anyone else would be there either. She was very nice about it.

So this afternoon, I received this e-mail (which I will attach down below for you to read). At first I was ANGRY when I read it. I do a lot for my boys! I lesson plan for the scout meetings, coordinate for locations for meetings or events, I teach the boys about cool things, and I attend most of the leader's meeting and District Meetings... Don't yell at me, my plate is FULL!!!! Then I read the e-mail through... The writer isn't talking about how BAD I am for missing the meeting. His message made me realize that I was over tasking myself! Taking on too much, and not really giving myself to any of it! All of us are busy! Busy with work, school, other activities, shuttling kids to 9,000 activities... We all take on so much that we only give a tiny part of ourselves to any one thing. Then I got to thinking... What am I teaching my kids about responsibility? Am I teaching them that it is okay to be super involved in everything but not really give yourself to any one thing? Not practice it or shove off responsibility to someone else because I am too busy? And then I realized why kids make excuses.... Parents make excuses. My excuses are for not attending things because of a,b,c... My kids' excuses are for not wanting to do a,b,c... I've taught them that excuses will get you out of something.  I don't accept it.... Not in my house!  I MAKE them do the things they don't want to. But who makes me??? Shouldn't I be leading by example??? Hmmm....

So this e-mail inspired me to think... Re-prioritize things. Maybe I should be dedicated to one or two things rather than stretching myself so thin that I make excuses. It doesn't mean I don't support the other things. I just means that I need to quit the excuses and dedicate myself before the excuses begin...

So here is the e-mail. Thank you, Tracy for opening my eyes!!! Maybe you should consider some of the words Tracy writes... I'm sure I'm not the only one that can take away something from his message!

Last night I attended the first Blue & Gold Committee meeting. Many of our dens failed to send a representative. Den leaders, please ensure you have a rep for this very important committee. How often in our lifetimes have we heard that phrase, “The trouble is...” followed by some negative. If you are like me, you have heard it often.

I heard it in high school when I was soliciting help for a school function. You know the line. “I would love to help with the decorations. The trouble is, I’m having my hair done right after school.”


I’ve heard it as a working room parent for my son. “I’d love to be there and provide snacks for the party. The trouble is, I work and I just don’t have time.”


I’ve used that phrase myself sometimes. When my son would ask me to play a game and I would say, “I would love to play a game with you. The trouble is, I’m so tired from my busy day. Maybe I won’t be too tired tomorrow night.”


I know you’ve heard it, too. The last couple of years the pack committee has been hearing “the trouble is” frequently when trying to fill the leadership of the pack.


I know what “the trouble is.” TIME! None of us ever seem to have enough time to get everything done anymore. With a job, home, spouse, kids, pets, school, sports and other outside activities in addition to Scouting, it’s hard to find any spare time and it’s easy to use that phrase, “the trouble is.”


Now I ask you to stop for just a moment and ask yourself what your child and you personally, have gained through Scouting. If you’re like me, your list will be lengthy. And, through continued membership and participation we will continue to learn and grow. Each and every Scout and parent is important to the organization as a whole. No organization can exist without active members. When asked to help out, please turn the negative, “the trouble is” into a personal challenge to make some time available to volunteer. Our kids are depending on us. Some of the committee responsibilities take very little time.


Your talents and gifts are needed. Give a little back to Scouting. I know it takes valuable time and “the trouble is” you don’t have much to spare. I guarantee the rewards are worth the effort. There is nothing like the feeling you get when a task is completed, the job is well done, and you see the joy and wonder in the faces of the children.


Accept the challenge to find a little time and volunteer. You won’t regret it. “The trouble is” you’ll never know until you try.

Friday Fragments

Woo... I have been absent, I know. I had Momma Drama last week and then a doctor's appointment for me which dragged out because of an issue in Labor and Delivery... Anyway... I'm not missing it this week and I'm joining Mrs. 4444 this week at Half Past Kissin' Time. If you read my blog and you haven't been there...Check out this post from her on September 23rd... She is soooo funny!!!

* One of these days I am going to post one of my concepts map for A&P2 just so you an see what takes me 4 hours on the weekend to complete! I keep thinking just keep concepting just keep concepting and magically it will be better... I haven't see that yet!

