Wednesday, January 28, 2009

A quickie.

NO, not THAT kind... I'm 38 weeks prego give me a break!

1. We move like tomorrow.
2. I am ZERO cm dilated.
3. We have had ONE showing.
4. Obama passes law (I guess lifts a ban) to use my tax dollars to fund abortions internationally in his FIRST week of office. SO EXCITED about the next four years... If only I could spend an entire blogpost on B.O.!
5. I need new bras, do they sell them in cantaloupe sizes??
6. Totally did NOT call my father in law on his birthday, we are LAME...nevermind I set up my phone, you know my brain, to beep at me for important things like that, and STILL missed it.
7. My aunt is coming tomorrow to rescue me, thank goodness!
8. I'm mapquesting hospitals from here to VA, just in case.
9. No internet = No fun
10. If you file bankruptcy, do you pay the lawyer? Just curious. wink. wink.

I've missed you all!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Checking Out.

Well, Folks. It has come to that time. Josh tells me in six weeks this will all be over. What is all you might ask, here goes:

A move, A baby, A major house cleaning, A baptism, A blessing, Heartburn, and single parenthood.

AS I'm sure many of you would like to point out, My dad included, "I told you not to buy that house!", we know, we thought it was crazy at the time, however, we still do not regret it, as we prayed about the decision then, and have truly learned much from this housing purchase. And continue to do so, as it's not over yet!!

We are relocating to VA, about 4 hours from here, we are renting a townhome, for only 4 months. We are praying, hoping, fasting, and begging for your prayers, that we will be able to sell our home by this time. Money will be tight, a mortgage and a rent payment, add up to 50% of our income... but we solve a couple of problems by doing this, the Army moves us, and Josh is with me to help with baby, and our other 3 little ones. After the 4 months, if the home doesn't sell, we'll reevaluate our situation at that time...

In the meantime, we will not set up cable, or internet, or phone, which means blogging will happen sporadically, we have a new number, a cell phone!!, and we'll try and update when we can, especially with new baby's arrival. Thanks everybody, it's nice to know you care a little about our family, and even read my crabby prego posts.

Finding Joy in the Journey:
1. Thank the Lord above for a sense of humor, required at times like these.
2. we have 3 wonderful children, who currently deal with a hormonal, extremely stressed mother, and are living to tell about it.
3. We are so fortunate to have a vacation home, in Hanover, PA.
4. We have a job.
5. We have insurance. Does anyone know how much insurance covers an interstate birth??
6. I do not have to be here, when (like on Saturday) we have "pretend" showings. You know the kind where they call with an hour notice, and don't show up.
7. We are weeks away from completing our family. A bittersweet moment indeed. Josh insists it's a boy, I insist she's coming, my last girl. I have her named. If Josh is right I'm in some serious trouble. Make your guesses known! :)

Until next time, we're wishing you better luck than us!

Love ya!!

Friday, January 09, 2009

One Week From Today.

I get to go to my annual Scrap Weekend. This is my FOURTH year, and it's a favorite tradition. There are a few regulars, and each year there is a couple of newbies. We chat, and eat, and scrap, and sleep, and laugh, and cry, and our wells are filled.

There is something to be said for great friendships. I just read a book "A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity" by Bill O'Reilly, and one of the things he talked about was friends that keep you grounded. His father told him, you'll be lucky if you make five good friends in a lifetime. If it wasn't for the military, I think he'd be right. But, thanks to years of moving, I've met the most amazing women. As I am about to move, once more, I am so greatful for my Fort Meade Friends, who I know, no matter where I go, I will get to see at least once a year.

Are you ready girls???? I am SO READY!!!!

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Free Download for Money Help from Suze Orman

Because I'm feeling a bit guilty for my latest rant:

Anyone want a free book about an Action Plan for 2009? Download FOR FREE until Jan. 15th.

In my discouragement, I found THIS LESSON and the following quote:

“Stand fast, ye Saints of God, hold on a little while longer, and the storm of life will be past, and you will be rewarded by that God whose servants you are, and who will duly appreciate all your toils and afflictions for Christ’s sake and the Gospel’s. Your names will be handed down to posterity as Saints of God.”

Joseph Smith

Bailout Bull Sh!t.

I'm sorry, this is a family blog, but I'm about to scream my head off.

I do not claim to be an economist, a political analyst, or even somewhat "in the know" when it comes to the economy. I'm a stay at home mom, who cuts coupons, and shops the bargain aisles for clothes. I'm wearing the same winter coat I got my freshman year of college.

