Candy Cane Oreos Review.

Delicious.

Where were you at 4:04 a.m.?

Me, at JcPenny's replacing a Christmas tree I hauled to the curb a couple of weeks ago, when I thought I would be in Indiana for the Holidays. And in order to "save" money, which in fact a false tree TOTALLY does, I went to find the BEST bargain out there, which I did.

Now, I'm off to bed. Black Friday is totally overrated.

Pictures... noticably Absent.

Josh has taken over the laptop, which is SO MUCH easier to load pictures on, thus, you are getting post after post of no pictures. Sorry. The kids still grow, as do I. I'll try to update soon.

We're looking forward to a splendid turkey day, and are praying hard we can have a signed contract on this home by the end of January!

Simple Gratitude:

1. Husband
2. Children 1,2,3, and I just know I will one day be thankful for 4, too.
3. Testimony.
4. Friends.
5. Bleach.
6. Blogs.
7. Health.
8. Pomegranite Season.
9. Windows.
10. Sisters
11. Prayer
12. Renters without pets, and non-smokers.
13. Music
14. Photographs
15. VA loans.
16. MBA
17. Flowers/Gardens
18. Water
19. Holidays
20. Online shopping.
21. Scriptures - totally didn't mean to put these way down here, we actually do study them EVERY day.
22. The Office.
23. GPS
24. Trails.
25. Gum
26. Colts Football.
27. Scented candles
28. Sharp Knives
29. Coupons
30. American Flag
31. chapstick
32. I'll keep thinking... I'm just out of time!

The Colts are Back.

Finally something to cheer for!

The Christmas Letter...

I'd like to write goes something like this:

Family and Friends:

Year 9 at the Heath's began hopeful, cheerful, and exciting, as Josh returned from his Final Deployment, Alive.

We hurriedly decided to "RUN AWAY" to the beautiful beaches of South Florida, and take a much earned family vacation, where I found HONEYBELL'S (I first discovered them with my citrus obsession with Laila), the best fruit on the planet.

A friend in need called and said, please be with me while I have my baby, and my husband is gone! OF COURSE, I say. And proceed to have a GREAT week with lots of friends. Such a great week, I'm not so regular with the birth control pills... Enter the drum roll here, The Year Really Begins.

10 days without hubby, means SO EXCITED to see him. Not realizing, that not once(Colson), not twice(Hallie), but for the third time the "Lusty Month Of May", is a VERY productive one.



In June we discover the "surprise".

In the next couple of months Lucy loses her mind (and her faith in the American people), Josh loses two jobs, insurance is on again, off again, and to end the year, we land another job, 4 hours away, and are again apart.

We'd love to focus on the Christmas Season and generously pour out blessings among others, instead we've so humbly received from various sources. Thanks to all!

For some reason, sex and job loss, doesn't seem like the appropriate Christmas Letter. I guess I'll keep working on it.

Big Weekend Plans

Oops. I meant NO weekend plans. :)

We are showing the house today at noon, wish us luck.

Josh is applying at various jobs for Christmas help, with all his extra time, wish him luck.

Lucy is prego with three kids, and trying to survive, wish her luck.

So I guess this morning I will be cleaning, laundry, dusting, this is the benefit to renting/selling your home, it almost always looks good. And after that, who knows. I would L.O.V.E. to go to one of the various church bazaars/craft shows, but tackling 3kids at one of those places isn't all that appealing. But maybe I'll be brave. Have a great weekend!

P.S. STILL NO PICTURES!! I'll post when they come in, I promise!

Dow Storms Back

I would just like to point out that the day after the election and the days following the election, the dow dropped, even when Obama spoke with his economic posse behind him.

Bush, the president all disapprove of, speaks, and rallies the market. Interesting.

But what do I know, I'm an elementary teacher, who stays at home with a bunch of kiddos.

The Voice that comes and goes!

In my answer to a prayer, I reported I lost my voice, however, I did gain it back. Only to discover that the louder I yell, the quieter it becomes. Truly Masterful.

1. MY HOUSE - I do not know what to do with it?!?!?!

2. MY NEW TOWN - I'm longing for this place... :)

3. PARENT/TEACHER Conference - Tonight, bleh...

4. MY BABY BUMP - BIGGER AND BIGGER AND you get the picture.

5. MEMORIES BY MAUREEN - Where are the results from my photo shoot, I'm waiting ever so IMPATIENTLY!

Feeling pretty good.