* Baby #3 is doing well. He/ She is modest and would prefer that all paparazzi leave her alone! That includes all radiologists and OB doctors!

* My youngest (soon to be middle child) is going to make me completely gray by the new year! He decided that he was old enough as long as he had a buddy to walk up to the elementary playground behind our house. When I told him he could do things as long as he had a buddy... I meant cross the street.

* Speaking of street... The above mentioned child went into the garage and donned his dad's road vest for morning PT, then walked down to the school crosswalk and stopped cars. When asked what he was thinking, he replied, "Well the Crossing Guard does it every day, and I AM wearing my crossing guard shirt!" I think my husband was going to come unglued up to that point.... But B did have a point... He was wearing a bright orange vest. Needless to say, he is NOT allowed to go outside for a very long time!

* I am still looking for some great crock pot recipes that I can use that are low carb, but extra yummy. If you have any please please please share them!!!

* I am tired... I need my Mojo back, please... If you find it will you please send back.

Well that is my week!!! I hope yours has been a great one and that the one up and coming is WONDERFUL too! See you next week!!!

Sometimes you Just Eat Your Words...

Like when you say something to spite someone else because you were hurt or when you don't do your homework and you spout off something incorrectly or heaven forbid you tell a lie! Okay, the latter one you almost hope someone chokes on their words... Just saying.

Anyway, I posted in FF that my A&P2 teacher hated me. Well, she doesn't. I braved it out this morning to see her during office hours in hopes that she wouldn't bite my head off or come clean and tell me she really did hate me. It turns out she thinks I'm pretty smart. That is what she said after I walked her through my thought process for a couple of the homework problems. She actually thought I was on the right track and that I am doing the right things to set myself up for being successful in her class. OK, so I almost fell out of my seat and onto the floor! SERIOUSLY!!!! What GREAT news!

Today I am eating crow for the words I spoke on Friday. Maybe the pregnancy has me a little more sensitive than usual, and maybe we shouldn't judge a book by the first 2 chapters. It might get good the further you dive in! I'm hoping so anyway! :) So to all of you who are eating crow... I am at the table with you. Next time.... Can we make it a turkey dinner or pizza??? I'm game! Are you? :)

Friday Fragments

I'm joining Mrs. 444 at Half Past Kissin' Time by sharing my Friday Fragments....

We bought a truck! Yep, we finally broke down and bought a truck. I'm not sure if I'm relieved or gonna cry... I just keep telling myself the van was about to kick the bucket.

My Anatomy 2 teacher hates me. No clue why, but she is just not my biggest fan... This will make my semester just a tinsy bit more difficult.

Trying to teach a kindergartner to write on a line is sheer pain! Don't believe me... Volunteer at your local elementary school and see for yourself. Or just come to my house... I am willing to share!

Hurricanes in Texas can be as scary as hurricanes that hit the coast. Can we say Texas dirt does not absorb... ANYTHING!

My H1c came back as not diabetic before pregnancy.... Woo Hoo!!! This means I only have gestational diabetes AND that I did not conceive with a high glucose level which causes birth defects. I really hope M&M's don't do that!

I need more hours in day on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday... I apparently don't get enough sleep.

Well, ladies and gents... That is my week in a nut shell. I hope you all had a great week!!! Happy Friday!!!

Row Row Row Your Boat....

Most of us were jokingly singing this on Tuesday morning when the rain began. We've had a dry spell here in the Heart of Texas and we really needed the rain! Growing up along the coast, I watched the news about Hurricanes. I know their destruction, but I have to admit when you are nearly 3.5 hours from the coast you just don't give much attention to it... I didn't anyway. What's a little rain?

Well.... When you wake up to this:

 Salado Creek before and during the flood

Nolanville, TX near Nolan Creek

You begin to think that the Ark you thought about building might have been something handy to have. 

Our house sits up on the high end of our little valley and looks down into Nolanville. Nolanville sits nestled into the valley. Salado is to our South about 8 miles. All around us was flood waters. Tiny streams turned into raging rivers as the rain fell. We were blessed. When we came out of our little house in the morning it looked simply like it had rained; nothing more. It wasn't until we drove down into the valley that we saw the destruction of 12 inches of rain! Friends lost homes as waters whipped around them and pulled the houses off their foundations. Trailers gone.... Pulled into the nearby swollen waterways. I counted my blessings yesterday as our family and friends emerged one by one from their homes or safe places and we knew that they were okay.

