Books, books and more books!

The library has their monthly book sale going on today and tomorrow. Michael, Bella and I went to check it out today. We bought 38 books for under $5! I don't think you could find a better deal anywhere! Michael started reading the Left Behind series today. He's read most of the Left Behind Kids books, so he started on the adult fiction. This child devours books!

My Princess turned 8 today!

Annalee celebrated her 8th birthday today. I cannot believe she is already 8 years old! She was all about makeovers this year! My Mom(Nana) took her to Libby Lu's and to lunch on Saturday. Ernie's Mom(Grandma) took her to Libby Lu's and lunch today. Mammaw, Pappaw, Tia and Uncle Joel gave the kids both money this year. They love to choose how to spend their money.



This afternoon we had an awesome cookie cake for Michael and a beautiful Barbie cake for Annalee. Paula made the Barbie cake and surprised Annalee. Annalee thought I ordered the cookie cake for both of them(I originally had), but Paula remembered she had promised Annalee a Barbie cake. The look on Annalee's face when Paula brought out the Barbie cake was priceless!

A new season

There is something about this time of year. It feels like it is a time for new beginnings. A time to close doors to things that are no longer working for me and my family. One of the things that is no longer working for us is our eating and lack of exercise. I am not teaching my kids healthy eating habits the way I tend to eat for comfort. I read an interesting thing tonight. It said that if a person feels empty inside they will usually turn to food, alcohol or drugs(some kind of addictive behavior) to forget about how empty they feel. It is hard to be real and admit that I do feel empty inside at times. I need to find healthy habits to replace the unhealthy habits. So, starting right now I am going to try to pay attention to the mindless eating I do. We are also going to add exercise to our daily routine. It will be good for all of us!

Cheerleading... our new Saturday activity!

Annalee had a great time cheering for Claiborne's junior varsity boys this weekend. It was fun to watch the girls cheer. Annalee loves to stay busy all of the time!



Bella thought she would cheer a little bit, also!

Thankful Friday

I have so many things to be thankful for this week!

1. My wonderful husband! He is such a giving, loving man. I can count on him to have my back at all times and to make me feel better when I am not feeling the best.

2. Three amazing kids. We spent a morning in the doctor's office this week and are dealing with an ear infection and sore throat, but other than that, it's been an awesome week with them.

3. Sharing, giving hearts. Michael got some money for his birthday and is constantly asking to spend it on someone else. It makes me so proud!

4. Friends are such a sweet blessing.

5. New jeans! I bought a size smaller this week! It was a great feeling. I actually think they are feeling a little loose after they've been washed and dried. I wanted to buy about 10 pair!

6. The library. I cannot say enough good things about the library! We went Wednesday afternoon. I think Michael has read 4 or 5 of his books since then.

7. The washer and dryer! Bella woke me up with a blow out this morning. I was very thankful it was simple enough to strip the bed and wash sheets right away.

8. The weekend is here! It is going to be busy, but it will be great to have Ernie home all weekend.

This time of the year and my new favorite day of the week!

I love this time of the year. I love the cooler temperatures. This time of the year is so busy getting back into the routine with school and extra curricular activities. The fair is coming soon and fall festivals will be here before we know it. I love the colors and scents this time of the year.

We started co-op last week with the homeschool association. I was worried the kids would not enjoy it. So far, it is the highlight of our week! I was nervous this morning because Michael was nervous last week and scared he wouldn't like it. He told me this morning that he felt much better than last week before going, so that was confirmation for me that we were doing the right thing by going. Annalee is thriving there. She loves all of her teachers and helpers. She's making a couple of new friends, also. I hope Michael makes a few friends this year. Bella is a constant source of enjoyment in the nursery. She has not been around many babies, other than Chloe, so it's fun to see her interacting with them. She was a bully the first week! She did much better today! She's not very fond of seeing me holding other babies, though! I am so thankful a couple of the moms in the group talked me into giving co-op a try! I needed the interaction with other adults. I was starting to feel like a loner without any adult interaction(other than what I was getting from Ernie and on Sundays at church). I did not feel like me at all anymore and it was making me quite grumpy. Now I have three whole hours to sit on the floor and play with babies and talk to other ladies that are like me! There are days that I feel so different from other moms because I do stay home and I love having my kids at home with me. I love teaching them. I love learning with them! I love seeing the wonder in their eyes as they learn new things. I love to hear I love English! lol I love to hear Wow, that was easy, especially when it's in Math and Math has not been the easiest subject to conquer. It is so great to be around other moms that experience the same things with their kids every day. Getting involved in co-op was a God thing, not a me thing. I came up with all kinds of excuses, but God knew it was for the best.

Encouraging

Chick night was so awesome tonight! It was very encouraging. I am sure every one needs encouragment from time to time. My favorite verse of the night was Psalms 56:8"Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll are they not in your record?". I know God sees and hears everything, but I never thought about him having a record of every single tear I have cried. That is amazing!