Trimester three starts in like 4 days or something, and I'm feeling great! Wierd huh?

This morning, I SLEPT IN until 5:40 a.m., read the rest of The Christmas Box, cute story! Made a "HOT" Breakfast, Heart Healthy Banana Pancakes. Cleaned up after myself, walked Colson with Chunky Laila to the bus stop, paid the bills, (barely), and now catching up on blogs, emails, and other online obligations.

Don't hold your breath, this may only last 24 hours.

Or at least I'll be ready for a nap around 9 a.m. :)

The Minority.

My first experience being in the minority was in high school. I remember feeling incredibly out of place, with my standards so far from my peers. It was an awkward, uncomfortable feeling to stand alone because of my choices. Didn't enjoy it, but thankfully wasn't too ornery. At least that's what I'll put in writing. My dad reads this!!

I was a minority in this election. The majority picked a man I would never pick, I'm thinking WHERE'S HILARY??

But there is another issue I'm in the minority, as I read in the news yesterday. President Bush has the lowest approval rating of all time. So this means, I am in the smallest minority EVER!

But, in years to come, I have no doubt as Bush's presidency is examined he will go down in history as one seriously respectable president.

I will support him to the end, and will miss my sense of security I had with him in charge. To President Bush, my American President, I wish you a fond farewell. You've done your duty. And only God knows the burden you carried for 8 years.

And to Barack, I'm not one of the 71% of people that are hopeful. However, as long as you make true on your promises of keeping my taxes low, and getting the budget in check, and continue to keep America safe, I will be fine. But truth be told, I'll never be more involved in a campaign than in four years. May God keep you humble, honest, and doing the right thing for our country.

Inspiration.

Inspired by THIS TALK

Wanted to stop yelling so much at the kids, to be more respectful and patient with their demands. So I followed the counsel, and prayed as suggested.

Result: Lost My Voice Today.

Seriously.

New Habit.

Being further along in my pregnancy doesn't allow for a full night's rest anymore. I must potty. Well... I can no longer go back to sleep after my 4:00 a.m. or 4:30 a.m. trip, and have thus started accomplishing things at this insanely ridiculous hour. Yesterday, I cleaned tha bathroom at 4 a.m., this morning I was switching laundry at 5;30 a.m. This is one habit I have got to break. PLEASE HELP??!! I will say my house has never looked better!

I can't help it...

Remember I said one week. That will be next Wed.

A. Iran President for the first time in a long time sends a note to a President Elect - Obama - Congratulating him. I can see it now, Obama has said he would like a non-nuclear world... the conversation goes something like this.. Iran: "Great idea, Obama, you go first."

B. Hamas: Let's Chat.

It's not even Jan. 20th.

Although, the news of "what puppy goes to the White House" is also making headlines.

But as for me and my house, we decided to take a loss on our house. Looks like a XX,XXX dollar hit. (Hurts so Good, playing in the background) Although, we look at the upside as our realtor suggested we're young, we'll recover. AND, because I learned all about taxes in the last couple of months, you get to deduct $3500 a year in capital losses, and you also get to carry your loss over year after year until it's gone. Which will work out great for us with B.O.'s new tax plan. Sweet.

Also, my new motto... Come What May, and Love it. Thank you Elder Wirthlin.

These things bring me JOY today.

1. Josh Home.
2. Laundry washed with liquid softener, and then a dryer sheet, smells SO GOOD.
3. Laila tackling me on the floor.
4. Making Cocoa Krispie Treat Turkeys with my kiddos.
5. Josh's boss letting him hang at his house for a little while to help us get on our feet.
6. A great nap.
7. A lumpy moving Belly Region.
8. Our Home.
9. A priesthood holder willing and able to bless. (A special friend reminded me of this blessing today, I'm thinking of you and your son!)
10. Gasoline at $2.12
11. Only one more day without insurance.
12. QOTD: Watching some kid movie about a girl on an island, and was eating worms, I came in during the middle of it... Anyway, Hallie says: "I don't like to eat worms. They don't have an oven so they have to eat worms." Becca have you been eating worms?