So today starts clean up! It's time for our community to begin to rebuild as the sun rises. I have to admit though.... I wonder how the farmer down the street got his cow out of the tree? .

Count your blessings!!! Every one counts!

Living with Diabetes...

Ugh! Where is my Mother when I need her??? I truly wish she were here or that I listened better right about now. I've been away awhile, and I seriously apologize. It isn't for lack of wanting to blog, but more along the lines of what else can possibly go wrong???

As you can see above, I am now living with diabetes. Apparently this isn't just gestational diabetes either... I had pre-diabetes before even becoming pregnant. This coupled with raging hormones (I swear I am worse than an adolescent teen girl) has caused my pancreas to just completely slow down. Apparently, this is genetic from what my aunt tells me, but I can't for the life of me remember what my Mom said about it. Grr... It wouldn't matter anyway really since I would still have to manage it now. This means that I have to really count my carbs and fats and let me tell you, just about everything anyone consumes has carbs in it! Just look the nutritional facts on the back of anything and you will see how many grams of carbs and fats you consume per serving... Not per bag, can, etc. Even milk, fruit and vegetables contain carbs. Sigh....

Before you tell me it is easy, I task you with this... write down everything you put into your mouth for 1 week. This includes everything you drink, eat, or taste and the amount you consumed. Then sit down and mark 1 Carb for every 15 grams of carbohydrates you consume. Like that big apple? Those can be up to 3 carbs! How about orange juice? 4 oz is 1 Carb.  Then talk to me about how low you keep your Carbs.

Now, I know about Truvia, Stevia, Splenda and Nutra Sweet, but I am pregnant and none of those are good for the baby... They aren't good for me either in large amounts.... By the way, daily is a large amount. :)  I do drink a few sips off of a Diet Rite (Splenda)  sometimes and I do eat the occasional yogurt lite just because I need to, but only once in a blue moon because then it is hard to put it down... I suppose once I am no longer pregnant that I will be able to consume these things a little more regularly, but for now they are a very sparing thing...

Right now, I am trying to find recipes that are healthy and have low carbs... Oh and as to not be too demanding are easy to make. :) I've made the pot roast and the grilled chicken. I've also made pork chops (which still gives me the heebie Jeeves) and other things, but I'm looking to broaden my horizons. I want flavor and different ways of serving foods, so it isn't all arranged protein, vegetable, carb.... So if you come across something you have that you'd like to share... Please do!!! I am reeling a bit from being diagnosed with a scary disease as well as searching for good eats. :) Any ideas... Send them my way!

Friday Fragments

It's been a long time.... I'm FINALLY joining Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissin' Time and sharing my Friday Fragments

* Life is about learning. Learning what is right what is wrong. It's about how to fix things and how to do things correctly. I have learned a long this week. Especially when it comes to Nursing... A patient may be 1 in 650, but each of those 650 is 1. Treat every single person you touch with compassion and never let them leave feeling more vulnerable than when they put himself out there.

* The boys started school this week. It's been a GREAT week. A long week, but a fun and exciting start to the school year. We will all enjoy sleeping late tomorrow though!!!

* It's nice to know that Baby #3 is just as stubborn as the rest of us. While in ultrasound the other day, he/she decided that he/she wasn't going to budge for measurement. Baby #3 was quite content to lay there and sleep undisturbed and even a bothersome ultrasound tech will only warrant a kick to shoo away. Too funny!

*Well next week is back to the books for me. I am so excited!!! Here's to a new year of school!!! Woo Hoo!!!

Hope you all had a fantastic week!!!

Random Dozen

1. What is your favorite Mexican dish?

Chimichangas are my FAVORITE... Fried with chicken... Mmm...Mmm... GOOD! :)

2. When you were a kid, did you get started on your homework right away after school, or did you procrastinate?
I procrastinated until late... Ha Ha Ha... My kids try to pull that over on me too, so I guess apples don't fall  too far from the tree ! Hee! Hee! Hee!