Angel had an awesome message, as always! I felt like she was preaching to me. It is amazing that God seems to know exactly what I need to hear when I need to hear it the most. I am so thankful for my family and friends at church. It is nice to have that support network behind you, ready to lift you up when you need it.

Bella did manage to stay in the nursery for about 30 minutes. She was crying when I went to check on her. It was nice for my arms to have a short break!

I'm so excited!

Chick Nite starts back tonight at church! It's been a little while since I have been truly excited about anything going on that doesn't involve my kids. I am so excited about the evening with other women. I think I might even put Bella in the nursery for once! I need a minute to find myself again and reenergize. I think we all need that from time to time. There seems to be too many stressors and not enough joy lately. I need a break from it all.

Disappointment

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."[a] 6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"[b] Hebrews 13:5-6

It is nice when there are so many disappointments in the world to know that we can rely on the Lord. A couple of years ago at a ball game, I overheard Judge Winters tell our coach that if you don't expect anything from anyone, you will not be disappointed. At the time, I remember looking at him and thinking how sad it would be to go through life looking at people that way. A couple of years and many disappointments later, I am starting to think that maybe he was right.

Happy, but exhausted!

Michael had two friends stay the night last night. His birthday was on Monday and he had been asking for a couple of weeks to simply have two friends over to stay the night and go swimming at his Grandma's. We had no idea what the weather was going to do with Ike coming towards Texas, so we kept telling him we would see. I didn't want to tell him that they could go swimming and then the weather mess them up. Annalee had a friend over for the night, too. Katie decided she wanted to go home around midnight, so she went home then Ernie and Annalee got her today to go to the pool. We went right after the pool opened so they could swim before the weather got bad. They were able to swim for a couple of hours. Then we all went to Cici's Pizza. It was yuck, but I think the kids enjoyed it! Katie, Beck and Garrett have all gone home now and our three are sound asleep. I don't know how long it's been since they have taken a nap in the middle of the afternoon. They were wiped out!

Happy 33!

Ernie turned 33 this week! I started thinking this morning and realized before long we will have been married 13 years. We have been a couple since I was 15. We have been together for almost half of my life now. I have to say that this 2nd half of my life, has been the best part of my life! I am so thankful to Ernie's Dad, Mom and Shirley for shaping him into the person he is today. He is an absolutely wonderful husband and father. He had a great example to follow!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside My Window ... the sky is dark and I was told it is very humid.

I am thinking... that I love my little family!

I am thankful for ... my wonderful husband and kids.

From the kitchen ... the yummy homemade cookie cake for Michael's birthday is calling my name.

I am wearing ... a white tank top and black capris.

I am creating ... nothing at the moment. I am not big on creating anything.

I am going ... to be ready for bed soon, but I don't think Bella is anywhere near ready after her evening nap.

I am reading ... "Honey For a Child's Heart".

I am hoping ... Ike does not hit Louisiana.

I am hearing ... Ernie and Annalee play Madden 09 on the Wii.

Around the house ... are lots of books.

One of my favorite things ... is to spend time with my children.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ... to get my hair cut tomorrow, take Annalee to speech Tuesday and Thursday, a birthday dinner for Ernie at his Mom's tomorrow evening, cheerleading practice for Annalee, Co-op starts Wednesday, birthday shopping for Ernie.

Look at this beautiful dress!!!

Isn't that one of the cutest things you have ever seen? Amy made her this beautiful dress. Thanks so much, Amy! We love it! Bella loves it, too. She pitched a fit when I took it off of her! I need to figure out how to do it and get a sewing machine. I would love to make a ton of them for her. They look precious. Chloe was so beautiful in her dress yesterday! I love the bow, too. Bella decided it tasted good! Annalee is even asking if I'd make her a shirt out of the material. I wonder how that would look?!?! You are one talented woman. I think you should try to get your name out there and sell them. I think you would do great at it!

Happy Birthday, Michael!

I cannot believe you are 10 years old already! It seems like just yesterday we were on our way to the hospital for me to be induced. I remember the nurses trying like crazy to get an IV started to give me fluids and start the Pitocin. I remember Dr. Bowling coming in and yelling at the nurses, asking "Why in the world I was not already in labor!". I remember him breaking my water and bringing on the worst pain(or so I thought) I had ever felt in my life. I remember him coming back and telling me that you were ready to be born and how scared I was. I remember thinking that I could not deal with any more pain. You were so worth it, though! When he placed you on my stomach and let me hold you for the first time I could feel my heart grow so much bigger. You were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. It was so amazing to know that you were a part of your Dad and me. I remember watching your Dad hold you and I fell in love with him all over again. It was so sweet seeing you wrap him around your little finger. He loved you so much. Every day that goes by we love you more and more.