So. When I see a headline about Obama's new 800 Billion dollar mega bailout, after I already opposed BUSH's 750 Billion bailout, I want to start throwing things. The first bailout was supposedly to help the mortgage companies, and banks, and blah blah blah. Well, my home's value has dropped 25% in the last freaking year. What have I done? Paid my stupid mortgage on time, EVEN WHEN UNEMPLOYED. Where the heck is my bailout??? I talked to the mortgage company this was their offer - we could refinance your mortgage to a fixed rate of 6.0 for a small fee, blah blah blah.

SO then our realtor tells us what HE thinks we can get for our house, wait let me go vomit in a trash can, yeah not the best news. He suggests a short sale. Josh and I have considered this, looked into it as a possibility. Basically the lender "forgives" part of your mortgage. Great deal, except we need to show financial distress like not pay our mortgage for awhile. Isn't that a bit deceitful to not pay it even if you CAN afford it??

I mean who is screwed here. To me it sounds like the consumer who pays their bills on time, who happens to be in a TWENTY EIGHT percent tax bracket, who just wants to live in the same town as her disabled veteran husband.

Excuse me for being a bit frustrated with Obama's proposed spending plans. I hated Bush's plans, too. Throwing money at problems DOESN'T SOLVE THEM. ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU DON"T HAVE THE MONEY TO SPEND.

Josh and I recently looked at a home in a short sale situation in Charlottesville. We counted not one, not two, not three, but FOUR plasma screen t.v.'s, not to mention the latest washer and dryer on the market. I mean seriously??

Can someone tell me what happened to the America, I knew? Where dreams can come true, if you just work hard enough? Where is the integrity in this world?

I can't stand it that Americans are willing to just believe in "hope". We have real problems. And it starts in the home, not in the White House. Get a clue, Obama. More money, More problems. Stop the spending madness, it didn't help the first time, why in the world do you think it would help a second time?

If you read this far, you really do love me, and thanks for listening to a crabby 8 month prego mom, who happens to be a little stressed. I'm off to do Fit Mama (salsa dancing)

By the way, if you're looking for a home to buy, I know a great one that you could get for a steal.

Cheers, to livin' the American Dream!

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Photo Downloads by the Dozen

Luke came to stay, and nap:















Praline French Toast with Pomegranite

















Turkeys out of Cocoa Kripies















Halloween, Bundled Up
















I took my camera to the voting booth. I really did.













For my anniversary: I got a cell phone. I haven't had one in SIX years. we got it because we are moving to a sublease for only 4 months and didn't want connectivity charges for cable, phone, internet, etc. It's like my brain I love it! Where did I put it?


I discoverd Snickerdoodles Bakery on New Year's Eve, this was Bec's Selection, I threw up mine the morning after.



Luke and Laila had a great time playing together, do you see her standing, it's like a miracle!


Christmas Cookie Creations




Santa rocked my Christmas with a Professional 600 Kitchenaid, where, with the right blade it could also mow the yard. I've done homemade pizza, cinnamon rolls, and Josh's Aunt Jennifer's Cheese ball.


I feel so much better now that you can at least SEE what I've been up to for the last couple months.

Monday, January 05, 2009

Because I can.

I'm still annoyed with the Colts Loss, With the McCain loss, and well some things annoy me.

Like Private School for the First Daughters, where tuition is almost 29,000 a year times two kids.

Barack what's wrong with the Public Schools?? Not good enough for you??

Lame Game

Adios to the Colts... I will miss Tony Dungy...

And now I'm off to root for Peyton's little brother, Eli. He's a favorite since he took out Brady last year... SAWEET.

Go Giants!

BTW, Josh is back with the computer so I should have some pics up soon!

Saturday, January 03, 2009

Wild Card Saturday

I'm game, you game?

8 p.m. COLTS ROAD TO SUPER BOWL BEGINS.

11:30 p.m. COLTS BEAT CHARGERS

Friday, January 02, 2009

A New Year, A New Me

Josh and I started a tradition last year of writing down three (and only three) New Year's Resolutions, then sealing them with a kiss at midnight. Well we were apart for the New Year and haven't had a chance to talk it over, or kiss on it, for that matter. I do remember one in particular resolution to Be in the best shape ever for my 30th year. A month into my 30th year I was prego, and 2 months into it the doctor said no more running..., and so now I'm in the worst shape EVER!!