3. What is your favorite store for home furnishings?
Haverty's, Bullard's (a local store back home), Ashley Furniture is nice too, but they have gotten a little big for their britches that their quality has kinda dropped.

4. When you were young, did you like school lunches?
Only chicken patty and pizza days!!! I still smell the horrible cooked pea smell... Bleck!
5. Is religion a crutch?
Yes, and no... I believe if you live your life like you think God would want you to and pray to Him then NO. If you go to church because it is what you think you should do because what would people say, YES. I have had people preach so much to me over the years... Some of it so eloquently spoken scriptures, but they had no idea what those scriptures really meant to them. Then they would turn around and do something so opposite.... It just amazed me! Then you are using religion as a crutch for something missing in your life.

6. In your region, what is the "big" (most popular in the community or state) high school sport?

FOOTBALL!!!!!

7. Do you consider yourself rich?
No, but I do consider myself blessed! :)

8. Which of these would you have the best chance for success in administering:


A) CPR


B) Heimlich Maneuver


C) Changing a flat tire
Probably A&B... I can never get the lug nuts loose on a tire. :(

9. Which dance would you prefer to learn & why:


A) Salsa


B) Hip Hop


C) Waltz


D) Swing
Waltz... .I love the grace of it. :)

10. What's the worst news you've ever delivered to someone?
Stuff you will NEVER want to know. :( And I'd rather not talk about it.


11. Name something you learned in college that had nothing to do with classes or academics.



12. New variation on an old question: If there's a song in your head that just won't get out, what is your favorite (or most repeated) line in that song?

Yippy!!! School Starts Tomorrow!!!

I have both mixed feeling here... On one hand I thin my kids have been ready since about August 1st... On the other hand I think we could all stand for school to start just about an hour later. Ha Ha Ha... I am glad to be back in routine... Whatever that is, really these days? I've missed the school where I volunteer... The teachers, the kids, the fun! I am excited and so are my boys! Let's hope it is an awesome year!!! :)

Woo Hoo!!! Let's break out the newly sharpened pencils and crayons!!! Woo Hoo!!!

Random Dozen.... I am so glad you are back!

Ah... It just feels like routine is in the the air around here and the Weekly Random Dozen sponsored by Linda at the 2nd Cup of Coffee just makes it all feel complete!!! Woo Hoo! I am so excited! I am ready for this school year... I think? So here are my answers and alittle peak into who I am and what I like!!


1. What is your favorite fair/carnival food? This question is just not fair to ask me right about now... But, since you did, my favorite carny foods are funnel cake, caramel apples, spicy sausage... Those are my favorites anyway!!! I love State Fair food!!!


2. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of? It is funny that this question should pop up... Have any of you watched that show Hoarders? Every time I watch that show I feel flipped out and start doing major purges... Now, we are a military family and I keep a constant watch on our "weight limit" because stuff vs. having to pay the extra to move it is NOT worth it! LOL... I probably do hang on to stuff that I could let go of though... Just thinking on the fly here, but I could probably let my Mom's purse go. I kept it because it reminded me of her. It serves no purpose to me and it isn't a style that I could use at this point in my life, but seeing it just makes me smile. She never went anywhere with out it (obviously) but it just makes me feel like a little piece of her is still with me. I should probably let it go though...

3. What is your favorite gift to receive? Any gift received is my favorite! I think just thinking about someone enough to spend your time and money on them makes them special!

4. When was the last time you tried something new? New, new? I don't know really unless you consider trying to finish up a degree, pregnant; raise two kids; support a busy military husband and handle being booed up until New Years with appointments new... I pretty boring. Ha Ha Ha..

5. What is your favorite and least favorite book genre? Memoir, Mystery, Political Intrigue, Romance, Humor, Historical Fiction, Historical nonfiction, Chick Lit, Self-Help, Other Romance is probably my favorite and those Vampire novels my least. Just can't get into it at all.... Sorry Twilight fans...
6.Silver or Gold? Platinum

7. What makes you sigh? Having a beautifully clean house and then everyone comes home and destroys it... LOL

8. If you didn't know how old you are, how old would you claim you are? 29 years old

9. Would you break a law to save a loved one? To protect a loved one? I don't know??? I don't even have a "depends" answer for this question.