Slowly but Surely coming out of my funk...

The Election has me down no doubt... I have trust issues I must confess, I do NOT trust this guy.

My step mom gave my dad one week to be grumpy, and I too, am attempting the challenge. :) So bear with me as I may not seem like myself... or maybe I am always pessimistic?!? I'll work on it.

What was great about yesterday, the freaking delicious homemade chocolate cake I made for Josh. I have a massive pan, so if you live close come get a chunk! I am NOT a cake person, I'd prefer a pie, or a cookie, but cake with frosting no thanks... BUT this cake was so moist so full of flavor it will cheer anyone suffering from the recent loss, which I am beginning to think is only me. Can I say my Colts are losing frequently, too? Dang November, bring on December!

Happy Birthday to Joshi!

One year ago we ALL took part in celebrating his birthday as he celebrated alone in the Marriott, that no longer exists in Pakistan...

So we are LOVING having him here, for his 31st.

Josh is such a great person. Few people get the opportunity to really get to know him, his quiet, reserved, humble nature is not easy to penetrate. Unless of coourse you are as obnoxious as me!!

Josh is a great husband, great dad, a veteran, an MBA, a priesthood holder, and a reading enthusiast. His son Colson loves all things daddy, and IS all things daddy. Laila's favorite parent by a mile is Josh. They have this special bond, which is pretty funny to watch, and Hallie is like me, so they're forced to get along!! :)

We love you dad, and have a great day!

BREAKING NEWS: DOW PLUNGES 486 POINTS.

As Andy from the office would say... "Nailed it."

Mourning for America.

A phrase my dad has coined for this election. He called it. I had hope, and was supposed to get a dinner when McCain won. I'm out of luck.

We shall see the true character of this man in the next four years.

In the meantime, my cash is going under my mattress, I'm on to building a bomb shelter, and to further my education as he cuts the U.S. defense budget, my husband will be out of work. Oh wait, I then can stand in line with all the other Americans with my hand out, that would be easier.

I'm mourning for America.

What a shame, I mean sham, that we would elect such a shady character. Truly Unbelievable.

I'm curious to see the stock markets reaction to this news... I doubt it's good.

Praying hard for the next four.

Nobama Noway

I'm seriously giving myself an ulcer over this election. I find it so disheartening that Americans are missing some KEY issues when it comes to this vote.

1. YOU HAVE TO CONSIDER HIS ASSOCIATIONS. A terrorist, a US hater, a PLO spokesperson and others have shaped his views, whether or not he agrees, he sympathizes. Name ONE inappropriate relationship from McCain. ONE.

2. YOU HAVE TO CONSIDER THE PROMISES. He's promised the world to the people that don't pay taxes. He can't deliver. It isn't right to TAKE from the rich and give to the poor. You can suggest it, encourage it, but don't FORCE anyone to do it, it breeds an ugly attitude. Aren't we a country that dreams big, if you want more money, dream bigger for yourself, and work harder, where is the pride in what you do, when you are handed something for nothing?

3. YOU HAVE TO CONSIDER HIS WORD. He was going to accept Public Financing, and then didn't. He also committed to be a senator for the state of Illinois. I looked up his record. He voted only 45.5% of the time. He didn't help the people of Illinois, by NOT doing the only thing required of him, to vote on legislation.

4. YOU HAVE TO CONSIDER HIS EXPERIENCE. He doesn't have any. Nothing, nowhere has he shown what he is capable of. We have nothing. Can I suggest a few people that have "quickly risen to power", o.k. I won't, but it's scary to thing about. How can we trust him? We have no idea who he is or what he stands for.

5. YOU HAVE TO CONSIDER HIS IDEAS ON FOREIGN POLICY. Diplomacy with terrorist nations?? I mean these bad guys are wanting him to be president. They're not cheering on McCain, because they're scared of him. No, they want Obama. That is scary.

I absolutely believe the worst case scenario in this election is Obama winning. He's scary and not trustworthy, and dangerous. McCain has his weaknesses no doubt, but at least we know COUNTRY FIRST.

Go Vote, Vote often, and if you're voting for Obama, get sick! Just kidding... I had to lighten the post a little... I am so hoping you're voting educated. Do your research, not on CNN or FOXNEWS. Look for their records, research!!