So I say DITTO, on last year's resolution, and I should work on the other two...

I think my New Year should start TODAY, because yesterday morning I was throwing up, and that's just not the best way to start the year.

I'm off to drink my 10-12 glasses of water my midwife wants me to drink, apparently I'm VERY dehydrated according to my blood work, and my salsa dancing(my favorite prego workout DVD, Fit Mama, so funny!), and thinking on my other two resolutions.

And finally, mourning the missing sister and her kids that had invaded my house this week.

Happy New Year, All.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Eyes in the back of my head.

A week ago:

Hallie: "Mom, how did you know I was doing that?"

Mom: "I have eyes in the back of my head!"

Hallie: "Do I have eyes in the back of my head?"

Mom: "Not yet, when you become a parent you get eyes in the back of your head."


Today, Hallie was standing behind me:

"Mom, I don't see eyes in the back of your head!"

Hallie and all other children out there, Trust Me, They're back there! :)

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Tis the Season

My cards are mailed, FINALLY (the pictures got here yesterday), I sent a few packages, and overall, excited that our family gets to delay the holidays for an extra couple of days. Josh has to work the next four days... apparently terrorists don't celebrate Christmas, and so we will be saving our Christmas Celebration for his return. Instead, I'm thinking of taking the kiddos to a nearby retirement center, and entertain the guests with their craziness. We're also putting together care packages for some soldiers overseas, and Santa is forced to be delayed. I LOVE IT!! Other than Josh being gone, I love that Christmas day means, not a single gift unwrapped. Perfect.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

Monday, December 22, 2008

James, James, James.

Yes, an entire post dedicated to you.

Although, gambling is against MY religion, it was nice of you to share your thoughts on the Colts road to the Super Bowl. The black and gold will go down a second time, and it will be a close, but fantastic battle, in which we win. It's too bad YOU won't get to see it, as the playoffs take place on Sunday.

And one final note, I looked and looked for some Steelers Toilet Paper for my perfect stocking stuffer to myself, no such luck. I am going to figure out how to patent this idea, and make millions off "Steelers Stink" toilet paper.

Friday, December 19, 2008

We're In.

I missed the game, I scrolled through a million channels and could NOT find the game!!!! Oh well, the bed was calling me.

But the Colts have clinched the Wild Card, and are heading to the playoffs. Tony Dungy's last year, and it's going to be another SuperBowl. I know you all doubted me when I first said the Colts would win it, but it would be a harder fought fight.

I don't know why but some people seem to think I don't know everything, I really do. :)

One other side note, now that I found my midwife, Josh thinks we should move by Feb. 1st. My due date Feb. 15th., Due date for the Army to move us for free? Feb. 10th. Apparently he's lonely without us, isn't that sweet? MY LIFE IS CRAZY, SO MUCH FOR NORMAL BIRTHING EXPERIENCES!! I can see the headlines now:

WOMAN DELIVERS BABY IN FRONT OF GOD, FAMILY, AND I-295. Family's Son, dials 911, while 4 year old delivers baby. (she knows what to do after all those books she saw in the midwife's office) I have to laugh, or I'll cry... or scream.

Anyway, the COlTS are in, and maybe I'll get to watch the Super Bowl from my Hospital Room!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

A visit to the Midwife

I know why I haven't "missed" the appointments all that much.

We got there early, she was quick, but then we had the hour glucose test, so after two hours of the hospital, the girls were READY to leave.

Hallie was playing with a birthing ball at the Midwife's office, Cheerios were spewn everywhere by Laila, Hallie kept wanting me to read these VERY GRAPHIC children's books about birth that had me scared, Laila fell out of the plastic chair and hit her head, 20 minutes later, a comment box in the lab was pulled down by the chain pen ON HER HEAD..., the plan number was missing from the insurance information, a snow, sleet storm came while we were there, and so I was afraid of an early dismissal for Colson, and to top it off I had to listen to Obama on fox news, about his Secretary of Education appointment, another Chicago guy. I think it's funny we have a president-elect that is so inexperienced the only people he knows are from Chicago (CHICAGO-Home to the most ethical on the planet!!). I couldn't even grumble because I know I was the only one in the room that likely didn't vote for the man. I mean where was Jeapardy, or The Price is RIght?

But for the update, we heard the heartbeat it sounded great, I am measuring a few days bigger than where I am, and I weigh as much as a cow, give me a few months, and I'll have the milk to prove it.