10. If you had to teach something, what would it be? Science... I love Science inside and out... I have often thought about teaching, and maybe one day I will a teacher! :)

11. You're having lunch with 3 people whom you respect and admire. They begin to criticize a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. What do you do? Is this military community question? I am not very good about allowing others to talk about other people. I just don't agree with that... And you will most definitely get my opinion on that!

12. Which of the 5 Love Languages is your prominent means of experiencing love?


Quality Time


Physical Touch


Acts of Service


Gifts


Words of Affirmation
 
Looks like after taking the above quiz, I like words of affirmation followed closely by Quality Time. :)

Planning... Scheduling... More Planning... Ta Da!

I have been away for awhile and I am really sorry. I haven't really felt well since we returned from Hawaii early July (I guess we know why now) and I'm slowly trying to find my way back to the land of the living! :) I've also been planning and scheduling and well more planning as it seems that has become my life these days. It's okay though, I think... At least when you have a schedule you know where you are SUPPOSED to be. :)

I am pleased to announce that I have finally compiled, planned and and ready to start my scout year in September! WOO HOO! That was a big hurdle for me since I wanted to try to do some really coll things this year! Thank goodness for great people at Round Table that have some totally awesome ideas! I am really excited!

August has really kept me busy and taught me so many lessons and it isn't even over! I have learned mainly that having a baby at 35 is not an easy task. While I feel okay physically there is so much mentally that drains you! Appointment after appointment for mom needs and baby needs, and to be honest nothing shows anything abnormal (knock on wood). As a nursing student, I am quite aware of what can occur as you get older... I didn't plan to have a baby at 35, but God saw otherwise. I take that as a compliment from the Higher Power since this baby shouldn't have happened, but did.  Maybe I am doing something right?!  However, I also know what risks come from a pregnancy at 35! I just didn't prepare myself for all of the decisions that would have to be made... Genetic testing, childcare issues should something happen to both my husband and myself, how those two intertwine. None of us lie to think of anything happening to us, but it happens and it's better if you are prepared. But it's hard to look at your family or friends and ask, " If something happened would you take on 3 children?" Or better yet, " Would you take on 3 children one of which is special needs?" I've caught a lot of flack about my decisions as far as genetic testing, but it isn't like old times when all I had to consider was myself and M's lives. It affects so much more now... Not just today, but in the future too. All of this has been just a "what if" situations... Nothing has been determined or even given as a scare... It's just the preparer that I am. And it is emotionally draining at times. Ugh....

So planning and scheduling and planning so more has been the common thread here lately... Now we need to divide an conquer! Can I get  a quick a nap first though??? :)

Woo Hoo! Random Dozen is BACK!

Woo Hoo!!! Linda at Second Cup of Coffee has started up her Random Dozen again!!! Yippee! I love this fun meme!! I hope you enjoy my Dozen... My summer has been a bit boring....

1. When was the last time you laughed until you cried?

The other night when my kids were being incredibly silly and put my dear husband, M in his place. I tried to hide it, but it was HILARIOUS!
2. If you found $10 today, what would you do with it? Bonus!!! To be honest, I'm not sure what I would do with it.... Hmmm....

3. Do you volunteer anywhere? Probably too many places... I really enjoy volunteering at my children's school and I am a  Cub Scout Den Leader. I really enjoy both opportunities. :)

4. What is your favorite summertime veggie or fruit, and how do you eat it? My latest passion is orange juice. And I will eat or drink it in almost any fashion!!! Marmalade, peeled, sliced, juiced. :)

5. Is your social sphere (circle of friends) small, medium or large? I really don't know how to answer this question... I have many friends, but few I hold very close to my heart.