You have always been such an amazing child. We are so proud of how sweet and sensitive you are. We love that we never have to ask you to share with others. You have such a giving heart. You were such a joy. I loved holding you and I sat and held you all of the time. I never wanted to lie you down. I don't know why we bothered with a baby bed. Maybe it was just to house your beautiful bedding that Nana made you. Willie Mae would tell me all of the time that you were going to be spoiled because I never put you down. She did eventually say she was wrong, though. You were far from spoiled. You never had a temper tantrum. You hardly ever needed to be disciplined. You were so easy!

When Annalee came along, you were the sweetest big brother I think I have ever seen! You wanted to hold her all of the time and kissed her every chance you got when she was a baby. You always hated it when she had to go get shots. I'll never forget Mammaw telling her no about something when y'all were over there playing. You put your arm around her and comforted her. It was the sweetest thing!

You are even more amazing as a big brother with Isabella. You love to hold her and play with her. It makes me so happy! I love how you help out with her and don't complain about it.

These past 10 years with you have been the best 10 years of my life! You are such a blessing. You are destined to do great things. The world is a better place with such a compassionate, sensitive, giving little man in it. Thank you for being so wonderful! We love you!!!

Random pictures of us from today

The girls hanging out.


Bella showing off her new skill! Michael is keeping a close eye on her to make sure she doesn't fall. Such a sweet, protective big brother!


She's getting braver! It looks like she's waving hello in this picture.


The kids doing school work.




Annalee doing a dance to warm up for going back to dance class this afternoon. She learned this one from The Suite Life by Mr. Moseby!

Wordless Wednesday

Crazy Eights Meme

8 Things I am passionate about

1. Ernie
2. My kids
3. My family
4. My friends
5. Learning about Jesus
6. Trying to be more like Jesus
7. Homeschooling
8. Reading

8 Things I Want to Do Before I Die

1. See my children grown and happy
2. Hold my grandchildren.
3. Publish a book
4. Travel
5. Be with mychildren, offering support during important events in life.
6. Visit Colorado
7. Have a house with a big front porch and ceiling fans
8. Visit Alaska

8 Things I Say Often

1. I love you.
2. Are you coming home for lunch?
3. Come here!
4. Bullseye, HUSH!
5. You are hilarious!
6. She cracks me up!
7. We'll see
8. Did you do your chores?

8 Books I’ve Read Recently

1. Holes
2. Remember Me
3. Honey for a Child's Heart
4. The Shop on Blossom Street
5. Can You Keep a Secret?
6. A Good Yarn
7. The Tenth Circle
8. Little Earthquakes

8 Songs I Could Listen to Over and Over
1. How Great is Our God—Chris Tomlin
2. How Great Thou Art
3. Open The Eyes of My Heart
4. You Are Awesome in This Place
5. Awesome God
6. Above All
7. I Melt- Rascal Flatts
8. The Greatest Love of All

8 Things That Attract Me to My Best Friends

1. They try to understand me.
2. Openness
3. They will tell me when they disagree with me.
4. Honesty
5. Similar lifestyles
6. Positive personality
7. Optimistic
8. They love me for who I am, shortcomings and all.

All about Labor

Rocks In My Dryer posted a meme about labor in honor of Labor Day today. I love to talk about my labors. I feel like I earned a badge of courage each time I gave birth to my sweet babies.


How long were your labors?

Kid #1, 8 hours
Kid #2, 6 hours
Kid #3, almost 9 hours
Kid #4, to be determined, IF we have a #4!

Kid #3 could have been born a little sooner, if it hadn't been for my doctor assisting with surgery and putting me off!


How did you know you were in labor?

Kid #1, an IV and a horrible bag with the word Pitocin on it.
Kid #2, same as above.
Kid #3, this time the Pitocin did not bother me too much. I did not feel true pain until the Dr. broke my water. Then I wanted to KILL someone!


Where did you deliver?

With all of them, at a hospital. I am too OCD to try to give birth anywhere other than a hospital!

Drugs?

I had sleepy drugs. I told Ernie that if there is a next time, I will ask for them as soon as my water breaks and not try to go without. An epidural? No way, no how! No one is getting near my back with a needle for a little pain relief. Although when I was in labor with #3 I do recall telling Ernie that I should have asked for an epidural. I'm a scaredy cat, though!


C-section?

Nope.


Who delivered?

Kid #1 was delivered by Dr. Bowling. Horrible personality and bedside manner. I was too young, naive and broke to go to anyone else. I lived through it, by the grace of God! I wanted to beat the man in the delivery room.

Kid #2 was delivered by Dr. Wilson. I loved him during my pregnancy and delivery, but a couple of years later when I had a miscarriage and needed a D&C, he really did not have the bedside manner that I want in a doctor. Maybe I expected too much, but if I'm paying the bill, I don't want the doctor in and out in 5 minutes!

Kid #3 was delivered by Dr. Lee. He was absolutely wonderful! He had the best bedside manner out of all of the doctors I have ever seen. He always had time for a million questions and never batted an eye when my OCD personality came out and I had a sheet full of questions! I think he's the best doctor out there. If we have any more babies, I definitely plan on using him!

I hope everyone is having a great labor day!