LOVED the midwife - and am truly excited!! I think I just might have the perfect birthing story, after FOUR tries.

I'm thrilled to have my sister take some maternity portraits while she is here, FOR FREE. Well, it my cost me some food...

I talked to a friend today, and I'm just relishing in these last few months of being pregnant, feeling the baby move, I told her this is it for me, I'm in no hurry, even though I'm a bit crabby and uncomfortable, I'm done after this. No more miraculous alien movements, it's exciting, and scary, a little sad, and well, emotional... No surprise there. But it's happening, and no turning back now. Here S/HE comes!!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Prenatal care, or lack thereof.

There's no denying the glorious roundness of my middle region (or back side for that matter), or the standard pack of tums that has now entered the car, diaper bag, and night stand. If these signs weren't enough perhaps it would be my effervescent personality shining through. I am in fact "with child". I'm sure I will be the lucky "Mary" at the beginning of the family's Christmas skit.

With child number four moms tend to get a little laid back. I mean can you seriously remember all of your children's firsts? Or can you even pay attention to details like what's in their mouth. Here's a recent pooh list for Laila (i.e. things we've discovered she's eaten) rubberband, epoxy sticker, sequins, and I believe there was a bit of tinfoil from a Hershey kiss wrapper. I know, who's responsible for her??? Oh is that me?? I think I just pray harder each time.

Needless to say, my prenatal care with number four, is shall we say, lacking. I've been to the doctor once, and had an ultrasound a second time (not at the same office). I was cleared of previa, and never went back! My sisters who get on my case over things like this say, How's your blood pressure, are you measuring normal, etc. Well I don't exactly know. All I do is pay attention to make sure baby has been moving. Fairly scientific, I know. After a few phone calls today, it's official, I found myself a midwife, about a half an hour away, and am thrilled. We share the same birthday, it was meant to be. She called me after a half hour, to find out my situation, I mean when does a doctor call you??? She gave me a brief lecture over my lack of care, but apologized for the only appt. she had this week, which is a half hour. She's like I know you want my time, but this is what I've got, and I'll meet with you for a little longer at my next appointment. Did she just apologize to me? She's already above the photographer.

Anyway, I told Ann, all I cared was that she would be there for me the last three hours of the pregnancy.

I'm getting a bit anxious, but excited, this little miracle is already full of surprises! So no more lectures, I'm on to every other week appts, if I have to...

Contest, anyone?


A new website has created a contest to spread the word go check it out!

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Sunday, December 14, 2008

Here we are, I'm Back!

1. I'm super busy with Christmas Cards, Christmas baking, Math homework, balancing my checkbook, and finding the perfect service opportunity for our family this Christmas Season.

2. We just watched the Christmas Devotional, which was fantastic, worth watching if you missed it!

3. Josh is still coming and going at random intervals, but we get to see him so much more, and although it's not ideal, it's working fine.

4. I am literally 60 days from delivery (approximately), the realty has just not sunk in, remember when I first wrote about it? I am still in shock, but in a much better kind of shock. We're going to be parents for the last time and it feels bittersweet. Please pray that Josh will be in town when the labor starts!

5. Our Christmas Pictures with the professional were highly disappointing, I refuse to mention her name once again, because this is the email I received when I expressed my disappointment:

I'm sorry that you're not more pleased with your photos, you are the first person who has ever expressed anything other than complete satisfaction to me. I understand that professional photos are a big splurge for everyone, that's why I include the digital negatives in my fee and don't charge extra for additional people, etc.
Certainly your husband was very uncomfortable and your kids needed a bit more encouragement and requests for cooperation than most (perhaps it was the morning after Halloween factor?!). Both of those things contributed to more posed, less candid shots.


Did said photographer just blame my husband and kids for the crappy shots?? I mean shouldn't a photographer notice a shoe? or a tag? or an awkward sitting man? or even a scarf twisted, or how about where the center of the picture is? OR how about a picture without one of the family members??? Just wondering...

Here are some of the results, they're not horrible, but with her unprofessional response, I hate them more!














So there you go. And one more thing THIS SISTER is coming to visit at Christmas, I am so Excited!!

I'll try to be on the ball, but you never know... it could be another month!! Thanks for everyone's concern/interest in my blog, you make me feel loved, and that my blog isn't the worst writing you've ever read! Take Care All!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Coming Soon...

A New Post.