6. When was the last time you attended a family or school reunion? How did that go? I'm not sure my graduating class has ever had a reunion. :(

7. When you're feeling blue, what is the best way someone can cheer you up? I like cards or flowers or even a phone call. These make my day! :)

8. Have you taken a vacation this summer? Yes we did!!! An amazing trip to Hawaii!!! Then we came back to even hotter Texas weather. :(

9. What is the most unnecessary item you carry with you all the time? Probably my student ID. Why I take it everywhere I have no clue. I can just as easily use my DL to get in anywhere including campus stuff... But yet it sits in my wallet. LOL

10. What is the best summer flick you have seen so far? I haven't watched much TV this summer! :)

11. Describe a perfect summer day. Warm like in the 80's with a cool breeze and low humidity. The grass is green, and I am in a hammock reading a non-text book book! :)

12. Please a share a favorite photo from the summer so far!

This was taken in Oahu, Hawaii while I was sipping on my coffee!!! What a great way to wake up!

Wordless Wednesday

Yesterday was a crazy day.... Appointments, appointments, appointments.... Scuba class then golf and then my appointment for an ultrasound.

I have to admit, I was kinda sad that M couldn't be there for this appointment. He's been there for every appointment for both boys and this one is just as important, but we needed a sitter so M pulled the duty last night.

When I came home, I think this said it all :

Hi Baby #3!!!

That little heart beat and seeing my little creature was amazing!!!!

Over 35 and Pregnant!

That is the next TLC show you will be seeing! How awkward it feels to be considered "high risk" or "old" for that matter at the young age of 34. Today I sat in a sea of 20 somethings or less. I think M would have felt even more awkward since he is technically old enough to be the young dad of many of the "kids" sitting in the waiting area . I sat alone though because after all who is going to watch our other babies while Mom goes to the doctor?

I'm seasoned; I admit that. I have 2; one of which was birthed abroad in a foreign hospital but every baby is special. I feel terrible as I have down played this pregnancy. Many because as soon as I say I'm pregnant I get the "well this is your third." or "Wow! Really? I thought you were done." Well, yes it is my third and no this wasn't planned but God saw that our family needed one more to be complete. Crazy? Maybe, but  we always tell each other, "God never gives us more than we can handle," and I think it is an honor that He would give me one more. He must think that even at the ripe old age of 35 I am still ready to take on a baby of my very own.

Does this mean a team of a million doctors? Yes. Does it mean a stream of tests? Yes. Does it mean I am scared? Yes! I sit in that room waiting... Waiting for things I want to hear and for things I really don't want to hear, but it does not warrant and "old" tag!

Sigh....

Friday Fragments

I'm participating in this weeks Friday Fragments... Brought you by Mrs. 4444 of Half Past Kissin'Time. Stop by and see what's been goin' on this week in her neck of the woods. ;)

*** You know you were born in the the South when your kids pronounce Coney as Connie. Yep! C looked over at M at dinner one night this week and asked, " Dad, are you really going to eat that 'Connie' dog?"  Now, what makes this funny? Well, M is born and raised in the North where EVERYONE knows what a Coney Dog is.... It was hard not to break out in laughter!

*** I took my 3rd test in Pharmacology this week. The last week had been grueling reading two to three chapters a night! That isn't bad when you are reading a History book or Psychology, but do you know how many drugs, interactions, contraindications there are in 16 chapters? I thought my head was gonna spin around and pop off! I was happy to take the test this week! And we didn't have any drama at the testing center! Amen!! All computer networks were up and it was not full!!! Woo Hoo! I take my Final next week! Woo Hoo!!! :) Then 1 month of vacation before Fall semester!

*** The boys finished level 2 swimming lessons this week. We only had one day where we had to hop out of the pool early because of "lightning." I didn't see it, but I guess someone from the weather tower called it in. No biggie though! I am so proud of them! C is ready for Level 3, and B has a few more things to work on before he can move up. Not bad!! Both of my fish made me proud!

*** I started a Cross Stitch project this week. I found this pattern at a local shop and thought I'd try it out. It combines both cross stitch and beading. I LOVE bead work. I added it to my own wedding dress many years ago, and just LOVE glass beads. I finished all of the cross stitch parts and started the beading last night before our lovely cat decided to flip my bead separator sending thousands of tiny beads everywhere! Grrr.... Stay tuned!!!

Well that is about it our way... If you get a chance, I highly recommend you enjoy a "Connie" Dog this weekend! Ha Ha Ha Ha... I hope you all are having a good week!!! Have a great weekend! :)

Calm Cool and Collected

That seems to be my husband these days. All I can think about is how old I will be through this pregnancy and "High Risk" keeps flashing through my mind. M seems okay with everything. Nothing seems to really phase him anymore than it phased him with the first two. I on the other hand am a wreck!!! I keep prepping myself for if something goes wrong like I miscarry or what if a test comes back wonky? I talk to some of my friends that have had babies later in life and to be honest, the words of guidance are not too reassuring.

Today for example, I talked to a friend who used the same OB I am using and of course she was 35 when she had her son so she was "high risk" and she told me about the amniocentesis she had done and all of the Non-Stress testing she had to have done. By the end of the conversation, I just wanted to cry. I never worried about an amnio with either of my other two simply because I wasn't going to abort a pregnancy if the baby wasn't perfect. And I don't know how that would change now??? I have several local friends that have handicap children and it doesn't bother me so why would I do it this time either? I guess maybe she made it sound like I could have a really sick kid or something and suddenly I was scared! Really really scared. So when I brought the conversation up with M he was very relaxed and says, " No, you won't have an amnio with this baby either. It doesn't matter what faults the baby has because we love all of our children no matter what." 

I also think back to the friend that just had a baby and had a stroke. OMG!!! She is 29 and I am 34!!! Surely my risk is higher than hers!!! M was calm and says, " We can't predict what might happen tomorrow or 7 months from now. Don't worry about it." Well, I am! Never was with either child before, but I seriously am now!

I am not calm cool and collected this go round. I am nervous! More nervous this go round than when I had a European doctor that spoke about 5 English words the whole pregnancy with B, and I had to get everything translated at our base. Sigh... At least I am not trolling the Internet for every scary thing that can happen. Thank goodness! But I really could use a little calm cool and collected that comes from my dear husband!

Friday Fragments

Where did the week go? No, seriously I ask this because yesterday it was Monday and now it is Friday. Wow!

Sometimes I think being a nursing student has its total disadvantages. Like we see both sides of the coin in many situations when it comes to health and health care. It think it mainly comes from the fact that we are the ones that educate, inform and teach clients and their loved ones how to handle medical issues. We are the listeners, the observers, the medicators, the fixers, the shoulders to cry on. It's sad when you have the medical knowledge, but just can't do anything.... You have to pass on your information and hope that there is compliance and sometimes that is not easy. :(

On a good note.... I am feeling a bit better from the vertigo. I still feel whirly sometimes, but it is easing off... THANK GOODNESS!

The boys are started Swim Lessons Level 2 this week... Not sure how that is going to go. C seems really into it, but B, not so much. Both kids have done great this summer with swimming and have both achieved the goal I set out to accomplish which was learn to do a basic swim so you can enjoy pool parties and if you ever get knocked in you will know how to swim to the side of the pool. So, I am pleased!

We also had a skating event this week for cub scouts. C told me skating is just not his thing. I can't say that I blame him. It was 103 degrees outside and the rink had a tin roof and no AC. It was miserable for me and I was basically just standing there. I couldn't skate because of the risk of a fall. I'm not giving up... I think maybe after a few more tries he will be an ace! ;)

Well, that is about it for me this week.... Nothing exciting really unless you could trying to get yourself over jet lag something amazing... Ha Ha Ha! Stop back by next week. :) Have a great weekend y'all!

OK so here is the dirt!

I might as well come clean because to be honest if something does happen I will be destroyed at this point and everyone would wonder why I was mopey and to be honest rather than joy I have felt just over shadowed by sadness that I just want my Mommy, and I just want someone to reassure me this all just pregnancy hormones! OK, first you heard that correctly AND that was the the looongest sentence that I think I have EVER written!

I found out right before we left for Hawaii. It started out as a joke between M and I when I popped up one day late and we were at Walmart. What I did not expect was to have the double pink lines confirm something I was almost certain of anyway. Did I mention that I was REALLY sick and had to come off of all the medications that the doctor had given me the Friday before and then because I started having side pains I had an immediate ultrasound to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. Did I mention that I had just had a conversation with my doctor about my BC and that I didn't feel it was the correct dose and got the "oh it is... don't worry." response from my dear doctor? Well, SURPRISE!!!

No ectopic! I saw this cute little tiny sack in the right place... No heart beat yet as it was only 5 weeks, but you could see that it was forming and I was both excited and scared! At least I understood why things made me cry. I can tell you that I will pretty much cry at the drop of a hat these days over EVERYTHING.

I was terrified that I would have a horrible time in Hawaii, but I pushed through the fatigue and we had a great time, but coming home was hard.... I have suffered vertigo and nauseousness and fatigue like no other add that to fact that we found out M's brother is in horrible shape and that M will leave to be with him for a week I am a mess. I just want to pick up the phone and cry to my Mom! Sniff ... Sniff!! It is so not fair that she is not here and is all of this crying normal??? Is it normal to NOT want my husband to go because if something happens to me like I fall out of the chair and into a trash can and knock myself out and no adult is here to help take care or my other children and I'm scared normal? :( Cause that has me upset even though I know what M needs to do, and I feel guilty. Again... I REALLY need a line to my Mom right about now!!!  Sniff... Sniff

All of this crying... Is that normal? I didn't have it with No.1 or No.2 and really I am not a crier!! Sigh... So now that cat is out of the bag and I feel better (a little). I'm scared and nervous and just need my Mom's hug to make it all better!! So bear with me if you get a sappy comment fellow bloggers... I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with everything right now and these hormones are killing me!!

I Think I Need Another Vacation!!!

Whew! I am glad to be home... Well, to be honest not really, I think I would have rather stayed in Hawaii. Besides being a ways away from family I couldn't find any other draw back if we were asked to stay there. As a matter of fact, it started to make M think about what would need to be done to be stationed there. Woo Hoo!!!

Here are my top 10 highlights from our trip:

10 Flowers!

Everywhere there are flowers in Hawaii!!! And they bloom all year round. Trees have flowers and bushes... Waterfalls have flowers in the rocks around them. They are beautiful!!!

9. History

There is a ton of history in Hawaii from the time of it's natives, kings and queens to WWII history. In order to grow in our own selves we should learn about our own personal history both the good and the bad and learn of other's histories.

8. Culture...

Learning the Tahitian Dances for Men and Women. Most people get this confused with Hula.

There are multiple Polynesian Islands and each one has their own uniqueness about them. In Tonga, we learned about the use of drums and conch shell calling as well as how to make Tapa. In Fiji we learned how to use Bamboo from building huts to musical instruments and we learned about the importance of tattooing. In the Hawaiian Islands we learned about Hula and how different it is from the Tahitian Hula. We also learned that like books were banned because of indecency in the US, the traditional Hula dances and stories were banned by the English Missionaries that came to tame the island. In Samoa, we learned how to make fire from wood, how men cook and women work and how to climb coconut trees. OH and than Men wear skirts!

7. Climbing Coconut Trees looks easy, but I wouldn't try it at home!

Enough said

6. Dives are amazing!

(Green Sea Turtle on the gun turret)

The Sea Turtle was found at about 103 feet below the water surface. Green Sea turtles often come down to this Navy ship wreck and rest. There were HUGE Surgeon fish in the area too which makes it a little tricky for divers as they can cut through wetsuits.

5. Views

No matter where you go there is a view!!!

4. The Beach!

You can't help but enjoy the crystal waters... About a mile out there were reefs (sorry didn't take the camera out) which were beautiful. Most surfing is done out past the reef where the swells are much larger.  I was too tired and it was rainy when we visited the North Shore. Our next visit will probably be in the North Shore area where the waves and beaches are amazing!!!

3. Relaxation... Notice there are no photos of that... I took a break. LOL

2. Food... I don't have any pictures to show of that either, but they have some amazing fruits that are wonderful... Like POG juice (Pineapple, Orange, Guava) and a coconut tasting syrup that is really great on Belgian waffles with strawberries! Luau food is okay IF you stay away from the Poi. LOL

1. Spending time with Family! That is what I most enjoyed! During the time of non-vacations were are driving or moving in 4 different directions. Vacations tend to bring us together. I really enjoyed our time as a family. Silly faces and silly stories... Just being together away from the daily element is worth every minute!!!

And so I am plotting our next vacation getaway... I'm thinking Maui. Hmmm....